Forrest County, Mississippi

Income Data

+9% vs. Mississippi average
$52,821
Median Household Income
$29,525
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$52,821
+9% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$29,525
-25% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
34.5%
income as % of home value
Rank in Mississippi
#23 / 82
by median household income

How Forrest County Compares

Forrest County$52,821
Mississippi Average$48,514
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$52,821
Median Household Income
$29,525
Per Capita Income
$152,900
Median Home Value
34.5%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Forrest County, Mississippi

Forrest trails national average

Forrest County's median household income of $52,821 falls 29% short of the national median of $74,755, reflecting regional economic challenges. However, the county still represents a mid-tier earner within Mississippi's income spectrum.

Middle-income standing in state

Forrest County's $52,821 median household income sits 9% above Mississippi's statewide average of $48,514, placing it in the middle tier of state counties. Per capita income of $29,525 also exceeds the state average of $27,136, suggesting relatively balanced income distribution.

Forrest holds its own regionally

Forrest County earns $52,821 compared to Harrison County's $57,233 and Greene County's $55,838, positioning it solidly within the regional middle class. The county's income profile reflects its role as a modest economic hub in south-central Mississippi.

Housing requires careful budgeting

Forrest's rent-to-income ratio of 21.8% pushes toward the affordability ceiling, meaning renters allocate more than one-fifth of income to housing costs. Median home values of $152,900 remain within reach for median-income households, though homeownership requires disciplined saving.

Strategic planning pays dividends

Forrest County households can build wealth through intentional budgeting that prioritizes saving despite moderate incomes and housing pressures. Focus on reducing debt, automating retirement contributions, and taking advantage of employer matching programs to grow long-term assets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Forrest County, Mississippi?
The median household income in Forrest County, Mississippi is $52,821, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Forrest County?
The per capita income in Forrest County is $29,525, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $52,821.
How does Forrest County compare to the Mississippi average?
Forrest County's median household income of $52,821 is higher than the Mississippi state average of $48,514. The per capita income is $29,525, compared to the state average of $27,136.
What is the per capita income in Forrest County, Mississippi?
The per capita income in Forrest County, Mississippi is $29,525, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Why is Forrest County income higher than the Mississippi average?
Forrest County's median household income of $52,821 is higher than the Mississippi average of $48,514. This difference of $4,307 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Forrest County rank for income in Mississippi?
Forrest County ranks #23 out of 82 counties in Mississippi by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $52,821 and per capita income of $29,525, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $52,821 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

+9%

vs. National Median

-29%

vs. Forrest County MedianAbout equal
vs. Mississippi Average9% above
vs. National Median29% below

Income Adequacy

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.