Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Jackson

Affordability in Jackson, MS

The median household income in Jackson is $42,071 and the median monthly rent is $1,055, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024). With 51% of residents renting their homes, demand for affordable housing options remains significant in this majority-renter city.

• Lease Lantern tracks 32 HUD-assisted and income-based properties in Jackson, covering 2,858 units across the city.

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Jackson Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 819 per 100,000 residents in 2019. Crime rates are not comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and local definitions.

Getting Around Jackson

According to Walk Score, the area around assisted properties in Jackson rates 23 (Car-Dependent) for walkability, 19 (Minimal Transit) for public transit, and 30 for bikeability. Most residents will need a car for daily errands and commutes.

Schools

According to NCES Common Core of Data, 60 public schools across 8 districts serve Jackson, including 27 elementary, 10 middle, 12 high schools, and 11 other schools. Quality and resources vary by school and district, so renters should look up the assigned schools for any specific address they are considering.

Cost of Living in Jackson, MS

The median household income in Jackson is $42,071 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. Understanding how housing costs compare to local incomes is key to finding a place that fits your budget.

The citywide median rent is $1,055 per month across all rental housing, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. Income-restricted properties in Jackson -- such as the 32 HUD-assisted and LIHTC buildings tracked on Lease Lantern -- are designed to keep costs below what you would typically find on the open market.

• Median household income: $42,071/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Median market rent: $1,055/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Renter households: 51% of occupied housing units (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Income-restricted units tracked: 2,858 across 32 properties

With more than half of Jackson residents renting, affordable housing options play an important role in the local housing market. Income-based programs such as Section 8 and LIHTC limit what you pay based on your household income, which can offer meaningful savings compared to median market rents.

Flood & Environmental Exposure

Of the 32 HUD-assisted properties mapped for flood risk in Jackson, 2 fall within a high-risk flood zone. The remaining 30 properties are not in a high-risk designation.