Cost of Living in Brookhaven, MS
Population 11,656 · Mississippi · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Brookhaven run well below national norms — a median of $36,269 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $112,000). A poverty rate near 27% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Located 55 miles south of Jackson, Brookhaven is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Housing prices track closely with Jackson's $108,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Brookhaven
The median home value in Brookhaven is $111,500 — 63% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $736/month, 44% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $36,269/year is 51% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. Mississippi's top state income tax rate is 4.7% and the combined sales tax is 7.1%. Overall, Brookhaven has a cost of living index of 44 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 56% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Brookhaven, MS?
Brookhaven has a cost index of 44 (100 = national average). It is 56% below the national average.
What is average rent in Brookhaven, MS?
The median gross rent in Brookhaven is $736 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Brookhaven?
The median home value in Brookhaven is $111,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Brookhaven?
The median household income in Brookhaven is $36,269 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Brookhaven, MS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Brookhaven is 7.1%. The Mississippi state income tax top rate is 4.7%.
Is Brookhaven, MS affordable?
Yes, Brookhaven is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 44 — about 56% below the US national average of 100.
Brookhaven at a Glance
- Population
- 11,656
- Median Income
- $36,269
- Home Value
- $111,500
- Median Rent
- $736/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.7%
- Sales Tax
- 7.1%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Mississippi Rankings
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