Cost of Living in Carthage, MS
Population 4,859 · Mississippi · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $47,304, median household incomes in Carthage land roughly 37% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.8% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 50 miles northeast of Jackson, Carthage falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 36% higher than Jackson's $108,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Carthage
The median home value in Carthage is $146,800 — 52% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $549/month, 58% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $47,304/year is 37% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.8%, 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, Carthage has a cost of living index of 46 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 54% less expensive.
Carthage has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 Carthage, MS?
Carthage has a cost index of 46 (100 = national average). It is 54% below the national average.
What is average rent in Carthage, MS?
The median gross rent in Carthage is $549 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Carthage?
The median home value in Carthage is $146,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Carthage?
The median household income in Carthage is $47,304 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Carthage, MS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Carthage is 7.1%. The Mississippi state income tax top rate is 4.7%.
Is Carthage, MS affordable?
Yes, Carthage is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 46 — about 54% below the US national average of 100.
Carthage at a Glance
- Population
- 4,859
- Median Income
- $47,304
- Home Value
- $146,800
- Median Rent
- $549/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.8%
- Sales Tax
- 7.1%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Mississippi Rankings
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