Cost of Living in Picayune, MS
Population 11,839 · Mississippi · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Picayune's median household income of $37,270 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (26% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Picayune is about 35 miles northeast of New Orleans, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 51% lower than New Orleans' $296,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Picayune
The median home value in Picayune is $146,500 — 52% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $907/month, 31% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $37,270/year is 50% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.4%, 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, Picayune has a cost of living index of 56 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 44% 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 Picayune, MS?
Picayune has a cost index of 56 (100 = national average). It is 44% below the national average.
What is average rent in Picayune, MS?
The median gross rent in Picayune is $907 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Picayune?
The median home value in Picayune is $146,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Picayune?
The median household income in Picayune is $37,270 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Picayune, MS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Picayune is 7.1%. The Mississippi state income tax top rate is 4.7%.
Is Picayune, MS affordable?
Yes, Picayune is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 56 — about 44% below the US national average of 100.
Picayune at a Glance
- Population
- 11,839
- Median Income
- $37,270
- Home Value
- $146,500
- Median Rent
- $907/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.4%
- Sales Tax
- 7.1%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Mississippi Rankings
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