Starkville, MS Housing Market

Market Overview

Starkville, MS has a PropertyIQ Score of 52/100, a moderate reading. Top score drivers include 12-month home value momentum of 7.14%, 3-month momentum of -0.62%, median days on market of 64, and a 19.1% share of listings with a price cut. Compared with state benchmarks, Starkville’s median home value of $257,814 is well above the state average of $197,606, and its rent index of $1,433 is far above the state average of $954. Unemployment matches the state at 3.6%, but median household income of $48,750 is below the state average of $56,447.

This mix points to a market with solid rental pricing and employment stability but stretched affordability and recent cooling. With 208 homes for sale and a median of 64 days on market, the market is not exceptionally fast-moving. Population growth is not available, so demand trends cannot be fully assessed.

Key Trends

First, housing prices are elevated relative to local incomes. The median home value is $257,814, compared with $197,606 for the state, while median household income is $48,750, below the state average of $56,447. This creates a clear affordability gap.

Second, price momentum is softening. The 12-month home value momentum is 7.14%, showing yearly appreciation, but the 3-month figure is -0.62%, indicating a recent pullback. The listed home value year-over-year change is $24, a modest reported dollar gain. The share of listings with a price cut is 19.1%, and median days on market is 64, reinforcing the cooling signal.

Third, rental economics are a standout. The rent index of $1,433 is well above the state average of $954, which may support landlord demand. However, the local median household income of $48,750, below the state average of $56,447, could limit future rent growth.

Who Is This Market For

Starkville appears best suited to buy-and-hold rental investors and patient buyers. The rent index of $1,433 versus the state average of $954 suggests stronger rental income potential, and unemployment of 3.6% supports steady local demand. Still, the median home value of $257,814 is high relative to median household income of $48,750, so investors should be selective.

First-time buyers may struggle with affordability because home values are above the state average while incomes are below it. Move-up buyers could benefit from the 12-month price momentum of 7.14% if they have existing equity, but the negative 3-month momentum and 19.1% price cut share suggest less pricing power for sellers. Bargain-oriented buyers may find room to negotiate given the 64-day median days on market and 208 homes for sale.

Outlook

The near-term outlook is moderate and cooling. The 3-month home value momentum of -0.62%, the 19.1% share of listings with a price cut, and a 64-day median days on market all suggest slower price growth ahead. The 12-month momentum of 7.14% and stable unemployment of 3.6% indicate the market is not weak, but the affordability gap between home values and incomes is likely to limit aggressive appreciation. Population growth is unavailable, leaving demographic demand uncertain. If inventory remains near 208 homes and price cuts stay near 19.1%, buyers may continue to gain negotiating power, while rental investors may still benefit from a rent index well above the state average of $954.