Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Columbus, MS?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 32.3% of gross income.
Columbus rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Mississippi state estimate).
About rent and a licensed practical nurse salary
LPN pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. At the national-average LPN salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,520 a month in rent. The per-city pages show which markets stay in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Mississippi cities have lower median rent than Columbus, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Columbus
View full rent data for Columbus, MS →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Columbus, MS?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,326 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in Mississippi earns about $49,240 a year, which makes that rent 32.3% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a licensed practical nurse afford in Columbus?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in Mississippi (~$49,240/yr) supports up to $1,231 a month in rent. Columbus's current median rent is $1,326/mo, which is $95/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Columbus?
At an hourly equivalent of about $24 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in Mississippi works roughly 56 hours a month to cover Columbus's median rent of $1,326.
Where is rent cheaper than Columbus for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby Mississippi cities with lower median rent include Gautier ($1,324/mo), Hattiesburg ($1,321/mo), Biloxi ($1,318/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.