Borrowing in Prentiss County, MS: a county-level guide

Who lives in Prentiss County

Roughly 25,184 residents live in Prentiss County, Mississippi, 35th by population among the state's 82 counties and county equivalents. Land area is 415 square miles (2024 Gazetteer), so density runs near 61 per square mile. Prentiss County is classed as nonmetropolitan in the OMB's July 2023 list. Of the 6 Census places inside Prentiss County, Booneville leads by population with about 9,246; 4 of the 6 are incorporated.

Rent, home values and ownership in Prentiss County

Half of Prentiss County renters pay more than $637 a month and half pay less; the Mississippi midpoint is $954. Cost-burdened renters, paying 30%-plus of income: 30% in Prentiss County, 51% statewide. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $122,500, about 2.5 times the median household income. Homeowners 78%, renters 22%. The median year built is 1981.

With 78% of Prentiss County homes owner-occupied, equity is a real alternative for many readers; just remember a missed HELOC payment puts the home at risk.

The Prentiss County job picture

The biggest employer of Prentiss County residents, by industry, is manufacturing at 26% of workers, followed by education and health care (22%). Prentiss County over-indexes on manufacturing: 26% versus 13% in Mississippi. Averaged over the five survey years, 3.5% of the labor force was out of work and looking. 15% of commuters travel 45 minutes or more each way, and 3% work from home. No car: 5.4% of Prentiss County households.

A lender verifies what your own job pays. The county's industry mix tells you about the local economy, not about your application.

What Prentiss County households earn

Half of Prentiss County households take in less than $49,724 a year and half take in more, 12% below the Mississippi median of $56,447. In the state ranking that is 40th of 82.

The spread is wide: 24% of Prentiss County households make $100,000 or more, and 34% make less than $35,000. The poverty rate is 16.8%, 2 points lower than the state's 18.9%. Income from any regular source can count, including Social Security, pensions and disability benefits, as long as you can document it.

What stands out in Prentiss County

The 4 Prentiss County numbers that rank furthest from typical in Mississippi, and what each means for a borrower:

• The uninsured rate: 7.8% in Prentiss County. Only 2 of 82 Mississippi counties are lower. Lower uninsured rates still leave deductibles; check what a plan covers first.
• Prentiss County ranks 4th lowest of 82 Mississippi counties for the share of renters paying 30% or more of income for rent: 30%, against 51% statewide. Rents are manageable for most, which can leave space for savings.
• On median gross rent, Prentiss County sits near the bottom of Mississippi at $637/mo, 6th lowest of 82. Lower rent can leave more room for a payment.
• Prentiss County ranks 10th lowest of 82 Mississippi counties for the ACS unemployment rate: 3.5%, against 5.8% statewide. A tight job market helps steady income, but lenders still verify it.

Regional comparison for Prentiss County

The six counties whose centers lie closest to Prentiss County's, from 18 to 29 miles away. Lee County leads the group on income ($67,863), Alcorn County trails ($51,260), and Prentiss County out-earns 0 of the six.

The communities that make up Prentiss County

Here are the 6 most populous of the county's 6 Census places, with income and rent from the same 2020 to 2024 survey. About 54% of Prentiss County residents live in one of the 6. This guide covers each of the 6 places and the rural areas around them.

A CDP is a named community without its own municipal government.

Age, degrees and coverage in Prentiss County

In Prentiss County, 20% of adults have at least a four-year degree (25% in Mississippi). About 8% go without health insurance.

Budget math at the Prentiss County median

DTI math using Prentiss County medians ($49,724 income, $637 rent):

• Start: $4,144 gross per month ($49,724 / 12)
• 15% goes to median rent ($637)
• At 35%, room after rent is $813 a month
• At 45%, room after rent is $1,228 a month

Car, student loan and card payments come out of that room first. Try your own numbers in the calculator.

Local borrowing considerations for Prentiss County

The county's numbers point to a few situations that come up often for Prentiss County borrowers.

• Repairs on manufactured housing. With 16% of homes here, compare a personal loan with any dealer or park repair program.
• Advance-fee offers. No legitimate lender asks a Prentiss County borrower to pay first (scam signs).
• Requirements. Lenders weigh credit history, documented income and existing debt (what to gather).

Checklist for Prentiss County applicants

Before you apply, wherever you live in Prentiss County:

• Borrow the amount the job needs; extra cash adds interest.
• Prequalify with soft pulls where offered, then compare in writing.
• Confirm the lender is licensed in Mississippi.
• Never pay a fee up front to get a loan.

Mississippi lender licensing

The Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance is the place to verify any lender's Mississippi license. Federal complaints: consumerfinance.gov. More on Mississippi: Mississippi personal loans.

Related local guides

The Mississippi guide covers the whole state.

• Mississippi state guide