Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Starkville, MS
Starkville sits in the South with a population of 50,000 growing at 0.2% annually. The median home costs $245,000 while rents average $1,510/mo, producing an estimated cap rate of 5.39%. This is a moderate market that rewards careful deal sourcing.
Starkville works best for experienced investors with a clear strategy — Section 8, student housing, or deep value-add rehabs. The 5.39% cap rate at median prices is tight, so success depends on buying below market, forcing appreciation through renovation, or accessing above-market rent streams through niche tenant bases.
Target properties priced 15-25% below the $245,000 median — around $196,000 or less. At this price point with $1,510/mo rents, your cap rate improves to roughly 7.1%. Factor in 0.66% property taxes ($1,617/yr), budget 5% of gross rent for maintenance, and underwrite to a 7.4% vacancy rate. On a 20% down conventional loan at 7%, monthly PITI will run approximately $1,538.
The 7.4% vacancy rate is above the national average, so budget conservatively and screen tenants carefully. Every deal should be evaluated individually using our calculator tools. Median data provides a starting point; actual returns depend on the specific property, financing, and your management approach.
Run the numbers on a specific Starkville property using our cap rate calculator (pre-filled with Starkville data). Compare Starkville against similar markets in the South region. If you're considering a value-add approach, try our BRRRR calculator to model a rehab scenario.
Starkville vs Mississippi state average and national average across key investment metrics. Starkville beats the national average but trails the Mississippi average on cap rate.