Senior Care Costs in Mississippi

Mississippi Senior Care Costs vs. National Average

Source: Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2024, adjusted to 2026. Adult Day = per weekday. Home Aide = per hour (avg 40 hrs/wk = $3,464/mo).

5-Year Cost Projection for Mississippi

Senior care costs have historically increased 3–5% per year. The table below projects costs at 3% annual inflation.

Projected at 3% annual inflation. Home Aide monthly assumes 40 hours/week. Actual costs may vary.

How to Pay for Senior Care in Mississippi

Elderly & Disabled Waiver

Mississippi's Medicaid program for home and community-based services is Elderly & Disabled Waiver. This program can help cover assisted living and in-home care costs for eligible residents. To qualify, individuals generally must have income below $2,829/month and countable assets below $2,000.

Eligibility rules change frequently. Visit your state Medicaid office or benefits.gov for current requirements.

Other Payment Options

• Long-term care insurance — covers $150–$300/day depending on policy
• VA Aid & Attendance — up to $2,431/month for qualifying veterans or surviving spouses
• Life insurance conversion — some policies can be converted to a long-term care benefit
• Reverse mortgage — tap home equity to fund care (homeowners 62+)
• Private savings & family support — retirement accounts, investments, home sale proceeds

Understanding Senior Care Costs in Mississippi

If you are researching senior care options in Mississippi for a parent or loved one, you will find that costs here are considerably lower than the national average. Assisted living in Mississippi averages around $3,500 per month, which is roughly 24 percent below the national average. Memory care runs about $4,375 per month, while nursing home care averages $9,931 for a semi-private room. Home health aides typically charge around $20 per hour. These figures may bring some relief, but understanding why Mississippi's costs sit where they do can help you plan more effectively for the years ahead.

Mississippi's overall cost of living is the lowest in the nation. Mississippi consistently ranks as the most affordable state for nearly every cost-of-living category, from housing to groceries to utilities. These economic fundamentals directly influence what care providers charge, as facility operating costs, from real estate to food service to utilities, are shaped by the same forces that affect household budgets.

The labor market plays a significant role in shaping care costs. Mississippi has some of the lowest healthcare worker wages in the nation, with CNAs often earning between $10 and $13 per hour. This is a major factor in the state's low care costs, though it also contributes to significant workforce challenges, including high turnover and difficulty filling positions.

Mississippi's regulatory environment for senior care is among the lighter in the nation. The State Department of Health oversees licensing with requirements that provide facilities significant flexibility in operations and staffing. While this helps keep costs low, families should be especially diligent in evaluating individual facility quality.

The 65-and-older population in Mississippi represents about 17 percent of the state's total residents. Mississippi faces significant challenges with healthcare access in general, and senior care is no exception. Rural areas, which make up much of the state, often have very limited options for institutional care. Understanding these demographic patterns can help families anticipate how the local care market may evolve in the coming years, including potential changes in availability and pricing.

When compared to neighboring states, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana, and Arkansas run higher. For families weighing whether to explore care options across state lines, these regional differences are worth considering, particularly for those anticipating a longer care journey that could stretch over several years.

Compare Neighboring States

See how Mississippi's senior care costs compare to nearby states.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Resources

Data sources: Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2024 (adjusted to 2026), World Population Review 2026, CareScout 2024, state Medicaid agency publications. Costs represent state medians — individual facility prices will vary. Last updated March 2026.