The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 38850 sells for about $78,500, or $75 per square foot.
Prices are up +2.1% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 92 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $655 a month.
ZIP 38850 — Houlka
The housing market in 38850 is characterized by low inventory and slow, steady price appreciation consistent with a rural Mississippi economy. Demand remains limited, resulting in longer days on market, while affordability remains a relative strength compared to regional urban centers.
This ZIP is best suited for budget-conscious buyers, retirees, or those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle who are comfortable with a car-dependent commute.
Median prices moved up 2.1% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 92 days on market with 6.2 months of supply — a slower-moving market.
15% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 96.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 2.5% · poverty 23.0% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 2.7%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 3.4%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
ZCTA 38850, Chickasaw County MS
Crime rates in Houlka are generally low and consistent with rural Chickasaw County trends, remaining well below national averages for violent and property crime.
Schools serving the area are part of the Chickasaw County School District, which provides foundational education for the rural community.
The area is primarily at risk for severe thunderstorms and occasional wind damage, with standard flood risks associated with local creek basins.
Economic momentum is modest, driven largely by local agriculture, small-scale manufacturing, and regional service employment in Chickasaw County.
Property taxes are assessed by Chickasaw County based on fair market value, with millage rates determined by local school district and county government requirements.
Commutes are primarily car-dependent, with residents traveling to nearby hubs like Tupelo via state highways for employment.
Recreation is centered on outdoor activities, including access to local parks, rural trails, and proximity to regional fishing and hunting areas.
The rental market is limited in depth, consisting mostly of single-family homes with low turnover and minimal short-term rental presence.
The local economy is anchored by agriculture, forestry, and small-scale manufacturing, with many residents commuting to larger regional employment centers.
Transportation is entirely highway-based, with no public transit infrastructure serving the rural Chickasaw County area.
There are no major large-scale commercial or residential developments currently approved or under construction in the ZIP.
The Chickasaw County Tax Assessor manages property valuations, typically reassessing parcels on a periodic cycle to reflect market changes.
Parcels are subject to Chickasaw County general taxes and the Chickasaw County School District levy.
Property insurance premiums are generally stable, though coverage for wind and storm damage is a standard consideration for homeowners.
Data retrieved from US Census Bureau ZCTA-level tables.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
Local community park providing green space and recreational facilities.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.