MississippiPop. 28,166Small cities
Is Greenville a Good Place to Live? Greenville, Mississippi: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Greenville ranks #1296 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #204 of 208 small cities and #20 of 20 in Mississippi. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($103,800, #3 of 208) and low living costs (83.6, #6 of 208), and trails on a shrinking population (-2%, #182 of 182) and low household income ($40,083, #207 of 208).
Greenville by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Greenville's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Greenville: its police agency reported only part of the year. See Is Greenville safe?
What is the cost of living in Greenville?
Greenville's cost of living index is 83.6, 16% below the US level of 100 and #7 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $872/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $53,407, 73% below the typical Mississippi home ($197,606).
| Measure | Greenville | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 83.6#7 of 1,308 | 87 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $53,407#1 of 1,187 | $197,606 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $103,800#13 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $872/mo#67 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 2.6x#65 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 26.1%#1094 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Greenville housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Greenville is in the Greenville, MS metro.
Mississippi housing market →Is Greenville safe?
Greenville Police Department reported 0 of 12 months of the latest year to the FBI, so there is no full-year crime rate for Greenville and we don't rank it on safety. Mississippi as a whole records 227 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Greenville?
The median household in Greenville earns $40,083, 52% below the US figure of $83,163 and 32% below Mississippi ($59,127). Unemployment is 5.4% (US 4.3%). 28% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Greenville | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $40,083#1305 of 1,312 | $59,127 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 5.4%#915 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 28%#1280 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -2%#1132 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Greenville?
The median resident of Greenville is 37.8 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 22% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1093 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Greenville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 37.8 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 22%#1093 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 53.9% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Greenville's schools and health?
Greenville's 13 public schools graduate 81% of students in four years (Mississippi 88.9%), with 14.1 students per teacher and $12,908 spent per pupil. 45.6% of adults are obese and 22.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Greenville | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 81%#849 of 1,063 | 88.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 14.1#301 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $12,908#842 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 45.6%#1290 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 22.5%#1310 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 18.7%#992 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 15.3%#1094 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 4,306 students are enrolled in Greenville's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Greenville?
The average commute in Greenville is 18.8 minutes (Mississippi 26.4); 1.7% of workers take transit and 3.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Greenville scores 8.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #933 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.1°F and winters 46.1°F, with 49 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Greenville | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 18.8 min#245 of 1,312 | 26.4 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4.3%#446 of 1,312 | 7.7% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 84.2% | 81.2% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 1.7% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.7% | 1.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 3.5% | 6.2% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.5#933 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 53 | 35.1 | 4.5 |
| Feb | 57.9 | 37.9 | 4.7 |
| Mar | 66 | 45.2 | 4.7 |
| Apr | 74.5 | 53.5 | 5 |
| May | 82.7 | 62.4 | 3.8 |
| Jun | 89.4 | 69.3 | 3.3 |
| Jul | 92.5 | 72.4 | 3.2 |
| Aug | 92.3 | 70.9 | 2.8 |
| Sep | 88 | 64 | 3.6 |
| Oct | 77.2 | 53 | 4.2 |
| Nov | 64.7 | 42.4 | 4 |
| Dec | 55.2 | 37.1 | 5.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Greenville Asos.
| Measure | Greenville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 64°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 81.1°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 46.1°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 49 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Greenville Asos.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Greenville?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Greenville's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Washington County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, hail, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 63% of US counties.
| Measure | Greenville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.17%#816 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Washington County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Washington County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.022% | 86% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0085% | 81% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0023% | 78% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 72% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.012% | 64% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0023% | 58% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0023% | 55% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Greenville compare with similar-size cities?
Greenville is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #204 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 28,166.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenville, MSPop. 28,166 | #1296 | 37.6 | $40,083 | $872/mo | part year | 18.8 min |
| Kalispell, MTPop. 28,504 | #608 | 56.6 | $63,415 | $1,078/mo | 409 | 14.9 min |
| Laplace, LAPop. 28,343 | #1222 | 44.1 | $69,030 | $1,351/mo | no data | 32.9 min |
| Kahului, HIPop. 28,288 | #692 | 55.1 | $98,077 | $1,488/mo | no data | 22.8 min |
| Aberdeen, SDPop. 28,189 | #415 | 59.8 | $64,405 | $762/mo | 425 | 11.9 min |
| Williston, NDPop. 28,056 | #380 | 60.4 | $79,381 | $1,122/mo | 432 | 17.6 min |
| Henderson, KYPop. 27,852 | #1029 | 49.6 | $48,186 | $771/mo | 278 | 19.8 min |
| Garden City, KSPop. 27,819 | #613 | 56.5 | $72,865 | $1,052/mo | 486 | 14 min |
| Marshalltown, IAPop. 27,626 | #761 | 54.0 | $69,068 | $891/mo | 283 | 17.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Greenville compare with the rest of Mississippi?
Greenville ranks #20 of the 20 Mississippi cities we track, with a score of 37.6 against Mississippi's statewide 41.9. Its households earn 32% below the Mississippi median. Homes are 73% below the typical Mississippi home.
| City | Rank in MS | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison, MSPop. 27,946 | #1 | 68.8 | $119,338 | $1,853/mo | 21 |
| Brandon, MSPop. 25,542 | #2 | 63.2 | $92,783 | $1,382/mo | 50 |
| Olive Branch, MSPop. 47,019 | #3 | 60.3 | $100,606 | $1,829/mo | 175 |
| Pearl, MSPop. 27,737 | #4 | 58.9 | $61,695 | $1,175/mo | 83 |
| Clinton, MSPop. 27,195 | #5 | 57.8 | $74,745 | $1,118/mo | 95 |
| Oxford, MSPop. 26,411 | #6 | 57.3 | $64,451 | $1,071/mo | 140 |
| Southaven, MSPop. 56,226 | #7 | 56.0 | $78,483 | $1,445/mo | 266 |
| Tupelo, MSPop. 37,791 | #8 | 55.5 | $66,257 | $976/mo | 310 |
| Ridgeland, MSPop. 24,587 | #9 | 52.6 | $66,038 | $1,336/mo | 320 |
| Biloxi, MSPop. 48,861 | #10 | 52.2 | $57,204 | $1,089/mo | 351 |
| Starkville, MSPop. 25,721 | #11 | 52.0 | $42,125 | $916/mo | 58 |
| Horn Lake, MSPop. 26,647 | #12 | 50.6 | $53,311 | $1,435/mo | 79 |
| Hattiesburg, MSPop. 48,619 | #13 | 49.3 | $46,342 | $1,005/mo | 256 |
| Gulfport, MSPop. 73,003 | #14 | 47.2 | $49,919 | $1,086/mo | 569 |
| Columbus, MSPop. 23,348 | #15 | 46.5 | $42,235 | $897/mo | 470 |
| Jackson, MSPop. 146,631 | #16 | 45.4 | $42,071 | $1,055/mo | 400 |
| Pascagoula, MSPop. 21,710 | #17 | 44.7 | $52,222 | $894/mo | 431 |
| Meridian, MSPop. 34,137 | #18 | 44.3 | $36,562 | $910/mo | 554 |
| Vicksburg, MSPop. 20,589 | #19 | 40.6 | $45,781 | $820/mo | 681 |
| Greenville, MSPop. 28,166 | #20 | 37.6 | $40,083 | $872/mo | part year |
All 20 Mississippi cities we track, by overall score. Mississippi statewide: median income $59,127, violent crime 226.9 per 100,000.
How is Greenville's score calculated?
Greenville scores 37.6 out of 100, #1296 of 1,312 (grade F, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; safety and outdoor access are left out rather than filled with Mississippi's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Greenville. Similar-size median 52.9.
29.3 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Greenville. Similar-size median 52.2.
18.5 - EducationCity data · 15% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Greenville's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
52.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Greenville's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
92.4 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Greenville. Similar-size median 46.7.
5.9 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Greenville. Similar-size median 44.2.
16.2 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Greenville. Similar-size median 47.3.
41.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Greenville's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
39.5 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 54.8.
37.1 - SafetyNot scored
Greenville's police agency has no full year of FBI reports to score.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Greenville's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Greenville has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Greenville
Is Greenville, MS a good place to live?
Greenville ranks #1296 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #204 of 208 small cities and #20 of 20 in Mississippi. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($103,800, #3 of 208) and low living costs (83.6, #6 of 208), and trails on a shrinking population (-2%, #182 of 182) and low household income ($40,083, #207 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Greenville?
Greenville's cost of living index is 83.6, 16% below the US level of 100 and #7 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $872/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $53,407, 73% below the typical Mississippi home ($197,606).
Is Greenville safe?
Greenville Police Department reported 0 of 12 months of the latest year to the FBI, so there is no full-year crime rate for Greenville and we don't rank it on safety. Mississippi as a whole records 227 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Greenville?
The median household in Greenville earns $40,083, 52% below the US figure of $83,163 and 32% below Mississippi ($59,127). Unemployment is 5.4% (US 4.3%). 28% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Greenville?
Median rent in Greenville is $872/mo (Census), #67 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 26.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Greenville?
The typical home value in Greenville is $53,407, down 6.2% in a year, against $197,606 for Mississippi and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $103,800.
How are the public schools in Greenville?
Greenville's 13 public schools graduate 81% of students in four years (Mississippi 88.9%), with 14.1 students per teacher and $12,908 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Greenville?
The average commute is 18.8 minutes, #245 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.4 minutes across Mississippi. 4.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Greenville?
Greenville averages 64°F over the year, 81.1°F in summer and 46.1°F in winter, with 49 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Greenville walkable?
Greenville scores 8.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #933 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Greenville at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Washington County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, hail, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 63% of US counties.
Who lives in Greenville?
Greenville has 28,166 residents. The median resident of Greenville is 37.8 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 22% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1093 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Greenville compare with the rest of Mississippi?
Greenville ranks #20 of the 20 Mississippi cities we track, with a score of 37.6 against Mississippi's statewide 41.9. Its households earn 32% below the Mississippi median. Homes are 73% below the typical Mississippi home.
What cities are similar in size to Greenville?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Greenville's population of 28,166 are Kalispell, MT (#608 overall), Laplace, LA (#1222 overall), Kahului, HI (#692 overall), Aberdeen, SD (#415 overall), and Williston, ND (#380 overall). Greenville is #1296.