MississippiPop. 26,411Small cities
Is Oxford a Good Place to Live? Oxford, Mississippi: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Oxford ranks #554 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #104 of 208 small cities and #6 of 20 in Mississippi. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (83.6, #6 of 208) and low unemployment (2.8%, #18 of 184), and trails on a shrinking population (-1%, #175 of 182) and high poverty (25.4%, #190 of 208).
Oxford by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Oxford's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Oxford?
Oxford'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 $1,071/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $416,262, 2.1 times the typical Mississippi home ($197,606).
| Measure | Oxford | 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 | $416,262#660 of 1,187 | $197,606 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,061/mo#739 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $385,700#757 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,071/mo#289 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 6x#1040 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 19.9%#440 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.
Oxford 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. Oxford is in the Oxford, MS metro.
Mississippi housing market →Is Oxford safe?
Oxford recorded 140 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 57% below the US rate of 328 and 38% below Mississippi's 227. That ranks #218 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #49 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Oxford Police Department. Property crime runs 1,279 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Oxford | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 140#218 of 1,085 | 227 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,279#346 of 1,085 | 1,264 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
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. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Oxford?
The median household in Oxford earns $64,451, 23% below the US figure of $83,163 and 9% above Mississippi ($59,127). Unemployment is 2.8% (US 4.3%). 25.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Oxford | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $64,451#941 of 1,312 | $59,127 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 2.8%#54 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 25.4%#1244 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -1%#1087 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 Oxford?
The median resident of Oxford is 30.3 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 57.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #159 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 43.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Oxford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 30.3 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 57.5%#159 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 43.2% | 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 Oxford's schools and health?
Oxford's 11 public schools graduate 91.8% of students in four years (Mississippi 88.9%), with 13.1 students per teacher and $11,958 spent per pupil. 32.5% of adults are obese and 9.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Oxford | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 91.8%#277 of 1,063 | 88.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 13.1#178 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $11,958#966 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 32.5%#573 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.2%#252 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 17.8%#817 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 9.5%#589 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. 7,667 students are enrolled in Oxford's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Oxford?
The average commute in Oxford is 23.5 minutes (Mississippi 26.4); 1.7% of workers take transit and 9.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Oxford scores 7 of 20 (below average walkable), #1236 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 79.4°F and winters 43.7°F, with 60.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Oxford | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 23.5 min#639 of 1,312 | 26.4 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 11.6%#1134 of 1,312 | 7.7% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 77.7% | 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% | 4% | 1.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 9.1% | 6.2% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7#1236 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 | 52.3 | 30.6 | 5.1 |
| Feb | 57.1 | 33.8 | 5.8 |
| Mar | 65.8 | 41.2 | 5.6 |
| Apr | 74.2 | 48.9 | 6.3 |
| May | 82 | 58.9 | 5.4 |
| Jun | 88.6 | 66.8 | 5.2 |
| Jul | 91.3 | 70.2 | 4.4 |
| Aug | 91 | 68.6 | 3.9 |
| Sep | 86.2 | 61.6 | 4 |
| Oct | 76.1 | 49.2 | 4.1 |
| Nov | 64.3 | 39.5 | 4.3 |
| Dec | 55 | 33.3 | 6.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at University.
| Measure | Oxford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 61.9°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 79.4°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 43.7°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 60.5 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 University.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Oxford?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Oxford's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lafayette County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, tornado, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 76% of US counties.
| Measure | Oxford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.12%#362 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 Lafayette County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Lafayette County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.025% | 87% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.017% | 79% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.002% | 57% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.057% | 18% 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 Oxford compare with similar-size cities?
Oxford is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #104 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 26,411.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxford, MSPop. 26,411 | #554 | 57.3 | $64,451 | $1,071/mo | 140 | 23.5 min |
| South Portland, MEPop. 26,930 | #80 | 69.1 | $86,838 | $1,812/mo | 55 | 17.1 min |
| Paducah, KYPop. 26,845 | #1018 | 49.8 | $49,915 | $834/mo | 274 | 15.7 min |
| Ewa Gentry, HIPop. 26,563 | #205 | 64.4 | $135,684 | $2,580/mo | no data | 35.5 min |
| Wheeling, WVPop. 26,350 | #1139 | 47.0 | $48,590 | $794/mo | 816 | 19.8 min |
| Moscow, IDPop. 26,286 | #388 | 60.3 | $57,022 | $927/mo | 37 | 14.3 min |
| Carolina Forest, SCPop. 26,263 | #1149 | 46.7 | $74,436 | $1,668/mo | no data | 22 min |
| Derby, KSPop. 26,062 | #655 | 55.8 | $84,112 | $1,136/mo | part year | 23 min |
| Norfolk, NEPop. 26,054 | #479 | 58.4 | $58,884 | $875/mo | 221 | 13 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 Oxford compare with the rest of Mississippi?
Oxford ranks #6 of the 20 Mississippi cities we track, with a score of 57.3 against Mississippi's statewide 41.9. Its households earn 9% above the Mississippi median. Violent crime is 38% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2.1 times 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 Oxford's score calculated?
Oxford scores 57.3 out of 100, #554 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is 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 · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Oxford. Similar-size median 52.9.
55.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Oxford's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
88.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Oxford. Similar-size median 52.2.
59.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Oxford's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
63.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Oxford's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
78.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Oxford. Similar-size median 46.7.
21.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Oxford. Similar-size median 44.2.
35.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Oxford. Similar-size median 47.3.
43.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Oxford's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
31.6 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% 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.
75.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Oxford'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 Oxford 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 Oxford
Is Oxford, MS a good place to live?
Oxford ranks #554 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #104 of 208 small cities and #6 of 20 in Mississippi. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (83.6, #6 of 208) and low unemployment (2.8%, #18 of 184), and trails on a shrinking population (-1%, #175 of 182) and high poverty (25.4%, #190 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Oxford?
Oxford'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 $1,071/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $416,262, 2.1 times the typical Mississippi home ($197,606).
What is the crime rate in Oxford?
Oxford recorded 140 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 57% below the US rate of 328 and 38% below Mississippi's 227. That ranks #218 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #49 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Oxford Police Department. Property crime runs 1,279 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Oxford?
The median household in Oxford earns $64,451, 23% below the US figure of $83,163 and 9% above Mississippi ($59,127). Unemployment is 2.8% (US 4.3%). 25.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Oxford?
Median rent in Oxford is $1,071/mo (Census), #289 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,061/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Oxford?
The typical home value in Oxford is $416,262, up 3.3% in a year, against $197,606 for Mississippi and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $385,700.
How are the public schools in Oxford?
Oxford's 11 public schools graduate 91.8% of students in four years (Mississippi 88.9%), with 13.1 students per teacher and $11,958 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Oxford?
The average commute is 23.5 minutes, #639 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.4 minutes across Mississippi. 11.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Oxford?
Oxford averages 61.9°F over the year, 79.4°F in summer and 43.7°F in winter, with 60.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Oxford walkable?
Oxford scores 7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1236 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 Oxford at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lafayette County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, tornado, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 76% of US counties.
Who lives in Oxford?
Oxford has 26,411 residents. The median resident of Oxford is 30.3 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 57.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #159 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 43.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Oxford compare with the rest of Mississippi?
Oxford ranks #6 of the 20 Mississippi cities we track, with a score of 57.3 against Mississippi's statewide 41.9. Its households earn 9% above the Mississippi median. Violent crime is 38% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2.1 times the typical Mississippi home.
What cities are similar in size to Oxford?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Oxford's population of 26,411 are South Portland, ME (#80 overall), Paducah, KY (#1018 overall), Ewa Gentry, HI (#205 overall), Wheeling, WV (#1139 overall), and Moscow, ID (#388 overall). Oxford is #554.