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Is Starkville a Good Place to Live? Starkville, Mississippi: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Starkville ranks #885 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #145 of 208 small cities and #11 of 20 in Mississippi. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (83.6, #6 of 208) and low violent crime (58 per 100,000, #15 of 174), and trails on high poverty (30.7%, #203 of 208) and low household income ($42,125, #202 of 208).
Starkville by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Starkville'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 Starkville?
Starkville'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 $916/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $285,560, 45% above the typical Mississippi home ($197,606).
| Measure | Starkville | 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 | $285,560#339 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 | $1,433/mo#288 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $299,900#530 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $916/mo#109 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 7.1x#1158 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.
Starkville 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. Starkville is in the Starkville, MS metro.
Mississippi housing market →Is Starkville safe?
Starkville recorded 58 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 82% below the US rate of 328 and 74% below Mississippi's 227. That ranks #43 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #15 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Starkville Police Department. Property crime runs 1,847 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Starkville | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 58#43 of 1,085 | 227 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,847#646 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 Starkville?
The median household in Starkville earns $42,125, 49% below the US figure of $83,163 and 29% below Mississippi ($59,127). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 30.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Starkville | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $42,125#1297 of 1,312 | $59,127 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.5%#249 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 30.7%#1298 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 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 Starkville?
The median resident of Starkville is 26 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 50.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #258 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 33.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Starkville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 26 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 50.5%#258 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 33.9% | 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 Starkville's schools and health?
Starkville's 6 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (Mississippi 88.9%), with 13.9 students per teacher and $13,106 spent per pupil. 36% of adults are obese and 11.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Starkville | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 83%#778 of 1,063 | 88.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 13.9#272 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,106#817 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 36%#866 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.5%#702 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 18.8%#1010 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 10.7%#741 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. 4,686 students are enrolled in Starkville's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Starkville?
The average commute in Starkville is 20.3 minutes (Mississippi 26.4); 1.1% of workers take transit and 7.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Starkville scores 7 of 20 (below average walkable), #1236 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 80.7°F and winters 45.8°F, with 58 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Starkville | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 20.3 min#369 of 1,312 | 26.4 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 6.7%#800 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% | 1.1% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.1% | 1.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 1.1% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 7.1% | 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 | 54.1 | 33.2 | 5.5 |
| Feb | 58.6 | 36.2 | 6.2 |
| Mar | 66.8 | 43.3 | 5.4 |
| Apr | 75 | 51.3 | 6.1 |
| May | 82.5 | 61 | 4.2 |
| Jun | 88.8 | 69 | 4.6 |
| Jul | 91.7 | 72.2 | 4.5 |
| Aug | 91.7 | 70.7 | 4.2 |
| Sep | 86.8 | 64.3 | 3.7 |
| Oct | 77 | 51.7 | 3.9 |
| Nov | 65.4 | 41.5 | 4.4 |
| Dec | 56.9 | 35.9 | 5.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at State Univ.
| Measure | Starkville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 63.6°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 80.7°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 45.8°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 58 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 State Univ.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Starkville?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Starkville's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Oktibbeha County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 67% of US counties.
| Measure | Starkville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.13%#465 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 Oktibbeha County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Oktibbeha County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.023% | 91% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.016% | 84% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0017% | 71% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0048% | 69% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0039% | 68% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.004% | 63% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.06% | 21% 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 Starkville compare with similar-size cities?
Starkville is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #145 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 25,721.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starkville, MSPop. 25,721 | #885 | 52.0 | $42,125 | $916/mo | 58 | 20.3 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 |
| Yukon, OKPop. 25,529 | #504 | 58.0 | $75,273 | $1,274/mo | 293 | 22.8 min |
| Ottumwa, IAPop. 25,430 | #910 | 51.6 | $61,103 | $921/mo | 272 | 17.8 min |
| Dickinson, NDPop. 25,357 | #274 | 62.7 | $82,696 | $957/mo | 183 | 16.4 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 Starkville compare with the rest of Mississippi?
Starkville ranks #11 of the 20 Mississippi cities we track, with a score of 52 against Mississippi's statewide 41.9. Its households earn 29% below the Mississippi median. Violent crime is 74% below the statewide rate. Homes are 45% above 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 Starkville's score calculated?
Starkville scores 52 out of 100, #885 of 1,312 (grade C, 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 Starkville. Similar-size median 52.9.
41.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Starkville's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
89.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Starkville. Similar-size median 52.2.
48.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Starkville's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
54.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Starkville's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
83.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Starkville. Similar-size median 46.7.
3.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Starkville. Similar-size median 44.2.
44.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Starkville. Similar-size median 47.3.
42.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Starkville'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.
66.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Starkville'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 Starkville 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 Starkville
Is Starkville, MS a good place to live?
Starkville ranks #885 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #145 of 208 small cities and #11 of 20 in Mississippi. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (83.6, #6 of 208) and low violent crime (58 per 100,000, #15 of 174), and trails on high poverty (30.7%, #203 of 208) and low household income ($42,125, #202 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Starkville?
Starkville'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 $916/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $285,560, 45% above the typical Mississippi home ($197,606).
What is the crime rate in Starkville?
Starkville recorded 58 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 82% below the US rate of 328 and 74% below Mississippi's 227. That ranks #43 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #15 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Starkville Police Department. Property crime runs 1,847 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Starkville?
The median household in Starkville earns $42,125, 49% below the US figure of $83,163 and 29% below Mississippi ($59,127). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 30.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Starkville?
Median rent in Starkville is $916/mo (Census), #109 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,433/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Starkville?
The typical home value in Starkville is $285,560, up 3.7% in a year, against $197,606 for Mississippi and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $299,900.
How are the public schools in Starkville?
Starkville's 6 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (Mississippi 88.9%), with 13.9 students per teacher and $13,106 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Starkville?
The average commute is 20.3 minutes, #369 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.4 minutes across Mississippi. 6.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Starkville?
Starkville averages 63.6°F over the year, 80.7°F in summer and 45.8°F in winter, with 58 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Starkville walkable?
Starkville 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 Starkville at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Oktibbeha County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 67% of US counties.
Who lives in Starkville?
Starkville has 25,721 residents. The median resident of Starkville is 26 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 50.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #258 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 33.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Starkville compare with the rest of Mississippi?
Starkville ranks #11 of the 20 Mississippi cities we track, with a score of 52 against Mississippi's statewide 41.9. Its households earn 29% below the Mississippi median. Violent crime is 74% below the statewide rate. Homes are 45% above the typical Mississippi home.
What cities are similar in size to Starkville?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Starkville's population of 25,721 are Wheeling, WV (#1139 overall), Moscow, ID (#388 overall), Carolina Forest, SC (#1149 overall), Derby, KS (#655 overall), and Norfolk, NE (#479 overall). Starkville is #885.