MississippiPop. 37,791Small cities
Is Tupelo a Good Place to Live? Tupelo, Mississippi: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Tupelo ranks #677 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #121 of 208 small cities and #8 of 20 in Mississippi. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (83.6, #6 of 208) and short commutes (18 min, #49 of 208), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Tupelo by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Tupelo'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 Tupelo?
Tupelo'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 $976/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $215,014, 9% above the typical Mississippi home ($197,606).
| Measure | Tupelo | 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 | $215,014#153 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 | $1,416/mo#270 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $212,800#271 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $976/mo#187 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.2x#263 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 17.7%#213 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.
Tupelo 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. Tupelo is in the Tupelo, MS metro.
Mississippi housing market →Is Tupelo safe?
Tupelo recorded 310 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 5% below the US rate of 328 and 37% above Mississippi's 227. That ranks #576 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #106 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Tupelo Police Department. Property crime runs 3,121 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Tupelo | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 310#576 of 1,085 | 227 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 3,121#973 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 Tupelo?
The median household in Tupelo earns $66,257, 20% below the US figure of $83,163 and 12% above Mississippi ($59,127). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 15.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Tupelo | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $66,257#897 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% | 15.1%#868 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.4%#435 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 Tupelo?
The median resident of Tupelo is 38.3 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 34.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #630 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Tupelo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 38.3 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 34.5%#630 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 63.4% | 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 Tupelo's schools and health?
Tupelo's 12 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (Mississippi 88.9%), with 12.5 students per teacher and $13,155 spent per pupil. 36% of adults are obese and 14.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Tupelo | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 88%#518 of 1,063 | 88.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 12.5#127 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,155#809 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% | 14.1%#1093 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 15.9%#390 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 10%#656 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. 7,134 students are enrolled in Tupelo's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Tupelo?
The average commute in Tupelo is 18 minutes (Mississippi 26.4); 0.3% of workers take transit and 6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Tupelo scores 7.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #1122 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81°F and winters 45.5°F, with 57.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Tupelo | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 18 min#191 of 1,312 | 26.4 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 3.4%#276 of 1,312 | 7.7% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 85.6% | 81.2% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.9% | 1.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 6% | 6.2% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7.7#1122 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 | 53.2 | 33.6 | 4.8 |
| Feb | 57.8 | 36.8 | 5.3 |
| Mar | 66.4 | 43.7 | 5.4 |
| Apr | 74.9 | 51.6 | 5.5 |
| May | 82.7 | 60.9 | 5.2 |
| Jun | 89.5 | 68.8 | 5 |
| Jul | 92.3 | 72.4 | 4.5 |
| Aug | 91.9 | 71.2 | 4.1 |
| Sep | 86.7 | 64.3 | 3.6 |
| Oct | 76.5 | 52.3 | 4 |
| Nov | 64.3 | 41.8 | 4.5 |
| Dec | 55.6 | 36.3 | 5.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Tupelo Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Tupelo | 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 | 81°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 45.5°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 57.7 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 Tupelo Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Tupelo?
Lee County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 95% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lee County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, tornado, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 69% of US counties.
| Measure | Tupelo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 38#228 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.12%#445 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 Lee County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Lee County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.031% | 88% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.013% | 68% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0021% | 57% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.062% | 24% 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 Tupelo compare with similar-size cities?
Tupelo is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #121 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 37,791.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tupelo, MSPop. 37,791 | #677 | 55.5 | $66,257 | $976/mo | 310 | 18 min |
| Lewiston, MEPop. 38,324 | #748 | 54.2 | $55,393 | $986/mo | 240 | 21 min |
| Clovis, NMPop. 37,942 | #1027 | 49.6 | $54,820 | $988/mo | 378 | 16.4 min |
| Hot Springs, ARPop. 37,920 | #1157 | 46.5 | $47,760 | $914/mo | 500 | 16.9 min |
| Hilton Head Island, SCPop. 37,911 | #647 | 55.9 | $94,657 | $1,479/mo | no data | 18.5 min |
| Bartlesville, OKPop. 37,878 | #998 | 50.1 | $58,869 | $916/mo | 352 | 17.5 min |
| Oregon City, ORPop. 37,755 | #519 | 57.8 | $97,829 | $1,708/mo | 265 | 26.5 min |
| Kaneohe, HIPop. 37,355 | #284 | 62.4 | $125,613 | $2,269/mo | no data | 27.6 min |
| Greenfield, WIPop. 37,345 | #268 | 62.8 | $70,459 | $1,170/mo | 105 | 22.2 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 Tupelo compare with the rest of Mississippi?
Tupelo ranks #8 of the 20 Mississippi cities we track, with a score of 55.5 against Mississippi's statewide 41.9. Its households earn 12% above the Mississippi median. Violent crime is 37% above the statewide rate. Homes are 9% 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 Tupelo's score calculated?
Tupelo scores 55.5 out of 100, #677 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 Tupelo. Similar-size median 52.9.
51.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Tupelo's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
64.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Tupelo. Similar-size median 52.2.
48.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Tupelo's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
62.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Tupelo's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
86.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Tupelo. Similar-size median 46.7.
41.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Tupelo. Similar-size median 44.2.
46.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Tupelo. Similar-size median 47.3.
42.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Tupelo's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
35.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
66.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Tupelo'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 Tupelo 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 Tupelo
Is Tupelo, MS a good place to live?
Tupelo ranks #677 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #121 of 208 small cities and #8 of 20 in Mississippi. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (83.6, #6 of 208) and short commutes (18 min, #49 of 208), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Tupelo?
Tupelo'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 $976/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $215,014, 9% above the typical Mississippi home ($197,606).
What is the crime rate in Tupelo?
Tupelo recorded 310 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 5% below the US rate of 328 and 37% above Mississippi's 227. That ranks #576 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #106 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Tupelo Police Department. Property crime runs 3,121 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Tupelo?
The median household in Tupelo earns $66,257, 20% below the US figure of $83,163 and 12% above Mississippi ($59,127). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 15.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Tupelo?
Median rent in Tupelo is $976/mo (Census), #187 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,416/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Tupelo?
The typical home value in Tupelo is $215,014, up 5.6% in a year, against $197,606 for Mississippi and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $212,800.
How are the public schools in Tupelo?
Tupelo's 12 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (Mississippi 88.9%), with 12.5 students per teacher and $13,155 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Tupelo?
The average commute is 18 minutes, #191 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.4 minutes across Mississippi. 3.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Tupelo?
Tupelo averages 63.6°F over the year, 81°F in summer and 45.5°F in winter, with 57.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Tupelo walkable?
Tupelo scores 7.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1122 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 Tupelo at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lee County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, tornado, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 69% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Tupelo?
Lee County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 95% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Tupelo?
Tupelo has 37,791 residents. The median resident of Tupelo is 38.3 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 34.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #630 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Tupelo compare with the rest of Mississippi?
Tupelo ranks #8 of the 20 Mississippi cities we track, with a score of 55.5 against Mississippi's statewide 41.9. Its households earn 12% above the Mississippi median. Violent crime is 37% above the statewide rate. Homes are 9% above the typical Mississippi home.
What cities are similar in size to Tupelo?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Tupelo's population of 37,791 are Lewiston, ME (#748 overall), Clovis, NM (#1027 overall), Hot Springs, AR (#1157 overall), Hilton Head Island, SC (#647 overall), and Bartlesville, OK (#998 overall). Tupelo is #677.