Oxford, MS
Population 26,086 · Mississippi
About Oxford, MS
Oxford is a mid-sized city located in Mississippi with a population of 26,086 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,901 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 30.6 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Oxford features a median home value of $333,400, which is 36% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Oxford in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,093, 6% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 16,558 total housing units, 44% are owner-occupied (4,356 units) and 56% are renter-occupied (5,629 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Oxford shows an unemployment rate of 1.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 26.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Oxford have an average one-way commute time of 22.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
56.9% of Oxford residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.3% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 4.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Oxford Ranks in Mississippi
Cost of Living in Oxford, MS
Compared to national averages, Oxford has a median household income of $59,901 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $333,400, which is 36% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,093 is 6% below the US average of $1,163. Within Mississippi, Oxford's income is 20% above the state average of $49,929, and home values are 165% above the state median of $125,705.
Why Live in Oxford, MS?
Oxford offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,093/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.7%, and a well-educated community where 56.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,901) that falls below the national average. However, Oxford’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Oxford has a population of 26,086 with a median age of 30.6 years. Compare Oxford with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Mississippi.
Similar Cities Near Oxford
Cities in Mississippi with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starkville | 25,611 | $39,751 | $265,900 | Compare |
| Horn Lake | 26,622 | $56,847 | $158,900 | Compare |
| Brandon | 25,352 | $93,073 | $255,900 | Compare |
| Clinton | 27,418 | $70,913 | $220,400 | Compare |
| Pearl | 27,458 | $54,643 | $170,900 | Compare |
| Ridgeland | 24,548 | $63,470 | $259,600 | Compare |
| Madison | 27,775 | $120,918 | $334,700 | Compare |
| Columbus | 23,616 | $40,588 | $121,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Mississippi
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Oxford With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Oxford
What is the population of Oxford, MS?
The population of Oxford, MS is 26,086 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Mississippi.
What is the median household income in Oxford?
The median household income in Oxford, MS is $59,901 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Oxford?
The median home value in Oxford, MS is $333,400, which is 36% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Oxford?
The median monthly rent in Oxford, MS is $1,093, which is 6% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Oxford?
The unemployment rate in Oxford, MS is 1.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Oxford, MS a good place to live?
Oxford offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 26,086 and a median age of 30.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Oxford, MS?
56.9% of residents in Oxford aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Oxford?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Oxford, MS: median home value is $333,400 (36% above national), median rent is $1,093/month, and median household income is $59,901. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Oxford?
The poverty rate in Oxford, MS is 26.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Oxford, MS?
Oxford's population is 1.3% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 25.7% two or more races. 4.5% of residents are foreign-born.