Starkville, MS
Population 25,611 · Mississippi
About Starkville, MS
Starkville is a mid-sized city located in Mississippi with a population of 25,611 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $39,751 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 26.3 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 Starkville features a median home value of $265,900, which is 9% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Starkville in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $875, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 14,434 total housing units, 36% are owner-occupied (4,229 units) and 64% are renter-occupied (7,566 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 Starkville shows an unemployment rate of 6.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 32.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Starkville have an average one-way commute time of 19.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
50.9% of Starkville 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 2.0% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 6.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Starkville Ranks in Mississippi
Cost of Living in Starkville, MS
Compared to national averages, Starkville has a median household income of $39,751 (47% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $265,900, which is 9% above the national median. Monthly rent at $875 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within Mississippi, Starkville's income is 20% below the state average of $49,929, and home values are 112% above the state median of $125,705.
Why Live in Starkville, MS?
Starkville offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $875/month, and a well-educated community where 50.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 19.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($39,751) that falls below the national average. However, Starkville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Starkville has a population of 25,611 with a median age of 26.3 years. Compare Starkville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Mississippi.
Similar Cities Near Starkville
Cities in Mississippi with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon | 25,352 | $93,073 | $255,900 | Compare |
| Oxford | 26,086 | $59,901 | $333,400 | Compare |
| Horn Lake | 26,622 | $56,847 | $158,900 | Compare |
| Ridgeland | 24,548 | $63,470 | $259,600 | Compare |
| Clinton | 27,418 | $70,913 | $220,400 | Compare |
| Pearl | 27,458 | $54,643 | $170,900 | Compare |
| Columbus | 23,616 | $40,588 | $121,200 | Compare |
| Madison | 27,775 | $120,918 | $334,700 | 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 Starkville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Starkville
What is the population of Starkville, MS?
The population of Starkville, MS is 25,611 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 Starkville?
The median household income in Starkville, MS is $39,751 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Starkville?
The median home value in Starkville, MS is $265,900, which is 9% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Starkville?
The median monthly rent in Starkville, MS is $875, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Starkville?
The unemployment rate in Starkville, MS is 6.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Starkville, MS a good place to live?
Starkville offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 25,611 and a median age of 26.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Starkville, MS?
50.9% of residents in Starkville 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 Starkville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Starkville, MS: median home value is $265,900 (9% above national), median rent is $875/month, and median household income is $39,751. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Starkville?
The poverty rate in Starkville, MS is 32.5%, 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 Starkville, MS?
Starkville's population is 2.0% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 31.9% two or more races. 6.5% of residents are foreign-born.