Tupelo, MS
Population 37,825 · Mississippi
About Tupelo, MS
Tupelo is a mid-sized city located in Mississippi with a population of 37,825 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,314 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Tupelo features a median home value of $201,300, which is 18% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Tupelo in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $940, 19% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 17,573 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (9,610 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (5,717 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Tupelo shows an unemployment rate of 5.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 13.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Tupelo have an average one-way commute time of 19.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
35.1% of Tupelo residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 4.3% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 3.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Tupelo Ranks in Mississippi
Cost of Living in Tupelo, MS
Compared to national averages, Tupelo has a median household income of $66,314 (12% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $201,300, which is 18% below the national median. Monthly rent at $940 is 19% below the US average of $1,163. Within Mississippi, Tupelo's income is 33% above the state average of $49,929, and home values are 60% above the state median of $125,705.
Why Live in Tupelo, MS?
Tupelo offers affordable housing with a median home value of $201,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $940/month, and a well-educated community where 35.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 19.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,314) that falls below the national average. However, Tupelo’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Tupelo has a population of 37,825 with a median age of 38.4 years. Compare Tupelo with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Mississippi.
Similar Cities Near Tupelo
Cities in Mississippi with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meridian | 34,466 | $34,657 | $100,800 | Compare |
| Olive Branch | 46,538 | $98,421 | $269,900 | Compare |
| Greenville | 28,833 | $36,297 | $100,800 | Compare |
| Madison | 27,775 | $120,918 | $334,700 | Compare |
| Pearl | 27,458 | $54,643 | $170,900 | Compare |
| Clinton | 27,418 | $70,913 | $220,400 | Compare |
| Hattiesburg | 48,507 | $44,140 | $153,600 | Compare |
| Biloxi | 49,011 | $55,958 | $203,200 | 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 Tupelo With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Tupelo
What is the population of Tupelo, MS?
The population of Tupelo, MS is 37,825 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 Tupelo?
The median household income in Tupelo, MS is $66,314 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Tupelo?
The median home value in Tupelo, MS is $201,300, which is 18% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Tupelo?
The median monthly rent in Tupelo, MS is $940, which is 19% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Tupelo?
The unemployment rate in Tupelo, MS is 5.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Tupelo, MS a good place to live?
Tupelo offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 37,825 and a median age of 38.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Tupelo, MS?
35.1% of residents in Tupelo 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 Tupelo?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Tupelo, MS: median home value is $201,300 (18% below national), median rent is $940/month, and median household income is $66,314. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Tupelo?
The poverty rate in Tupelo, MS is 13.8%, 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 Tupelo, MS?
Tupelo's population is 4.3% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 38.2% two or more races. 3.0% of residents are foreign-born.