Water Valley, MS
Population 3,380 · Mississippi
About Water Valley, MS
Water Valley is a small town located in Mississippi with a population of 3,380 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,167 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.9 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 Water Valley features a median home value of $111,000, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Water Valley one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $592, 49% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,543 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (684 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (546 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Water Valley shows an unemployment rate of 4.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 27.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Water Valley have an average one-way commute time of 23.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.9% of Water Valley residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.5% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 0.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Water Valley, MS
Compared to national averages, Water Valley has a median household income of $47,167 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $111,000, which is 55% below the national median. Monthly rent at $592 is 49% below the US average of $1,163. Within Mississippi, Water Valley's income is 6% below the state average of $49,929, and home values are 12% below the state median of $125,705.
Why Live in Water Valley, MS?
Water Valley offers affordable housing with a median home value of $111,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $592/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,167) that falls below the national average. However, Water Valley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Water Valley has a population of 3,380 with a median age of 32.9 years. Compare Water Valley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Mississippi.
Similar Cities Near Water Valley
Cities in Mississippi with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Macon | 3,454 | $29,167 | $98,200 | Compare |
| Magnolia | 3,264 | $37,447 | $60,000 | Compare |
| Hazlehurst | 3,547 | $40,491 | $109,400 | Compare |
| New Hope | 3,587 | $79,250 | $223,900 | Compare |
| Newton | 3,151 | $34,286 | $82,700 | Compare |
| Escatawpa | 3,626 | $35,313 | $89,800 | Compare |
| Iuka | 3,118 | $45,805 | $122,200 | Compare |
| Morton | 3,661 | $38,889 | $90,000 | 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 Water Valley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Water Valley
What is the population of Water Valley, MS?
The population of Water Valley, MS is 3,380 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Mississippi.
What is the median household income in Water Valley?
The median household income in Water Valley, MS is $47,167 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Water Valley?
The median home value in Water Valley, MS is $111,000, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Water Valley?
The median monthly rent in Water Valley, MS is $592, which is 49% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Water Valley?
The unemployment rate in Water Valley, MS is 4.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Water Valley, MS a good place to live?
Water Valley offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,380 and a median age of 32.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Water Valley, MS?
14.9% of residents in Water Valley aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Water Valley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Water Valley, MS: median home value is $111,000 (55% below national), median rent is $592/month, and median household income is $47,167. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Water Valley?
The poverty rate in Water Valley, MS is 27.5%, 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 Water Valley, MS?
Water Valley's population is 1.5% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 51.6% two or more races. 0.3% of residents are foreign-born.