Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Canton, MS
Considering a move to Canton, MS? This small city of 10,700 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $101,000 and average rents of $910. Commute times are reasonable at about 26 minutes, and the area enjoys mild winters and plenty of sunny days. While violent crime is somewhat higher than average, Canton features a close-knit community, local schools, and easy access to major healthcare and colleges nearby. Explore the full cost of living, housing, and education options to see if Canton is a great fit for you.
Demographics - Canton, MS
Demographics - Canton, MS
Canton, Mississippi is home to around 10,700 residents, with a youthful median age of 33.7 and a population that is predominantly Black at 80%. The city has a moderate population density and a small percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to a diverse and vibrant community.
Population:
10,727
Density:
1,030 per sq mi
Median Age:
33.7
Gender Ratio:
88 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.4%

Ethnic Composition
White:
17.8%
Black:
80.2%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
1.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Canton, MS?
Canton offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $101,000 and average rent of $910. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, and Mississippi's state tax rates range from 3% to 5%, making everyday expenses manageable for most residents.
Median House Value:
$101,000
Gross Rent:
$910
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$133
Auto Insurance:
$1,380
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,098
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$352
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.5
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
56.8
Utilities:
105.6
Transportation:
82.3
Health Care:
90.7
Miscellaneous:
84.5
Crime
Is Canton, MS a safe place to live?
While Canton is a welcoming community, residents should be aware that the city's crime rates are above the national average, with a 1 in 207 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 38 chance of property crime. Taking standard safety precautions is recommended for peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
483
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,650
Crime Index:
3,133
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 207
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 38
Weather
What is the weather like in Canton, MS year-round?
Canton experiences mild winters with lows around 35°F and warm summers that reach up to 91°F. The city enjoys about 62% sunny days annually and receives over 56 inches of rainfall, offering a generally pleasant climate for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
35°F
Max:
56°F

Spring
Min:
52°F
Max:
76°F

Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
91°F

Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
56.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Households in Canton typically earn a median income of $36,124 and see an average commute of about 26 minutes. While the poverty rate is higher than average at 23.1%, the community is known for its resilience and local engagement.
Median Income:
$31,900
Household Income:
$36,124
Family Income:
$39,600
Per Capita Income:
$18,100
Income Male:
$34,200
Income Female:
$28,500
Poverty Rate:
23.1%
Non English Speakers:
3.4%
Rent:
$910
Unemployment Rate:
6.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
25.9 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
78.4%
Bachelors or More:
15.6%
Education
How are the schools in Canton, MS?
Canton provides a range of educational opportunities, including public schools like Canton High School and Nichols Middle School, as well as private options such as Canton Academy. Nearby colleges, including Holmes Community College and Jackson State University, offer higher education within a short drive.

Public Schools
Name:
Canton High School
Street:
634 Finney Rd
Phone:
601-859-5325
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Nichols Middle School
Street:
529 Post Oak Rd
Phone:
601-859-3741
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.3

Private Schools
Name:
Canton Academy
Street:
1 Nancy Dr
Phone:
601-859-5231
Students:
350

Colleges
Name:
Holmes Community College - Ridgeland Campus
City:
Ridgeland
State:
MS
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
3,000
Name:
Jackson State University
City:
Jackson
State:
MS
Distance:
24 miles
Students:
7,000
Healthcare
Canton residents have access to local hospitals such as Madison River Oaks Medical Center and are within reach of larger facilities in nearby Jackson. With 82.7% of residents covered by health insurance and a healthcare index of 61.2, basic medical needs are reasonably well served.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Madison River Oaks Medical Center
Address:
161 River Oaks Dr, Canton, MS 39046
Phone:
(601) 855-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Dominic Hospital (Jackson, MS)
Address:
969 Lakeland Dr, Jackson, MS 39216
Phone:
(601) 200-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
82.7%
Health Care Index:
61.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Canton, MS?
Canton's housing market is attractive for buyers, with a median home price of $101,000 and a home appreciation rate of 2.7% over the past year. Nearly half of residents own their homes, and rental options remain available with a 10.2% vacancy rate.
Median Home Price:
$101,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$910
Owner Occupied Rate:
48.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety’s Driver Service Bureau in Canton offers convenient DMV services at 179 Wilson St. Residents can access licensing and vehicle registration information either in person or online through the state website.
State:
Mississippi
Department:
Mississippi Department of Public Safety - Driver Service Bureau
Address:
179 Wilson St, Canton, MS 39046
Phone:
(601) 859-3257
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.