Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Merigold, MS
Thinking of moving to Merigold, MS? With a small-town population of just 379, Merigold offers affordable living with median home values around $75,500 and average rents near $750. Residents enjoy mild winters, hot summers, and over 64% sunny days each year. Commute times are short at just under 19 minutes, and while crime rates are higher than average, the close-knit community and access to nearby schools and healthcare in Cleveland add to its rural charm. Explore Merigold if you’re seeking low-cost housing and a relaxed pace in the Mississippi Delta.
Demographics - Merigold, MS
Demographics - Merigold, MS
Merigold is a small, close-knit town with a population of 379 and a median age of 41.3. The community is predominantly Black (59.1%) and White (39.6%), with a nearly balanced gender ratio and a modest proportion of non-English speakers. Residents benefit from a compact environment with a population density of 653 people per square mile.
Population:
379
Density:
653 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.3
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
39.6%
Black:
59.1%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
1.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Merigold, MS?
Living in Merigold is highly affordable, with a median home value of $75,500 and average rents around $750 per month. The cost of living index is well below the national average at 74.5, making it attractive for those seeking budget-friendly housing, groceries, and utilities. State taxes are moderate, ranging from 3% to 5%, and typical monthly expenses remain manageable for most households.
Median House Value:
$75,500
Gross Rent:
$750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$940
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
3%
|
High:
5%
Cost Of Living Index:
74.5
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
43.8
Utilities:
95.2
Transportation:
79.1
Health Care:
89.3
Miscellaneous:
85.6
Crime
Is Merigold, MS a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Merigold are higher than average, with a property crime rate of 2,300 incidents per 100,000 residents and a violent crime rate of 370 per 100,000. The chance of experiencing property crime is about 1 in 43, while violent crime risk is 1 in 270. Residents should consider these factors when evaluating safety and security in the area.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
370
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,300
Crime Index:
2,670
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 270
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Merigold, MS year-round?
Merigold experiences mild winters with lows around 36°F and warm, humid summers reaching highs of 91°F. The town enjoys 64% sunny days annually and receives about 54 inches of rainfall, creating a climate suited for those who appreciate distinct seasons and abundant sunshine. Spring and fall are pleasant, with comfortable temperatures ideal for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
55°F

Spring
Min:
51°F
Max:
77°F

Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
91°F

Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
54 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
64%
Neighbors
The median household income in Merigold is $32,000, with a family income of $39,000 and a relatively high poverty rate of 30.8%. Most residents commute less than 19 minutes to work, and the community has an 83.4% high school graduation rate. Public transportation is rarely used, reflecting the town's rural setting and reliance on personal vehicles.
Median Income:
$20,500
Household Income:
$32,000
Family Income:
$39,000
Per Capita Income:
$17,200
Income Male:
$28,500
Income Female:
$23,200
Poverty Rate:
30.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.2%
Rent:
$750
Unemployment Rate:
7.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
18.9 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
83.4%
Bachelors or More:
14.6%
Education
How are the schools in Merigold, MS?
Public education for Merigold students is provided by nearby schools in Cleveland, including D.M. Smith Elementary and Cleveland Central High School, both offering student-teacher ratios around 15–16. Higher education is easily accessible at Delta State University, located just 5 miles away and serving 2,800 students. Private schooling options are not currently available within Merigold.

Public Schools
Name:
D.M. Smith Elementary School
Street:
706 Martin Luther King Dr, Cleveland, MS 38732
Phone:
662-843-2460
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Cleveland Central High School
Street:
300 W Sunflower Rd, Cleveland, MS 38732
Phone:
662-843-2460
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2

Colleges
Name:
Delta State University
City:
Cleveland
State:
MS
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
2,800
Healthcare
Residents have access to Bolivar Medical Center in nearby Cleveland, offering general and emergency services. With 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people and 86.1% of the population covered by health insurance, basic healthcare needs are met locally. The healthcare index of 69.4 suggests adequate but not extensive medical resources in the area.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Bolivar Medical Center
Address:
901 E Sunflower Rd, Cleveland, MS 38732
Phone:
(662) 846-0061
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.1%
Health Care Index:
69.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Merigold, MS?
Merigold's housing market is very affordable, with a median home price of $75,500 and an owner-occupied rate of 65%. Average rents for a two-bedroom home are $750, and home values have shown modest appreciation at 2.3% over the past year. The market features a low foreclosure rate and a stable supply of available rentals.
Median Home Price:
$75,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$750
Owner Occupied Rate:
65.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
12.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Merigold residents are served by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, with the nearest main office located in Jackson. Services such as licensing and vehicle registration can be accessed through the department’s official website or by phone. This ensures residents have support for all essential DMV needs.
State:
Mississippi
Department:
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Address:
1900 East Woodrow Wilson, Jackson, MS 39216
Phone:
601-987-1212
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.