Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Penns, MS
Considering a move to Penns, MS? This small Delta town of about 375 residents offers a quiet, affordable lifestyle with a median home price of just $68,000 and average rent around $670. While the cost of living is low, be aware that crime rates are somewhat higher than average, and educational attainment is below state and national norms. Commute times are reasonable at just over 26 minutes, and the climate brings warm, sunny summers. If you're looking for affordable living and a rural atmosphere, Penns may be a fit for you.
Demographics - Penns, MS
Penns, MS is a small town of about 375 residents, with a median age of 43.1 and a community that is predominantly Black, making up 70% of the population. The population density is moderate for a rural area, and the presence of non-English speakers is minimal. The town offers a close-knit atmosphere with a balanced gender ratio and a diverse, though primarily African American, cultural makeup.
Population:
375
Density:
350 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.1
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
28%
Black:
70%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
1.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Penns, MS?
Living in Penns is highly affordable, with a median home value of $68,000 and average rent at $670 per month. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking budget-friendly housing and everyday expenses. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, helping residents stretch their income further.
Median House Value:
$68,000
Gross Rent:
$670
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$290
State Taxes:
Low:
3%
|
High:
5%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.2
Grocery:
95.4
Housing:
45.8
Utilities:
103.1
Transportation:
78.9
Health Care:
90.7
Miscellaneous:
88.5
Crime
Is Penns, MS a safe place to live?
Penns experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a property crime rate of 2,150 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 47 chance of experiencing property crime. Violent crime is less common but still notable, with a risk of 1 in 312. Prospective residents should be aware of these statistics when considering safety and security in the area.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
320
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,150
Crime Index:
2,470
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 312
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Penns, MS year-round?
Penns enjoys a mild climate, with warm summers reaching average highs of 92°F and winters that rarely dip below 34°F. The town receives about 50 inches of rainfall annually and benefits from sunshine about 62% of the year, making for generally pleasant outdoor conditions. Residents can expect comfortable, seasonal changes throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
54°F

Spring
Min:
51°F
Max:
75°F

Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
50.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The local community in Penns has a median household income of $31,500 and a relatively high poverty rate of 32.5%. Most residents commute around 26 minutes to work, and public transportation use is extremely low. Educational attainment is modest, with just under 10% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Median Income:
$25,000
Household Income:
$31,500
Family Income:
$37,000
Per Capita Income:
$17,200
Income Male:
$28,000
Income Female:
$22,000
Poverty Rate:
32.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.2%
Rent:
$670
Unemployment Rate:
6.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
26.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
74.3%
Bachelors or More:
9.7%
Education
How are the schools in Penns, MS?
Penns is served by nearby public schools, including Ruleville Central Elementary and Ruleville Middle School, both offering reasonable student-teacher ratios. While private schooling options are not present locally, higher education is accessible at Mississippi Delta Community College, located just 15 miles away. Educational attainment in the area is below the state average, with relatively few residents holding college degrees.

Public Schools
Name:
Ruleville Central Elementary School
Street:
360 L F Packer Dr
Phone:
662-756-4731
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.9
Name:
Ruleville Middle School
Street:
360 L F Packer Dr
Phone:
662-756-4757
Students:
380
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5

Colleges
Name:
Mississippi Delta Community College
City:
Moorhead
State:
MS
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
2,600
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Penns is anchored by the nearby North Sunflower Medical Center, which provides general and emergency services. With approximately 1.4 physicians per 1,000 residents and 88.2% health insurance coverage, basic medical needs are met locally. The healthcare index suggests services are available but may be limited compared to larger cities.

Major Hospitals
Name:
North Sunflower Medical Center
Address:
840 N Oak Ave, Ruleville, MS 38771
Phone:
(662) 756-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.2%
Health Care Index:
67.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Penns, MS?
Penns offers a stable and affordable housing market, with a median home price of $68,000 and most residents owning their homes. Rental options are available, with an average two-bedroom rent of $670 and a moderate vacancy rate. Home values have seen slight appreciation in the past year, reflecting steady demand.
Median Home Price:
$68,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$670
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents of Penns can access driver and vehicle services through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety in Jackson. The department provides licensing, registration, and other essential services both in person and online. For assistance, the main office can be reached at 1-601-987-1212 or via their official website.
State:
Mississippi
Department:
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Address:
1900 East Woodrow Wilson Drive, Jackson, MS 39216
Phone:
1-601-987-1212
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.