Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Starkville, MS
Considering Starkville, MS for your next move? With a vibrant college-town atmosphere and a population of 25,703, Starkville offers affordable living—median home prices around $210,000 and rents near $950. Residents enjoy short commute times (about 16 minutes), relatively low violent crime, and plenty of sunshine. Top features include Mississippi State University, a youthful median age, and a friendly, small-town vibe with access to quality schools and local healthcare.
Demographics - Starkville, MS
Demographics - Starkville, MS
Starkville is a diverse college town with a population of about 25,700 and a youthful median age of 27.5, reflecting its strong university presence. The community has a balanced gender ratio and a mix of White (59.3%), Black (33.4%), and other ethnic groups, while nearly 7% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The city’s moderate density and dynamic atmosphere make it welcoming for newcomers seeking a vibrant yet manageable environment.
Population:
25,703
Density:
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
27.5
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
59.3%
Black:
33.4%
Asian:
3.1%
Others:
4.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Starkville, MS?
Starkville offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $210,000 and average rents near $950 per month. Everyday expenses, including groceries and healthcare, are generally below the national average, making it easier for residents to manage their budgets. State tax rates are low, and utility costs are moderate, contributing to Starkville’s overall cost of living index of 84.1.
Median House Value:
$210,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,210
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
3%
|
High:
5%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.1
Grocery:
96.0
Housing:
73.5
Utilities:
103.2
Transportation:
87.4
Health Care:
93.8
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Starkville, MS a safe place to live?
Starkville boasts a relatively low violent crime rate, with only 183 incidents per 100,000 people, meaning residents have a 1 in 546 chance of experiencing violent crime. Property crime is more common but still manageable, with a 1 in 60 chance annually. The city’s overall crime levels are typical for a small, active college community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
183
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,670
Crime Index:
1,853
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 546
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 60
Weather
What is the weather like in Starkville, MS year-round?
Residents of Starkville enjoy a mild climate, with winter lows averaging 34°F and summer highs reaching about 91°F. The area receives about 56 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 64% of the year, making outdoor activities pleasant for much of the year. Seasonal transitions bring comfortable spring and fall temperatures.

Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
55°F

Spring
Min:
49°F
Max:
75°F

Summer
Min:
69°F
Max:
91°F

Fall
Min:
51°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
56 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
64%
Neighbors
The city’s median household income is around $41,800, and about 27% of residents live below the poverty line, reflecting its student population. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, and over 40% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Starkville’s short average commute of just under 16 minutes and low unemployment rate contribute to its laid-back small-town feel.
Median Income:
$32,300
Household Income:
$41,800
Family Income:
$61,200
Per Capita Income:
$22,100
Income Male:
$38,400
Income Female:
$32,200
Poverty Rate:
27.1%
Non English Speakers:
6.8%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
4.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0.9%
Commute Time:
15.9 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.4%
Bachelors or More:
41.6%
Education
How are the schools in Starkville, MS?
Education in Starkville is a standout, anchored by Mississippi State University, which enrolls about 23,000 students and is just two miles from downtown. The city also features strong public schools such as Starkville High School and Armstrong Middle School, as well as private options like Starkville Academy. The educational environment is enriched by a high percentage of college-educated residents and a vibrant student community.

Public Schools
Name:
Starkville High School
Street:
603 Yellowjacket Dr
Phone:
662-324-4130
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.4
Name:
Armstrong Middle School
Street:
550 Armstrong Rd
Phone:
662-324-4070
Students:
870
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7

Private Schools
Name:
Starkville Academy
Street:
505 Academy Rd
Phone:
662-323-7814
Students:
660

Colleges
Name:
Mississippi State University
City:
Starkville
State:
MS
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
23,000
Healthcare
Starkville provides residents with quality healthcare through facilities like OCH Regional Medical Center, a full-service hospital with emergency care. There are about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents, and nearly 90% of locals have health insurance coverage. Access to healthcare is supported by a strong network of providers for a city of its size.

Major Hospitals
Name:
OCH Regional Medical Center
Address:
400 Hospital Rd, Starkville, MS 39759
Phone:
(662) 323-4320
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.8%
Health Care Index:
72.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Starkville, MS?
The Starkville housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $210,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment at $950. Home values have appreciated by 6.1% over the past year, and the city maintains a low foreclosure rate. With a mix of owner-occupied and rental options, Starkville appeals to both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$210,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
37.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Starkville residents can access driver services at the local Mississippi Department of Public Safety office on Stark Road. Services include licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential DMV needs, with further information available via the state’s Driver Service Bureau website. The DMV is centrally located for convenient access.
State:
Mississippi
Department:
Mississippi Department of Public Safety - Driver Service Bureau
Address:
1003 Stark Rd, Starkville, MS 39759
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.