Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Velma, MS
Considering a move to Velma, MS? With a small-town population of about 420, Velma offers affordable living—median home prices at $85,000 and average rents near $720. Residents enjoy a mild climate with 62% sunny days, short 24-minute commutes, and a peaceful rural lifestyle. While crime rates are moderate for the region, the area features a close-knit community, local schools, and convenient access to healthcare in nearby cities. Explore the details below to see if Velma’s relaxed pace and affordability fit your needs.
Demographics - Velma, MS
Velma, MS is a small, close-knit community of around 420 residents, with a median age of just over 39 years. The city has a predominantly White and Black population, a balanced gender ratio, and a low percentage of non-English speakers, creating a welcoming and diverse environment.
Population:
420
Density:
60 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.1
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
72.0%
Black:
24.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
3.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Velma, MS?
Living in Velma is highly affordable, with a median home value of $85,000 and average rent of $720 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 daily expenses.
Median House Value:
$85,000
Gross Rent:
$720
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,380
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
79.5
Grocery:
93.1
Housing:
56.0
Utilities:
91.2
Transportation:
88.3
Health Care:
89.5
Miscellaneous:
83.0
Crime
Is Velma, MS a safe place to live?
Velma experiences moderate crime rates for the region, with a property crime rate of about 2,200 incidents per 100,000 people and a violent crime rate of 264 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 45 chance of being affected by property crime, making safety an important consideration.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
264
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,200
Crime Index:
2,464
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 378
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Velma, MS year-round?
Velma enjoys a mild southern climate, featuring warm summers with highs near 92°F and mild winters averaging 58°F. The area receives about 57 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 62% sunny days, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
58°F

Spring
Min:
52°F
Max:
76°F

Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
57.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The typical household in Velma earns around $41,200 annually, with a poverty rate of 22.4% and an unemployment rate just under 6%. Most residents commute about 24 minutes to work, and the community values education, with over 83% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$39,000
Household Income:
$41,200
Family Income:
$49,000
Per Capita Income:
$21,000
Income Male:
$34,500
Income Female:
$27,900
Poverty Rate:
22.4%
Non English Speakers:
3.0%
Rent:
$720
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
23.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
83.2%
Bachelors or More:
14.4%
Education
How are the schools in Velma, MS?
Educational opportunities in Velma include local public and private schools, such as Wayne Central School, and access to higher education at Jones College just 32 miles away. Class sizes are manageable, and families can choose between public and private options for their children.

Public Schools
Name:
Wayne Central School
Street:
1043 Azalea Dr
Phone:
601-735-2871
Students:
510
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.9

Private Schools
Name:
Clara School
Street:
Highway 63 N
Phone:
601-735-2065
Students:
180

Colleges
Name:
Jones College
City:
Ellisville
State:
MS
Distance:
32 miles
Students:
4,400
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to major medical centers like South Central Regional Medical Center and Forrest General Hospital in nearby cities. With approximately 86% insured and a physician rate of 1.5 per 1,000 people, basic healthcare needs are well-supported in the area.

Major Hospitals
Name:
South Central Regional Medical Center
Address:
1220 Jefferson St, Laurel, MS 39440
Phone:
(601) 426-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Forrest General Hospital
Address:
6051 US Hwy 49, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Phone:
(601) 288-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.7%
Health Care Index:
68.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Velma, MS?
Velma's housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $85,000 and about two-thirds of homes owner-occupied. Rental options are accessible with average rents of $720 for a two-bedroom, and the market is stable with a 4.1% annual appreciation rate.
Median Home Price:
$85,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$720
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Driver services for Velma residents are provided through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety in Jackson, offering licensing, registration, and other motor vehicle needs. The main office is located at 1900 East Woodrow Wilson Ave, with additional information available online.
State:
Mississippi
Department:
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Address:
1900 East Woodrow Wilson Ave, 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.