Water Valley city, Mississippi Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Water Valley city, Mississippi has a total population of 3,380, the 91st largest city in Mississippi, with a median household income of $47,167, which is 14% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 27.5%.
Key Takeaways
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (27.5%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.4x.
Water Valley city Quick Facts
How Water Valley city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 55 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Water Valley city Rankings in Mississippi
Explore Mississippi Rankings
Cities Similar to Water Valley city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iuka city | 3,118 | $45,805 | $122,200 | 16.7% | 22.3% |
| Hazlehurst city | 3,547 | $40,491 | $109,400 | 30.3% | 37.9% |
| Magnolia city | 3,264 | $37,447 | $60,000 | 11.8% | 31.1% |
| Baldwyn city | 3,005 | $43,333 | $94,000 | 15.3% | 19.8% |
| Morton city | 3,661 | $38,889 | $90,000 | 4.4% | 29.8% |
Population Overview
Water Valley city is a small community located in Mississippi. The total population is 3,380. It ranks as the 91st most populous out of 419 cities and towns in Mississippi.
Age Demographics
The median age in Water Valley city is 32.9 years. This is 14% lower than the state median of 38.4 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Water Valley city is $47,167. This is 14% lower than the state median of $54,915. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 40% lower. The poverty rate stands at 27.5%. This is 44% higher than the state poverty rate of 19.1%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 4.1%. This is 32% lower than the state rate of 6.0%. The median home value is $111,000. Housing costs are 31% lower than the state median of $161,400. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.4x, Water Valley city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 55.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 20% lower than the state average of 69.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Water Valley city is Black or African American, making up 51.6% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 44.8%.
Education
14.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 38% lower than the state rate of 24.2%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 84.9%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Water Valley city, Mississippi is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Mississippi state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 419 Census-designated places in Mississippi. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Water Valley city, Mississippi?
Water Valley city, Mississippi has a population of 3,380 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Water Valley city, MS?
The median household income in Water Valley city is $47,167, which is 40% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Water Valley city, MS?
The poverty rate in Water Valley city is 27.5%. This means approximately 879 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Water Valley city, Mississippi?
Water Valley city's population is 44.8% White, 51.6% Black, 2.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Water Valley city, MS?
The median home value in Water Valley city is $111,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x.
How educated is Water Valley city, Mississippi?
14.9% of adults (25+) in Water Valley city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 3.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.