Oxford Demographics and Population Profile
Understanding Oxford demographics is essential for real estate decisions. Oxford population structure — defined by a large university population, a median age of 30.3, and sustained growth — drives housing demand patterns that differ significantly from typical Mississippi markets.
Oxford Market Reference Data
- SF Market: 680 transactions, median $475,000, $240 PPSF, 72 median DOM (Jan 2025–Jun 2026)
- Condo Market: 834 transactions, median $449,900, $266 PPSF, 89 median DOM (Jan 2025–Jun 2026)
- Property Tax: 129.67 mills total (Lafayette County 35.51 (MS Code §27-39-303) + City of Oxford 32.65 (MS Code §27-39-307) + OSD 61.51 (MS Code §37-57-105)); Annual Tax = Sale Price × 10% (homestead) or 15% (non-homestead) × 0.12967 per MS Code §27-35-4
- Insurance: MS avg $3,353/year homeowner ($300K coverage); $765/year condo (HO-6)
- FHA: $541,287 | Conforming: $832,750
Population Overview
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| City population (2024 estimate) | 27,008 | U.S. Census Bureau |
| City population (2026 estimate) | ~27,448 | World Population Review |
| Lafayette County population | 56,857 | U.S. Census Bureau |
| Ole Miss enrollment | 28,405 (Fall 2025) | IREP, University of Mississippi |
| City area | 15.8 square miles | U.S. Census Bureau |
| Population density | 1,194.6 per square mile | U.S. Census Bureau |
| State ranking | 14th most populated city in Mississippi (of 420) | Census |
Growth Trends
| Period | Population | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | ~13,600 | — |
| 2010 | ~22,200 | +63.15% (2000–2010) |
| 2020 (Census) | 25,416 | — |
| 2021 | 26,035 | — |
| 2022 | 26,490 | +1.75% YoY |
| 2023 | 27,008 | +1.96% YoY |
| 2024 (estimate) | ~27,008 | +1.19% annual rate |
| Since 2000 | — | +97.5% (faster than 93% of similarly sized cities) |
Oxford sustained growth is driven primarily by Ole Miss enrollment expansion (five consecutive years of records) and the associated demand for faculty, staff, and services. Source: World Population Review; Neilsberg; Census QuickFacts.
Age Distribution
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median age | 30.3 years |
| Median age (male) | 28.4 years |
| Median age (female) | 31.0 years |
| Residents age 65+ | 11.7% |
| Voting age population | 21,397 (49.3% male, 50.7% female) |
The low median age (30.3) reflects the Ole Miss student population. The 11.7% senior population is below national averages but represents a growing segment as Oxford attracts retirees for its cultural amenities and quality of life.
Racial and Ethnic Demographics
| Group | Percentage | Estimated Count |
|---|---|---|
| White (Non-Hispanic) | 70.6% | ~17,100 |
| Black or African American | 24.4% | ~6,730 |
| Asian | 3.4% | ~729 |
| Two or More Races | 0.9% | — |
| Other | 0.5% | — |
| American Indian | 0.2% | — |
| Hispanic (any race) | 3.99% | ~1,050 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau; Data USA; Mississippi Demographics.
Economic Profile
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $64,451 | U.S. Census Bureau |
| Poverty rate | 25.44% | Census (reflects student population) |
| Total employment | ~12,900 (2024) | Census / ACS |
| Employment growth (2023–2024) | +2.1% | Data USA |
| Business establishments | 1,386 | Business Census, 2024 |
| Annual payroll | $824.2 million | Business Census, 2024 |
| #1 employment sector | Educational Services (3,226) | Census |
| #2 employment sector | Retail Trade (1,579) | Census |
| #3 employment sector | Health Care & Social Assistance (1,225) | Census |
Note: The 25.44% poverty rate is inflated by the student population — many full-time students report limited or no income. The $64,451 median household income is more reflective of the working population.
Real Estate Implications
- Young median age (30.3): The student population drives condo demand and rental investment. But the growing 65+ segment is generating downsizer demand for condos and smaller homes.
- 97.5% growth since 2000: Sustained population growth supports long-term real estate appreciation. Oxford is growing faster than 93% of similarly sized cities.
- Student-to-resident ratio: With 28,405 students and 27,000 residents, the effective population during the academic year is roughly double the Census count — driving commercial activity, rental demand, and service-sector employment.
- Income vs. property prices: The $64,451 median household income against a $475,000 median home price creates a price-to-income ratio above 7:1 — high by national standards. This reflects the role of out-of-state buyers (parents, alumni, second-home purchasers, investors) in setting prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Oxford Mississippi?
Oxford has a population of approximately 27,000 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 estimate: 27,008). The 2026 estimate is approximately 27,448. Lafayette County population is 56,857. Oxford is the 14th most populated city in Mississippi. The city is growing at approximately 1.19% annually and has grown 97.5% since 2000, faster than 93% of similarly sized U.S. cities.
What is the median household income in Oxford MS?
The median household income in Oxford, Mississippi is $64,451 (U.S. Census Bureau). The poverty rate is 25.44%, which reflects the large student population living on limited income. The largest employment sectors are Educational Services (3,226 employees), Retail Trade (1,579), and Health Care and Social Assistance (1,225). Total annual payroll across 1,386 business establishments is $824.2 million.
What is the median age in Oxford Mississippi?
The median age in Oxford is 30.3 years (28.4 for males, 31.0 for females), which is significantly younger than the national median due to the Ole Miss student population of 28,405. Approximately 11.7% of Oxford residents are 65 or older. The total voting age population is 21,397.
How fast is Oxford Mississippi growing?
Oxford is growing at 1.19% annually and has grown 97.5% since 2000 — faster than 93% of similarly sized U.S. cities. Population increased from approximately 13,600 in 2000 to 25,416 at the 2020 Census to an estimated 27,008 in 2024. Year-over-year growth from 2022 to 2023 was 1.96%. Lafayette County population is 56,857. Sustained growth is supported by Ole Miss enrollment (28,405 students, five consecutive years of records).
What is the racial makeup of Oxford Mississippi?
Oxford racial demographics are approximately 70.6% White, 24.4% Black or African American, 3.4% Asian, 0.9% Two or More Races, 0.5% Other, and 0.2% American Indian (U.S. Census Bureau). Hispanic residents represent 3.99% of the population (approximately 1,050 people). The Oxford School District reports 50% minority enrollment.
Sources and Citations
- Population: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts (census.gov); World Population Review (worldpopulationreview.com); Neilsberg (neilsberg.com).
- Demographics: Data USA (datausa.io); Mississippi Demographics (mississippi-demographics.com).
- Employment/Economy: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; Data USA.
- University Enrollment: Ole Miss IREP (olemiss.edu/irep).
- MLS Data: Navica platform, North Central Mississippi Board of Realtors, January 2025–June 2026.
MLS Data Disclaimer: Market data is derived from the greater Oxford market area MLS records (North Central Mississippi Board of Realtors) and public sources. This information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. It is not intended as financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult appropriate licensed professionals for situation-specific guidance.
Contact Rosenblatt Real Estate
Bill Rosenblatt
Broker, Rosenblatt Real Estate, LLC
Phone: (601) 842-5588
Email: bill@rosenblattrealestate.com
Last reviewed July 2026. Part of the Living in Oxford, Mississippi hub. For guidance on Oxford living and real estate, contact Rosenblatt Real Estate.