Median Income
$32,772
56% lower than US avg
Home Value
$76,100
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
362/100K
5% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.0%
47% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$647
44% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.6%
39% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
23.9%
93% higher than US avg
How Bruce Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,445
Median Age37.7 yrs
Density592/mi²
Male / Female48% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 46%
Veterans3.1%
Economy
C+
Median Income$32,772
Per Capita$24,965
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty23.9%
County GDP$378M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$76,100
Rent$647
Ownership44.2%
Zillow$133,352
Housing Units939
Rent Burden26.2%
Crime
F
Violent362/100K
Property6,170/100K
Health
Obesity44.6%
Uninsured14.2%
Smoking22.0%
Depression20.7%
Heart Disease7.6%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain57.9 in/yr
Sunny Days304/yr
Elevation274 ft (84 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.0%
High School+86.3%
Graduate+4.4%
School Score4.79
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 26%
Commute26 min
Broadband69.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Bruce a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bruce receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Bruce has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bruce is $32,772, 56% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. The poverty rate of 23.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bruce is $76,100, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $647 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Bruce is below the national average at 362 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,170 per 100,000, 215% above the national average.
Education
18.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Bruce enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 304 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 57.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Bruce has a population of 1,445 with a density of 592 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age is 37.7 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.5% female and 47.5% male. The city is predominantly Black (51.9%), with 45.5% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 3.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 30.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.7yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Bruce is $32,772, which is 56% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,965 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $745, 48% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 23.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 270 business establishments, including 11 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 4.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $32,772 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,965 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $745 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $44,188 |
| Gini Index | 0.416 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 23.9% |
| 93% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 270 |
| County GDP | $378M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 11 |
| Healthcare | 22 |
| Retail | 64 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,175 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.86% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.4% |
The median home value in Bruce is $76,100, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $133,352, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $647 (44% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $782 for a one-bedroom to $924 for a two-bedroom apartment. 44.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 939 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $2,175 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 26.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $76,100 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $133,352 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $647 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $751 |
| 1 Bedroom | $782 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $924 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,177 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 44.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 44.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 55.8% |
| Housing Units | 939 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,175 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.86% |
In Bruce, 44.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.6% of residents, above the national average. 46.4% have high blood pressure. 22.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.8% report binge drinking. 37.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.7% report depression. 20.4% experience frequent mental distress. 14.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,509. The dentist ratio is 1:4,260. 15.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bruce vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.6% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.5% |
| Heart Disease | 7.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 46.4% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 10.0% |
| Cancer | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 4.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.0% |
| 57% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 37.8% |
| Depression | 20.7% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 16.7% |
| Short Sleep | 41.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.3% |
| Uninsured | 14.2% |
| 65% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,509 |
| Dentists | 1:4,260 |
| Mental Health | 1:6,343 |
| Checkup Rate | 80.1% |
| Dental Visits | 7.4% |
| Premature Death | 15,132/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 15.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 22 |
Bruce has a violent crime rate of 362 per 100,000 residents, 5% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,170 per 100,000, 215% above the U.S. average. Overall, Bruce receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bruce vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 362.1/100K |
| 5% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,169.5/100K |
| 215% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bruce enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 304 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 57.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 274 feet.
Temperature
43°F Jan (6°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 62.8°F |
| 16% above US avg |
| January Average | 43°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 304 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 274 ft (84 m) |
| Area | 2.4 sq mi (6.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 592/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.9909°N, 89.3455°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Calhoun County County |
| Nearest Airport | Tupelo Regional (TUP)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
57.9"
52% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 78.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 20.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
12 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.2. Most recent: M3.1 on May 10, 2008.
| Jun 23, 1990 |
12 km E of Vernon, Alabama |
M3.2 |
130 km |
| Sep 2, 1990 |
12 km NW of Fayette, Alabama |
M3.2 |
133 km |
| Aug 11, 1996 |
9 km WSW of Shaw, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
149 km |
| Oct 26, 2002 |
3 km SE of Alligator, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
125 km |
| May 10, 2008 |
1 km SSE of Sherman, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
62 km |
| Jun 23, 1990 |
8 km N of Belk, Alabama |
M3.1 |
133 km |
| May 28, 2000 |
13 km S of Winfield, Alabama |
M3.0 |
142 km |
| May 28, 2000 |
3 km NE of Fayette, Alabama |
M3.0 |
145 km |
| Aug 11, 2002 |
8 km ESE of Darling, Mississippi |
M2.8 |
86 km |
| Feb 25, 1999 |
10 km NE of Oakland, Mississippi |
M2.8 |
49 km |
| Feb 11, 1991 |
10 km SSW of Clarksdale, Mississippi |
M2.7 |
116 km |
| Feb 10, 2002 |
5 km NNE of Glen Allen, Alabama |
M2.6 |
150 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
2 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Zeta (2020, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 1 |
291 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 1 |
233 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
448 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 99 fatalities, 1,021 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF5 |
83 km |
23 |
| Dec 23, 2015 |
EF4 |
75 km |
9 |
| Jan 19, 1988 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1970 |
EF4 |
87 km |
4 |
| Apr 29, 1963 |
EF4 |
59 km |
3 |
| Mar 11, 1963 |
EF4 |
96 km |
2 |
| Mar 24, 2023 |
EF3 |
56 km |
2 |
| Mar 24, 2023 |
EF3 |
99 km |
3 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
31 km |
4 |
| May 2, 2010 |
EF3 |
91 km |
3 |
| May 8, 2008 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jan 10, 2008 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jan 10, 2008 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
4 km |
6 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COMP 109 (3,663 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
COMP 109 |
3,663 |
42 km |
| 2016 |
MSNXR FY16 RX 1703B |
3,633 |
97 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,616 |
94 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
3,605 |
98 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
3,593 |
93 km |
| 2014 |
C-55 CHILLI LAKE |
3,555 |
78 km |
| 1987 |
10 NOVEMBER |
3,301 |
97 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,152 |
83 km |
| 2014 |
C-39 EAST CHEWALLA |
3,107 |
83 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,053 |
92 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,031 |
78 km |
| 2022 |
HOLLY SPRINGS BB 119/90/88 |
2,955 |
55 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,887 |
85 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,848 |
80 km |
| 2020 |
TOMBIGBEE COMP 54/55/56 |
2,846 |
92 km |
| 2006 |
WITCHDCE W |
2,846 |
38 km |
| 2014 |
C-84 BAGLEY BOTTOMS |
2,766 |
55 km |
| 2022 |
TOMBIGBEE BB 54 55 56 |
2,736 |
92 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,645 |
41 km |
| 2013 |
MIDWAY CEM PRESCRIBED BURN |
2,513 |
56 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
43°F (6°C) |
5.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
45°F (7°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
6.0 in |
Wettest |
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
5.7 in |
|
| May |
69°F (21°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
62°F (17°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
52°F (11°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| December |
44°F (7°C) |
5.9 in |
|
Bruce has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 43°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 56.1 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.0") and August the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Bruce. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$218 ($131-$348) |
| Specialist Visit |
$305 ($174-$479) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$174 ($87-$305) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,914 ($696-$4,350) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$113 ($65-$174) |
| Dental Filling |
$218 ($131-$348) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$39 ($22-$65) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$65 ($44-$104) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$261 ($131-$435) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($17-$65) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$522 ($348-$870) |
| Battery Replacement |
$174 ($87-$305) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$87 ($52-$131) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$78 ($44-$122) |
| HVAC Repair |
$348 ($131-$696) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,090 ($3,480-$10,440) |
| Roof Repair |
$870 ($348-$1,740) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,830 ($4,785-$13,050) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,305 ($435-$3,045) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,050 ($4,350-$26,100) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,350 ($1,740-$8,700) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,305 ($696-$2,610) |
| Will Preparation |
$435 ($174-$870) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,175 ($870-$4,350) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$39) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26-$87) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$131 ($65-$218) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$39) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22-$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44-$113) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.57 ($2.61-$4.79) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.05 ($2.18-$4.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.31 ($2.18-$4.79) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.92 ($2.61-$5.66) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.79 ($3.48-$6.53) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.87 ($0.52-$1.57) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$122 ($70-$218) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$131) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$104) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$87) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26-$87) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$74 ($44-$131) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$174 ($65-$435) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,740 ($1,044-$3,045) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$113) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($6.96-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$87 ($26-$218) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13-$65) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,044 ($522-$2,175) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$870 ($435-$1,740) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$348 ($174-$609) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22-$87) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$870 ($348-$2,175) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,875 ($4,350-$26,100) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$52 ($26-$87) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$87 ($44-$174) |
| Dog Grooming |
$52 ($26-$87) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($17-$65) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$261 ($131-$435) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$174 ($87-$348) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $513 |
| Toddler | $467 |
| Preschool | $467 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bruce
What is the population of Bruce?
Bruce has a population of 1,445 residents and is located in Mississippi. The population density is 592 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.7 years. The population is 52.5% female and 47.5% male.
Is Bruce expensive to live in?
Bruce is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $32,772, 56% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $76,100 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $647 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bruce safe?
Bruce is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 362 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,170 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Bruce receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bruce?
Bruce enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 43°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 304 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 57.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Bruce?
The job market in Bruce is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $745. There are 270 business establishments in the area, including 11 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 4.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bruce?
The median home value in Bruce is $76,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $133,352. For renters, the median monthly rent is $647. Fair market rent is $782 for a 1-bedroom and $924 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 44.2%. The average annual property tax is $2,175.
How are the schools in Bruce?
Schools in Bruce have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 18.0% of adults in Bruce hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.3% have completed high school. 4.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bruce?
The obesity rate in Bruce is 44.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.0% of adults are smokers. 37.8% are physically inactive. 20.7% of residents report depression. 14.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 15.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,509.
What is transportation like in Bruce?
The average commute in Bruce is 26 minutes. 87.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bruce?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bruce is 45.5% White, 51.9% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 3.1% of the population are military veterans. 30.6% of residents have a disability. 88.3% have health insurance coverage.
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