Median Income
$35,946
52% lower than US avg
Home Value
$90,400
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
489/100K
29% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.7%
59% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$757
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.7%
42% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.2%
156% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.1%
70% higher than US avg
How Collins Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,180
Median Age52.5 yrs
Density274/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 46%
Veterans13.2%
Economy
D
Median Income$35,946
Per Capita$18,911
Unemployment9.2%
Poverty21.1%
County GDP$1,023M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$90,400
Rent$757
Ownership54.6%
Zillow$160,726
Housing Units1,000
Rent Burden28.0%
Crime
F
Violent489/100K
Property2,399/100K
Health
Obesity45.7%
Uninsured16.4%
Smoking20.7%
Depression19.0%
Heart Disease7.3%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F (19°C)
Rain58.1 in/yr
Elevation293 ft (89 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.7%
High School+86.5%
Graduate+5.4%
School Score3.72
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute27 min
Broadband70.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Collins a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Collins receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Collins has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Collins is $35,946, 52% below the national average of $75,149. At 9.2%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 21.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Collins is $90,400, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $757 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 489 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,399 per 100,000, 22% above the national average.
Education
13.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.5% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.7/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Collins enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 58.1 inches.
Collins has a population of 2,180 with a density of 274 people per square mile, spread across 8.0 square miles. The median age is 52.5 years, 35% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57% female and 43% male. The city is predominantly White (46.3%), with 5% Hispanic, 39.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.4% of residents. 13.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 83.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,180
Total Population
2023 Census
52.5yrs
Median Age
35% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.4%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.1%
69% below US avg
The median household income in Collins is $35,946, which is 52% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,911 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $859, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 21.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 389 business establishments, including 26 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 2.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $35,946 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,911 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $859 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,884 |
| Gini Index | 0.487 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.2% |
| 156% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.1% |
| 70% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 389 |
| County GDP | $1,023M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Healthcare | 27 |
| Retail | 83 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,514 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.78% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.9% |
| Public Transit | 10.2% |
| Work from Home | 2.7% |
The median home value in Collins is $90,400, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,726, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $757 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $782 for a one-bedroom to $924 for a two-bedroom apartment. 54.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,000 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $2,514 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 28.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $90,400 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $160,726 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $757 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $751 |
| 1 Bedroom | $782 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $924 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,177 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 54.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 54.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 45.4% |
| Housing Units | 1,000 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,514 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.78% |
In Collins, 45.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.3% of residents, above the national average. 47.5% have high blood pressure. 20.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.2% report binge drinking. 39.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.0% report depression. 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 16.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,285. The dentist ratio is 1:3,016. 22.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
Health Metrics: Collins vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.7% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.5% |
| Heart Disease | 7.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 47.5% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 9.1% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 4.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.7% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 39.5% |
| Depression | 19.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.9% |
| Short Sleep | 44.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.6% |
| Uninsured | 16.4% |
| 91% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,285 |
| Dentists | 1:3,016 |
| Mental Health | 1:821 |
| Checkup Rate | 81.8% |
| Dental Visits | 5.8% |
| Premature Death | 15,927/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Exercise Access | 22.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 27 |
Collins has a violent crime rate of 489 per 100,000 residents, 29% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,399 per 100,000, 22% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 11 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Collins receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Collins vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 488.7/100K |
| 29% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,398.9/100K |
| 22% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Traffic Accidents | 32 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Collins enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 58.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 293 feet.
Temperature
48°F Jan (9°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 66.0°F |
| 22% above US avg |
| January Average | 48°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 293 ft (89 m) |
| Area | 8.0 sq mi (20.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 274/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.6483°N, 89.5676°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Covington County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hattiesburg/Laurel Regional (PIB)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
58.1"
53% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
5.90"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 94.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 22.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively 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
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.0 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jul 16, 1993 |
2 km SSW of Silas, Alabama |
M3.7 |
117 km |
| Mar 25, 1996 |
11 km NNE of Quitman, Mississippi |
M3.5 |
100 km |
| Mar 22, 2005 |
9 km NNE of Coffeeville, Alabama |
M3.3 |
144 km |
| May 3, 2015 |
7 km SSW of Canton, Mississippi |
M3.2 |
112 km |
| Jun 29, 2015 |
6 km SSW of Canton, Mississippi |
M3.2 |
112 km |
| May 16, 2008 |
10 km W of Coffeeville, Alabama |
M3.1 |
130 km |
| May 3, 2015 |
8 km WSW of Canton, Mississippi |
M3.0 |
116 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
5 km NNE of Magee, Mississippi |
M3.0 |
33 km |
| Aug 9, 2019 |
Mississippi |
M2.8 |
107 km |
| Aug 17, 2015 |
9 km N of Madison, Mississippi |
M2.6 |
112 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
19 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Francine (2024, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Francine |
Category 2 |
261 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
165 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
69 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
227 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
149 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
266 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
268 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 4 |
235 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 3 |
32 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
277 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 3 |
179 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
133 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
211 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 3 |
273 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
229 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 4 |
240 km |
| 1988 |
Florence |
Category 1 |
262 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
108 km |
| 1985 |
Juan |
Category 1 |
282 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
907 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 83 fatalities, 1,736 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 2020 |
EF4 |
75 km |
1 |
| Apr 12, 2020 |
EF4 |
71 km |
4 |
| Apr 12, 2020 |
EF4 |
27 km |
7 |
| Feb 10, 2013 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
43 km |
7 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF4 |
72 km |
12 |
| Feb 28, 1987 |
EF4 |
34 km |
6 |
| Apr 18, 1978 |
EF4 |
53 km |
4 |
| Mar 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 1967 |
EF4 |
92 km |
2 |
| Jun 18, 2023 |
EF3 |
49 km |
1 |
| Apr 12, 2020 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Dec 16, 2019 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Dec 16, 2019 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Dec 16, 2019 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 2017 |
EF3 |
52 km |
4 |
| Dec 23, 2014 |
EF3 |
53 km |
3 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WHITE DOG (12,306 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
WHITE DOG |
12,306 |
73 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
10,170 |
94 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
9,932 |
73 km |
| 2010 |
DESOTO 0902 |
8,713 |
100 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
7,059 |
97 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
6,802 |
100 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
6,712 |
82 km |
| 2000 |
COW PEN |
6,502 |
71 km |
| 2010 |
CRIPPLE CHINOOK |
6,035 |
74 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,819 |
72 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
5,803 |
91 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
5,657 |
87 km |
| 1987 |
MACHINE GUN |
5,601 |
74 km |
| 1990 |
PIERCES CREEK |
5,544 |
75 km |
| 2020 |
369 D |
5,362 |
71 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,062 |
64 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,999 |
62 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
4,991 |
73 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
4,899 |
85 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
4,862 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
48°F (9°C) |
5.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
52°F (11°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| March |
59°F (15°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| April |
66°F (19°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
5.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
67°F (19°C) |
3.8 in |
Driest |
| November |
57°F (14°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| December |
50°F (10°C) |
5.9 in |
Wettest |
Collins has a seasonal temperature swing of 34°F / from 48°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 58.1 inches, with December being the wettest month (5.9") and October the driest (3.8").
Average costs for common services in Collins. 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 | $660 |
| Toddler | $615 |
| Preschool | $563 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Collins
What is the population of Collins?
Collins has a population of 2,180 residents and is located in Mississippi. The population density is 274 people per square mile, spread across 8.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57% female and 43% male.
Is Collins expensive to live in?
Collins 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 $35,946, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $90,400 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $757 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Collins safe?
The violent crime rate in Collins is 489 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,399 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Collins receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Collins?
Collins enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 48°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 58.1 inches.
How is the job market in Collins?
The job market in Collins faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $859. There are 389 business establishments in the area, including 26 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 2.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Collins?
The median home value in Collins is $90,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,726. For renters, the median monthly rent is $757. Fair market rent is $782 for a 1-bedroom and $924 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 54.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,514.
How are the schools in Collins?
Schools in Collins have an average test score of 3.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 13.7% of adults in Collins hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.5% have completed high school. 5.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Collins?
The obesity rate in Collins is 45.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.7% of adults are smokers. 39.5% are physically inactive. 19.0% of residents report depression. 16.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 22.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,285.
What is transportation like in Collins?
The average commute in Collins is 27 minutes. 76.9% of workers drive alone to work, 10.2% use public transit, and 2.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Collins?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Collins is 46.3% White, 39.7% Black or African American, 5% Hispanic or Latino. 95.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.1% speak Spanish. 13.2% of the population are military veterans. 21.2% of residents have a disability. 83.6% have health insurance coverage.