Median Income
$48,889
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$103,100
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
50/100K
87% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.2%
28% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$752
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.2%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.4%
65% lower than US avg
How Golden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population178
Median Age44.5 yrs
Density307/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans4.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$48,889
Per Capita$32,571
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty4.4%
County GDP$733M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$103,100
Rent$752
Ownership50.0%
Zillow$155,684
Housing Units139
Rent Burden21.0%
Crime
F
Violent50/100K
Property1,670/100K
Health
Obesity39.2%
Uninsured13.3%
Smoking17.9%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain61.5 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation547 ft (167 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.2%
High School+59.2%
Graduate+0.7%
School Score5.11
Community
2024 VoteR 90% / D 10%
Commute16 min
Broadband92.0%
EV Stations6
Libraries1
Is Golden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Golden receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Golden offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Golden is $48,889, 35% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 4.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Golden is $103,100, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $752 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Golden is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 50 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,670 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
24.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 59.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Golden enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 61.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Golden has a population of 178 with a density of 307 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 44.5 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.9% female and 42.1% male. The city is predominantly White (86.5%), with 3.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 85.4% of residents, while 14.6% speak Spanish. 4.3% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 20.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 85.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.5yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
85.4%
9% above US avg
Spanish
14.6%
9% above US avg
The median household income in Golden is $48,889, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,571 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $820, 43% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 406 business establishments, including 39 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,889 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,571 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $820 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,332 |
| Gini Index | 0.489 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.4% |
| 65% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 406 |
| County GDP | $733M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 39 |
| Healthcare | 37 |
| Retail | 78 |
| Manufacturing | 39 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,111 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.02% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Golden is $103,100, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $155,684, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $752 (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. 50.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 139 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1991. The average annual property tax is $3,111. 21.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $103,100 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $155,684 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $752 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $751 |
| 1 Bedroom | $782 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $924 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,177 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 50.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 50.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 50.0% |
| Housing Units | 139 |
| Median Year Built | 1991 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,111 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.02% |
In Golden, 39.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 37.7% have high blood pressure. 17.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.5% report binge drinking. 32.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.4% report depression. 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 13.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,960. The dentist ratio is 1:5,976. 39.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Golden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.2% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.7% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.9% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.6% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.9% |
| Short Sleep | 36.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.4% |
| Uninsured | 13.3% |
| 55% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,960 |
| Dentists | 1:5,976 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,012 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.6% |
| Dental Visits | 9.5% |
| Premature Death | 10,759/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 39.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 37 |
Golden has a violent crime rate of 50 per 100,000 residents, 87% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,670 per 100,000, 15% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Golden receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Golden vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 49.9/100K |
| 87% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,670.4/100K |
| 15% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Golden enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 302 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 61.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 547 feet.
Temperature
40°F Jan (5°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 60.6°F |
| 12% above US avg |
| January Average | 40°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 547 ft (167 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 307/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.4866°N, 88.1863°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Itawamba County County |
| Nearest Airport | Tupelo Regional (TUP)
37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
61.5"
62% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.38"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 49.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 77.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 42.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
38 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.9 on Jun 25, 2020.
| May 28, 1995 |
14 km WSW of Coker, Alabama |
M3.4 |
148 km |
| Jul 15, 1995 |
21 km SSW of Berry, Alabama |
M3.3 |
122 km |
| Jun 23, 1990 |
12 km E of Vernon, Alabama |
M3.2 |
83 km |
| Sep 2, 1990 |
12 km NW of Fayette, Alabama |
M3.2 |
84 km |
| Jun 23, 1990 |
8 km N of Belk, Alabama |
M3.1 |
88 km |
| May 10, 2008 |
1 km SSE of Sherman, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
61 km |
| May 4, 1994 |
12 km NNW of Addison, Alabama |
M3.0 |
89 km |
| May 4, 1994 |
2 km NNW of Addison, Alabama |
M3.0 |
96 km |
| May 28, 2000 |
13 km S of Winfield, Alabama |
M3.0 |
82 km |
| May 28, 2000 |
3 km NE of Fayette, Alabama |
M3.0 |
93 km |
| May 4, 2007 |
4 km SSW of Jasper, Alabama |
M3.0 |
112 km |
| Jan 2, 2000 |
4 km SW of Lester, Alabama |
M2.9 |
106 km |
| Jan 5, 2012 |
11 km NW of Oakman, Alabama |
M2.9 |
102 km |
| Jan 2, 2000 |
4 km SW of Lester, Alabama |
M2.9 |
106 km |
| Sep 13, 1998 |
6 km NNE of Coker, Alabama |
M2.9 |
141 km |
| Jun 25, 2020 |
4 km NNW of Berry, Alabama |
M2.9 |
103 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
7 km NW of Elkmont, Alabama |
M2.8 |
119 km |
| Jun 7, 2005 |
21 km WNW of Rock Creek, Alabama |
M2.8 |
134 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
11 km S of Pulaski, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
125 km |
| Sep 20, 1990 |
6 km N of Elkmont, Alabama |
M2.8 |
125 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
552 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 222 fatalities, 1,891 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF5 |
43 km |
72 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF5 |
55 km |
23 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF5 |
83 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
65 km |
28 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
73 km |
28 |
| Feb 6, 2008 |
EF4 |
83 km |
4 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF4 |
88 km |
3 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF4 |
86 km |
3 |
| Apr 19, 1970 |
EF4 |
79 km |
4 |
| Apr 29, 1963 |
EF4 |
64 km |
3 |
| May 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
94 km |
9 |
| Mar 24, 2023 |
EF3 |
88 km |
2 |
| Dec 23, 2015 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
93 km |
2 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2010 |
EF3 |
98 km |
3 |
| May 8, 2008 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: C-55 CHILLI LAKE (3,555 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
C-55 CHILLI LAKE |
3,555 |
90 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,112 |
76 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,031 |
89 km |
| 2006 |
WITCHDCE W |
2,846 |
92 km |
| 2020 |
BK OWL CREEK |
2,838 |
86 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,822 |
87 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,764 |
85 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,710 |
93 km |
| 2011 |
GREEN TOWER |
2,653 |
94 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,602 |
93 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,442 |
79 km |
| 2015 |
BIG TREE |
2,288 |
73 km |
| 2007 |
WITCHDANCE EAST |
2,285 |
91 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
2,264 |
83 km |
| 2010 |
BALLS MT. |
2,229 |
70 km |
| 2021 |
TOMBIGBEE CPT - 18/19/23/24 |
2,201 |
93 km |
| 2022 |
HOLLY SPRINGS BB 51/52/53 |
2,182 |
88 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
2,160 |
92 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,143 |
70 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,114 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
40°F (5°C) |
5.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
44°F (7°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
6.4 in |
Wettest |
| April |
60°F (16°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
3.5 in |
Driest |
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
51°F (11°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| December |
43°F (6°C) |
6.2 in |
|
Golden has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 40°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 58.2 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.4") and August the driest (3.5").
Average costs for common services in Golden. 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 | $505 |
| Toddler | $460 |
| Preschool | $460 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Golden
What is the population of Golden?
Golden has a population of 178 residents and is located in Mississippi. The population density is 307 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.9% female and 42.1% male.
Is Golden expensive to live in?
Golden 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 $48,889, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $103,100 (63% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $752 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Golden safe?
Golden is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 50 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,670 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Golden receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Golden?
Golden enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 40°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 61.5 inches, with 1.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Golden?
Golden has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $820. There are 406 business establishments in the area, including 39 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Golden?
The median home value in Golden is $103,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $155,684. For renters, the median monthly rent is $752. Fair market rent is $782 for a 1-bedroom and $924 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 50.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,111.
How are the schools in Golden?
Schools in Golden score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.2% of adults in Golden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 59.2% have completed high school. 0.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Golden?
The obesity rate in Golden is 39.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.9% of adults are smokers. 32.6% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 13.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 39.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,960.
What is transportation like in Golden?
The average commute in Golden is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Golden?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Golden is 86.5% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino. 85.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 14.6% speak Spanish. 4.3% of the population are military veterans. 20.5% of residents have a disability. 85.4% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
