Violent Crime
362/100K
5% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.7%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.1%
97% lower than US avg
How University Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,899
Median Age19.2 yrs
Density6,999/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 74%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Per Capita$3,380
Unemployment0.1%
County GDP$3,160M
Commute7 min
Housing
Zillow$408,232
Housing Units16
Rent Burden33.0%
Crime
F
Violent362/100K
Property6,170/100K
Health
Obesity42.7%
Uninsured13.7%
Smoking19.9%
Depression21.5%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (17°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain60.5 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation503 ft (153 m)
Education
Bachelor's+
High School+
School Score5.71
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 38%
Commute7 min
Broadband0.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries1
Is University a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, University receives an overall livability score of 1.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. University faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.1%. Workers commute an average of 7 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in University 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
Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
University enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 60.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
University has a population of 4,899 with a density of 6,999 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 19.2 years, 51% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55% female and 45% male. The city is predominantly White (74.2%), with 2.7% Hispanic, 11.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.7% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 2.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
19.2yrs
Median Age
51% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
University vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.7%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.3%
83% below US avg
Social Characteristics
University vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $3,380 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $974, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.1% (below the 3.6% US average). The area has 1,553 business establishments, including 209 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 7 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 20.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: University vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $3,380 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $974 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $89,430 |
| Gini Index | 0.524 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.1% |
| 97% below US avg |
| |
| Establishments (County) | 1,553 |
| County GDP | $3,160M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 209 |
| Healthcare | 194 |
| Retail | 220 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,945 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 7.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 46.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 20.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $408,232. Fair market rent ranges from $782 for a one-bedroom to $924 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 16 total housing units in the city. The average annual property tax is $4,945 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $751 |
| 1 Bedroom | $782 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $924 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,177 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
Ownership & Property
| Renter-Occupied | 34.5% |
| Housing Units | 16 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,945 |
| 41% above US avg |
In University, 42.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 40.1% have high blood pressure. 19.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.8% report binge drinking. 36.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.5% report depression. 20.2% experience frequent mental distress. 13.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,422. The dentist ratio is 1:1,987. 77.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: University vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.7% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.1% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 9.4% |
| Cancer | 5.5% |
| Stroke | 4.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.9% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.6% |
| Depression | 21.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.2% |
| Physical Distress | 16.8% |
| Short Sleep | 41.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.3% |
| Uninsured | 13.7% |
| 59% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,422 |
| Dentists | 1:1,987 |
| Mental Health | 1:142 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.9% |
| Dental Visits | 5.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,273/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 194 |
University 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. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, University receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: University 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
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
University enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 81°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 60.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 503 feet.
Temperature
41°F Jan (5°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 61.9°F |
| 15% above US avg |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 503 ft (153 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 6,999/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.3655°N, 89.5379°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lafayette County County |
| Nearest Airport | Tupelo Regional (TUP) 44 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
60.5"
59% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 64.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 32.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
18 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.5 on Jun 25, 2016.
| Oct 29, 2012 |
8 km SW of Parkin, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
137 km |
| Aug 25, 2015 |
9 km W of Henning, Tennessee |
M3.5 |
145 km |
| Aug 19, 1994 |
9 km WSW of Gilt Edge, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
132 km |
| May 10, 2008 |
1 km SSE of Sherman, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
65 km |
| Oct 26, 2002 |
3 km SE of Alligator, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
112 km |
| Aug 7, 2015 |
16 km W of Millington, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
122 km |
| Aug 11, 2002 |
8 km ESE of Darling, Mississippi |
M2.8 |
59 km |
| Feb 25, 1999 |
10 km NE of Oakland, Mississippi |
M2.8 |
39 km |
| Jan 16, 2009 |
8 km NE of Garland, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
143 km |
| Jan 3, 1993 |
4 km SW of Sunset, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
113 km |
| Sep 8, 2002 |
6 km W of Henning, Tennessee |
M2.7 |
145 km |
| Feb 11, 1991 |
10 km SSW of Clarksdale, Mississippi |
M2.7 |
102 km |
| Oct 2, 1995 |
9 km ENE of Clarkedale, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
121 km |
| Jun 25, 2016 |
2 km SSE of Jericho, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
117 km |
| Sep 2, 2013 |
0 km SW of Jericho, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
120 km |
| Nov 9, 2009 |
3 km SE of Marion, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
108 km |
| Jan 25, 1990 |
1 km ESE of Garland, Tennessee |
M2.5 |
137 km |
| Apr 6, 2007 |
6 km NW of Earle, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
138 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Katrina (2005, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 1 |
275 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
426 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 105 fatalities, 1,014 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 23, 2015 |
EF4 |
30 km |
9 |
| Apr 19, 1970 |
EF4 |
63 km |
4 |
| Apr 29, 1963 |
EF4 |
80 km |
3 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
58 km |
16 |
| Mar 24, 2023 |
EF3 |
92 km |
2 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
76 km |
4 |
| May 2, 2010 |
EF3 |
58 km |
3 |
| May 8, 2008 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
5 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
41 km |
6 |
| Jan 3, 2000 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
83 km |
3 |
| Mar 22, 1991 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Dec 21, 1990 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
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 |
15 km |
| 2014 |
C-55 CHILLI LAKE |
3,555 |
50 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,152 |
46 km |
| 2014 |
C-39 EAST CHEWALLA |
3,107 |
46 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,031 |
51 km |
| 2022 |
HOLLY SPRINGS BB 119/90/88 |
2,955 |
18 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,848 |
43 km |
| 2006 |
WITCHDCE W |
2,846 |
73 km |
| 2014 |
C-84 BAGLEY BOTTOMS |
2,766 |
17 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,645 |
16 km |
| 2013 |
MIDWAY CEM PRESCRIBED BURN |
2,513 |
20 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,376 |
52 km |
| 2007 |
WITCHDANCE EAST |
2,285 |
74 km |
| 2013 |
PUSKUS LAKE |
2,271 |
19 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,248 |
35 km |
| 2021 |
TOMBIGBEE CPT - 18/19/23/24 |
2,201 |
73 km |
| 2022 |
HOLLY SPRINGS BB 51/52/53 |
2,182 |
52 km |
| 2010 |
COMP 42 |
2,142 |
43 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,073 |
18 km |
| 2022 |
HOLLY SPRINGS BB10 11 12 14 |
1,977 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
41°F (5°C) |
4.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
44°F (7°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
6.0 in |
Wettest |
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| May |
69°F (20°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| June |
76°F (25°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.3 in |
Driest |
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
62°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| November |
52°F (11°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| December |
43°F (6°C) |
5.8 in |
|
University has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 41°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 57.1 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.0") and August the driest (3.3").
Average costs for common services in University. 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 | $476 |
| Toddler | $434 |
| Preschool | $434 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About University
What is the population of University?
University has a population of 4,899 residents and is located in Mississippi. The population density is 6,999 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 19.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55% female and 45% male.
Is University expensive to live in?
University is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87 / below the baseline of 100.
Is University safe?
University 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, University receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in University?
University enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 41°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 60.5 inches, with 1.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in University?
The job market in University is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $974. There are 1,553 business establishments in the area, including 209 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 7 minutes, and 20.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in University?
Schools in University score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average.
How healthy is University?
The obesity rate in University is 42.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.9% of adults are smokers. 36.6% are physically inactive. 21.5% of residents report depression. 13.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 77.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,422.
What is transportation like in University?
The average commute in University is 7 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 46.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 20.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of University?
The racial and ethnic makeup of University is 74.2% White, 11.9% Black or African American, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino. 97.7% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 2.6% of residents have a disability. 96.3% have health insurance coverage.