Median Income
$47,167
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$111,000
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.9%
56% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$592
49% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.7%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
23.0%
85% higher than US avg
How Water Valley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,380
Median Age32.9 yrs
Density482/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 46%
Economy
B
Median Income$47,167
Per Capita$23,936
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty23.0%
County GDP$368M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$111,000
Rent$592
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$175,929
Health
Obesity40.7%
UninsuredN/A
Depression20.8%
Heart Disease7.2%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F
AQI43 (Good)
Rain58.6 in/yr
Elevation324 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.9%
High School+84.8%
School Score4.42
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 39%
Commute24 min
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Water Valley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Water Valley receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Water Valley offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Water Valley is $47,167, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. The poverty rate of 23.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Water Valley is $111,000, 61% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $592 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
14.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Water Valley enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 58.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Water Valley has a population of 3,380 with a density of 482 people per square mile. The median age is 32.9 years, 15% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly Black (51.6%), with 45.7% White.
Population
32.9yrs
Median Age
15% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Water Valley vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 97.6% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Spanish | 2.4% |
| 82% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
Water Valley vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Water Valley is $47,167, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 23.0% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Income: Water Valley vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,167 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,936 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $815 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $48,344 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 23.0% |
| 85% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 206 |
| County GDP | $368M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 13 |
| Retail | 45 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,085 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.88% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.8 min |
| Work from Home | 1.9% |
The median home value in Water Valley is $111,000, 61% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $592 (49% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $175,929.
Home Values
| Census Median | $111,000 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $175,929 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $592 |
| 49% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $751 |
| 1 Bedroom | $782 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $924 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,177 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,085 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.88% |
In Water Valley, 40.7% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 20.8% report depression. 37.7% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Water Valley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.2% |
| Heart Disease | 7.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 44.6% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 9.2% |
| Stroke | 4.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 13.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 37.7% |
| Depression | 20.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 15.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.0% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 79.8% |
| Premature Death | 16,349/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
Crime Rates: Water Valley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
Safety Score
Water Valley has an average annual temperature of 62°F (16°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation is 58.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Temperature
41°F Jan (5°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 61.5°F |
| 14% above US avg |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 58.6 inches |
| 54% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 1.2 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 324 ft (99 m) |
| Area | 7.0 sq mi (18.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 482/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.1620°N, 89.6301°W |
| County FIPS | 28161 |