Water Valley, MS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,376
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$42,684/yr
-9.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,600
3.7% year-over-year change

Water Valley population

How many people live in Water Valley

Water Valley is home to 3,376 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 43.1% of Water Valley locals are male, and 56.9% are female.

Total population
3,376
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
43.1%
1,456
Female
56.9%
1,920
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,456 43.1% -4.9%
Female 1,920 56.9% 3.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Water Valley is 32, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.3% are children under 15, then 16% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.9% of the population, while another 17.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
32
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.3%
15 to 24
16%
25 to 44
27.9%
45 to 64
17.9%
Over 65
18.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 653 19.3% 3.3%
15 to 24 541 16% 33.6%
25 to 44 942 27.9% -14.9%
45 to 64 603 17.9% 12.9%
Over 65 637 18.9% -9.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Water Valley, 99.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 3.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.6%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,357 99.4% -0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 19 0.6% 11.8%
Racial breakdown
White
47%
Black or African American
48.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.7%
Other
1%
Value Percent
White 1,585 47%
Black or African American 1,632 48.3%
Two or more races 125 3.7%
Other 34 1%

Households in Water Valley

A peek inside Water Valley households

Water Valley has 1,249 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 65% are families, while the remaining 35% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,249
1.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
437
Family households
812
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 437 35% 24.1%
Family households 812 65% -7.5%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Water Valley

The housing landscape of Water Valley

Water Valley's housing consists of 1,600 units, with 65.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 8.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,600
3.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,041 65.1%
1 unit, attached 11 0.7%
2 units 148 9.2%
3 or 4 units 8 0.5%
5 to 9 units 30 1.9%
10 to 19 units 195 12.2%
20 to 49 units 14 0.9%
50 or more units 23 1.4%
Mobile home 130 8.1%
Homes built since 2020
15
-25.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Water Valley

In Water Valley, the median construction year is 1972. About 12.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 201 12.6% 9.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 22 1.4% -48.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 283 17.7% 6.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 237 14.8% 24.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 272 17% 5.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 359 22.4% -8.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 86 5.4% 36.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 69 4.3% -31.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 56 3.5% 86.7%
Built in 2020 or later 15 0.9% -25.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Water Valley occupancy rates

Out of the 1,249 occupied housing units in Water Valley, 48.8% are owner-occupied, while 51.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 21.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,249
1.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
640
Owner occupied
609
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 640 51.2% 17.2%
Owner occupied 609 48.8% -11.0%
Unoccupied housing units
21.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Water Valley housing costs

Housing costs in Water Valley come to a median of $672 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $606.

Median housing costs per month
$672/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Water Valley
$606/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Water Valley

Water Valley education at a glance

About 45.8% of the population in Water Valley went to high school, while 20.9% pursued college studies. Another 7.4% earned an associate degree and 13.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 144 5.6% 16.1%
High school diploma 1,184 45.8% -11.2%
College diploma 541 20.9% -9.5%
Associate degree 191 7.4% -5.9%
Bachelor's degree 345 13.3% 28.7%
Graduate degree 183 7.1% 72.6%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Water Valley

How much people earn in Water Valley

The average annual household income in Water Valley was $64,152 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $42,684, reflecting a -9.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Water Valley
$64,152/year
3.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Water Valley
$42,684/year
-9.5% year-over-year change

Water Valley income by age

In Water Valley, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $58,125. Overall, 72.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $58,125 N/A
Over 65 $36,908 -19.8%
Above poverty level
2,330
Below poverty level
870
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,330 72.8% 0.9%
Below poverty level 870 27.2% -1.0%

Average renter income in Water Valley

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Water Valley, their median household income was $33,693 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 21.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$33,693
Rent-to-income ratio
21.6%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Water Valley

Workforce and job types in Water Valley

The job market in Water Valley is powered by 1,460 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 79.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.5% run their own businesses, 66.1% are employed by private companies, and 14.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,460
0.0% year-over-year change
White collar
1,160
Blue collar
300
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,160 79.4% 8.0%
Blue collar 300 20.6% -22.3%
Employer type
Self employees
11.5%
Private companies
66.1%
Governmental workers
14.1%
Not for profit companies
8.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 168 11.5% 22.6%
Private companies 965 66.1% -10.1%
Governmental workers 206 14.1% 12.0%
Not for profit companies 121 8.3% 83.3%
Unemployment rate
3.0%
-25.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Water Valley stands at 3%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Water Valley

How people get around in Water Valley

Commuting methods vary: 91.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,332 91.9% -2.5%
Motorcycle 16 1.1% -55.6%
Walk 17 1.2% 183.3%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Water Valley by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
38965 8,963 3,403 $58,258 $73,137

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FAQs about Water Valley demographics 

What is the total population of Water Valley?

Water Valley has a total population of 3,376 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Water Valley?

The gender ratio in Water Valley is as follows:
  • 43.1% males (1,456 residents)
  • 56.9% females (1,920 residents)

What is the median age in Water Valley?

The median age in Water Valley is 32.

What is the age distribution of the population in Water Valley?

The age distribution in Water Valley is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.3% (653 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16% (541 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.9% (942 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 17.9% (603 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.9% (637 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Water Valley?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Water Valley is as follows:
  • White: 47% (1,585 residents)
  • Black or African American: 48.3% (1,632 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.7% (125 residents)
  • Other: 1% (34 residents)

What percentage of the population in Water Valley are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.4% of the population in Water Valley.

How many housing units are there in Water Valley?

There are 1,600 housing units in Water Valley, reflecting a +3.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Water Valley and what is the average household size?

Water Valley has a total of 1,249 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Water Valley?

Water Valley has a median household income of $42,684, representing a -9.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Water Valley?

The employment rate is 97% in Water Valley, with a workforce of 1,460 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.4% (1,160 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.6% (300 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.5% (168 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.1% (965 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.1% (206 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.3% (121 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025