City Report · MS

Oxford

Pop. 26,411·3rd most expensive in Mississippi·Rental market data updated monthly for Oxford, MS
Median rent (all units)
$2,108/mo
Year-over-Year
-3.6%
Month-over-Month
-0.4%
vs US Median
+$143
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Oxford · $2,108
More expensive than 65% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
87/100
Great value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 19% below what Oxford's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,108/mo
Expected by trend
$2,586/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Oxford's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,120
1 BR
$1,130
2 BR
$1,330
3 BR
$1,670
4 BR+
$1,760
Research median
$1,330/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$25,296/yr
At $2,108/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are softening (down 3.6% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.
Based on rent-price momentum (-3.6% YoY, -0.4% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Oxford, MS is majority renter-occupied, skews toward younger working-age adults, has a median income below the national average, 57.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
26,411
Median income
$64,451
Median age
30.3
Renters
56.8%
Age distribution
18%
40.2%
20%
13.9%
Under 1818%
18–3440.2%
35–5420%
55–647.8%
65+13.9%
Gender
46.4%
53.6%
Male46.4%
Female53.6%
Race & ethnicity
66.3%
25.5%
White66.3%
Black25.5%
Hispanic4%
Asian2.9%
Other1.4%
Education (25+)
13.3%
21.8%
57.5%
No HS diploma7.4%
HS diploma13.3%
Some college21.8%
Bachelor's+57.5%
Housing tenure
43.2%
56.8%
Owner43.2%
Renter56.8%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2022 vs 2026

How Oxford, MS has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,382 → $2,108
up 52.5%
Income
$51,096 → $64,451
up 26.1%
Population
25,859 → 26,411
up 2.1%
Renter share
58.6% → 56.8%
-1.8 pts
Bachelor's+
58.2% → 57.5%
-0.7 pts
Median age
27.7 → 30.3
+2.6 yrs

Compared with 2022, rent in Oxford, MS has climbed by $726 per month, settling near $2,108 after starting the period at $1,382. Census figures show median household income at $64,451 today, compared with $51,096 five years earlier. Rent outpaced income growth by roughly 26.4 percentage points, which means renters are spending a larger slice of each paycheck on housing than they did in 2021. Headcount in the area went from 25,859 to 26,411 between 2021 and 2024, a 2.1% change. About 56.8% of households rent today, against 58.6% in 2021. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2022.

Community

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View Oxford rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Oxford on your salary?

At $2,108/mo, how Oxford rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Oxford rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Oxford. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Oxford

About renting in Oxford, MS

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Oxford is $2,108/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,120/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,330/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,130/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,670/mo.

At 39% of local median household income ($64,451/yr), Oxford ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 3.6% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Oxford an affordable city for renters?

Oxford is considered moderate for renters. At $2,108/mo, rent takes approximately 39% of the local median household income ($64,451/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Oxford slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Oxford?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $84,000/year (~$40/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,108/mo in Oxford. The local median household income is $64,451/yr, meaning the typical Oxford household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Oxford?

Rent in Oxford has decreased 3.6% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does Oxford rent compare to other cities in Mississippi?

Oxford is one of the pricier cities in Mississippi for rent, ranking #3 out of 28 tracked cities at $2,108/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Oxford?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Oxford ($2,108/mo): Southaven ($1,540/mo), Horn Lake ($1,571/mo), Olive Branch ($1,896/mo).

What percentage of Oxford residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 56.8% of Oxford households are renters, while 43.2% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Oxford has a strong rental market.

How does Oxford rent compare to the national average?

Oxford's median rent of $2,108/mo is $143 (7%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Mississippi, it ranks #3 out of 28 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
39%
MODERATE

At $2,108/mo, rent takes ~39% of Oxford's median household income ($64,451/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Oxford 39%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.7%
Run the Oxford affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Oxford, MS

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