Discover the 10 Most Educated Places in Mississippi

Although some states rank higher than others in terms of educational attainment, within any given state, population groupings may stand out. These tend to be college towns, towns with technology businesses and large numbers of educated employees, and suburbs near large cities. To measure the educational attainment level of these Mississippi places, A-Z Animals utilized census records to find the percentage of residents 25 and over who hold a bachelor’s degree or above. We then limited the results to places with populations of at least 5,000 people. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, below are the 10 most educated places in Mississippi with populations of over 5,000.

10. Byram

Byram is the 10th most educated city in Mississippi, with 37.4% of the population at or over 25 years old holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. It is part of the Jackson Metropolitan Area, located south of the city, and has a population of 12,721. Byram is locally known as the home of the Swinging Bridge, which crosses the Pearl River and bears the weight of numerous locks placed upon the railings by local couples. It also has a farmers market, which would appeal to people looking for a sense of community.

9. Brandon

With 43% of its residents 25 years of age and older holding a bachelor’s degree or more, Brandon, Mississippi, probably owes its academic attainment to its status as the Rankin County seat. It is also a suburb of Jackson and has a population of 25,502. With cultural outlets, such as the Brandon Amphitheater, McClain Safari, and the Black Rose Theatre, there is plenty to keep the curious occupied in town.

8. Ocean Springs

Of people aged 25 or more in Ocean Springs, 43.6% have at least a bachelor’s degree. Located on the Gulf Coast, this diverse arts community was voted as one of the 10 happiest seaside towns by Coastal Living in 2015. With a population of 18,662, the city serves up a delightful assortment of art galleries, shops, and many ethnic restaurants. There is plenty to keep the liveliest minds occupied, with museums, beaches, parks, and trails. With the University of Southern Mississippi, the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, the GCRL Marine Education Center, the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, and the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center within the city limits, it’s no wonder the education level is so high.

7. Pass Christian

In Pass Christian, Mississippi, 44.8% of the adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree or more. The city is on the Gulf Coast, near the Naval Construction Battalion Center of Gulfport, the Atlantic base for the Seabees, which employs many engineers. Pass Christian also has the Chemours DeLisle titanium dioxide plant, which employs a number of scientists, engineers, and technicians. There is a walking tour in town and a scenic drive through the historic district. Unfortunately, Hurricane Katrina damaged or destroyed a significant number of Gulf Coast manors. The city has a population of 6,154.

6. Clinton

Considered one of Mississippi’s “Most Livable Cities,” Clinton can be proud that 47.2% of its population of 25 and over holds a bachelor’s degree or better. A suburb located west of Jackson, Clinton is home to Mississippi College and Hinds Community College and has a population of 26,996. Nature lovers can unwind on the trails at the Clinton Community Nature Center, while others may want to stroll Clinton’s historic Olde Towne neighborhood.

5. Starkville

With 47.3% of adults 25 years old and up having a bachelor’s degree or more, it should be no surprise that Starkville is a college town. Home to Mississippi State University and the county seat of Oktibbeha County, this town of 24,168 people hosts many arts and entertainment events. It is also home to several libraries, the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum, the Cobb Museum of Archaeology, and the Cotton District, which is a walkable residential community with bars, restaurants, and interesting architecture.

4. Ridgeland

Ridgeland is a Jackson suburb of 24,404 people located north of the city and south of Madison. Its population of adults 25 and over with at least a bachelor’s degree is 51.8%. The city is home to Holmes Community College and companies such as Bomgar, C Spire Wireless, and Cal-Maine Foods. The tax base established by these and other businesses has allowed Ridgeland to be aggressive in its development strategies. It has many shopping and dining opportunities, as well as hiking and biking trails and access to the Ross R. Barnett Reservoir.

3. Flowood

Flowood is a nice community to the northeast of Jackson that attracts educated workers from the city. Of the adults at or over 25 in Flowood, 52.8% of them have at least a bachelor’s degree. This city of 10,530 is home to the National Weather Service location that serves Jackson. It also has the University of Phoenix’s only Mississippi campus. The Jackson, Mississippi side has the Pearl River as its border, across which is LeFleur Bluff State Park. It also has the first city-owned indoor remote control off-road race track in the United States.

2. Oxford

Another college town, Oxford, Mississippi, has a 25-and-over population, with 58.5% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. This town of 26,437 is located just short of the Tennessee border, southeast of Memphis. Oxford is located right next to the University of Mississippi. The city was the hometown of William Faulkner. Its downtown Square boasts Square Books, an independent bookstore located in three buildings no more than 100 feet apart. It also has the Burns-Belfry Museum and Multicultural Center, which is dedicated to African American History.

1. Madison

Madison City, with a population of 27,775, is the most educated place in Mississippi. 67.7% of adults 25 and over have a bachelor’s degree or more. A northern suburb of Jackson, Mississippi, the city is home to a satellite campus of Jackson State University. Madison has many parks and trails, including Strawberry Patch Park and the Simmons Arboretum. The town also boasts quality schools, low crime, and affordable housing. It is no wonder that it is attractive to well-educated workers from Jackson.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Robby Followell / CC BY-SA 3.0 – License / Original