RANK #348 / 996 · POP 51,388 · MS
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.3%
Oktibbeha County, Mississippi, stands out as the home of Mississippi State University (MSU) in Starkville, a city often called "Mississippi's College Town." The county's name, derived from a Choctaw word meaning "icy creek," hints at its natural landscape. Located in east-central Mississippi, roughly 22 miles west of Columbus, the area offers a blend of academic energy and outdoor opportunities. Residents can explore the nearby Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, offering trails, wildlife viewing, and water activities. Commutes within the county are generally short, with an average travel time of 20.7 minutes.
Life in Oktibbeha County is shaped by its connection to Mississippi State University, which is the largest employer. The community includes a mix of young professionals and families, with public schools in the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District receiving above-average ratings. Recent economic developments in the county, part of the "Golden Triangle" region, have focused on strengthening sectors like advanced manufacturing and research, often in collaboration with MSU. The university's research programs and educational services are central to the local economy.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 5.1x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Project Trinity (North Star Industrial Park)
Undisclosed (Golden Triangle Development LINK)
|
$1,000M | Proposed |
|
Solar Farm (800 acres off Old West Point Road)
Emeren (aggregator), ultimately an unnamed solar company
|
$200M | Planned |
|
East Oktibbeha County Residential Development
Forest Street Partners
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Oktibbeha County has a Boom Town Index score of 65/100, ranking #348 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.5% and a median household income of $42,953, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Oktibbeha County is $211,200 with median rent at $880/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2034, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.1% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.5%. Home values changed +2.4% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 8.85% of Oktibbeha County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.