Lafayette County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Lafayette County, MS had a population of approximately 54,019. The racial composition was 74.8% White, 20.4% African American, 2.2% Asian, and 2.6% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The median household income was around $54,200. The county covers about 679 square miles, and its primary city, Oxford, hosts the University of Mississippi, significantly influencing the local demographics. The age distribution showed a considerable young adult population due to the university, with 19% under 18 and 14% aged 65 and older.

Lafayette County, MS, has a median home price of approximately $235,000. Home appreciation over the last 10 years has been about 36.0%. The median rent is around $1,175 per month. The county boasts a homeownership rate of around 58.2%. Properties range from affordable student rentals near the University of Mississippi to more expensive suburban homes. The vacancy rate is about 11.5%, reflecting both owned and rental properties. The housing market here is influenced by the local economy, university presence, and regional growth trends.

In Lafayette County, MS, the 2023 elections feature several key races, including local, state legislative, and county-wide offices. Numeric voter turnout and exact figures often vary per precinct.

Key Elections and Candidates:

1. Board of Supervisors: Candidates compete in 5 districts; notable names include incumbents and newcomers.
2. Sheriff: Joey East (D) seeks re-election; challengers include Steve Quarles (R).
3. Circuit Clerk: Notable candidates include Ashlene Dunn Avent and Tiffany Kilpatrick.
4. State Senate (District 9): Incumbent Nicole Boyd (R) faces opposition.
5. State House (District 12): Treasurer candidates are close contenders.

For precise numbers, consult the Lafayette County Election Commission or their official website. Voting details, precinct locations, and more candidate info are provided closer to the election date.

Always check the latest updates from official sources and local news for the most accurate and recent data.

As of the latest data, Lafayette County, MS shows notable educational achievements. Approximately 91.8% of residents (aged 25 and older) have attained a high school diploma or higher. For higher education, around 42.4% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Comparatively, these numbers are higher than the Mississippi state averages, where roughly 85% of residents have completed high school, and about 22.3% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Nationally, the high school completion rate stands at approximately 88%, with around 33.1% of Americans possessing a bachelor’s degree or higher. Therefore, Lafayette County exhibits higher educational attainment levels both compared to state and national averages, reflecting a relatively well-educated population.

(Note: The specific numerical values might vary with newer updates, hence cross-referencing with the latest census or local data is recommended.)

As of recent data, Lafayette County, MS, has an unemployment rate of approximately 4.2%, slightly below the national average of 4.8% and the state average of 4.5%. The civilian labor force comprises around 29,000 individuals, with notable growth in employment over the past couple of years.

Top industries in Lafayette County include:

1. Education and Health Services: Around 30% of total employment, significantly higher than the national average of 23%.
2. Retail Trade: Approximately 14%, slightly above the national figure of 11%.
3. Accommodation and Food Services: Around 12%, in line with the national average of 11%.

The presence of the University of Mississippi bolsters education-related employment, making the education sector particularly prominent compared to national and state levels. Retail and hospitality also benefit from the university's influence and the county's growing population.

As of the most recent data, Lafayette County, MS, has a median household income of approximately $50,000. In comparison, the state of Mississippi has a median household income of around $45,000, indicating that Lafayette County performs slightly better economically than the state average. On a national level, the median household income in the United States stands at approximately $68,700, suggesting that Lafayette County lags behind the national average.

Here's a quick comparison:

Lafayette County's income is above the state average but significantly below the national average. This indicates a relative economic advantage within the state but highlights a gap when compared against national figures.

As of the latest available data in 2023, Lafayette County, MS, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The overall crime rate is around 1,975 per 100,000 people. Here's a breakdown of various types of crimes recorded:

Violent crime is notably lower than the national average, which stands at approximately 380 per 100,000 people. Property crimes such as burglary and larceny-theft are the most common, but still fall below national levels. The data indicates that Lafayette County remains a relatively safe area.