Greenville, MS: The 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

1. Greenville: The Data Profile (2026)

Greenville represents a distinct micro-economy defined by a significant divergence between local purchasing power and national benchmarks. The city's population stands at 28,833, classifying it as a small urban center. The primary economic constraint for incoming residents is the median household income, recorded at $36,297. This figure represents a staggering -51.3% deviation from the United States median of $74,580.

The educational attainment landscape further defines the local labor pool, with 20.2% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly below the US average of 33.1%.

Statistical Target Demographic:
The data suggests Greenville is best suited for remote-first professionals leveraging out-of-state salaries, or individuals in localized industries (agriculture, logistics, healthcare support) where local cost-of-living adjustments offset the lower nominal income. It is not currently a hub for high-earning corporate transplants based on local salary bands.

2. Cost of Living Analysis

[TABLE 1: Monthly Budget Breakdown]

Disposable Income Analysis:
The cost of living index for essentials (Housing, Groceries, Transportation, Healthcare) is 100.0, matching the national average. However, the critical data point is the $36,297 median income. For a single person, the calculated monthly budget of $2,315 consumes 76.6% of the pre-tax median monthly income. This indicates a "tight" budget for median earners, with disposable income heavily reliant on the 13.39 cents/kWh electricity rate, which is 16.3% cheaper than the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

3. Housing Market Deep Dive

[TABLE 2: Housing Market Data]

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
Greenville is a strong market for ownership relative to renting. The median home price of $145,000 is $275,000 below the national average. The price-to-income ratio is approximately 4.0x, which is historically considered affordable, compared to the national average of 5.6x. Renting is also highly affordable, with 1BR units at $800. However, given the low median income, securing a mortgage may still be difficult for local earners. For remote workers, buying offers a 56.8% discount on square footage compared to the national average.

4. Economic & Job Market Outlook

RTO & Commute Impact:
Greenville is a post-remote economy friendly location. With a population of 28,833, traffic congestion is negligible. Average commute times are estimated under 20 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 27 minutes. This lack of congestion is a major value-add for hybrid workers.

Local Industry Stability:
The local economy is anchored by manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture. The unemployment rate stands at 3.8%, which is favorable compared to the US average of 4.0%. This low unemployment rate suggests labor market stability despite the low median income, indicating that jobs are available, though they may not command high salaries.

5. Quality of Life Audit

[TABLE 3: Quality of Life Metrics]

Safety Analysis:
Note: Specific crime data was not provided in the verified set, but historical trends for similar demographics suggest property crime rates may exceed the national average per 100k residents. Exercise standard urban precautions.

Air Quality Analysis:
Greenville boasts superior air quality. The AQI of 35 is well within the "Good" range, and PM2.5 levels at 5.0 µg/m³ are 40% lower than the US average. This is a significant health benefit.

Schools & Weather:
The weather currently reflects a seasonal shift, with a high of 56°F and a low of 28°F. The region experiences distinct seasons with hot summers and mild winters. School ratings generally correlate with the 20.2% college education rate, often scoring below the national average of 8/10.

6. The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Affordability: Median home price of $145,000 is 65.5% cheaper than the US average.
• Air Quality: AQI of 35 and PM2.5 of 5.0 µg/m³ are excellent.
• Low Unemployment: Rate of 3.8% indicates available jobs.
• Low Electricity Costs: 13.39¢/kWh is 16.3% below the national average.

Cons:

• Income Ceiling: Median income of $36,297 is 51.3% lower than the US average.
• Health Risks: Extremely high rates of Obesity (45.6%), Diabetes (22.5%), and Smoking (22.3%).
• Educational Attainment: Only 20.2% of the population is college-educated, which may impact social networking for professionals.

Recommendation:
Greenville is a high-value relocation target for remote workers earning an out-of-state salary. The housing arbitrage opportunity (buying at $95/sqft) is massive. However, for local earners, the $36,297 median income creates a difficult financial environment due to costs matching the national average. It is not recommended for those seeking a highly educated peer group or those relying on local job markets for six-figure incomes.

7. FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Greenville?
For a single person, a salary of $55,000 allows for comfortable living and savings, significantly above the local median of $36,297. For a family, $85,000+ is recommended.

2. How does the value proposition compare to other cities?
Greenville offers a -65.5% discount on housing compared to the US average. While income is lower, the purchasing power for real estate is among the highest in the region.

3. Are the safety statistics reliable?
While specific verified data was not provided, the low population density of 28,833 generally correlates with lower violent crime rates, though property crime requires vigilance.

4. Is now the right time to move?
Yes. With a Housing Index of 100.0 (at the national baseline) but median prices at $145,000, the market is stable. The current weather of 56°F makes for an easy transition period.