Regional Profile
32
median population age
128K
current population
86.5
cost of living index
19.8
mean commute time (minutes)
Lowndes County
Life in Lowndes County offers a blend of historic Southern charm, natural recreation, and affordable living. The county seat and largest city is Columbus, Mississippi.
Columbus has plenty to see and do, including historic antebellum homes, historic sites, scenic walking trails along the Tombigbee River, fishing or camping at Lake Lowndes State Park, and annual festivals. Columbus is home to The W – Mississippi University for Women with a strong nursing program, a college of arts and sciences and business and professional studies.
The cost of living is more affordable than the national average at 75.4.
Clay County
Life moves a little slower in Clay County, with a warm, welcoming community in a rural environment. The small-town charm of West Point, the seat of Clay County, offers affordable living with an abundance of outdoor recreation and natural beauty.
With a vibrant arts scene and historic sites like Waverly Mansion, residents have plenty to do. Old Waverly Golf Club is an award-winning course with offers lodging, dining, and events.
The cost of living is more affordable than the national average at 78.7.
Oktibbeha County
Oktibbeha County living offers a unique blend of small-town charm anchored by Starkville, Mississippi (the county seat and largest city), together with access to outdoor recreation, a university-town vibe, and cost-of-living advantages.
With Starkville as the hub, there’s no shortage of things happening. Explore the historic and walkable Cotton District with restaurants, boutiques, and students/members of the community mixing together.
If you love the outdoors, check out the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge (nearby) for kayaking, hiking, fishing, or bird watching. There are festivals, arts events, and Mississippi State University sports.
The cost of living is more affordable than the national average at 81.
Educational Attainment
The labor force’s educational attainment versus the education and training requirements of companies within the GTR tri-county region show 33.1% of the current jobs (all occupations) in the region require a two-year certificate/degree or higher, compared to 45.6% of the current workforce having a two-year certificate/degree or higher.
Education Breakdown of the Workforce
8.8%
Master’s Degree
20.6%
4-year Degree
12.2%
2-year Degree
21.9%
Some College
Industry Snapshot in the Golden Triangle Region (2022)
The top 5 industry sectors account for 64.2% of the total employment within the tri-county region » two of the top five sectors have annual wages higher than the regional average ($41,194) – Health Care and Social Assistance ($50,817) and Manufacturing ($60,969).
17.1%
9,283
Education Services
12.3%
6,699
Retail Trade
12.1%
6,547
Health Care & Social Assistance
11.4%
6,166
Manufacturing
11.3%
6,131
Accommodation & Food Services
Sectors in the GTR Tri-County Region with the highest average wages per worker are Management of Companies and Enterprises ($89,704), Utilities ($70,210), and Manufacturing ($60,969). Regional sectors with the best job growth (or most moderate job losses) over the last 5 years are Construction (+180 jobs), Public Administration (+176), and Health Care and Social Assistance (+111).