Water Valley ZIP Codes — Yalobusha County, MS

There is one unique ZIP code in Water Valley, Mississippi and it is 38965. Area code: 662.

ZIP codes

251.64

sq mi land

9.03

sq mi water

662

area code

Water Valley, MS ZIP code map

About Water Valley, MS

Water Valley is a picturesque city located in Mississippi's Yalobusha County. Known for its charming southern atmosphere, Water Valley offers a sense of community and rich cultural heritage. The city is characterized by its unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it an inviting destination for residents and visitors alike.

Location & geography

Water Valley is situated in the northern part of Mississippi, surrounded by a stunning landscape that includes rolling hills and lush greenery. The city is approximately 13 miles from the nearby community of Oxford, 29 miles from Grenada, and 75 miles from Memphis, TN. The total land area of Water Valley is 251.64 square miles, and it features a water area of 9.03 square miles, enhancing its scenic charm.

Community & economy

The character of Water Valley is defined by its close-knit community and friendly atmosphere, where residents take pride in their town. The local economy is supported by various industries, including agriculture and small businesses that contribute to daily life in the community. Residents enjoy a diverse range of activities and events that showcase the city’s cultural heritage, promoting a strong sense of identity.

Transportation

Water Valley is conveniently served by several major highways, including U.S. Route 61, providing easy access to neighboring cities and regions. The nearest named airport is the Oxford University Airport, located approximately 15 miles away, facilitating air travel for local residents. Public transit options are limited, but personal vehicles are commonly used for commuting and accessing nearby attractions.

History

Water Valley was founded in the mid-19th century and began to flourish due to the arrival of the railroad, which became a major factor in its development. Over the years, key industries such as agriculture and timber shaped the economic landscape of the city, fostering a vibrant community. Notable events in Water Valley's history include the preservation of its historic downtown area, which attracts visitors interested in its historical architecture.

Did you know?

A little-known fact about Water Valley is that it serves as the home to the annual Watermelon Festival, which celebrates local agriculture and fosters community spirit. Additionally, the city is recognized for its scenic views and recreational activities along the beautiful Yalobusha River.

ZIP codes for Water Valley, MS (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
38965	Water Valley	Yalobusha	View map

Demographics & statistics

8,807

Population

40.7

Median age

$52,418

Median household income

$27,139

Per capita income

$109,200

Median home value

$782

Median monthly rent

73.0%

Home ownership

17.0%

Poverty rate

3.5%

Unemployment

3,240

Housing units

16.7%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

318

Under 5

372

306

5–9

358

174

10–14

204

228

15–19

265

157

20–24

184

498

25–34

582

539

35–44

630

376

45–54

438

299

55–59

349

297

60–64

347

567

65–74

662

225

75–84

262

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	2,043	23.2%
18 and over	6,764	76.8%
65 and over	1,886	21.4%
Median age	40.7 years

Race & ethnicity

White 66.9%

Black or African American 31.5%

Two or more races 0.7%

Hispanic or Latino 0.3%

Other race 0.3%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.3%

Group	Count	%
White	5,910	66.9%
Black or African American	2,782	31.5%
Two or more races	63	0.7%
Hispanic or Latino	29	0.3%
Other race	28	0.3%
American Indian / Alaska Native	24	0.3%

Household income

Under $10k 3.9%

$10k–$15k 4.8%

$15k–$25k 11.8%

$25k–$35k 12.0%

$35k–$50k 14.6%

$50k–$75k 19.7%

$75k–$100k 13.4%

$100k–$150k 10.7%

$150k–$200k 8.0%

$200k+ 1.3%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	3.9%
$10k–$15k	4.8%
$15k–$25k	11.8%
$25k–$35k	12.0%
$35k–$50k	14.6%
$50k–$75k	19.7%
$75k–$100k	13.4%
$100k–$150k	10.7%
$150k–$200k	8.0%
$200k+	1.3%
Median income	$52,418

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 14.0%

$50k–$100k 32.0%

$100k–$150k 14.2%

$150k–$200k 17.8%

$200k–$300k 13.6%

$300k–$500k 4.8%

$500k–$1M 3.4%

$1M+ 0.4%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$109,200
Median rent / month	$782
Owner occupied	73.0%
Renter occupied	27.0%
Vacant	16.7%
Single-family detached	68.0%
Large apartment buildings	0.3%
Mobile homes	26.7%
Median rooms	5.6
Avg household size (owned)	2.38

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	1.2%
2010–2019	8.7%
2000–2009	10.5%
1990–1999	11.3%
1980–1989	23.7%
1970–1979	14.7%
1960–1969	10.7%
1950–1959	8.2%
1940–1949	2.2%
1939 or earlier	8.6%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.2%
1 bedroom	2.2%
2 bedrooms	27.5%
3 bedrooms	56.5%
4 bedrooms	11.9%
5+ bedrooms	1.6%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	4.8%
1 vehicle	25.4%
2 vehicles	44.5%
3 or more	25.3%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	15.6%
Electricity	49.2%
Propane / LP gas	30.5%
Wood	4.2%
No fuel used	0.5%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	1,684	48.3%
Cohabiting couple	188	5.4%
Male householder, no spouse	570	16.4%
Female householder, no spouse	1,041	29.9%
Households with children under 18	975	28.0%
Households with seniors (65+)	1,332	38.2%
Average household size	2.46

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	26.0%	28.9%
Married	51.4%	47.4%
Separated	6.7%	0.8%
Widowed	3.7%	10.6%
Divorced	12.1%	12.3%

Education

Less than 9th grade 4.7%

Some HS, no diploma 6.2%

HS graduate 39.4%

Some college, no degree 22.5%

Associate's degree 10.4%

Bachelor's degree 10.6%

Graduate / professional 6.1%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	89.0%
Bachelor's or higher	16.7%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	189	10.8%
Kindergarten	74	4.2%
Elementary school	769	44.1%
High school	393	22.5%
College / grad school	320	18.3%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 31.9%

Manufacturing 16.2%

Construction 10.2%

Professional & management 8.0%

Arts, food & hospitality 7.6%

Transportation & utilities 6.4%

Public administration 5.6%

Retail trade 5.4%

Other services 3.9%

Finance & real estate 3.1%

Agriculture & mining 1.0%

Information 0.7%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	32.1%
Service	25.3%
Sales & office	15.8%
Natural resources & construction	10.2%
Production & transportation	16.5%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	69.1%
Government	19.1%
Self-employed	11.5%
Unpaid family workers	0.3%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	90.6%
Carpool	5.5%
Public transit	0.2%
Walk	0.3%
Other means	0.7%
Avg commute (minutes)	26.7

Poverty

All people 17.0%

Under 18 years 25.9%

18 and over 14.2%

Married-couple families 3.0%

Female-led households 34.7%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	45.1%
Retirement income	23.8%
Supplemental Security	6.4%
Cash public assistance	1.0%
Food stamps / SNAP	10.4%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	44.4%
High cholesterol	37.1%
Heart disease	8.0%
Stroke	4.4%
Asthma	9.8%
Arthritis	31.1%
Kidney disease	3.6%
Pulmonary disease	8.7%
Cancer	6.9%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	13.5%
No physical activity	29.6%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	33.1%
Fair or poor health	21.0%
Poor mental health	14.8%
Poor physical health	12.0%
No health insurance	19.1%
Visited doctor (checkup)	78.0%
Visited dentist	54.0%
Cholesterol screening	89.4%
Teeth loss	18.4%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	525	7.8%

Disability	%
Any disability	15.9%
Under 18	3.9%
18–64 years	11.5%
65 and over	42.0%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	56.7%
Public insurance	43.7%
Uninsured under 19	1.4%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	8,117	92.2%
Spanish	47	0.6%
Other Indo-European	47	0.6%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	8,783	99.7%
Born in same state	8,768	99.6%
Born in different state	7,016	79.7%
Foreign born	15	0.2%
Naturalized citizen	24	0.3%
Not a US citizen	20	83.3%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	951	10.8%
Arab	638	7.2%
French	556	6.3%

Ancestry	Count	%
English	94	1.1%
German	13	0.1%
Polish	6	0.1%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	39.5%
Internet access	85.1%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Water Valley, MS have?

Water Valley, MS has one ZIP code: 38965. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.