Oxford, Mississippi
|
|
Oxford is a city located in Lafayette County, Mississippi. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 11,756. It is the county seat of Lafayette CountyTemplate:GR. Oxford is the home of the University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss.
| Contents |
Geography
Oxford is located at 34°21'35" North, 89°31'34" West (34.359837, -89.526242)Template:GR.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 25.8 km² (10.0 mi²). 25.8 km² (10.0 mi²) of it is land and 0.10% is water.
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there are 11,756 people, 5,327 households, and 2,109 families residing in the city. The population density is 455.3/km² (1,179.1/mi²). There are 6,137 housing units at an average density of 237.7/km² (615.5/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 75.01% White, 20.95% African American, 0.12% Native American, 2.68% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.36% from other races, and 0.87% from two or more races. 1.04% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 5,327 households out of which 17.5% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 26.9% are married couples living together, 10.1% have a female householder with no husband present, and 60.4% are non-families. 37.9% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.2% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.05 and the average family size is 2.78.
In the city the population is spread out with 14.9% under the age of 18, 31.6% from 18 to 24, 27.0% from 25 to 44, 13.5% from 45 to 64, and 13.0% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 26 years. For every 100 females there are 100.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 100.0 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $20,526, and the median income for a family is $45,700. Males have a median income of $33,750 versus $22,284 for females. The per capita income for the city is $18,672. 31.1% of the population and 11.6% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 12.7% of those under the age of 18 and 14.8% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Other facts
William Faulkner adopted Oxford as his hometown, and in fact Lafayette County, Mississippi was used as a model for the fictional Yoknapatawpha County. His former home, Rowan Oak, is a tourist attraction in Oxford.
John Grisham also has a home in Oxford. He received a law degree from the University of Mississippi in 1981.
Oxford is also a thriving art town. Authors Barry Hannah and Tom Franklin live in Oxford as well.
The town square, generally called "The Square," is the social and economic hub of the city.