Is Amory Safe, Pros and cons of living in Amory

Amory, Mississippi, offers a glimpse into small-town American life, characterized by its community-oriented atmosphere and a slower pace. Situated in Monroe County, the city presents a unique blend of Southern charm and practical living. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview for those considering a move to Amory, covering essential aspects of life in this Mississippi community.

The city of Amory is home to approximately 6,500 residents, reflecting a stable population with a slight decline in recent years. Its demographic makeup is predominantly White, with a significant Black or African American population, and smaller percentages of other racial and ethnic groups. This composition contributes to the town’s distinct cultural fabric, offering a rich tapestry of traditions and community interactions. Understanding these foundational elements is key to appreciating the lifestyle Amory provides.

Is it Safe to Live in Amory?

When considering a move to any new location, safety is a paramount concern. Amory, Mississippi, presents a nuanced picture regarding crime rates. The overall crime rate in Amory is reported to be higher than the national average by 48% (according to AreaVibes). This statistic suggests that residents may face a higher likelihood of encountering crime compared to the national norm.

Breaking down the crime statistics further, violent crimes in Amory are reported to be 76% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). This means that while Amory may not have an exceptionally high number of violent incidents, the rate per capita is notably elevated. Property crime also shows an increase, being 42.4% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). These figures indicate that potential residents should be aware of the crime landscape and take appropriate precautions.

Despite the elevated statistics compared to the national average, it is important to note that safety can vary significantly by neighborhood within Amory. Some areas are considered safer than others, with the northeast part of the city generally regarded as the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Furthermore, Amory’s crime rate is reported to be 2% below the national average as of May 2026, with specific crime types like murder, aggravated assault, robbery, and vehicle theft being below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). This suggests that while overall crime statistics might appear high, specific types of crime are less prevalent than in other areas.

Housing Costs and Living Expenses

Amory offers a cost of living that is generally more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living in Amory is 17% lower than the U.S. national average (as reported by Salary.com). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, making it an attractive option for those seeking to reduce their expenses.

Housing costs are a significant factor in the overall cost of living, and Amory presents a favorable market in this regard. The median home value in Amory is approximately $162,000 (as reported by Data USA), which is considerably lower than the national median home value of $332,700 (as reported by Data USA). This makes homeownership more accessible for many residents. The homeownership rate in Amory is 62.4% (as reported by Data USA), indicating a solid proportion of residents who own their homes.

Rental costs in Amory are also relatively low. The median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Amory, MS, is $275 as of May 2026 (as reported by Zumper). This figure is substantially lower than the national average rent. However, it’s worth noting that rental listings can be scarce, with reports indicating zero rental listings in some recent analyses (as reported by Realtor.com® Research). This limited availability might influence rental prices and options for prospective renters.

The Job Market and Economic Landscape

The employment sector in Amory is characterized by a mix of industries, with manufacturing and healthcare playing significant roles. From 2023 to 2024, employment in Amory saw a slight growth of 0.132%, with the number of employees remaining steady at around 3,040 (as reported by Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents include Manufacturing, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Accommodation & Food Services.

The average salary in Amory, MS, is around $44,441 annually, which equates to approximately $21.37 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This figure falls within a broad range, with most salaries falling between $30,426 and $54,874 annually. Some of the top-paying professions in Amory include Nurse Practitioner, Engineer, and Construction roles.

The unemployment rate in Amory stands at approximately 7% (as reported by Point2Homes) or 7.4% (as reported by Amory, Mississippi Population History). While this rate is higher than the national average, it reflects the general economic conditions within the region. The most common job groups among Amory residents are in Production Occupations, Office & Administrative Support, and Sales & Related Occupations.

Climate and Weather Patterns

Amory experiences a climate typical of the Southeastern United States, with distinct seasons. The summers are long, hot, and humid, while the winters are short, cold, and wet. The weather throughout the year is generally partly cloudy (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Temperatures in Amory typically range from 36°F to 94°F over the course of the year, with rare dips below 22°F or highs above 100°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The hottest month is July, with average high temperatures around 94°F and lows around 72°F. Conversely, January is the coldest month, with average lows of 36°F and highs of 55°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Rainfall is distributed throughout the year in Amory. The month with the most rain is typically December, with an average of 5.2 inches, while August receives the least, with about 2.8 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The chance of a wet day is higher from December to August, with July having the most wet days. Snowfall is minimal, with an average annual snowfall of 0 inches (as reported by Livability.com).

Education and School System

Amory is served by the Amory School District and the Monroe County School District, providing educational opportunities for its young residents. The Amory School District has an overall Niche grade of A minus and serves approximately 1,461 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, with a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1 (as reported by Niche). According to state test scores, 68% of students are proficient in math and 52% in reading within this district.

Several schools in the Amory area have received positive rankings. East Amory Elementary School, for instance, has earned a 4-star rating and consistently ranks among the top elementary schools in Mississippi, particularly noted for high test scores in math and science (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Amory Middle School also maintains a strong standing, placing in the top tier of middle schools statewide with above-average test scores.

Amory High School has shown improvement in its state ranking, moving up significantly in recent years and achieving test scores above the state averages in several subjects (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Public schools in Amory generally demonstrate strong performance, with higher math and reading proficiency scores compared to the Mississippi state average (as reported by Public School Review). The student-teacher ratio in Amory public schools is generally lower than the state average, suggesting smaller class sizes.

Demographics and Community Profile

Amory, Mississippi, is a community with a population of approximately 6,500 residents (as reported by Data USA). The city’s demographic profile is predominantly White, making up about 64.1% of the population, followed by Black or African American residents at 28.0%. Other racial and ethnic groups, including Hispanic and Multiracial individuals, constitute smaller percentages of the total population (as reported by Census Dots).

The median age in Amory is around 42.6 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females to males (as reported by Amory, Mississippi Population History). The age distribution shows a significant segment of the population in the 45-64 age bracket, with substantial portions also in the younger adult and older age groups.

Economically, Amory has a median household income of approximately $52,901 (as reported by Amory, Mississippi Population History). However, a notable portion of the population, around 16.4%, lives below the poverty line (as reported by Data USA), which is higher than the national average. This economic disparity highlights a key characteristic of the community.