Moving to Rienzi, Mississippi

by btobers · Published June 19, 2019 · Updated November 18, 2024

Rienzi is located in northeastern Mississippi and is nestled among the rolling hills of Tishomingo County. The city has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers, mild winters, and plenty of precipitation throughout the year.

Rienzi has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s when it was first settled by the Chickasaw Indians. The city was officially incorporated in 1856 and has since become known as a small but thriving agricultural community. It is home to many small businesses, farms, and ranches that are supported by a strong local economy.

Politics in Rienzi are largely conservative with most citizens supporting Republican candidates in elections. Despite its rural location, Rienzi is home to several prominent political figures including former Governor Haley Barbour and current Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves.

Rienzi is served by two public school districts: Tishomingo County School District and Alcorn School District. These districts offer students excellent educational opportunities from kindergarten through twelfth grade as well as access to extracurricular activities such as sports teams and clubs.

Rienzi also boasts several landmarks that attract visitors from all over the world including the historic Rienzi Mansion which was built in 1855 and is now open for tours; the famous Hatley Bridge which crosses over Hatchie River; and Tishomingo State Park which offers camping, hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, and more activities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Population: 330. Estimated population in July 2024: 326 (-1.2% change)
Males: 160 (48.5%), Females: 170 (51.5%)

Alcorn County

Zip code: 38865

Demographics

Median resident age: 38.8 years
Median household income: $26,563
Median house value: $46,800

Population by Race

Races in Rienzi:

White Non-Hispanic (67.9%)
Black (28.5%)
Hispanic (3.6%)
Other race (2.1%)

Ancestries: United States (30.3%), English (8.8%), Irish (4.8%).

Elevation: 437 feet

Land area: 1.0 square miles

Population by Education

Rienzi, Mississippi is a small town located in Alcorn County, with a population of 1,543 residents. It is a rural community with many of the residents living in small family farms located on the outskirts of town. The majority of the population is white, accounting for 96.3% of the total population. African American and Hispanic populations account for 2.2% and 0.6% respectively. The median household income is $35,000 per year, which is below the national average and reflects the mostly rural nature of the area. The unemployment rate stands at 5%, which is slightly above average for Mississippi.

Education in Rienzi is provided by Alcorn County School District and consists of one elementary school and one middle school where students can earn their high school diploma upon completion. There are also several private schools which offer additional educational opportunities to those who wish to pursue them further. Additionally, there are several local churches that serve as spiritual centers for those who wish to attend services or join bible studies or other activities held within their walls.

The people of Rienzi are close-knit and friendly; they take great pride in their community and take care of each other when help is needed. There are many different organizations dedicated to helping those in need such as food banks, clothing drives, and medical assistance programs that have been established by local businesses or churches over time to provide assistance when needed most. Residents also enjoy gathering together for events such as parades or festivals throughout the year to celebrate their culture and heritage as well as provide entertainment for all ages to enjoy together during these special times

For population 25 years and over in Rienzi

High school or higher: 65.7%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 5.2%
Graduate or professional degree: 4.3%
Unemployed: 4.6%
Mean travel time to work: 34.9 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Rienzi town

Never married: 21.5%
Now married: 54.6%
Separated: 0.0%
Widowed: 13.1%
Divorced: 10.8%

2.4% Foreign born (2.4% Latin America).

Population change in the 1990s: -9 (-2.7%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Rienzi:

BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL BOONEVILLE (about 8 miles; BOONEVILLE, MS)
MAGNOLIA REGIONAL HEALTH CENTER (about 12 miles; CORINTH, MS)
TISHOMINGO HEALTH SERVICES INC (about 23 miles; IUKA, MS)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Rienzi:

TUPELO RGNL (about 38 miles; TUPELO, MS; Abbreviation: TUP)
MC KELLAR-SIPES REGIONAL (about 62 miles; JACKSON, TN; Abbreviation: MKL)
NORTHWEST ALABAMA RGNL (about 65 miles; MUSCLE SHOALS, AL; Abbreviation: MSL)

Other public-use airports nearest to Rienzi:

ROSCOE TURNER (about 11 miles; CORINTH, MS; Abbreviation: CRX)
BOONEVILLE/BALDWYN (about 15 miles; BOONEVILLE/BALDWYN, MS; Abbreviation: 8M1)
IUKA (about 27 miles; IUKA, MS; Abbreviation: 15M)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Rienzi:

NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 8 miles; BOONEVILLE, MS; Full-time enrollment: 2,628)
ITAWAMBA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 36 miles; FULTON, MS; Full-time enrollment: 2,673)
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA (about 58 miles; FLORENCE, AL; Full-time enrollment: 4,770)
JACKSON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 62 miles; JACKSON, TN; Full-time enrollment: 2,534)
NORTHWEST SHOALS COMMUNITY COLLEGE-MUSCLE SHOALS (about 63 miles; MUSCLE SHOALS, AL; Full-time enrollment: 2,669)
UNION UNIVERSITY (about 67 miles; JACKSON, TN; Full-time enrollment: 2,144)
UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MAIN CAMPUS (about 75 miles; UNIVERSITY, MS; Full-time enrollment: 11,068)

Public primary/middle school in Rienzi:

RIENZI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 178; Location: 21 SCHOOL ST.; Grades: KG – 06)