Lafayette County and the City of Oxford provide a strong sense of history and culture that is celebrated through the arts, festivals and events, and beautifully preserved historic sites. The area is also home to a diverse, progressive business environment that keeps pace with new technology and developments. Set in the northern part of the state, Lafayette County offers a whole host of recreational activities that can be enjoyed year-round in a moderate climate and in beautiful settings.
Oxford is the largest of Lafayette County’s communities and the center of business and industry. Oxford’s true Southern hospitality and recognition of its rich past provides residents with a sense of community. Lafayette County’s next largest communities – Abbeville and Taylor –offer more rural, small town living with easy access to Oxford’s many amenities.
Learn more about life in Oxford and Lafayette County.
Education
Oxford is known for being home to The University of Mississippi. The university, with an enrollment of 18,344, offers undergraduate, graduate and operates a law school as well as a medical school in Jackson. Continuing education and many campus events are open to the community. Northwest Mississippi Community College is located 51 miles from Oxford and offers 100 courses of study. Read more about higher education.
Pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade education in Lafayette County is available through two school districts, one for students in Oxford and another for those in other areas of the county. Both districts are members of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and have high graduation rates at approximately 92 percent. There is private education available through 6th grade at the Oxford University School and through 11th at the Regents School of Oxford. Both schools have small class sizes and offer a wide range of academic programs. Learn more about the K-12 education in Lafayette County.
Health Care
Lafayette County residents have access to excellent health care services through a major hospital system, special care facility, and large public health department.
Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi in Oxford is a highly-rated acute care facility. With about 90 medical and surgical specialists in more than 30 specialty areas, it is the only hospital Mississippi to rank among top 10 percent in the nation by Health Grades for cardiac surgery and orthopedic services.
The North Mississippi Regional Medical Center provides evaluation, training, rehabilitation and residential care services for patients with intellectual and related developmental disabilities. The 25-department facility also conducts research into the causes and treatment of intellectual disabilities. There are 24-hour care cottages, traditional group home settings, and supported living apartments available.
Learn more about medical services available in the county.
Things to Do
There is so much to do in Lafayette County. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, art and music lover, or history buff, you’ll find it in Lafayette County.