Kosciusko offers small-town charm on the Natchez Trace
Kosciusko is the tiny beating heart near the center of Attala County. The city of about 7,000 residents is one of the oldest remaining settlements along the Natchez Trace, a forest trail from Natchez to Nashville that has been in use since the days of the Native Americans. It’s also the birthplace of blues musician Charlie Musselwhite, civil rights activist James Meredith, and media mogul Oprah Winfrey. This quaint community offers competitively priced homes, a walkable downtown and many amenities.
Craftsman and ranch-style homes sit on tree-lined lawns
Homes in Kosciusko are primarily Craftsman-style bungalows and ranch-style. They sit on grassy lawns dotted with mature trees. As of August 2025, prices for single-family homes typically range from around $100,000 to around $190,000. Courtney Murriel, a Realtor with Prestige Realty & Investments who sells throughout Attala County says Kosciusko’s housing prices dipped some in the last year. “But that actually makes it an even better opportunity for buyers looking to get the most value for their money,” she says. Multiacre lots are also available, ranging from $45,000 to almost $170,000. Larger properties, with 30 to 60 acres, are popular for hunting.
Public schools range from B-minus to B-plus on Niche
Kosciusko School District serves the city, rates a B on Niche and offers intra-district transfer. The schools zoned to the area are B-plus-rated Kosciusko Lower Elementary, which serves kindergarten through first grade; B-minus-rated Kosciusko Middle, which serves second and third grades; B-minus-rated Kosciusko Upper Elementary, which serves fourth and fifth grades; B-rated Kosciusko Junior High and B-rated Kosciusko Senior High. The district does not allow students to have cell phones or any other electronic devices during the school day or on any district buses.
Area parks offer splash pads, sports fields and walking tracks
Residents can get their exercise at the city’s multiple green spaces. Jason Niles Park offers tennis courts, a playground, a walking track and a splash pad open during summer. Northside Park features baseball and softball fields, a walking track, basketball courts, and a rentable pavilion. Locals play baseball, softball and soccer at Hugh Ellard Park, which includes dedicated fields and concession stands. Aponaug Park has open fields, a baseball field and a gazebo. Golfers tee off at the private Redbud Springs Golf and Country Club, which offers a nine-hole course.
Grocery stores and essentials are clustered near Highway 19
Residents pick up groceries and essentials at Walmart, located on the city’s east side, and Sunflower, a grocery store near Mississippi Highway 19. CVS, some local businesses and a few fast-food chains are also along Highway 19. “For big-box or mall shopping, most head to nearby cities like Jackson,” Murriel says. When residents want to dine out at a local spot, they head to Honey’s Place, a family-owned sandwich and milkshake shop that also serves homemade soups and offers a salad bar. Another local favorite is Jason’s Southern Table, loved for its service and Southern comfort dishes. The Skipworth Performing Arts Center hosts local theater and performances by the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. Baptist Memorial Hospital Attala is located along Mississippi Highway 12 and has an emergency room.
Long-running fair and spring festival bring locals together
For over 100 years, Kosciusko has been the home of the Central Mississippi Fair. which takes place in August. The week-long event includes carnival rides, food vendors, a kickball competition, and exhibits in art, photography, flowers and more. The Natchez Trace Festival takes place in April and fills downtown with food and craft vendors, live music and fireworks when the sun goes down.
Natchez Trace Parkway links to major regional routes
Due to the lack of public transportation in town, residents get around by car. Highways 19 and 12 run through the community and connect to other major roadways, including Natchez Trace Parkway. The closest international airport is Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers, about 70 miles away.
Tornadoes are rare but not unheard of in the area
While Kosciusko is not in Tornado Alley, it’s known to experience high winds combined with rain. The town experienced an Ef1 tornado in 2021.
