Kosciusko first developed along the historic Natchez Trace used by generations of Native Americans and later European settlers. The modern Natchez Trace Parkway also passes through the city, which is located northeast of the state capital of Jackson. Throughout the 19th century, cotton was the predominant crop. It remains important in the area. Kosciusko was the home of Magnolia Bible College from 1976 to 2008. It is the birthplace of civil rights activist James Meredith and TV series host and cultural leader Oprah Winfrey. Kosciusko has hosted the Central Mississippi Fair for over 100 years.
Etymology
Kosciusko is named for General Tadeusz Kościuszko, a Polish-Lithuanian officer who served with the Continental Army and assisted its military efforts during the American Revolution, whose name has been anglicized as 'Kosciusko'. The settlement was originally named Red Bud Springs for one of three natural springs that were present in the city.
Geography
Kosciusko is located at , along the Yockanookany River. It is northeast of Jackson and southwest of Starkville. It is 20 miles / 32 kilometers from I-55 at Durant. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of, of which is land and 0.13% is water.
Climate
The climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Kosciusko has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps. The data below are from the WRCC, compiled from 1893 to the time this chart was created.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 7,372 people, 2,885 households, and 1,906 families residing in the city. The population density was 977.8 people per square mile. There were 3,174 housing units at an average density of 421.0 per square mile. The racial makeup of the city was 53.66% White, 44.57% African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.46% Asian, 0.60% from other races, and 0.54% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.06% of the population. There were 2,885 households, out of which 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.2% were married couples living together, 21.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.9% were non-families. 31.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 3.04. In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.2% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 23.9% from 25 to 44, 19.8% from 45 to 64, and 20.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.1 males. The median income for a household in the city was $21,737, and the median income for a family was $29,000. Males had a median income of $27,423 versus $16,487 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,478. About 20.9% of families and 24.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.9% of those under age 18 and 20.1% of those age 65 or over.
