Rankin County School District operates 8 schools. Individual school names, addresses, and attendance zone boundaries are available directly from the district.
| Metric | Rankin County School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 4,500 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 8 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $9,000/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | ↓ 34% below avg |
| District Type | Urban | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 3/10 — Below Average | — | Near average |
About Rankin County School District
Families in zip code 39218 (Richland, Mississippi) are assigned to Rankin County School District for public education through 12. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Funding and Resources
According to NCES 2024–2025, Rankin County School District spends approximately $9,000 per student per year, placing it near the Mississippi state average of approximately $9,000 and significantly below the national average nationally (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Districts with constrained budgets face challenges with class sizes, program breadth, and facility upkeep. Ask specifically about available services when enrolling. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
At 28 schools serving grades K–12, Rankin County School District qualifies as a large district serving students from K–12. The district enrolls approximately 18,720 students in total. Large districts typically provide broad program variety: multiple course tracks at the high school level, dedicated arts and athletic programs, specialized learning pathways, and a wider range of student support services. Individual school quality within a large district can vary considerably — always research your specific assigned school, not just district-level averages.
Understanding the 3/10 Rating
With a rating of 3/10 (below average), Rankin County School District ranks among Mississippi’s below average-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection. We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Mississippi is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Rankin County School District carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical Mississippi benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 39218
Children in zip code 39218 are assigned to Rankin County School District for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 39218, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Rankin County School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Mississippi districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Richland
For families considering a purchase in the Richland area, district assignment matters financially. Because Rankin County School District serves zip code 39218, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 39218. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Mississippi, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Rankin County School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 39218.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Rankin County School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 39218 data.