Best Places to Live in Mississippi
Mississippi is a place where life slows down just enough to enjoy it. Between the salt air of the Gulf Coast and the historic streets of the hill country, the Magnolia State is built on deep roots and a low cost of living. If you want a neighborhood where people still know their neighbors, here are the top spots to check out.
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FAQsRankings: 10 Best Places in Mississippi
Gulfport is the economic and industrial heart of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, anchored by a major shipping port and nearby military operations that help keep the local economy stable. Residents spend their time at Jones Park, local...
Personal Safety : 30
Property Safety : 5
Community Safety : 7
$257,158.5
Median Home Rent
$1,550
Jackson is the state capital and the hub for history and the arts. It’s the cultural center of the state and puts you right next to the best museums, government offices, and major medical centers. Neighborhoods like Fondren and Be...
Personal Safety : 43
Property Safety : 42
Community Safety : 50
$140,250
Median Home Rent
$1,200
Southaven sits along the Tennessee border and has become one of the fastest-growing cities in Mississippi thanks to its mix of affordability, convenience, and access to Memphis. Many buyers are drawn by Mississippi’s lower taxes, ...
Personal Safety : 56
Property Safety : 54
Community Safety : 43
$309,500
Median Home Rent
$1,895
Oxford is one of the most famous college towns in the South. As the home of Ole Miss, it’s a sophisticated mix of SEC sports and deep literary history. Life centers around "The Square," where you'll find iconic bookstores and high...
Personal Safety : 73
Property Safety : 68
Community Safety : 46
$459,000
Median Home Rent
$2,700
Hattiesburg is known as the "Hub City" because it’s a quick drive to Jackson, the Coast, or New Orleans. It’s a lively town thanks to the University of Southern Mississippi and a regional hospital. The 44-mile Longleaf Trace trail...
Personal Safety : 57
Property Safety : 18
Community Safety : 18
$285,000
Median Home Rent
$1,195
Biloxi sits next door to Gulfport but has a more energetic, resort-style atmosphere that feels like a year-round vacation. As the center of Mississippi’s casino and tourism industry, the city supports a strong hospitality job mark...
Personal Safety : 39
Property Safety : 40
Community Safety : 6
$259,990
Median Home Rent
$1,800
Hernando offers a quieter, more rural take on suburban living while still benefiting from the highly rated schools and strong community reputation of DeSoto County. Compared to faster-growing Southaven, the pace here feels more re...
Personal Safety : 70
Property Safety : 94
Community Safety : 48
$377,400
Median Home Rent
$2,295
Ocean Springs is often considered the creative heart of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, known for its arts scene, walkable downtown, and relaxed coastal lifestyle. The city’s charming streets are lined with galleries, boutiques, coffe...
Personal Safety : N/A
Property Safety : N/A
Community Safety : N/A
$320,000
Median Home Rent
$2,000
Madison is a prestigious suburb of Jackson, known for its top-rated Madison County schools and safe, family-friendly neighborhoods like Annandale and Reunion. Residents enjoy local parks, golf courses, and shopping at Renaissance at Colony Park. The city benefits from easy commuting to Jackson via I-55 and a strong local economy in healthcare, retail, and office jobs. With upscale homes, well-maintained streets, and a focus on community events, Madison offers a high-quality and convenient lifestyle.
$372,000
Median Home Rent
$2,595
Clinton is home to Mississippi College and has a quiet, academic feel. The “Olde Towne” area has brick streets and a lot of history. It’s a friendly, safe community where you can get more house for your money while staying just a ...
Personal Safety : 65
Property Safety : 75
Community Safety : 48
$253,700
Median Home Rent
$1,645
Top 3 Best Places to Retire in Mississippi
Top 3 Best Places to Live in Mississippi for Families
Top 3 Best Places to Live in Mississippi for Young Adults
Best Affordable Places to Live in Mississippi
From the Gulf Coast to the rolling hills of North Mississippi, the Magnolia State offers an affordable lifestyle without sacrificing everyday conveniences. Buyers can find budget-friendly communities with lower housing costs, reasonable living expenses, and welcoming neighborhoods across the state. These cities offer some of the most affordable places to live in Mississippi while providing strong value for homebuyers.
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Cost of Living vs. State Avg. | Affordability Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson | $140,250 | $1,090 |  5% lower | 7/10 |
| Yazoo City | $69,934 | $800 | 15% lower | 8/10 |
| Greenville | $60,036 | $854 | 10% lower | 7/10 |
| Greenwood | $81,096 | $325 | 35% lower | 10/10 |
| McComb | $91,700 | $596 | 20% lower | 9/10 |
Safest Places to Live in Mississippi
Safety remains a top priority for Mississippiians seeking a peaceful environment to call home, whether they are raising a family or enjoying outdoor adventures. The state's most secure communities are characterized by proactive law enforcement, strong neighborhood cohesion, and exceptionally low crime statistics that consistently outperform national benchmarks. From quiet suburban enclaves to family-oriented college towns, these cities are among the safest places to live in Mississippi.
Safest
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Ranking Methodology
To determine the best places to live, we applied a structured, data-driven methodology using verified economic and housing datasets. Our analysis incorporates employment levels and job stability (Bureau of Labor Statistics), cost-of-living benchmarks (C2ER), median home prices and average rents (Houzeo housing data), and income statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. Each factor was normalized against its respective state average to control for regional cost differences and market size. The combined metrics were then weighted and aggregated to produce a final comparative score, highlighting cities where income levels align more favorably with housing costs, employment conditions remain stable, and overall affordability is stronger relative to the state baseline.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Transparent & data-driven
How we ranked these cities
Each city is scored against the state average on five weighted factors, normalized to control for regional cost differences and market size. Home prices, rents, and inventory come straight from Houzeo's live MLS feed; everything else is sourced from verified government datasets.
Scoring weights
- Affordability30%
Median home price, price per sq ft & rent relative to local incomes vs. the state average.
- Safety & crime25%
Violent and property crime rates per capita from FBI reporting vs. the state average.
- Jobs & income20%
Median household income, employment levels & job stability vs. the state average.
- Housing & inventory15%
Active listings, days on market & buyer competition from Houzeo’s live MLS feed.
- Lifestyle & amenities10%
Schools, walkability, commute times & access to everyday amenities — the tiebreaker.
Our data sources
Important Legal Disclosures
MLS Disclaimers
The market analysis provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Data is sourced from public records, industry reports, and third-party providers, and while Houzeo strives for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.
All estimates, projections, and historical data are based on statistical models and should not be relied upon as predictions of future market conditions. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and real estate market conditions may change due to various economic and regulatory factors. Users are responsible for conducting their own due diligence before making any real estate or financial decisions. Houzeo is not liable for any decisions or actions taken based on the information provided. Any unauthorized use, duplication, or distribution of the data may violate copyright laws and result in legal consequences. Certain information, tools and services on this page may be powered by third-party vendors. Houzeo does not control or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or functionality of such third-party services.