Mississippi
Category Breakdown
Scores by Category
Mississippi vs National Average
12-Month Composite Trend
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Mississippi Rankings Overview
Mississippi earns an overall grade of D with a composite score of 33.4 out of 100, ranking #45 among all 50 US states. The state's strongest category is Affordability (90/100) while its biggest challenge is Education (4/100).
Economy & Employment in Mississippi
With an unemployment rate of 3.7% (compared to the national average of 3.8%), Mississippi performs above average on economic indicators. The median household income is $52,985, which ranks below the national median of $74,753.
Safety & Crime in Mississippi
Mississippi's violent crime rate of 270 per 100,000 residents places it in the top half of states for public safety.
Health & Education in Mississippi
Mississippi ranks #47 for health outcomes according to the 2025 America's Health Rankings report, and #48 for K-12 education quality based on NAEP scores and graduation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mississippi's overall ranking?
Mississippi ranks #45 out of 50 states with a composite score of 33.4/100 and a grade of D.
Is Mississippi a good place to live?
Mississippi faces several challenges, scoring 33.4/100 in our composite rankings. Areas such as crime rates and economic indicators trail the national average, though the state offers its own unique qualities and ongoing improvement efforts.
What is the crime rate in Mississippi?
The violent crime rate in Mississippi is 270 per 100,000 residents (2024 FBI data), compared to the national average of 350 per 100,000.
How does Mississippi's economy compare?
Mississippi's median household income is $52,985 with an unemployment rate of 3.7%. The unemployment rate is below the national average of 3.8%, and the median income is below the national median of $74,753.
What are the best cities in Mississippi?
Mississippi's major metropolitan areas offer diverse options for residents.