MississippiPop. 48,619Small cities
Is Hattiesburg a Good Place to Live? Hattiesburg, Mississippi: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Hattiesburg ranks #1037 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #164 of 208 small cities and #13 of 20 in Mississippi. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($165,900, #29 of 208) and short commutes (17.4 min, #40 of 208), and trails on high poverty (28.3%, #200 of 208) and low household income ($46,342, #193 of 208).
Hattiesburg by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Hattiesburg's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Hattiesburg?
Hattiesburg's cost of living index is 87.6, 12% below the US level of 100 and #126 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,005/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $221,289, 12% above the typical Mississippi home ($197,606).
| Measure | Hattiesburg | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 87.6#126 of 1,308 | 87 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $221,289#173 of 1,187 | $197,606 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,338/mo#196 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $165,900#125 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,005/mo#219 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.6x#435 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 26%#1088 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Hattiesburg housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Hattiesburg is in the Hattiesburg, MS metro.
Mississippi housing market →Is Hattiesburg safe?
Hattiesburg recorded 256 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 22% below the US rate of 328 and 13% above Mississippi's 227. That ranks #472 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #86 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Hattiesburg Police Department. Property crime runs 3,592 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Hattiesburg | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 256#472 of 1,085 | 227 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 3,592#1017 of 1,085 | 1,264 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Hattiesburg?
The median household in Hattiesburg earns $46,342, 44% below the US figure of $83,163 and 22% below Mississippi ($59,127). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 28.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Hattiesburg | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $46,342#1270 of 1,312 | $59,127 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.7%#342 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 28.3%#1283 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Hattiesburg?
The median resident of Hattiesburg is 29.4 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 37.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #542 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 37.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Hattiesburg | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 29.4 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 37.3%#542 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 37.2% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Hattiesburg's schools and health?
Hattiesburg's 12 public schools graduate 90.2% of students in four years (Mississippi 88.9%), with 12.7 students per teacher and $13,104 spent per pupil. 38.5% of adults are obese and 13.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Hattiesburg | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 90.2%#354 of 1,063 | 88.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 12.7#145 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,104#818 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 38.5%#1041 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13.6%#1038 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 20.3%#1200 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 12.9%#944 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 6,742 students are enrolled in Hattiesburg's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Hattiesburg?
The average commute in Hattiesburg is 17.4 minutes (Mississippi 26.4); 0.5% of workers take transit and 4.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Hattiesburg scores 8.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #1031 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.1°F and winters 51.2°F, with 58.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Hattiesburg | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 17.4 min#161 of 1,312 | 26.4 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4.2%#431 of 1,312 | 7.7% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 79.7% | 81.2% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 3.6% | 1.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.9% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 4.7% | 6.2% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.1#1031 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 60 | 38.1 | 5.8 |
| Feb | 64.5 | 41.7 | 4.9 |
| Mar | 71.5 | 48.1 | 5.6 |
| Apr | 78 | 53.9 | 5.4 |
| May | 84.6 | 62.3 | 4.4 |
| Jun | 89.8 | 69.5 | 5.9 |
| Jul | 91.6 | 72.3 | 5.7 |
| Aug | 91.8 | 71.8 | 4.8 |
| Sep | 88 | 66.9 | 4.2 |
| Oct | 79.6 | 55 | 3.7 |
| Nov | 69.2 | 44 | 3.7 |
| Dec | 62.3 | 40.5 | 5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Hattiesburg Chain Muni Airport.
| Measure | Hattiesburg | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 66.5°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 81.1°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 51.2°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 58.9 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Hattiesburg Chain Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Hattiesburg?
Forrest County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 62% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Forrest County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, wildfire, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 53% of US counties.
| Measure | Hattiesburg | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 45#664 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.16%#704 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Forrest County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Forrest County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.044% | 86% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0023% | 69% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0045% | 68% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.011% | 58% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.003% | 51% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0016% | 43% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.071% | 36% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Hattiesburg compare with similar-size cities?
Hattiesburg is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #164 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 48,619.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hattiesburg, MSPop. 48,619 | #1037 | 49.3 | $46,342 | $1,005/mo | 256 | 17.4 min |
| Stillwater, OKPop. 49,269 | #802 | 53.3 | $43,700 | $947/mo | 202 | 15.4 min |
| Leesburg, VAPop. 49,171 | #64 | 69.7 | $145,205 | $2,105/mo | 237 | 25.3 min |
| Euclid, OHPop. 48,823 | #822 | 52.9 | $50,285 | $1,025/mo | 106 | 25.9 min |
| Gallatin, TNPop. 48,532 | #452 | 58.9 | $77,518 | $1,395/mo | 180 | 26.4 min |
| Wauwatosa, WIPop. 48,529 | #102 | 68.3 | $101,138 | $1,438/mo | 178 | 19.5 min |
| Goose Creek, SCPop. 48,078 | #559 | 57.2 | $88,178 | $1,690/mo | 247 | 26.7 min |
| Niagara Falls, NYPop. 47,987 | #1126 | 47.4 | $49,101 | $823/mo | 478 | 19.1 min |
| Middletown, CTPop. 47,958 | #228 | 63.8 | $79,438 | $1,446/mo | 67 | 23.3 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Hattiesburg compare with the rest of Mississippi?
Hattiesburg ranks #13 of the 20 Mississippi cities we track, with a score of 49.3 against Mississippi's statewide 41.9. Its households earn 22% below the Mississippi median. Violent crime is 13% above the statewide rate. Homes are 12% above the typical Mississippi home.
| City | Rank in MS | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison, MSPop. 27,946 | #1 | 68.8 | $119,338 | $1,853/mo | 21 |
| Brandon, MSPop. 25,542 | #2 | 63.2 | $92,783 | $1,382/mo | 50 |
| Olive Branch, MSPop. 47,019 | #3 | 60.3 | $100,606 | $1,829/mo | 175 |
| Pearl, MSPop. 27,737 | #4 | 58.9 | $61,695 | $1,175/mo | 83 |
| Clinton, MSPop. 27,195 | #5 | 57.8 | $74,745 | $1,118/mo | 95 |
| Oxford, MSPop. 26,411 | #6 | 57.3 | $64,451 | $1,071/mo | 140 |
| Southaven, MSPop. 56,226 | #7 | 56.0 | $78,483 | $1,445/mo | 266 |
| Tupelo, MSPop. 37,791 | #8 | 55.5 | $66,257 | $976/mo | 310 |
| Ridgeland, MSPop. 24,587 | #9 | 52.6 | $66,038 | $1,336/mo | 320 |
| Biloxi, MSPop. 48,861 | #10 | 52.2 | $57,204 | $1,089/mo | 351 |
| Starkville, MSPop. 25,721 | #11 | 52.0 | $42,125 | $916/mo | 58 |
| Horn Lake, MSPop. 26,647 | #12 | 50.6 | $53,311 | $1,435/mo | 79 |
| Hattiesburg, MSPop. 48,619 | #13 | 49.3 | $46,342 | $1,005/mo | 256 |
| Gulfport, MSPop. 73,003 | #14 | 47.2 | $49,919 | $1,086/mo | 569 |
| Columbus, MSPop. 23,348 | #15 | 46.5 | $42,235 | $897/mo | 470 |
| Jackson, MSPop. 146,631 | #16 | 45.4 | $42,071 | $1,055/mo | 400 |
| Pascagoula, MSPop. 21,710 | #17 | 44.7 | $52,222 | $894/mo | 431 |
| Meridian, MSPop. 34,137 | #18 | 44.3 | $36,562 | $910/mo | 554 |
| Vicksburg, MSPop. 20,589 | #19 | 40.6 | $45,781 | $820/mo | 681 |
| Greenville, MSPop. 28,166 | #20 | 37.6 | $40,083 | $872/mo | part year |
All 20 Mississippi cities we track, by overall score. Mississippi statewide: median income $59,127, violent crime 226.9 per 100,000.
How is Hattiesburg's score calculated?
Hattiesburg scores 49.3 out of 100, #1037 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Mississippi's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Hattiesburg. Similar-size median 52.9.
42.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Hattiesburg's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
64.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Hattiesburg. Similar-size median 52.2.
37.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Hattiesburg's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
64.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Hattiesburg's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
85.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Hattiesburg. Similar-size median 46.7.
8.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Hattiesburg. Similar-size median 44.2.
43.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Hattiesburg. Similar-size median 47.3.
46.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Hattiesburg's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
37.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
48.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Hattiesburg's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Hattiesburg has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Hattiesburg
Is Hattiesburg, MS a good place to live?
Hattiesburg ranks #1037 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #164 of 208 small cities and #13 of 20 in Mississippi. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($165,900, #29 of 208) and short commutes (17.4 min, #40 of 208), and trails on high poverty (28.3%, #200 of 208) and low household income ($46,342, #193 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Hattiesburg?
Hattiesburg's cost of living index is 87.6, 12% below the US level of 100 and #126 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,005/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $221,289, 12% above the typical Mississippi home ($197,606).
What is the crime rate in Hattiesburg?
Hattiesburg recorded 256 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 22% below the US rate of 328 and 13% above Mississippi's 227. That ranks #472 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #86 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Hattiesburg Police Department. Property crime runs 3,592 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Hattiesburg?
The median household in Hattiesburg earns $46,342, 44% below the US figure of $83,163 and 22% below Mississippi ($59,127). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 28.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Hattiesburg?
Median rent in Hattiesburg is $1,005/mo (Census), #219 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,338/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Hattiesburg?
The typical home value in Hattiesburg is $221,289, up 3% in a year, against $197,606 for Mississippi and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $165,900.
How are the public schools in Hattiesburg?
Hattiesburg's 12 public schools graduate 90.2% of students in four years (Mississippi 88.9%), with 12.7 students per teacher and $13,104 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Hattiesburg?
The average commute is 17.4 minutes, #161 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.4 minutes across Mississippi. 4.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Hattiesburg?
Hattiesburg averages 66.5°F over the year, 81.1°F in summer and 51.2°F in winter, with 58.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Hattiesburg walkable?
Hattiesburg scores 8.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1031 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Hattiesburg at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Forrest County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, wildfire, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 53% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Hattiesburg?
Forrest County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 62% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Hattiesburg?
Hattiesburg has 48,619 residents. The median resident of Hattiesburg is 29.4 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 37.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #542 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 37.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Hattiesburg compare with the rest of Mississippi?
Hattiesburg ranks #13 of the 20 Mississippi cities we track, with a score of 49.3 against Mississippi's statewide 41.9. Its households earn 22% below the Mississippi median. Violent crime is 13% above the statewide rate. Homes are 12% above the typical Mississippi home.
What cities are similar in size to Hattiesburg?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Hattiesburg's population of 48,619 are Stillwater, OK (#802 overall), Leesburg, VA (#64 overall), Euclid, OH (#822 overall), Gallatin, TN (#452 overall), and Wauwatosa, WI (#102 overall). Hattiesburg is #1037.