MississippiPop. 56,226Smaller cities
Is Southaven a Good Place to Live? Southaven, Mississippi: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Southaven ranks #640 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #282 of 524 smaller cities and #7 of 20 in Mississippi. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (92.2, #73 of 524) and low unemployment (3.5%, #95 of 476), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Southaven by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Southaven'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 Southaven?
Southaven's cost of living index is 92.2, 8% below the US level of 100 and #327 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,445/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $273,007, 38% above the typical Mississippi home ($197,606).
| Measure | Southaven | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 92.2#327 of 1,308 | 87 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $273,007#307 of 1,187 | $197,606 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,560/mo#387 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $236,300#352 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,445/mo#682 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3x#182 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 22.1%#689 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Southaven 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. Southaven is in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro.
Mississippi housing market →Is Southaven safe?
Southaven recorded 266 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 19% below the US rate of 328 and 17% above Mississippi's 227. That ranks #499 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #227 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Southaven Police Department. Property crime runs 1,655 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Southaven | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 266#499 of 1,085 | 227 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,655#552 of 1,085 | 1,264 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Southaven?
The median household in Southaven earns $78,483, 6% below the US figure of $83,163 and 33% above Mississippi ($59,127). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 12.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Southaven | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $78,483#643 of 1,312 | $59,127 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.5%#249 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 12.6%#700 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| 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 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Southaven?
The median resident of Southaven is 36.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 28.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #843 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 72.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Southaven | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 36.2 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 28.8%#843 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 72.5% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Southaven's schools and health?
Southaven's 10 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Mississippi 88.9%), with 15.4 students per teacher and $9,525 spent per pupil. 37.2% of adults are obese and 12.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Southaven | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 92%#222 of 1,063 | 88.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15.4#529 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $9,525#1159 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 37.2%#961 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 12.5%#867 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.7%#563 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 10%#656 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 11,159 students are enrolled in Southaven's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Southaven?
The average commute in Southaven is 24 minutes (Mississippi 26.4); 0.1% of workers take transit and 9.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Southaven scores 7.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #1105 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.6°F and winters 44.3°F, with 54.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Southaven | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 24 min#682 of 1,312 | 26.4 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3%#191 of 1,312 | 7.7% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 77.7% | 81.2% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.1% | 0.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.3% | 1.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 9.8% | 6.2% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 7.8#1105 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 50.9 | 33.3 | 4.1 |
| Feb | 55.5 | 36.7 | 4.6 |
| Mar | 64.2 | 44.3 | 5.7 |
| Apr | 73.4 | 53 | 5.9 |
| May | 81.7 | 62.4 | 5.3 |
| Jun | 89.4 | 70.4 | 4 |
| Jul | 91.9 | 73.6 | 4.8 |
| Aug | 91.5 | 72.6 | 3.4 |
| Sep | 86 | 65.9 | 3 |
| Oct | 75.1 | 54 | 4 |
| Nov | 62.6 | 42.9 | 4.7 |
| Dec | 53.4 | 36.2 | 5.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Memphis International Airport.
| Measure | Southaven | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 63.4°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 81.6°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 44.3°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 54.9 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Memphis International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Southaven?
DeSoto County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts DeSoto County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 52% of US counties.
| Measure | Southaven | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 43#494 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.15%#658 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for DeSoto County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, DeSoto County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.049% | 92% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.02% | 87% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0014% | 40% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.06% | 21% 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 Southaven compare with similar-size cities?
Southaven is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #282 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 56,226.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southaven, MSPop. 56,226 | #640 | 56.0 | $78,483 | $1,445/mo | 266 | 24 min |
| Coeur d'Alene, IDPop. 56,447 | #408 | 59.9 | $72,338 | $1,468/mo | 235 | 18.1 min |
| New Brunswick, NJPop. 56,345 | #914 | 51.5 | $65,810 | $1,814/mo | 504 | 23.3 min |
| Kingsport, TNPop. 56,262 | #927 | 51.3 | $52,490 | $907/mo | 572 | 19.1 min |
| Fountain Valley, CAPop. 56,258 | #450 | 59.0 | $115,237 | $2,631/mo | 176 | 26 min |
| DeSoto, TXPop. 56,211 | #884 | 52.0 | $82,782 | $1,666/mo | 283 | 30.8 min |
| Bozeman, MTPop. 56,114 | #211 | 64.2 | $85,747 | $1,717/mo | 397 | 15.5 min |
| Tigard, ORPop. 56,011 | #353 | 60.9 | $108,823 | $1,782/mo | 256 | 22.9 min |
| Olympia, WAPop. 55,951 | #497 | 58.1 | $81,302 | $1,599/mo | 475 | 20 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 Southaven compare with the rest of Mississippi?
Southaven ranks #7 of the 20 Mississippi cities we track, with a score of 56 against Mississippi's statewide 41.9. Its households earn 33% above the Mississippi median. Violent crime is 17% above the statewide rate. Homes are 38% 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 Southaven's score calculated?
Southaven scores 56 out of 100, #640 of 1,312 (grade B, 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 Southaven. Similar-size median 55.5.
57.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Southaven's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
77.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Southaven. Similar-size median 58.9.
48.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Southaven's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
54.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Southaven's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
74.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Southaven. Similar-size median 56.1.
51.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Southaven. Similar-size median 42.4.
43.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Southaven. Similar-size median 50.0.
42.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Southaven's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
35.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
52.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Southaven's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Southaven 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 Southaven
Is Southaven, MS a good place to live?
Southaven ranks #640 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #282 of 524 smaller cities and #7 of 20 in Mississippi. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (92.2, #73 of 524) and low unemployment (3.5%, #95 of 476), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Southaven?
Southaven's cost of living index is 92.2, 8% below the US level of 100 and #327 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,445/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $273,007, 38% above the typical Mississippi home ($197,606).
What is the crime rate in Southaven?
Southaven recorded 266 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 19% below the US rate of 328 and 17% above Mississippi's 227. That ranks #499 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #227 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Southaven Police Department. Property crime runs 1,655 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Southaven?
The median household in Southaven earns $78,483, 6% below the US figure of $83,163 and 33% above Mississippi ($59,127). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 12.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Southaven?
Median rent in Southaven is $1,445/mo (Census), #682 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,560/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Southaven?
The typical home value in Southaven is $273,007, up 1.5% in a year, against $197,606 for Mississippi and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $236,300.
How are the public schools in Southaven?
Southaven's 10 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Mississippi 88.9%), with 15.4 students per teacher and $9,525 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Southaven?
The average commute is 24 minutes, #682 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.4 minutes across Mississippi. 3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Southaven?
Southaven averages 63.4°F over the year, 81.6°F in summer and 44.3°F in winter, with 54.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Southaven walkable?
Southaven scores 7.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1105 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 Southaven at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts DeSoto County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 52% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Southaven?
DeSoto County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Southaven?
Southaven has 56,226 residents. The median resident of Southaven is 36.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 28.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #843 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 72.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Southaven compare with the rest of Mississippi?
Southaven ranks #7 of the 20 Mississippi cities we track, with a score of 56 against Mississippi's statewide 41.9. Its households earn 33% above the Mississippi median. Violent crime is 17% above the statewide rate. Homes are 38% above the typical Mississippi home.
What cities are similar in size to Southaven?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Southaven's population of 56,226 are Coeur d'Alene, ID (#408 overall), New Brunswick, NJ (#914 overall), Kingsport, TN (#927 overall), Fountain Valley, CA (#450 overall), and DeSoto, TX (#884 overall). Southaven is #640.