Living in Mississippi

#48 in population growth

Should you move to Mississippi?

Mississippi, the Magnolia State, is a place of rich history, Southern charm, and a community-oriented lifestyle. Known for its contributions to music, literature, and civil rights, Mississippi offers a slower-paced, culturally rich way of life.

Mississippi’s economy is diverse, with sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and gaming playing significant roles. Its capital, Jackson, is a major hub for healthcare and serves as the state’s cultural heart, hosting numerous museums and festivals.

Living in Mississippi means embracing a community-oriented lifestyle. Enjoy the vibrant blues scene in Clarksdale, the picturesque coastal towns like Biloxi, or the verdant countryside. Mississippi also boasts a wealth of outdoor activities, from fishing on the Gulf Coast to hiking in the rolling hills of the North.

Education is increasingly valued in Mississippi, with an improving public school system and notable universities like the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University.

If you’re looking for a state that offers a relaxed lifestyle, a diverse economy, and a rich cultural history, Mississippi could be your next home. Just remember to prepare for the hot summers and be ready to enjoy some of the country’s best barbecue and blues!

#34 in population

Population

2,940,057

National Avg 6,652,315

#19 in population

Population Per Square Mile

63

National Avg 206.5 persons/square mile

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How Does Mississippi Score?

A
Home Affordability
A
Cost of Living
B
Diversity

LEARN ABOUT
RANKINGS & DATA

Metropolitans

Living in Mississippi

Climate

How Does Mississippi Compare?

#13
in Sunny Days
#2
in Annual Rainfall
#23
in Daytime Humidity

Healthcare

#51

How Does Mississippi Compare?

#51
in Healthcare
#49
in Available Beds
#43
in Doctors Per Resident

0

Children's Hospitals

1

VA Medical Centers

9

VA Clinics

Mississippi Marijuana Laws

Cost of Living

#1

How Does Mississippi Compare?

#1
in Cost of Living
#31
in Minimum Hourly Wage
#4
in Living Wage

Mississippi State Taxes

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Essential New Mover Steps

What costs and challenges will you face when relocating to Mississippi? Start your journey by preparing with these key steps.

eMortgage connects you with up to 5 competing mortgage lenders through a quick, streamlined process.

Renter tested. Landlord approved. Starting from $5/mo.

Moving costs can add up quickly. Start budgeting by tackling one of your largest costs first by requesting a free online quote from 1-800-Pack-Rat.

Education in Mississippi

#45

Mississippi School Districts

8th Grade Proficiency (2022)

Ranked #44 in Mathematics

Basic Proficiency

54%

Proficient or Above

18%

Ranked #44 in Reading

Basic Proficiency

63%

Proficient or Above

22%

Education Attainment

High School Degree
85.6%
Bachelors Degree
23.2%

Raising a Family?

See if any of these family-friendly places are a fit for yours.

Places (Cities & Towns)

Get to Know Mississippi

State Capital

Jackson

Area Codes

228, 601, 662, 769

Time Zone

Central Time Zone

Number of Counties

82

Land Area (square miles)

46,924

Motto

Virtute et armis (By valor and arms)

State Bird

Mockingbird

Housing

#2
#2 in home affordability

Median Home Value

$141,900

National $440,300

#5 in rent affordability

Median Rent

$830

National $1,702

Average Homeownership cost

$371

Taxes, Insurance, Utilities, HOA (no mortgage)

Total Households

1,108,670

Persons Per Household

2.6

Rent vs Own

Own 68.9%
Rent 31.1%

Economy

#50 in household income

Median Household Income

49,111

National $70,784

#48 in labor participation
% in Labor Force
56.8%
Poverty Rate
19.4%

Industries by Revenue

in $1,000s

Health & Social Assistance Revenue

$18,752,296

Accomodations & Food Revenue

$8,181,285

Transportation & Warehousing Revenue

$5,564,028

Per Capita Retail Sales

12,345

Counties

Diversity

#21
White alone
58.8%
Black or African American alone
37.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native alone
0.6%
Asian alone
1.2%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone
0.1%
Two or More Races
1.5%
Hispanic or Latino
3.6%
White alone, not Hispanic or Latino
56%

Foreign Born Persons

2.3%

Veterans

159142

Persons Under 5 years
5.9%
Persons Under 18 years
23.1%
Persons 65 years and over
17.3%

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