Are you mulling over moving to Mississippi?
If you’ll like to live in a state where you can enjoy the best of both worlds; rural life and access to big city amenities, moving to Mississippi is right for you.
Mississippi offers lots of entertainment options along with renowned restaurants, easier access to fresh fruits and vegetables and you’ll get the chance to live among some of the friendliest people in the country.
The state’s low cost of living, low cost of education, and low housing costs make it one of the best places for anyone seeking to enjoy big city life while living rurally. All of that makes moving to Mississippi such a great idea.
If you’re considering moving to Mississippi and wondering if the state is right for you or not, this guide contains all the key details you need to know about the state to make the right decision.
Let’s jump right in!
A quick look at the population and other demographics of Mississippi.
The population of Mississippi is 2,966,407 people. Mississippi stretches across 48,430 square miles making it the 32nd largest state in the country. Since you’re mulling over moving to Mississippi, here’s a breakdown of the state’s population:
Mississippi’s average one-way commute time takes 24.4 minutes. The national average one-way commute time is 26.4 minutes. That means the average one-way commute time in Mississippi is shorter than the U.S. average.
Here’s how people in Mississippi commute to work:
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The weather is most likely one of your top priorities if you’re mulling over moving to Mississippi. To make it easier to compare the state’s weather to where you’re right now, here are the key metrics of Mississippi’s weather:
Why should you consider moving to Mississippi? People are moving to Mississippi for several reasons.
We’ve made a list of the top ten reasons why people are moving to the state since you’re considering moving to Mississippi:
In Mississippi, the cost of education for an academic year is $5,041, which is much lower than the national average of $6,542.
Mississippi has the lowest cost of living among the 50 states in the US with the cost of living index of 84.8. The average health care costs for a single adult in the state total $4,217 per year, compared to the national average of $4,266.Similarly, child care costs $3,723 and food costs $3,202 per adult per annum, both much lower than the national average.
The median home value in Mississippi $114,500 while the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the state is $795 per month.
Mississippi has the lowest share of rush-hour traffic congestion at 17 percent, which is approximately five times lower than California.
The state has six national forests offering excellent outdoor recreational opportunities in Mississippi. 1.2 million acres of forest land provide a diversity of terrain, diverse ecosystems, numerous lakes, rivers, and streams. Approximately 265 miles of non-motorized hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails challenge visitors and provide great scenery. In addition, the state also has 90 miles of designated motorized trails open to off-highway vehicles.
Mississippi is famous for its gastronomy. From delicious local seafood to concoctions you’ll only find in the state, you must taste the cuisines here that range from Mississippi mud pie to corn bed, pecan pie, Cajun fried pecans, and sweet potato pie.
While you stay in big cities in Mississippi, do not miss the opportunities to delve deep into the past of the state, rich in Native American, Spanish, and French history, that are still visible in its rural areas and small towns, namely Oxford, Bay of St, Louis, Corinth, Ocean Springs, Vicksburg, and Natchez.
While moving to Mississippi, the great fortune comes in the shape of the hospitality of Mississippians. The locals are highly cordial and are always willing to lend you a helping hand. It is not rare that you will find people reaching to help you fix things at home.
There is a sense of community among Mississippians. They are highly patriotic and people you meet here will be proud of the country and respect men and women who serve it. In addition, most people here attend churches and regularly take part in community services.
Mississippi still has traces of its rich historic past, filled with Native American, Spanish, and French culture. You can see them preserved at some of the best museums, namely Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Jackson, Museum of Mississippi History, Jackson, and The Mississippi Freedom Trail and Blues Trail.
One of the easiest ways to figure out if moving to Mississippi is right for you or not is to consider the pros and cons of living in the state.
Here are the key pros and cons of living in the Magnolia State since you’re considering moving to Mississippi:
Pros of living in Mississippi | Cons of living in Mississippi |
---|---|
Enjoy some of the best southern hospitality | Dull economy |
Low population density | Poor healthcare system |
Warm weather | Lack of diversity |
Lots of food options | Harsh weather |
Low cost of living | Low-quality education |
Vast fertile lands for farming | High crime rates |
Calm, slow-paced lifestyle | Fewer job opportunities |
Strong traditions | Hurricanes and tornadoes |
Low cost of higher education |
If you’re moving to Mississippi, you’ll most likely be interested in living in some of the best places in the state. To make it easier for you to streamline your house-hunting efforts, we’ve made a list of the top ten best places to live in the state if you’re moving to Mississippi:
Rank | City | Population | Unemployment Rate | Home Value |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Madison | 25,592 | 2.0% | $261,900 |
2 | Brandon | 23,930 | 2.5% | $181,900 |
3 | Ridgeland | 24,269 | 4.5% | $186,500 |
4 | Ocean Springs | 17,729 | 5.8% | $174,000 |
5 | Byram | 11,578 | 2.2% | $141,700 |
6 | Hernando | 15,942 | 2.8% | $197,100 |
7 | Southaven | 54,152 | 4.6% | $153,200 |
8 | Olive Branch | 37,461 | 4.3% | $175,600 |
9 | Petal | 10,584 | 5.7% | $141,600 |
10 | Diamondhead | 8,103 | 6.6% | $173,200 |
The cost of living in Mississippi is rated 81.1. The national average is 100.
That means the average cost of living in Mississippi is lower than the United States average. This is most likely one of the key things to consider if you’re moving to Mississippi.
Cost of Living | Mississippi | United States |
---|---|---|
Overall | 81.1 | 100 |
Grocery | 94.9 | 100 |
Health | 101.4 | 100 |
Housing | 55.6 | 100 |
Median Home Cost | $128,600 | $231,200 |
Utilities | 97.1 | 100 |
Transportation | 83.4 | 100 |
Miscellaneous | 93.1 | 100 |
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START MY QUOTEMississippi’s median home cost is $128,600. Over the past 10 years, homes in Mississippi have appreciated by 11.1%. Currently, home appreciation in the state has grown by 5.8%. About 72.5% of the state’s population are homeowners.
Renting a home or apartment could be your preferred housing option if you’re moving to Mississippi. Around 26.4% of the state’s population are renters while 2.8% of homes and apartments in Mississippi are available to rent.
So, what exactly should you expect? Below is a breakdown of the average cost of renting a home in the state if you’re moving to Mississippi:
Mississippi’s job market is gradually gaining momentum. Over the past year, the number of jobs in the state has grown by 0.4%. Currently, the unemployment rate in Mississippi is 6.3%. The national average is 6.0%.
Since you’re considering moving to Mississippi, check out the table below showing key stats about the state’s job market:
Employment Information | Mississippi | United States |
---|---|---|
The income per Cap | $22,500 | $31,177 |
Household Income | $42,009 | $57,652 |
Unemployment Rate | 6.3 | 6.0 |
Recent Job Growth | -4.29% | -6.18% |
Future Job Growth | 29.31% | 33.51% |
Tip: When you’ve got a home to move in Mississippi, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.
If you’re considering getting a new job after moving to Mississippi, you’ll most likely be interested in the average pay in the state. Here’s a simple breakdown of the average pay in the state since you’re considering moving to Mississippi:
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START MY QUOTEMoving to Mississippi gives you the opportunity to work for some of the highest-paying companies in the state. Here are the top career options in the Magnolia state if you’re moving to Mississippi:
Rank | Job Title | AVERAGE SALARY | ENTRY LEVEL SALARY | # OF PEOPLE |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists | $282,660 | $162,710 | 190 |
2 | General Internal Medicine Physicians | $229,520 | $70,400 | 280 |
3 | Psychiatrists | $224,590 | $60,760 | 70 |
4 | Family Medicine Physicians | $208,610 | $63,750 | 870 |
5 | Pediatricians, General | $202,290 | $114,860 | 100 |
6 | Physicians, All Other; And Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | $184,170 | $46,730 | 2,180 |
7 | Podiatrists | $178,740 | $75,230 | 30 |
8 | Nurse Anesthetists | $174,540 | $128,400 | 270 |
9 | Dentists, General | $168,250 | $88,110 | 580 |
10 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $162,670 | $49,460 | 1,430 |
If you’re moving to Mississippi, you’d be interested in the various industries that are propelling the state’s economy. So, we’ve made a list of the largest economy in the state to give you an idea of what to expect if you’re moving to Mississippi:
Chances are that you may be interested in working for some of the largest companies after moving to Mississippi. Here the ten largest companies in the Magnolia state if you’re moving to Mississippi:
Rank | Company | City | Employees |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Sanderson Farms | Laurel | 14,000 |
2 | Alley | Ridgeland | 8,200 |
3 | Greek Orthodox Church Of Holy | Biloxi | 7,500 |
4 | Island View Casino Resort | Gulfport | 7,300 |
5 | The Yates Companies | Philadelphia | 7,000 |
6 | Mississippi State University | Mississippi State | 6,250 |
7 | University of Mississippi Medical Center | Jackson | 5,750 |
8 | North Mississippi Medical Center | Tupelo | 5,618 |
9 | J D Williams Library U Of Miss | University | 4,750 |
10 | Sims Metal Management Mississippi | Sherman | 4,561 |
Moving to Mississippi could mean paying more or less in taxes depending on where you’re moving from.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the taxes in the Magnolia State since you’re considering moving to Mississippi:
Moving to Mississippi gives you the opportunity to participate in several exciting activities and visit various remarkable attractions.
Since you’re considering moving to Mississippi, we’ve made a list of the best things to do in the state. Check out the list below:
An interactive museum in Cleveland, the Grammy Museum aims to educate Mississippians about the history and cultural significance of American music. It hosts multiple events including music sessions and award functions.
The 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway promises a scenic drive through three states. It roughly follows the "Old Natchez Trace" a historic travel corridor used by American Indians, "Kaintucks," European settlers, slave traders, soldiers, and future presidents.
Situated at the 110-acre Livingston Park, Jackson Zoological Park exhibits over 250 animals from 120 species. The zoo has several areas dedicated to specific places on Earth, including the African Rainforest, African Savannah, Asian Garden, and Wilderness Mississippi.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast is known for its gorgeous shoreline and white-sand beaches. There are many historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, and islands accessible only by boat. The seashore also has nature trails.
The 13-gun ironclad USS Cairo was one of the boats that helped Union forces overcome Confederate opposition during the American Civil War. Later sunk in the Yazoo River by an electronically detonated torpedo just seven miles north of Vicksburg, USS Cairo is now a museum displaying various items discovered along with the boat.
A museum promoting arts, music, and education, the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center have an extensive collection of artifacts owned by King, the famous American musician, and display exhibits about his life and the lives of other musicians of the delta region.
The largest museum in Mississippi features aquariums, habitat exhibits, and nature trails specializing in the flora and fauna of the state. There are more than a million specimens of fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, invertebrates, plants, and fossils on display.
The birth home of Elvis Presley, the legendary American musician, is now a museum. There is a chapel and a church where the Presley family prayed.
The Old Capitol Museum at Jackson was once the statehouse, from 1839 to 1903 and is recognized for its Greek Revival architecture. The building is a National Historic Landmark and is now a fee museum depicting the history of Mississippi.
The historic coastal town, Ocean Springs boasts a rich history, artistic flair, lush landscape, and small-town appeal. There are more than 200 independent shops, galleries, and restaurants at Ocean springs and the nightlife is also highly vibrant.
The privately-owned Petrified Forest is open to the public. There is a natural trail through a prehistoric forest of maple, fir, palm, and other types of trees that turned to stone many millions of years ago.
Safety is always one of the key things to consider before moving to any state. Since you’re considering moving to Mississippi, you’ll most likely be interested in the state’s level of safety. Here are key stats of the state’s crime rates:
Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. Know the top-rated moving companies in Mississippi.
Since you’re considering moving to Mississippi, we’ve made a list of the 10 safest cities in the Magnolia State. You’ll most likely be interested in shopping for homes in the safest cities if you’re moving to Mississippi.
Rank | City | Population | Violent Crimes Per 100k | Property Crimes Per 100k |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Petal, MS | 10,656 | 0 | 553 |
2 | Madison, MS | 25,832 | 69 | 932 |
3 | Clinton, MS | 25,137 | 59 | 2,140 |
4 | Brandon, MS | 24,283 | 123 | 765 |
5 | Pass Christian, MS | 6,082 | 98 | 2,285 |
6 | Horn Lake, MS | 27,238 | 102 | 2,386 |
7 | Oxford, MS | 24,369 | 65 | 2,732 |
8 | Starkville, MS | 25,559 | 168 | 1,604 |
9 | Byram, MS | 11,692 | 153 | 2,420 |
10 | Booneville, MS | 8,688 | 276 | 1,427 |
Mississippi is home to several top-quality schools from elementary to higher institutions.
Moving to Mississippi means getting the chance to attend some of the best schools in the Magnolia State. We’ve made a list of the best universities, colleges, elementary, middle, and high schools in the state to help you get started:
East Hancock Elementary School
Hancock Co School District, Public, PK-5 & Ungraded | 698 students, Rating: 10/10
Madison Avenue Upper Elementary
Madison Co School District, Public, 3-5 & Ungraded | 478 students, Rating: 10/10
Eastside Elementary
Clinton Public School District, Public, 4-5 & Ungraded | 905 students, Rating: 10/10
Northshore Elementary
Rankin Co School District, Public, K-6 & Ungraded | 689 students, Rating: 10/10
Bayou View Elementary School
Gulfport School District, Public, K-5 & Ungraded | 682 students, Rating: 10/10
Hernando Middle School
Desoto Co School District, Public, 6-8 & Ungraded | 1007 students, Rating: 10/10
Bailey Middle Apac School
Jackson Public School District, Public, 6-8 | 365 students, Rating: 10/10
North Woolmarket Elementary and Mid
Harrison Co School District, Public, K-8 | 941 students, Rating: 10/10
Desoto Central Middle School
Desoto Co School District, Public, 6-8 & Ungraded | 1345 students, Rating: 10/10
Lovett Elementary School
Clinton Public School District, Public, 6 & Ungraded | 443 students, Rating: 10/10
Middle School School for Math and Science
MS School for Math and Science, Public, 11-12 | 238 students, Rating: 10/10
Lewisburg High School
Desoto Co School District, Public, 9-12 & Ungraded | 1115 students, Rating: 10/10
Desoto Central High School
Desoto Co School District, Public, 9-12 & Ungraded | 1763 students, Rating: 10/10
Corinth High School
Corinth School District, Public, 9-12 & Ungraded | 602 students, Rating: 10/10
Hernando High School
Desoto Co School District, Public, 9-12 & Ungraded | 1266 students, Rating: 10/10
Millsaps College - Jackson, MS
Mississippi Valley State University - Itta Bena, MS
Mississippi State University - Mississippi State, MS
University of Mississippi - University, MS
Rust College - Holly Springs, MS
William Carey University - Hattiesburg, MS
Tougaloo College - Tougaloo, MS
University of Southern Mississippi - Hattiesburg, MS
Mississippi College - Clinton, MS
Jackson State University - Jackson, MS
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