What to know when moving to Hattiesburg, MS
Hattiesburg at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A population of 41,916 with a median household income of $40,287 and 57.4% of residents renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to five postsecondary institutions, including the University of Southern Mississippi.
- The Reality Check:
- A poverty rate of 30.7% indicates economic challenges for many residents.
- Commute:
- Only 0.7% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $932/month in rent to find a suitable place.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Hattiesburg features a mix of renters and homeowners, with 57.4% of residents renting their homes. The community has a relatively low education level, with only 28.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. Combined with a high poverty rate of 30.7%, newcomers might notice economic disparities. The area receives about 53.4 inches of rain annually, so prepare for a wet climate.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a strong public transit system, as only 0.7% of residents commute by public transit.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $932, which is quite affordable compared to many urban areas.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $120,100, indicating a relatively low entry point for homeownership.
- 28.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, reflecting the educational landscape.
- The poverty rate is 30.7%, which can inform your understanding of local economic conditions.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Mississippi, the crime rates present some noteworthy trends. The state has a violent crime rate of 221.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 31.8% lower than the national average. Property crime is at 1,272.4 per 100,000, which is also 17.7% lower than the national rate.
- Violent crime: 221.8 per 100k vs. national 325.3 per 100k
- Property crime: 1,272.4 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9 per 100k
- Notable trend: Homicide rates have decreased by 12.7% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Mississippi).
Schools & Higher Ed
Hattiesburg has access to five postsecondary institutions, providing a variety of educational options.
- Pearl River Community College-Forrest County Campus
- The Academy of Hair Design Six
- University of Southern Mississippi
- Unlimited Cosmetology School
- William Carey University
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Hattiesburg experiences an annual precipitation of about 53.4 inches, with 98 rainy days each year. This wet climate is complemented by several outdoor amenities.
- Hattiesburg Pocket Museum - 4.9 stars (605 reviews)
- Mississippi Armed Forces Museum - 4.8 stars (572 reviews)
- Town Square Park - 4.7 stars (438 reviews)
- Kamper Park - 4.5 stars (347 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.