10 Best Places to Live in Mississippi (2024)

By: ROS Team

Mississippi has many different kinds of communities, each with its own special charm, from cities to small towns. With an average home price of $181,313, way lower than the national average of $359,099, Mississippi is an affordable option for those looking to put down roots.

Whether you like its culture, schools or outdoor recreation, Mississippi has something for everyone. In this article we’ve ranked the 10 best places to live in Mississippi, considering affordability, safety, job opportunities and quality of life.

Our Methodology

To determine the best places to live in Mississippi, we looked at all the factors that matter to residents in Mississippi: affordability, safety, jobs, education, and recreation.

Data came from public databases, government reports, and local sources. We looked at average home prices, crime rates, unemployment rates, and school ratings to get the full picture of each place.

Best Places to Live In Mississippi

#1 Madison

Madison is the best place to live in Mississippi and for good reason. This Jackson suburb with a population of 27,747 as of 2020 has small town charm and all the modern amenities.

Niche.com ranked Madison as the #1 place to live and raise a family in Mississippi. Residents here enjoy premium perks like excellent schools, low crime, and plenty of recreation. Most residents own their homes and live in a rural setting with parks, golf courses and lots of dining and shopping options.

Affordability

Avg Home Price: $303,300
Avg Rent: $1,549

Safety

Violent Crime Rate: 0.47 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 5.8 per 1,000 residents

Employment

Unemployment Rate: 1.6%
Median Household Income: $139,275
Poverty Rate: 3.34%

Education

Madison’s education system is top notch. All public schools are “A” rated by the Mississippi Department of Education with a 19:1 student to teacher ratio. Plus, Madison is close to following higher educational institutes:

Mississippi College
Jackson State University
Millsaps College
Tougaloo College
Belhaven University

Over 68.1% of the population has a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Outdoor & Recreational Opportunities

Fresh seafood at Half Shell Oyster House or classic favorites like Applebee’s and Burger King, Madison has you covered.

You can shop at Sam’s Club or Wee the People. And golf at Reunion Golf and Country Club, Annandale Golf Club or Whisper Lake Country Club.

Visit the Old Madison-Ridgeland Public School and Montgomery House to see some of Madison’s history. Nature lovers can visit Madison Station Botanic Garden or get active at Madison Healthplex Performance Center and CLUB4Fitness.

#2 Brandon

Second best place to live in Mississippi, Brandon has kept its small town charm while growing to over 25,000 people. Since 1990 Brandon’s population has almost doubled to an estimated 25,719 in 2023. With affordable housing , great schools and plenty of recreational activities, Brandon is a community that offers a great life with a sense of community.

Affordability

Avg Home Price: $273,863
Avg Rent: $1,251

Safety

Violent Crime Rate: 1.14 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 4.82 per 1,000 residents

Employment

Unemployment Rate: 1.7%
Median Household Income: $89,051
Poverty Rate: 5.0%

Education

Brandon is served by the Rankin County School District, the 3rd largest in Mississippi, which has an “A” rating from the Mississippi Department of Education.

Outdoor & Recreational Opportunities

Brandon offers a wealth of recreational and historical attractions:

Parks: Enjoy outdoor activities at Bill Vance Park, Diamond Park, Shiloh Park, City Park, Ponderosa Park, Sunset Park, and Crimson Lane Park.

Historical Sites: The Tatum House, once used as a hospital during the Civil War.

#3 Clinton

One of Mississippi’s safest and most affordable places, Clinton has small town charm with big city convenience. With a population of 28,100, this central Mississippi city is just a short drive from Jackson so you get the best of both worlds – peace and quiet living and nearby business and entertainment. Famous for its top rated schools, historic roots and diverse recreation, Clinton is one of America’s greatest hometowns.

Affordability

Avg Home Price: $230,860
Avg Rent: $1,004

Safety

Violent Crime Rate: 0.93 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 11 per 1,000 residents

Employment

Unemployment Rate: 2.0%
Median Household Income: $68,492
Poverty Rate: 10.7%

Education

Education is a cornerstone of Clinton’s appeal:

The Clinton Public School District is #1 in Mississippi and is an “A” rated school district.

Mississippi College, the oldest college in the state and a world wide institution with Baptist heritage.

Outdoor & Recreational Opportunities

Clinton offers something for everyone, from exclusive community events to parks for families and pets. Notable parks include:

Brighton Park
Kids Towne Park
Traceway Park
Lions Club Park
Robinson Park
Bark Park (perfect for four-legged friends!)

#4 Flowood

Flowood, population 10,202, is a growing city in Rankin County, just east of Jackson. With its ideal location and access to Interstates 55 and 20 as well as the Jackson International Airport, Flowood is perfect for families and businesses.

Affordability

Avg Home Price: $324,799
Avg Rent: $1,265

Safety

Violent Crime Rate: 2.09 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 15.76 per 1,000 residents

Employment

Unemployment Rate: 1.9%
Median Household Income: $89,144
Poverty Rate: 10.1%

Education

Flowood has great education for families:

Public schools are Northwest Rankin High School, Middle School and Flowood Elementary.

Private education is top notch with Jackson Preparatory School (7-12) and Hartfield Academy (K-12) both located in the city.

Outdoor & Recreational Opportunities

Flowood’s parks and recreation facilities are a major draw:

Winner’s Circle Park: Voted best park in Mississippi in 2023, has all the amenities for families.

Flowood Nature Park: Has 1 mile walking trail through woods and around a lake.

Liberty Park: Sports hub with baseball and soccer fields that are packed with families and kids every weekend.

#5 Ridgeland

Ranked as one of MONEY® magazine’s 100 Best Places to Live, Ridgeland is filled with shopping, dining, arts and entertainment. With a population of 24,340, this family-friendly city fosters a strong sense of community, providing countless activities for seniors, clubs, and organizations to keep residents engaged.

Affordability

Avg Home Price: $265,570
Avg Rent: $1,101

Safety

Violent Crime Rate: 3.52 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 18.97 per 1,000 residents

Employment

Unemployment Rate: 2.0%
Median Household Income: $66,171
Poverty Rate: 7.3%

Education

Madison County School District serves the area. Two private schools: Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School and Christ Covenant School. Holmes Community College is providing education locally and Baptist Children’s Village supports vulnerable children and families through care and counseling.

Outdoor & Recreational Opportunities

Ridgeland is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise with the Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444 mile National Park to bike and hike. The Ross Barnett Reservoir is 33,000 acres of water and fishing. Residents have 13 miles of multi-use trail and the Ridgeland Tennis Center, a 17 court public facility. Families will love Freedom Ridge Park with one of the state’s first universal design playgrounds so all children can play together.

#6 Oxford

Located in Lafayette County in northern Mississippi, Oxford is a city rich in history and culture. Founded in 1837 and named after Oxford, England, this college town has 25,416 people and is one of the top 6 college towns in the country according to USA Today.

Affordability

Avg Home Price: $358,424
Avg Rent: $1,064

Safety

Violent Crime Rate: 1.44 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 18.8 per 1,000 residents

Employment

Unemployment Rate: 1.8%
Median Household Income: $56,784
Poverty Rate: 28.1%

Education

Oxford is home to the University of Mississippi, or “Ole Miss”, founded in 1848. Oxford School District gets an “A” from the Mississippi Department of Education so it’s one of the top school districts in the state.

Outdoor & Recreational Opportunities

Oxford has plenty of recreational opportunities through its Parks Commission which maintains Avent Park, Bailey Branch Park, the Hank Aaron Complex and mTrade Park. The city is also a sports fan’s paradise with SEC games at Ole Miss and youth tournaments at mTrade Park. Miles of bike paths for cycling too!

#7 Hattiesburg

Hattiesburg is called “The Hub City” for its railroad history and is a college town with a population of 47,068. Affordable and with access to healthcare, it’s a great place to retire. Hattiesburg’s mix of education, recreation and Southern hospitality makes it a Mississippi gem.

Affordability

Avg Home Price: $207,532
Avg Rent: $883

Safety

Violent Crime Rate: 3.32 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 43.44 per 1,000 residents

Employment

Unemployment Rate: 2.3%
Median Household Income: $44,453
Poverty Rate: 32%

Education

Hattiesburg is home to the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) and William Carey University, providing diverse academic opportunities and fueling the city’s reputation as a hub for education and innovation.

Outdoor & Recreational Opportunities

Hattiesburg has 29 parks, walking trails and facilities for all ages. Residents and visitors can enjoy the Hattiesburg Zoo, Longleaf Trace for biking and hiking and Pinebelt Blueways for water fun.

The Turtle Creek Mall features 80 shops, and nearly 200 dining options ensure a vibrant culinary scene. Whether enjoying golf at Shadow Ridge or a family outing at Eagle Action Sportz, Hattiesburg truly has something for everyone.

#8 Tupelo

Only Southern city to be named an All-America City five times, Tupelo is the commercial, industrial and cultural hub of northern Mississippi. With a population of 37,923, this city is full of history including being the birthplace of Elvis Presley. Tupelo’s arts scene, cultural institutions and community spirit make it a great place to live.

Affordability

Avg Home Price: $189,874
Avg Rent: $807

Safety

Violent Crime Rate: 3.84 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 40.93 per 1,000 residents

Employment

Unemployment Rate: 2.3%
Median Household Income: $55,638
Poverty Rate: 13.5%

Education

Tupelo Public School District serves the majority of the city. Tupelo High School, the largest public high school in Mississippi, had 1,931 students in 2018-2019.

Outdoor & Recreational Opportunities

Tupelo has plenty of attractions and recreational activities including the Natchez Trace Parkway, one of America’s Top 10 National Parks. Residents can shop in three different districts, visit the Buffalo Park and Zoo or explore history at the Tupelo Automobile Museum.

Over 200 restaurants with everything from Cajun food trucks to fine dining and a thriving arts and culture scene, Tupelo has it all.

#9 Olive Branch

Olive Branch with 39,711 population is one of the most livable cities in America. A peaceful suburban life just outside of Memphis. Ranked 46th on Fortune’s 3rd annual list of the 50 Best Places to Live for Families. Olive Branch provides a comfortable and affordable place to live, work, worship and play all in one community.

Affordability

Avg Home Price: $324,077
Avg Rent: $1,399

Safety

Violent Crime Rate: 2.72 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 16.03 per 1,000 residents

Employment

Unemployment Rate: 2.0%
Median Household Income: $93,857
Poverty Rate: 5.1%

Education

Olive Branch is served by the DeSoto County School District which is above average. Lewisburg High School and Center Hill High School are standouts for college readiness and student progress. High school graduation rate is almost 90% which shows the community’s emphasis on education.

Outdoor & Recreational Opportunities

Olive Branch has Olive Branch City Park which has 5 tennis courts, an amphitheater, 2 fishing lakes and a 2 mile walking trail. Other local parks are George M. Harrison Municipal Park, Ivy Trails Community Park and Magnolia Community Park.

#10 Ocean Springs

Last on our list is Ocean Springs. With 17,000 people, it’s a beautiful town in the heart of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, on the eastern side of Biloxi Bay. Known for its arts scene and scenery, Ocean Springs is a tourist hot spot and was even named one of the top 10 Best Coastal Small Towns by USA Today in 2022.

The town has tree-lined streets, art galleries, cute shops and over 100 restaurants for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Affordability

Avg Home Price: $260,519
Avg Rent: $1,017

Safety

Violent Crime Rate: 0.96 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 22.29 per 1,000 residents

Employment Opportunities

Unemployment Rate: 2.9%
Median Household Income: $72,500
Poverty Rate: 6.2%

Education

Ocean Springs is in the Ocean Springs School District which is one of the top districts in the state of Mississippi. The district has 4 elementary schools, 1 middle school and 1 high school.

Outdoor & Recreational Opportunities

Ocean Springs is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Check out:

The Stature of French Explorer Pierre Lemoyne d’Iberville
Ocean Springs Front Beach to hang out by the water
Fort Maurepas Park and Gulf Islands National Seashore Park to get outdoors.
It’s also a fishing town and home to The Preserve Golf Club so there’s something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Place to Live In Mississippi for Young Adults?

Ocean Springs is perfect for young adults with its arts scene, live music and breweries and other entertainment. It’s a busy town with lots of events so great for a social lifestyle.

What Is the Best Place to Live In Mississippi for Families?

Madison is best for families with A-rated schools, low crime and many parks and recreational activities. It’s a family friendly community with a rural feel and local amenities.

What Is the Best Place to Live In Mississippi for Couples?

Mathiston is perfect for couples with its rural charm, mild climate and outdoor recreational areas. Larger cities like Starkville and Columbus are nearby for more amenities

What Is the Best Place to Live In Mississippi for Retirees?

Clarksdale is best for retirees with attractions like The Delta Blues Museum, Juke Joint Festival and Great River Road State Park. It has a senior center and good healthcare at North Sunflower Medical Center.

What Is the Safest Place to Live In Mississippi?

Petal is the safest with a violent crime rate of 0.71 per 1,000 residents (well below the state average of 2.45) and a property crime rate of 4.45 per 1,000 residents (below the state average of 17.47).