Is Mississippi a Good Place to Live?

To assess the quality of life in Mississippi, we will look into the pros and cons of living in Mississippi.

Pros and Cons of Living in Mississippi

Pros

Pro #1 Affordable Cost of Living

One of the best things about Mississippi is the super low cost of living. Housing costs in Mississippi are way lower than the national average so it’s a great option for individuals and families looking to stretch their dollars. For example the median home price in Mississippi is $181,313 almost half the national average of $359,099.

If you’re renting, the savings continue. The average monthly rent for a one bedroom apartment is $961 vs the U.S. average of $1,559.

And everyday expenses in Mississippi are super low. According to City-Data.com the cost of living index in Mississippi is 76.7 vs the national average of 100. This means cheaper groceries, utilities, transportation and other essentials.

In fact, USNews.com ranks Mississippi as the 2nd most affordable state in the country behind Arkansas.

Tip: If affordability is your top priority, consider Greenwood. It’s one of the cheapest areas to live in Mississippi and offers even more savings for residents.

Pro #2 Southern Hospitality and Lifestyle

Mississippi is often known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, a hallmark of Southern hospitality. Life in the state is all about small town communities where your neighbors look out for you and you feel like you belong.

From casual conversations with strangers to heartfelt hellos Mississippians tout themselves as friendly and generous.

The state’s lifestyle is rooted in tradition and a slower pace of life which is perfect for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of big city life.

Mississippi is a cultural gem with a deep history that includes the birth of the blues, festivals and fried catfish, cornbread and barbecue. Events like the Natchez Balloon Festival and Delta Blues Festival bring it all together.

Pro #3 Rich Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities

Mississippi’s natural beauty is the best feature of all, so outdoor lovers will love it.

The state is heavily wooded with over half the state covered in wild trees. Rolling hills and scenic rivers to beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi has many landscapes to explore.

Outdoor activities galore whether you’re hiking in the Homochitto National Forest, kayaking the Pascagoula River or fishing in the many lakes and waterways. The Gulf Coast is popular for beaches, boating and marine life and the Mississippi Delta is wide open spaces and sunsets.

Tishomingo State Park and LeFleur’s Bluff State Park have trails, campsites and picnic areas for family or solo fun. Wildlife enthusiasts can also birdwatch or visit one of Mississippi’s many wildlife refuges.

Interesting: The Mississippi Gulf Coast has the world’s largest man-made beach.

Pro #4 Mild Winters

Mississippi winters are short and warm. A welcome escape from the cold of many other states. Temps range from 29°F to 64°F (-1°C to 17°C) and snow is rare. When it does snow it’s light and short lived so you don’t have to deal with prolonged winter weather.

This means you can be outside all year round, hiking, fishing or enjoying one of Mississippi’s many parks. No severe winter means lower heating bills, no need for heavy winter gear and no worries about icy roads or snow removal.

Pro #5 Lower Population Density

Mississippi’s lower population density is one of its best features. With only 62 people per square mile it’s a breath of fresh air compared to the congestion of more populated areas.

Ranked 35th most populous state in the US, Mississippi is all about small towns and rural communities which equals a relaxed and laid back lifestyle.

This means less traffic, quieter neighborhoods and more opportunities to enjoy the state’s natural beauty. Residents get bigger properties at more affordable prices. Perfect for families, retirees or anyone who wants privacy and space to spread out.

Pro #6 Affordable Higher Education

Mississippi stands out for its cheap higher education. So if you’re looking for quality education without the high price tag, the Hospitality State should be your top priority.

For in-state students at public 4 year institutions the average college tuition in Mississippi is $9,120 which is lower than the national average of $9,750. That’s 6.21% cheaper than the national average.

Pro #7 Full of History

Mississippi is full of history from the Civil War to the civil rights movement. The state’s cultural impact is celebrated through the Freedom Trail, Blues Trail, Country Music Trail and Literary Trail which showcases the state’s historical and artistic contributions.

Architectural landmarks, like Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs and centuries old churches tell the story. History lovers and art lovers can also visit museums to learn more about Mississippi’s impact on American history and culture.

Pro #8 Full of Music

Mississippi is the birthplace of American music – blues, and has a deep music heritage in genres like blues, country, gospel, rock and roll and hip hop. Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo and B.B. King and Charley Pride are legendary figures.

The Mississippi Blues Trail and Mississippi Country Music Trail will take you through the state to explore its musical roots. Festivals and events bring big name acts to Mississippi so the sound of the state’s music never dies.

Cons

Con #1 Economic Challenges

Mississippi has many advantages but also faces big challenges. One of the biggest is the high poverty rate of 18% which is one of the highest in the country. That poverty affects many areas of life including education, healthcare and access to basic services.

In addition to poverty the stats also have limited job opportunities in some areas which creates an uneven economic landscape. Mississippi has some great industries like agriculture, manufacturing and tourism but in some areas economic growth and job creation is a challenge.

Con #2 Education System

Mississippi’s education system has big problems, especially when it comes to education attainment. According to USNews.com, the state ranks 47th among all states for education attainment, meaning they have gaps in both quality and access to education.

One of the most alarming stats is the low percentage of residents with higher education degrees. Only 24.8% of adults in Mississippi have a bachelor’s degree, way below the national average of 35%. That lack of higher education attainment means limited job opportunities and economic growth for many of its residents.

Con #3 Climate and Natural Disasters

Mississippi’s climate is mild, but vulnerable to extreme weather events because of its location along the Gulf of Mexico. The state has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. But it is also prone to hurricanes, tropical storms and severe thunderstorms, especially during late summer and fall.

Hurricanes (like Hurricane Katrina in 2005) have hit the state hard, causing widespread flooding and property damage. Tornadoes are common in Mississippi too, and it is one of the top states for tornado frequency in the US.

Con #4 High Homicide Rate

Mississippi has one of the highest homicide rates in the US with 23.7 per 100,000 people. That’s way higher than the national average of 7.8 per 100,000. The state’s homicide rates vary by region with urban areas like Jackson having higher rates of violent crime than rural parts of the state.

Con #5 Limited Public Transportation

Public transportation in Mississippi is limited, especially outside of major cities. While Jackson has some bus services, many areas of the state have no public transit at all. This is a problem for those who don’t have private vehicles to get around. No public transportation means no daily commutes, no medical appointments, and no errands.

Living in Mississippi: Is It Right for You?

Mississippi has affordable living, history, mild winters and a great music scene. Lower population and natural beauty if you want a quieter life. Higher education is more affordable than many states.

But Mississippi has challenges: high poverty rate, low education, limited job opportunities and one of the highest murder rates in the US. Public transportation is limited, especially in rural areas.

Whether Mississippi is right for you depends on weighing these benefits against its economic and safety concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Should Consider Living in Mississippi?

Mississippi is for those who want affordable living, a slower pace of life and a strong music and history connection. It suits individuals or families who like the outdoors and mild winters. Not for those who want higher education, job opportunities or safety.

Why Is Mississippi So Cheap to Live In?

Mississippi is cheap because of the low housing costs, median home prices and rent are way below the national average. The cost of living index is also below the US average, goods and services and utilities are cheaper. And Mississippi has low demand for housing and fewer high paying jobs so overall costs are lower.

What Are Some Worst Things About Living in Mississippi?

Tornadoes – Mississippi has severe weather, tornadoes are frequent and can cause damage and be a safety risk.

Bugs – The state has lots of pests, mosquitoes, ticks, horseflies, deer flies are a constant annoyance.

Warm and Humid Weather – The hot and humid weather, especially summer, can be uncomfortable and hard for some to handle.

Is Mississippi a Good Place to Live for Black Families?

Mississippi has 37.8% Black population. The state has historical and ongoing racial inequality issues, but there are strong Black communities and organizations working to make change. Whether Mississippi is “good” for Black families is subjective and depends on your situation.