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Quality of Life in Hattiesburg, MS
Above-average quality of iife. The area offers a reasonable cost of living, decent mobility, and a mix of neighborhood amenities.
What does Quality of Life tell us?
Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.
What does this tell us?
Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.
Cost of Living
27% below national average
The Real Cost of Living in Hattiesburg, MS for 2026
| Tier | Individual | Family (4) |
|---|---|---|
| Survival | $16k | $30k |
| Comfortable | $30k | $44k |
| Luxury | $80k+ | $124k+ |
| Elite (Top 5%) | $122k+ | $188k+ |
101%
The Area Signal
A metric tracking the socioeconomic signals of the area.
Hobbies
Explore the areaGroceries
5 within 10 miles
Gas
20 within 10 miles
Hospital
5 within 20 miles
Airport
ATL — Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International
Post Office
USPS — Hattiesburg, MS
Critical Amenities
Quality-of-Life Analysis
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, offers a notably affordable quality of life that attracts a mix of university students, healthcare professionals, and families seeking a lower cost of living without sacrificing small-city amenities. With a cost of living index of 73—well below the U.S. average of 100—the area provides significant financial breathing room compared to larger Southern metros. The population skews younger due to the presence of the University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University, while the city also serves as a regional medical hub, drawing in professionals employed by Forrest General Hospital and Merit Health Wesley.
How housing costs and everyday expenses compare to nearby cities
Hattiesburg’s housing market is a primary driver of its affordability. The median home value sits at $153,600, roughly half the national median, while the median rent of $995 is similarly accessible. These figures undercut nearby Gulf Coast cities like Biloxi (median home value ~$175,000) and are dramatically lower than Jackson’s suburban areas or the pricier markets of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The average commute time of just 17 minutes further reduces transportation costs, as residents can live close to work, school, and shopping. For context, the national average commute is about 26 minutes, meaning Hattiesburg residents save both time and fuel money. Utilities and groceries also track below national averages, making the city a practical choice for remote workers or retirees on fixed incomes.
What daily life is like for families, students, and professionals
Daily life in Hattiesburg revolves around a compact, walkable downtown core and a strong sense of community. The Hattiesburg Public School District operates several magnet and traditional schools, while the city also hosts private and parochial options. The University of Southern Mississippi brings cultural events, Division I athletics, and a youthful energy that spills into local coffee shops, breweries, and the historic Saenger Theater. Outdoor amenities include the Longleaf Trace, a 44-mile rail-trail popular for cycling and running, and nearby Paul B. Johnson State Park for camping and fishing. The city’s medical infrastructure is robust for its size, with two major hospitals and a growing number of specialty clinics. However, residents note that retail and dining options are more limited than in larger metros, and the city’s humid subtropical climate means hot, muggy summers and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
Hattiesburg is best suited for those who prioritize financial stability and a slower pace over big-city nightlife or career diversity. Young professionals in healthcare or education will find ample job opportunities, while families benefit from low housing costs and short commutes. Retirees on a budget can stretch their savings further here than in most of the South. The city’s college-town atmosphere and proximity to the Gulf Coast (about 70 miles south) also appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and those who enjoy a mix of small-town charm with access to regional amenities. For anyone seeking a low-stress, affordable base in the Deep South, Hattiesburg delivers a solid return on investment.
Crime in Hattiesburg, MS
Generally safer than 63% of comparable U.S. locations.
Violent CrimeViolent Crime Analysis
Property CrimeProperty Crime Analysis
Crime Analysis
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, presents a mixed safety profile defined by a violent crime rate significantly below the national average but a property crime rate that far exceeds it. With a violent crime rate of 224.9 per 100,000 residents, the city is safer than many comparably sized Southern communities, yet its property crime rate of 3,231.2 per 100,000 signals a persistent challenge for residents and local law enforcement. The overall safety picture is one where violent encounters are relatively uncommon, but theft, burglary, and vehicle break-ins are a routine concern that shapes daily life.
Crime in context
Hattiesburg's violent crime rate of 224.9 per 100,000 is roughly 40% lower than the national average of approximately 380 per 100,000, placing it in a more favorable position than many cities in the Deep South. However, the property crime rate of 3,231.2 per 100,000 is nearly double the national average of about 1,950 per 100,000. This disparity is typical of college towns and regional hubs like Hattiesburg, where a transient student population and a concentration of retail and commercial property create more opportunities for theft. Mississippi's statewide crime rates are generally elevated, but Hattiesburg's violent crime numbers are a bright spot compared to cities like Jackson or Gulfport. The presence of the University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University contributes to a younger, more mobile population that can correlate with higher property crime, though the university itself maintains its own police force and generally safe campus environment.
What residents experience
For most Hattiesburg residents, the primary safety concern is property crime rather than personal violence. Vehicle break-ins and package thefts are the most commonly reported incidents, particularly in areas near the university and along major corridors like Hardy Street and U.S. Highway 49. Residents in neighborhoods such as Oak Grove, the historic district, and the Midtown area report feeling safe walking during the day, but caution is advised after dark in less trafficked areas. The city's police department has implemented community policing initiatives and a real-time crime center to address property crime trends, but the sheer volume of incidents means prevention often falls to individual vigilance—locking cars, securing garages, and using outdoor lighting. Violent crime, when it occurs, is typically concentrated in specific pockets and often involves individuals known to one another, meaning random attacks on strangers are rare.
Neighborhood-level variation is significant. Areas west of Interstate 59 and south of the railroad tracks tend to report higher crime rates, while the Oak Grove area and newer subdivisions on the city's north and east sides see lower incident numbers. The historic districts near downtown have seen reinvestment and increased patrols, leading to improved safety perceptions in recent years. For prospective residents, consulting the Hattiesburg Police Department's online crime mapping tool or speaking with local real estate agents about block-by-block conditions is advisable, as safety can change dramatically within a few streets. Overall, Hattiesburg is not a high-violence city, but its property crime problem requires active awareness and precaution from those who live there.
* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-04-30T03:01:58.000Z
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