Is Moss Point Safe, Pros and cons of living in Moss Point

Moving to a new city involves a significant amount of research, and understanding the nuances of a community is key to making an informed decision. Moss Point, Mississippi, located in Jackson County, offers a glimpse into the diverse landscape of small-town American life. This city, situated on the eastern bank of the Pascagoula River, presents a unique blend of history and contemporary living, with its own set of advantages and challenges for potential residents.

As you consider a move to Moss Point, it’s beneficial to explore various facets of life there. This includes understanding the local economy, the safety of its neighborhoods, the cost of living, and the quality of its educational institutions. By examining these elements, you can gain a comprehensive picture of what it’s like to call Moss Point home and determine if it aligns with your personal and professional aspirations.

Is it Safe to Live in Moss Point?

Safety is a paramount concern for any potential resident, and Moss Point presents a complex picture regarding its crime rates. The city’s overall crime rate is reported to be significantly above the national average. Specifically, crime rates in Moss Point are 201% above the national average as of 2026 (according to DoorProfit). This elevated rate applies to both violent and property crimes, with residents facing a higher likelihood of becoming victims compared to many other communities across the United States.

When examining crime statistics, it’s important to note that these figures can vary by neighborhood. While the overall statistics indicate a higher-than-average risk, some areas within Moss Point may be safer than others. For instance, the north part of the city is generally considered the safest, with fewer incidents reported compared to central or southern neighborhoods (as reported by NeighborhoodScout and CrimeGrade.org). The violent crime rate in Moss Point is 1.652 per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org), and the property crime rate is 15 per 1,000 population (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Housing Costs and Availability

The housing market in Moss Point offers a degree of affordability, particularly when compared to national averages. The median home value in Moss Point is approximately $110,100 as of 2024 (according to Data USA), which is considerably lower than the national median of $332,700. This affordability extends to renters as well, with the average rent in Moss Point being around $710 per month as of May 2026 (as reported by Apartments.com). This figure is substantially lower than the national average rent of $1,642 per month.

Moss Point also boasts a high homeownership rate, standing at 72.2% (as reported by Data USA). This indicates a strong sense of community investment among its residents. For those looking to buy, the median listing price in Moss Point, MS was $187,450 in April 2026 (as reported by Movoto). While this is higher than some earlier figures, it still suggests a market that is accessible for many buyers, especially when considering the median property value of $110,100 (as reported by Data USA).

Rental Market Trends

The rental market in Moss Point shows a stable demand, with a median rent of $1,000 per month as of May 2026 (as reported by Realtor.com®). This median rent is approximately 44% lower than the national average (as reported by Zumper). One-bedroom apartments typically rent for around $710 per month, while two-bedroom apartments are slightly less at $638 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). For those seeking larger accommodations, three-bedroom rentals can be found at higher price points.

Rent prices in Moss Point have seen some fluctuation, with a 1.2% increase in the past year, averaging an additional $9 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). This modest increase suggests a generally stable rental environment. The availability of rental units is also a factor, with around 11 active rental listings as of May 2026 (as reported by Realtor.com®), indicating a measured but available inventory for renters.

Economic Landscape and Employment

The economic outlook for Moss Point reveals a city with a median household income of $44,296 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This income level is situated within a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average. The cost of living in Moss Point is approximately 8% lower than the U.S. national average and 35% lower than Mississippi’s state average (as reported by Salary.com). This affordability is particularly noticeable in housing, which is about 6.8% lower than the national average (as reported by Salary.com).

However, the employment landscape in Moss Point has seen some recent decline. Between 2023 and 2024, employment in Moss Point declined by 4.3%, with the number of employed individuals decreasing from approximately 4.42k to 4.23k (as reported by Data USA). The unemployment rate in Moss Point stands at 12% (as reported by Point2Homes), which is higher than the state average. The primary industries employing residents include healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade (as reported by Data USA).

Major Employers and Job Sectors

Several key industries and companies contribute to the job market in Moss Point. The largest employment sectors for residents include healthcare and social assistance, which employs around 756 people, followed by manufacturing with approximately 749 employees, and retail trade with 397 employees (as reported by Data USA). These sectors represent the primary areas where Moss Point residents find their employment, reflecting the broader economic activities within the region.

Some of the notable companies with a presence in Moss Point include Walmart, McDonald’s, UPS, and Dollar General (as listed on Indeed.com). These businesses, along with others like the United States Postal Service and Taco Bell, form a significant part of the local employment base. While specific data on major employers can fluctuate, these companies consistently appear as key contributors to the Moss Point economy, offering a range of job opportunities from retail and service to logistics and public services.

Climate and Weather Patterns

Moss Point experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with long, hot summers and short, cooler winters. The average temperature throughout the year typically ranges from 43°F to 89°F, with rare occurrences of temperatures below 29°F or above 94°F (as reported by BestPlaces). The summer months, from May to September, are hot and humid, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 84°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 89°F and lows of 73°F.

Winters in Moss Point are generally short and mild, with temperatures rarely dropping significantly. The cool season lasts from December to February, with average daily high temperatures below 67°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 43°F and highs of 62°F (as reported by BestPlaces). The city receives a substantial amount of rainfall annually, averaging around 65 inches (as reported by Livability.com) and at times reaching up to 1711 mm (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Rainfall and Seasonal Variations

Moss Point experiences a wet climate with significant precipitation throughout the year. The wetter season typically runs from June to September, with a greater than 39% chance of a day being wet (as reported by BestPlaces). July is often the month with the most wet days, averaging around 17.2 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation. The drier season spans from September to June, with October generally having the fewest wet days, around 6.8 days.

The city’s climate is dynamic, with considerable variation throughout the year. While summers are hot and humid, with average highs in the upper 80s°F, the cooler months offer more moderate temperatures. The average annual rainfall is considerable, contributing to the region’s lush environment. The most enjoyable times to visit or experience Moss Point are typically during the spring and fall months, from March to May and October to November, when temperatures are more comfortable, ranging from the low 70s to the mid-80s°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and School Systems

The educational landscape in Moss Point is served by two main school districts: the Jackson County School District and the Moss Point Separate School District. There is a notable difference in the performance and ratings between these districts. Schools within the Jackson County School District, such as East Central High School, East Central Middle School, and East Central Upper Elementary, are generally highly regarded and rank among the top in the state (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

In contrast, schools within the Moss Point Separate School District, including Moss Point High School, tend to face challenges with lower test scores and higher rates of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Moss Point High School itself has an “A-” Niche grade and a 4/10 GreatSchools Rating, with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 (as reported by Homes.com). While the district is working to improve educational outcomes, the disparity between the two districts is a significant factor for families considering the area.

School Performance and Ratings

Moss Point High School has an average SAT score of 900 and an average ACT score, with math proficiency at 62% and reading proficiency at 57% (as reported by Homes.com). However, performance varies across the district. Public elementary schools in Moss Point have an average math proficiency of 43% and a reading proficiency of 41%, which is below the Mississippi state average (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). The Moss Point Separate School District overall holds a “B” grade from Niche (as reported by Niche).

The Jackson County School District, which serves some areas that may be considered part of the greater Moss Point region, shows stronger performance metrics. For example, East Central High School is noted for its academic achievements and higher proficiency rates on state assessments (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Addressing chronic absenteeism and supporting economically disadvantaged students are identified as key areas for improvement across all schools in Moss Point to bridge educational gaps.

Demographics and Population Characteristics

Moss Point is home to a population of approximately 11,957 residents as of the most recent Census data (as reported by Point2Homes). The city has experienced a population decline, decreasing by 4.13% since the 2020 census recorded 12,125 residents (as reported by Zip.com). The racial composition of Moss Point is predominantly Black or African American, making up about 68.7% of the population, followed by White residents at 24.8% (as reported by Point2Homes). Other racial groups constitute smaller percentages of the total population.

The median age in Moss Point is 45 years (as reported by Point2Homes), with a slightly higher proportion of females (53.4%) compared to males (46.6%) (as reported by Point2Homes). A significant portion of the population, 23.7%, is aged 65 or older, indicating a notable senior demographic (as reported by Wikipedia). The median household income is around $41,200 (as reported by MetroStatUSA), with a poverty rate of 19.99% (as reported by Zip.com), which is higher than the national average.

Age and Gender Distribution

The age demographics in Moss Point show a distribution across various life stages. Approximately 16.5% of the population are children under 15, with 11.6% in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 constitute 22.8% of the population, while the 45 to 64 age bracket represents a larger segment at 28%. Those aged 65 and older make up about 21.1% of the residents (as reported by Point2Homes). This age distribution suggests a community with a significant number of both working-age adults and a substantial senior population.

Regarding gender, Moss Point has a slightly higher female population. With 53.4% of residents being female and 46.6% being male (as reported by Point2Homes), this balance is consistent with many communities. For every 100 females, there are approximately 87.3 males in Moss Point (as reported by Zip.com). This gender distribution can influence various aspects of community life, from social dynamics to the types of services and amenities that are most in demand.