Is Diamondhead Safe, Pros and cons of living in Diamondhead

Diamondhead, Mississippi, offers a unique blend of coastal charm and suburban tranquility, making it an appealing place for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle. Nestled in Hancock County, this city is conveniently located near the vibrant cultural hub of New Orleans, providing residents with access to big-city amenities while maintaining a peaceful community atmosphere. The city’s motto, “Where living is easy,” hints at its laid-back ambiance and focus on resident well-being.

Incorporated in 2012, Diamondhead has a history rooted in resort development, a past that has shaped its landscape and community feel. Its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico influences its climate and offers recreational opportunities. The city’s development was significantly impacted by the construction of Interstate 10, which improved accessibility and contributed to its growth as a residential area.

Is it Safe to Live in Diamondhead?

Diamondhead’s crime rate is notably low, with an overall crime rate of 9.544 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This places the city in the 97th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 97% of U.S. cities (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Residents generally consider the eastern parts of the city to be the safest, with a significantly lower chance of being a victim of crime in these areas.

The chance of being a victim of crime in Diamondhead varies by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 70 in the southwest to 1 in 123 in the east (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Violent crime rates are also well below the national average, with a rate of 1 per 1,000 inhabitants (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates are also lower than the national average, with a rate of 9 per 1,000 population (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Housing and Cost of Living

The housing market in Diamondhead presents a median listing price of $288,000 (as reported by realtor.com®). The median home value is approximately $244,374, which is slightly higher than the Mississippi average of $145,564 (as reported by Zillow and MetroStatUSA). The homeownership rate in Diamondhead is robust, standing at 89.7% (as reported by Data USA), which is significantly higher than the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA).

The cost of living in Diamondhead is generally lower than the national average. Overall living costs are estimated to be 10% lower than the U.S. national average and 26% lower than Mississippi’s state average (as reported by Salary.com). Housing expenses are particularly favorable, with costs reported as 25.4% lower than the national average (as reported by Salary.com). The median gross rent in Diamondhead is $1,571 per month (as reported by Point2Homes), while the average cost of rent is around $1,026 per month (as reported by AreaVibes and Zillow).

Job Market and Economy

The employment landscape in Diamondhead is diverse, with key sectors including Health Care & Social Assistance, Public Administration, and Educational Services (as reported by Data USA). From 2023 to 2024, employment in Diamondhead saw a decline of 9.38%, with the number of employees decreasing from approximately 4.09k to 3.71k (as reported by Data USA). The unemployment rate in Mississippi, which Diamondhead is part of, was 3.7% as of February 2026 (as reported by BLS and YCharts), which is lower than the national unemployment rate of 4.4% (as reported by BLS).

The median household income in Diamondhead was reported as $87,407 in 2024 (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau and Data USA), reflecting a 1.4% increase from the previous year. This median income is higher than the state average (as reported by MetroStatUSA). The average commute time for residents is 36.8 minutes, with most people driving alone to work (as reported by Data USA).

Climate and Environment

Diamondhead experiences a warm, humid subtropical climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. The average temperature ranges from a low of 42°F in January to a high of 90°F in August (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Snowfall is virtually nonexistent, with zero annual accumulation (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Annual precipitation is substantial, measuring around 66 inches, with July being the wettest month (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Humidity levels rise significantly in late spring and summer, creating muggy conditions from May through September. The city experiences nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, with the sunniest periods occurring from May to October (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Demographics and Education

Diamondhead is home to approximately 9,338 residents, with a median age of 49.1 years (as reported by Point2Homes and World Population Review). The population is fairly evenly split between males and females, with 47.4% male and 52.6% female (as reported by Point2Homes). The racial composition is predominantly White, at 85.8%, with smaller percentages for Black or African American, Asian, and those of two or more races (as reported by World Population Review and Niche).

The educational landscape in Diamondhead is served by the Hancock County School District. The district includes schools like East Hancock Elementary School (PK-5), Hancock Middle School (6-8), and Hancock High School (9-12) (as reported by Niche). East Hancock Elementary School has a rating of 3 out of 5, while Hancock High School has a rating of 3.92 out of 5 (as reported by Niche).