Is West Hattiesburg Safe, Pros and cons of living in West Hattiesburg
West Hattiesburg, Mississippi, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to the amenities of the larger Hattiesburg metropolitan area. This census-designated place (CDP) provides a unique living experience, characterized by its community atmosphere and proximity to key services and employment centers. As potential residents explore their options, understanding the various facets of life in West Hattiesburg is crucial for making an informed decision.
The area presents a distinct demographic profile, with a significant portion of its population being younger, indicative of a community with ongoing growth and development. This youthful presence contributes to a dynamic environment, while also suggesting opportunities for family-oriented living. Understanding these characteristics is key to appreciating the overall lifestyle West Hattiesburg offers.
Is it Safe to Live in West Hattiesburg?
West Hattiesburg generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with crime rates reported as significantly lower than the national average. Overall crime rates are 53% lower than the national average, and violent crimes are 63% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This suggests a lower likelihood of becoming a victim of crime, with the chances being about 1 in 101.
The area is considered safer than a majority of cities across the United States, with West Hattiesburg being safer than 62% of all cities in the United States (as reported by AreaVibes). Year-over-year, crime in West Hattiesburg has seen a decrease of 12% (as reported by AreaVibes), indicating a potentially improving safety landscape. However, it is worth noting that some reports indicate that West Hattiesburg has a high rate of property crimes (as reported by Nextburb). Despite this, the overall perception and statistical data point towards a secure living environment.
Demographics and Population
West Hattiesburg is home to approximately 6,715 residents, with a median age of 28.8 years (as reported by Point2Homes and Zippia). This relatively young median age suggests a community with a substantial population of younger adults and families. The gender distribution shows a higher proportion of females, with 57.1% identifying as female and 42.9% as male (as reported by Point2Homes).
The racial makeup of West Hattiesburg is diverse, with Black or African American residents constituting the largest group at 56.9%, followed by White residents at 23.6% (as reported by Point2Homes and Census Dots). Hispanic residents make up 14.3% of the population, with Asian and Multiracial populations also present (as reported by Census Dots). This diverse composition contributes to the cultural richness of the area.
A significant portion of the population, 38.5%, lives below the poverty line, which is notably higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA). The primary demographic group living in poverty consists of females between 35 and 44 years old, followed by younger females (as reported by Data USA). The most common racial or ethnic groups experiencing poverty are Black, Hispanic, and Other (as reported by Data USA).
Housing Market and Cost of Living
The housing market in West Hattiesburg presents a range of options, with a median home value reported around $185,879 (as reported by Livability.com). This figure is considered relatively high when compared to other cities within Mississippi (as reported by MetroStatUSA). The average monthly rent in the broader Hattiesburg area is approximately $933, with a range that can fall between $742 for a studio and upwards of $1,424 for a three-bedroom unit (as reported by Apartments.com).
The cost of living in Hattiesburg, which includes West Hattiesburg, is generally lower than the national average. Overall, the cost of living is approximately 10% lower than the national average (as reported by Redfin and RentCafe). Housing expenses are particularly lower, being about 21% less expensive than the U.S. average (as reported by Redfin and RentCafe). Utilities and transportation costs also tend to be lower, contributing to a more affordable lifestyle.
For renters, the median household income in West Hattiesburg was approximately $27,059 in 2022, with the rent-to-income ratio standing at 43.4% (as reported by Point2Homes). This indicates a significant portion of a renter’s earnings is allocated towards housing expenses. The median household income for West Hattiesburg overall was reported as $60,918 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes), with a median income of $39,366 also cited (as reported by Point2Homes and Zippia).
Job Market and Economy
The employment landscape in West Hattiesburg shows a growing trend, with employment increasing by 2.79% between 2023 and 2024, resulting in approximately 2.73k employees (as reported by Data USA). The primary sectors providing employment opportunities in West Hattiesburg are Accommodation & Food Services, Educational Services, and Health Care & Social Assistance (as reported by Data USA).
Key job roles for residents include positions in Building & Grounds Cleaning & Maintenance, Food Preparation & Serving, and Management occupations (as reported by Data USA). The unemployment rate in Mississippi was 3.8% in March 2026 (as reported by USAFacts), which is lower than the U.S. overall rate for the same period. The unemployment rate in the broader Hattiesburg MSA was reported at 3.5% in October 2025 (as reported by FRED).
Major employers in the Hattiesburg area, which likely influence employment in West Hattiesburg, include significant entities like Walmart, McDonald’s, FedEx, and UPS (as reported by Indeed.com). Healthcare is a substantial sector, with over 11,375 employees in the greater Hattiesburg region, supported by major hospitals and numerous medical companies (as reported by Hattiesburg Economic Development). Education is another significant employer, with two major universities and community colleges contributing to the workforce (as reported by Hattiesburg Economic Development).
Climate and Weather
West Hattiesburg experiences a climate typical of the humid subtropical region, characterized by long, hot, and humid summers, and short, cooler winters. Throughout the year, temperatures generally fluctuate between 39°F and 91°F, rarely dropping below 26°F or exceeding 97°F (as reported by WeatherSpark.com). The hotter season spans from May to September, with July being the warmest month, averaging highs of 91°F and lows of 72°F.
The area receives a considerable amount of rainfall throughout the year, with an average annual rainfall of 61 inches (as reported by Livability.com). February typically sees the most rain, averaging 5.5 inches, while October is the driest month with about 3.1 inches (as reported by WeatherSpark.com). Wet days, defined as days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation, are most frequent in July, averaging 16.5 days, and least frequent in October, with about 6.6 days (as reported by WeatherSpark.com).
The cooler season lasts from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 66°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 40°F and highs near 60°F (as reported by WeatherSpark.com). Snowfall is minimal to non-existent, with an average annual snowfall of 0 inches (as reported by Livability.com).
Education and School Ratings
Educational opportunities in West Hattiesburg are primarily served by the Hattiesburg Public School District and the Lamar County School District, with Oak Grove High School being a notable institution in the broader area (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger.com). Oak Grove High School, part of the Lamar County School District, is rated well, with students reporting positive experiences regarding its academic offerings and extracurricular activities (as reported by Niche). The Oak Grove School District is recognized for its strong performance, including high test scores and graduation rates (as reported by Hattiesburg Education).
The Hattiesburg Public School District serves multiple schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools. While the district as a whole is ranked moderately within the state, some individual schools, like Woodley Elementary and Rowan Elementary, receive higher ratings and outperform district and state averages in test scores (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Hattiesburg High School has shown improvement in its statewide ranking and maintains a strong graduation rate (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
Data indicates that schools within the Hattiesburg Public School District have a high chronic absenteeism rate, exceeding the state average. Additionally, a significant percentage of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, highlighting a high level of economic disadvantage within the district (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). However, student-teacher ratios are generally favorable compared to state averages across the district (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
Major Employers and Economic Drivers
The economic landscape of West Hattiesburg is influenced by the broader Hattiesburg metropolitan area, which is a significant hub for healthcare and education in South Mississippi. Greater Hattiesburg serves as a medical hub, employing over 11,375 individuals and featuring two major hospitals with a combined total of 723 beds (as reported by Hattiesburg Economic Development). Key healthcare providers include Forrest General Hospital and Merit Health (as reported by Hattiesburg Economic Development).
Educational institutions are also major employers, with two universities, two community colleges, and various primary and secondary education districts providing numerous employment opportunities (as reported by Hattiesburg Economic Development). William Carey University and The First, ANBA (a banking association) are also significant employers headquartered in Hattiesburg (as reported by Zippia).
Other substantial employers in the Hattiesburg area that likely impact West Hattiesburg’s job market include large retail and service companies such as Walmart, McDonald’s, FedEx, and UPS (as reported by Indeed.com). The presence of Camp Shelby also contributes to the local economy, serving as a training facility for National Guard Battalions (as reported by Hattiesburg Economic Development).