Is Leakesville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Leakesville

Leakesville, Mississippi, offers a glimpse into a slower pace of life, nestled within the Piney Woods region. This Greene County seat is a community where neighborly connections are valued, presenting a distinct alternative to the rapid tempo of larger urban centers. The town’s character is shaped by its rural setting, with modest homes interspersed among towering pine trees and surrounding pasturelands.

This community provides a sense of seclusion and a connection to the natural environment, with proximity to the Chickasawhay River enhancing its appeal for outdoor enthusiasts. Leakesville’s identity is rooted in its history as a timber and turpentine manufacturing center, and while it maintains a classic small-town feel, it is experiencing a gradual resurgence in business and residency.

Is it Safe to Live in Leakesville?

Leakesville presents a mixed safety profile, with crime rates that warrant consideration. The overall crime rate is reported to be higher than the average for U.S. cities, with Leakesville ranking in the 19th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 19% of cities, but less safe than 81% (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Your chance of being a victim of crime in Leakesville varies by neighborhood, with some areas having a higher risk than others (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

However, other reports indicate that Leakesville’s crime rates are lower than the national average, with violent crimes being 31% lower than the national average (as reported by CrimeRates.org). The chance of becoming a victim of crime in Leakesville is stated as 1 in 54, and the city is considered safer than 36% of U.S. cities (as reported by CrimeRates.org). While some data suggests a higher crime rate relative to national averages, other sources indicate a lower rate, particularly for violent crimes.

Crime Statistics and Trends

The crime rate in Leakesville is approximately 39.17 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The northwest parts of Leakesville experience the most incidents, with around 162 crimes annually, while the east part of the city has the fewest, with approximately 2 crimes each year (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Year-over-year crime in Leakesville has decreased by 12% (as reported by CrimeRates.org).

The cost of crime per resident in Leakesville is estimated at $329 per year, which is lower than the national average but higher than Mississippi’s state average (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). These figures suggest that while crime exists, there may be a downward trend in overall crime rates.

Neighborhood Safety Variations

Residents generally consider the southeast part of Leakesville to be the safest area within the city (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Conversely, the risk of being a victim of crime can range significantly by neighborhood, from 1 in 19 in the northeast to 1 in 89 in the southeast (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This highlights the importance of researching specific areas within Leakesville for those considering a move.

While specific crime maps for Leakesville are not detailed in the provided data, the general information suggests that safety can vary considerably across different parts of the town. Understanding these neighborhood-specific trends is crucial for assessing personal safety in Leakesville.

Pros and Cons of Living in Leakesville

Leakesville offers a distinct lifestyle with a focus on affordability and a slower pace, appealing to those seeking a more tranquil environment. The cost of living in Leakesville is notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.

However, the town’s rural nature means that amenities and opportunities may be more limited compared to larger cities. Prospective residents should weigh the benefits of affordability and community against potential drawbacks in terms of services and employment options.

Affordability and Housing Market

The cost of living in Leakesville is approximately 3% lower than the U.S. national average and significantly lower than Mississippi’s state average (as reported by Salary.com). Housing costs are a major contributor to this affordability, with a median home value of $114,300 (as reported by Data USA) and a median home price of $167,295 (as reported by AreaVibes). The median sale price for homes in Leakesville over the last 12 months is $165,000 (as reported by Realtor.com®).

Leakesville’s housing market offers a favorable entry point, with home prices being lower than the Mississippi average (as reported by AreaVibes). The homeownership rate in Leakesville is 72.8%, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA). Median gross rent is $767 per month (as reported by Point2Homes).

Job Market and Economy

The unemployment rate in Leakesville stands at 14.2% (as reported by Point2Homes), which is significantly higher than the typical rate considered healthy. In Greene County, the unemployment rate was 7.5% in February 2026 (as reported by Data USA). The most common employment sectors for Leakesville residents are Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Manufacturing (as reported by Data USA).

Major job groups include Installation, Maintenance, & Repair Occupations, Health Diagnosing & Treating Practitioners & Other Technical Occupations, and Office & Administrative Support Occupations (as reported by Data USA). The average annual salary in Leakesville is reported as $52,897 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Demographics of Leakesville

Leakesville is a small town with a population of approximately 4,959 residents (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age in Leakesville is 43.3 years (as reported by Point2Homes), indicating a population that is generally middle-aged or older. The racial makeup of Leakesville is diverse, with significant Black or African American and White populations.

The town’s demographics reveal a community with a notable percentage of residents over the age of 65, suggesting a potentially slower-paced lifestyle. Understanding these demographic characteristics can provide insight into the community’s social fabric and lifestyle.

Population and Age Distribution

The population of Leakesville is approximately 4,959 inhabitants, with a median age of 43.3 years (as reported by Point2Homes). The age distribution shows that adults between 25 and 64 make up a substantial portion of the population, with about 75% falling into these age brackets (as reported by Point2Homes). Around 10.3% of residents are 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes).

The gender distribution shows 82.1% male and 17.9% female residents (as reported by Point2Homes). This significant disparity in gender representation is unusual and may warrant further investigation for accuracy.

Racial and Ethnic Makeup

The racial composition of Leakesville includes 46.2% White, 48.5% Black or African American, 0.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, and 0.1% Asian (as reported by Point2Homes). There is also a segment of the population, 4.4%, that identifies with two or more races (as reported by Point2Homes). In terms of citizenship, 99.3% of the population are U.S.-born citizens, with a small percentage being naturalized citizens or non-citizens (as reported by Point2Homes).

The majority of Leakesville’s population identifies as non-Hispanic, with the Black or African American population being slightly larger than the White population in recent estimates (as reported by Data USA, Point2Homes). The town is home to a small Hispanic population as well.

Climate in Leakesville

Leakesville experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by long, hot, and humid summers, and short, mild winters. The temperature typically ranges from 40°F to 91°F throughout the year and rarely drops below 25°F or exceeds 97°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The town receives a significant amount of rainfall annually, with precipitation occurring throughout the year.

The climate is generally wet and partly cloudy year-round. Understanding these seasonal patterns is important for those considering outdoor activities or agricultural pursuits in the area.

Temperature and Seasonal Variations

The hot season in Leakesville lasts for about 4.2 months, from mid-May to late September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 85°F (as reported by Weather Spark). July is typically the hottest month, with average highs around 91°F and lows around 72°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The cool season spans approximately 2.8 months, from early December to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 66°F.

January is generally the coldest month, with average low temperatures around 40°F and highs around 61°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The temperature variation throughout the year is moderate, with distinct summer and winter seasons.

Rainfall and Precipitation

Leakesville receives an average annual precipitation of about 64 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). March is typically the wettest month, with an average rainfall of 5.4 inches (as reported by Weather Spark), though other sources indicate July as having the most precipitation with an average of 7 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). October generally sees the least amount of rain, with an average of 3.2 inches (as reported by Weather Spark).

The precipitation is distributed throughout the year, contributing to the region’s lush environment. This consistent rainfall supports the surrounding agricultural and natural landscapes.

Education in Leakesville

The educational landscape in Leakesville is primarily served by the Greene County School District, which includes elementary, junior high, and high school levels. While the district faces economic challenges, its schools aim to provide a solid educational foundation for students.

Greene County High School has shown strong academic performance, often ranking among the top high schools in Mississippi. The district’s overall performance indicates a commitment to student success, despite resource limitations.

School Performance and Ratings

Greene County High School is rated as a B+ by Niche, with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1 and 442 students in grades 9-12 (as reported by Niche). According to state test scores, 82% of students are proficient in math and 51% in reading (as reported by Niche). Leakesville Elementary School has an overall Niche grade of B, serving 426 students with a student-teacher ratio of 13:1 (as reported by Niche).

Leakesville Junior High School is ranked 112th out of 266 schools in Mississippi by SchoolDigger.com. The Greene County School District as a whole has an average testing ranking of 7/10, placing it in the top 50% of public schools in Mississippi (as reported by Greene County School District). The district’s graduation rate is 87% (as reported by Greene County School District).

District Overview and Resources

Greene County School District serves approximately 1,621 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, with a student-teacher ratio of 13:1 (as reported by Greene County School District). The district has a 100% free/reduced lunch rate across its schools, indicating significant economic challenges within the community (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Despite these challenges, the district’s math proficiency is 59% and reading proficiency is 51% (as reported by Greene County School District).

Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body, which is less than the Mississippi public school average (as reported by Greene County School District). The district’s graduation rate has shown improvement, standing at 87% (as reported by Greene County School District).

Major Employers and Economic Landscape

The economic landscape of Leakesville and Greene County is shaped by a mix of local businesses and broader industry sectors. While specific major employers within Leakesville are not detailed, the broader employment sectors in the region provide insight into the local job market.

The primary industries supporting residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Manufacturing. These sectors offer a range of employment opportunities for the local workforce.

Key Industries and Job Opportunities

The most common employment sectors for those living in Leakesville are Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Manufacturing (as reported by Data USA). Within these sectors, job groups such as Installation, Maintenance, & Repair Occupations, Health Diagnosing & Treating Practitioners & Other Technical Occupations, and Office & Administrative Support Occupations are prevalent (as reported by Data USA).

In Mississippi, major industries include manufacturing, retail trade, and healthcare. Companies like Walmart, Sanderson Farms, and Nissan are significant employers within the state (as reported by Mississippi Development Authority, CareerOneStop).

Economic Conditions and Outlook

The unemployment rate in Leakesville is reported at 14.2% (as reported by Point2Homes), and in Greene County, it was 7.5% in February 2026 (as reported by Data USA). The median household income in Leakesville was $68,428 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes), though other sources cite a median individual income of $17,674 in 2024 (as reported by Data Commons). The median home value in Leakesville is around $115,800 (as reported by Kurby AI).

The cost of living in Leakesville is generally considered affordable, with housing costs being a significant factor. The town’s economy is influenced by regional trends and the overall economic health of Mississippi.