Is Flowood Safe, Pros and cons of living in Flowood
Flowood, Mississippi, offers a blend of suburban comfort and accessible city amenities, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a community with a balanced lifestyle. Nestled within the Jackson metropolitan area, Flowood provides residents with a convenient location that balances a quieter pace of life with proximity to urban opportunities.
The city is known for its well-maintained neighborhoods and a variety of housing options, catering to a diverse range of preferences and budgets. Flowood’s strategic location, coupled with its community-focused atmosphere, contributes to its reputation as a desirable place to live in Mississippi.
Is it Safe to Live in Flowood?
Flowood presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are often compared favorably to national averages. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Flowood is reported to be 1 in 55 (NeighborhoodScout). While Flowood is not among the safest communities in America, its crime rate is lower than 84% of Mississippi’s cities and towns of all sizes (NeighborhoodScout).
When compared to communities of similar population size, Flowood’s combined violent and property crime rate is considered above average. However, specific data indicates that the chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 2,713, and the property crime rate is 18 per one thousand population (NeighborhoodScout). Recent reports indicate that Flowood has a crime safety grade of B, with an overall crime rate 39% below the national average (DoorProfit). The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 412, and property crime is 1 in 56 (DoorProfit).
Demographics and Population
Flowood is a growing city with a projected population of 11,317 for 2026, reflecting an annual rate of change of 3.4% (Cubit). As of the most recent US Census data, Flowood ranks as the 40th most populated city in Mississippi out of 420 cities, with a population of 10,587 (Cubit). The city’s demographic makeup is predominantly White, accounting for 71% of residents, followed by Black at 17%, and Hispanic at 3.9% (Cubit).
The median age in Flowood is 39.5 years (Cubit). In 2024, the median household income was reported at $83,880, with a poverty rate of 5.9% for families (Cubit). According to the 2020 census, the population was 10,202, with a median age of 36.8 years (City of Flowood). The racial composition then was 65.9% White, 25.7% African American, 4.3% Asian, and 3.6% Hispanic or Latino (City of Flowood).
Housing Market and Cost of Living
Flowood’s housing market is described as somewhat competitive, with the median sale price of a home around $401,000 as of last month, showing a 4.3% decrease compared to the previous year (Redfin). The median list price for homes in Flowood was approximately $422,767 (Zillow). Homes in Flowood tend to sell after about 64 days on the market, a significant increase from the 20 days recorded last year (Redfin).
Regarding rental costs, the average rent in Flowood is approximately $1,437 per month (Zillow). This figure is lower than the national average rent of $1,642 per month (Apartments.com). For renters, a studio apartment averages around $965, a one-bedroom is about $1,385, and a two-bedroom can be expected to cost approximately $1,574 per month (Apartments.com). The overall cost of living in Flowood is generally considered less expensive than the national average, with housing costs being notably lower (Salary.com).
Job Market and Economy
The job market in Flowood offers a diverse range of employment opportunities, with a strong presence in white-collar professions, which constitute 89.5% of the workforce (Point2Homes). Major employers in the area include prominent names like Walmart, McDonald’s, and Target, providing a significant number of job opportunities (Indeed.com). Other key employers include Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi and River Oaks Hospital, contributing to the city’s economic landscape (Zippia).
The unemployment rate in Mississippi, as of December 2023, was 3.3%, which is lower than the national average of 3.7% (Bureau of Labor Statistics). For Flowood specifically, the unemployment rate is reported at 3.10%, indicating a relatively strong job market compared to the state average (MetroStatUSA). The average salary in Flowood is approximately $47,439 per year (ZipRecruiter).
Climate and Weather
Flowood experiences a climate characterized by long, hot, and humid summers, with short, cooler, and wetter winters. Temperatures typically range from 38°F to 92°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 24°F or exceeding 97°F (Weather Spark). The hot season extends from May to September, with daily high temperatures averaging above 85°F, and July being the hottest month with highs around 91°F and lows of 73°F (Weather Spark).
Annual precipitation in Flowood averages about 58 inches (myPerfectWeather). February typically sees the most rainfall, with an average of 5.3 inches, while September is the driest month, receiving about 2.9 inches (Weather Spark). Snowfall is minimal, with an average of only 1 inch annually (myPerfectWeather). The city can experience uncomfortable humidity levels from June through September (myPerfectWeather).
Education and Schools
Flowood is served by the Rankin County School District, which has an overall rating of 4.36 out of 5 based on numerous reviews (Niche). Flowood Elementary School is a highly-rated public school within this district, serving students from pre-kindergarten to fifth grade. It boasts a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1 (Niche).
State test scores for Flowood Elementary indicate that 62% of students are proficient in math and 72% are proficient in reading (Niche). Niche ranks Flowood Elementary School as one of the best public elementary schools in Mississippi, placing it within the top 20 of schools evaluated. The school also ranks highly for student diversity and teacher quality within the state and the Jackson area (Niche).
Major Employers
Flowood’s economy is supported by a range of significant employers across various sectors. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, headquartered in Flowood, is a major player in the healthcare benefits industry and a substantial employer (Zippia). River Oaks Hospital is another key healthcare provider and employer within the city (Zippia).
Retail giants like Walmart and Target also have a strong presence, offering numerous employment opportunities. Additionally, companies such as UPS, Dollar General, and Kroger contribute to the diverse employment landscape in Flowood, providing a variety of job options for residents (Indeed.com).
Community and Lifestyle
Flowood offers a suburban lifestyle with a strong sense of community, evident in its local events and well-maintained public spaces like Liberty Park. The city is part of the Jackson Metropolitan Statistical Area, providing residents access to a broader range of cultural, entertainment, and dining options. The median household income in Flowood is approximately $83,880 (Cubit), indicating a comfortable standard of living for many residents.
The city’s demographics show a median age of 39.5 years (Cubit), suggesting a community with a mix of families and established residents. Flowood’s location offers a balance between a peaceful residential environment and convenient access to the amenities and opportunities of a larger metropolitan area.