Is Hattiesburg Safe, Pros and cons of living in Hattiesburg

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, often called “The Hub City,” is a vibrant community located in the southern part of the state. It serves as a significant regional center, benefiting from its strategic position at the intersection of major highways. The city is also home to the University of Southern Mississippi, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere and offering educational opportunities.

The community offers a blend of Southern charm and modern amenities, making it an attractive place for residents and visitors alike. Its economy is diverse, with key sectors contributing to its growth and stability. Hattiesburg’s location provides convenient access to other major cities and the Gulf Coast.

Is it Safe to Live in Hattiesburg?

Hattiesburg’s crime rate presents a complex picture, with certain categories showing higher rates than national averages. The city reported a total crime rate of 3,686.8 per 100,000 residents in 2024, which is higher than the national average of 2,752.3 per 100,000 residents (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This places Hattiesburg in the 11th percentile for safety, indicating higher crime than 89% of U.S. cities (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Violent crime rates in Hattiesburg are a concern, with an average rate of 207.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 94.9% above the national average (as reported by Crime Explorer). Property crime also remains elevated, averaging 291.8 per 100,000 residents, 78.4% above the national average (as reported by Crime Explorer). The FBI data for 2023 indicates a violent crime rate of 254.58 per 100,000 residents (as reported by FBI UCR data).

Housing Costs in Hattiesburg

Housing in Hattiesburg is generally more affordable than the national average. The median property value in Hattiesburg was $165,900 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). This median property value is 0.499 times smaller than the national average (as reported by Data USA).

Rental prices in Hattiesburg are also competitive. The average rent in Hattiesburg is $926, which is 43.6% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). The median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Hattiesburg is $995 as of April 2026 (as reported by Zumper). This is 49% lower than the national average (as reported by Zumper).

Job Market and Economy

The economy of Hattiesburg is driven by several key industries, with healthcare and education playing significant roles. Health Care & Social Assistance is a major employer, followed by Educational Services and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). The average hourly wage in the Hattiesburg Metropolitan Statistical Area was $22.72 in May 2024, compared to the national average of $32.66 (as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Employment in Hattiesburg grew at a rate of 1.32% from 2023 to 2024, with the employed population reaching 71,897 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). Major employers in the area include institutions like Forrest General Hospital and the University of Southern Mississippi, contributing significantly to job creation and economic activity (as reported by Lensa and Indeed.com).

Climate and Weather

Hattiesburg experiences a climate characterized by long, hot, and humid summers, with short, milder winters. The temperature typically ranges from 40°F to 92°F throughout the year, rarely falling below 26°F or exceeding 97°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The hot season spans from May to September, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 91°F and a low of 72°F.

The city receives a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year, with February typically being the wettest month, averaging 5.5 inches of precipitation (as reported by Weather Spark). October is generally the driest month, with about 3.1 inches of rain (as reported by Weather Spark). The drier season typically lasts from late August to late May.

Education in Hattiesburg

Hattiesburg is served by the Hattiesburg Public School District, which has an overall Niche grade of B+ (as reported by Niche). The district has approximately 3,746 students in grades PK through 12, with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 60% of students are proficient in math and 47% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche).

Hattiesburg High School has a rating of 3.6 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). The school is an above-average public institution with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1. According to state test scores, 64% of students are proficient in math and 39% in reading at Hattiesburg High School (as reported by Niche).

Demographics of Hattiesburg

Hattiesburg has a population of approximately 48,619 residents as of the most current U.S. Census data, making it the fifth most populated city in Mississippi (as reported by Vertex AI Search). The racial composition is diverse, with Black or African American residents making up 50.5% of the population, followed by White residents at 39.5%, and Hispanic residents at 5.1% (as reported by Vertex AI Search and Census Dots).

The median age in Hattiesburg is 29.4 years (as reported by Vertex AI Search). The median household income was $46,342 in 2024 (as reported by Vertex AI Search). However, 20.9% of Hattiesburg families live in poverty (as reported by Vertex AI Search).