Is Latimer Safe, Pros and cons of living in Latimer
Latimer, Mississippi, offers a blend of small-town charm and accessible amenities, making it an appealing place for those seeking a quieter lifestyle. The community is situated within the Pascagoula Metropolitan Statistical Area, providing proximity to larger urban centers while maintaining its distinct character. Its location in western Jackson County places it conveniently near Biloxi and Pascagoula.
The area is characterized by a predominantly White population, with significant Hispanic and multi-racial communities also present. Latimer’s median age is around 38.7 years, suggesting a balanced demographic of younger families and established residents. The community is part of a region that experiences a humid subtropical climate, with warm summers and mild winters typical of the Gulf Coast.
Is it Safe to Live in Latimer?
Crime Rates
Latimer’s crime rates are notably lower than the national average. Overall crime in Latimer is reported to be 67% lower than the national average, with violent crimes being 74% lower (as reported by AreaVibes). This suggests a generally safe environment for residents and visitors alike.
While specific FBI crime report data for Latimer is not available, estimates indicate that property crimes are more common than violent offenses. Residents have a 1 in 143 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Latimer, which is significantly lower than national statistics (as reported by AreaVibes). Year-over-year crime in Latimer has seen a decrease of 12% (as reported by AreaVibes).
Cost of Living
Housing Costs
The housing market in Latimer presents a median listing price of $189,000 for a home (as reported by Vertex AI Search). The median rent in Latimer is $650 per month (as reported by Vertex AI Search). Year-over-year, housing prices have seen a steady appreciation of 2.22% (as reported by Vertex AI Search).
Latimer’s housing market is described as somewhat competitive. The median sale price of a home in Latimer was $325,000 in March 2026, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 9.7% (as reported by Redfin). Homes typically spend around 111 days on the market, a significant increase from the previous year (as reported by Redfin).
Everyday Expenses
The cost of living in Latimer is influenced by various factors, including housing and general expenses. While detailed breakdowns of everyday expenses like utilities or groceries are not readily available, the median household income in Latimer was $70,237 in 2024 (as reported by CUBIT). However, 12.8% of Latimer families live in poverty (as reported by CUBIT).
The homeownership rate in Latimer is quite high, at 81.8% (as reported by Data USA). The median property value in Latimer was $189,400 as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA). This suggests that while home prices may fluctuate, ownership remains a significant aspect of the community’s economic landscape.
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers and Industries
Information on specific major employers in Latimer is not extensively detailed in the provided data. However, the broader region’s economy likely benefits from proximity to larger employment centers within the Pascagoula Metropolitan Statistical Area. The demographics indicate a diverse population, suggesting a range of employment opportunities across various sectors.
The economy of Latimer County, Oklahoma, shows an unemployment rate of 4.1% as of September 2021 (as reported by IndexMundi). This figure represents a labor force of 2,985 individuals, with 2,862 employed (as reported by IndexMundi). The average salary in Latimer County Democrats is estimated at $75,745 annually (as reported by Salary.com).
Unemployment and Salaries
The unemployment rate in Latimer County, Oklahoma, was 4.1% in September 2021 (as reported by IndexMundi). This figure is a key indicator of the local job market’s health. The average salary in Latimer County Democrats is approximated at $75,745 per year (as reported by Salary.com).
Salaries within Latimer County Democrats typically range from $66,225 to $86,699 annually, reflecting various roles and experience levels (as reported by Salary.com). These figures provide a snapshot of earning potential within certain sectors of the Latimer area’s economy.
Climate
Temperatures and Weather Patterns
Latimer experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. The average number of days with a maximum temperature exceeding 90°F is 73, and 15 days can surpass 100°F annually (as reported by Mesonet). Conversely, the average number of days with a minimum temperature below 32°F is 71 (as reported by Mesonet).
The region experiences an average of 218 days in its growing season (as reported by Mesonet). The first fall freeze typically occurs around November 5, and the last spring freeze is around April 2 (as reported by Mesonet). Annual snowfall averages about 6.5 inches (as reported by Mesonet), and the area receives approximately 55 days of thunderstorms annually (as reported by Mesonet).
Precipitation and Sunshine
Annual precipitation data for Latimer is not explicitly detailed, but the climate suggests significant rainfall, particularly during warmer months. The average percent of sunshine annually is around 62% (as reported by Mesonet). There are typically 4-5 days per year with hail measuring over one inch (as reported by Mesonet).
The wettest year on record was 78.28 inches in 1973, and the driest was 20.72 inches in 1963 (as reported by Mesonet). The greatest daily rainfall recorded was 7.70 inches on August 15, 1964 (as reported by Mesonet). The area experiences a relatively low number of tornadoes, with an average of 0.44 per year between 1950 and 2021 (as reported by Mesonet).
Education and Demographics
School Ratings and Performance
Latimer Elementary School in San Jose, California, is ranked within the top 30% of all public schools in the state (as reported by Public School Review). It serves 483 students in grades K-8, with a student-teacher ratio of 19:1 (as reported by Public School Review). Math proficiency is at 44%, and reading proficiency is at 61%, both higher than the California state averages (as reported by Public School Review).
Latimer Elementary School has an overall Niche grade of A- (as reported by Niche). It is recognized as one of the most diverse public K-8 schools in California, ranking #23 out of 1,068 (as reported by Niche). According to state test scores, 42% of students are proficient in math and 57% in reading (as reported by Niche).
Population and Diversity
Latimer, Mississippi, has a projected population of 6,702 for 2026 (as reported by CUBIT). The current population is around 6,756 people, making it the 56th most populated city in Mississippi (as reported by CUBIT). The largest racial/ethnic groups are White (68.4%), followed by Hispanic (10.8%) and those of Two or More races (10%) (as reported by CUBIT).
The racial makeup of Latimer includes approximately 69.57% White, 6.96% other races, and 5.06% Asian (as reported by Vertex AI Search). Approximately 10.8% of the population identifies as Hispanic (as reported by Vertex AI Search). The median age for Latimer residents is 38.7 years (as reported by CUBIT).
Pros and Cons of Living in Latimer
Advantages
Latimer offers a significantly lower crime rate compared to national averages, contributing to a sense of safety and security for its residents. The cost of living, particularly housing, appears more affordable than in many other areas, with a median home price around $189,000 (as reported by Vertex AI Search).
The community provides a quieter, small-town atmosphere, which can be a significant draw for those seeking a more relaxed pace of life. Its location offers reasonable access to larger urban centers for broader amenities and employment opportunities.
Disadvantages
While crime is low, specific data from the FBI is not available for Latimer, making it challenging to get a complete picture of public safety metrics (as reported by AreaVibes). The job market information is somewhat limited, with specific major employers not clearly identified in the available data.
The provided data for Latimer, Mississippi, does not include detailed information on climate specifics such as average rainfall or temperature ranges for the immediate area. Additionally, while school ratings are available for a Latimer in California, specific school performance data for Latimer, Mississippi, is not detailed here.