Is McComb Safe, Pros and cons of living in McComb
McComb, Mississippi, located in Pike County, offers a glimpse into Southern life with its own unique character. The city is situated approximately 80 miles south of Jackson, providing a balance between a smaller community feel and access to a larger metropolitan area. McComb is the principal city of its own Micropolitan Statistical Area, indicating its regional importance.
Established around the railroad industry, McComb has evolved into a city with a diverse economy. It now features a significant regional healthcare center and serves as a retail trade hub for the surrounding area. The downtown district has seen revitalization efforts, incorporating dining, office spaces, and housing, contributing to a blend of historic charm and modern amenities.
Is it Safe to Live in McComb?
McComb’s crime rate presents a complex picture, with varied statistics depending on the source. One report indicates an overall crime rate of 20.88 per 1,000 residents, with residents often considering the northeast part of the city to be the safest. The chance of being a victim of crime can range significantly by neighborhood, from 1 in 33 in central areas to 1 in 76 in the northeast (according to CrimeGrade.org). Another assessment suggests McComb has a crime safety grade of D, with the overall crime rate estimated to be 176% above the national average, and higher than 98% of major U.S. cities (according to DoorProfit).
However, other data offers a different perspective, with one source stating that McComb’s crime rates are 16% lower than the national average and violent crimes are 34% lower than the national average. This source also notes that McComb is safer than 38% of U.S. cities and that year-over-year crime has decreased by 12% (according to AreaVibes). The violent crime rate is reported as 2.118 per 1,000 residents, with the southeast part of the city considered the safest, and McComb ranking in the 73rd percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 73% of cities (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Cost of Living
McComb is recognized for its affordability, with the cost of living being notably lower than both the national and state averages. The overall cost of living index in McComb is 87, which is 13% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Another calculation indicates McComb is 25% less expensive than the national average and 11% less expensive than the average city in Mississippi (according to ERI Economic Research Institute).
Housing costs are a significant contributor to this affordability. Housing expenses in McComb are reported to be 41.9% lower than the national average, making both homeownership and rental costs budget-friendly. The median home price is 50.5% lower than the national average, and monthly rent prices are 21.9% lower than usual rates (according to AreaVibes).
Housing Costs
For those considering renting, the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in McComb is approximately $950 as of April 2026 (according to Zumper). This figure is 51% lower than the national average. A one-bedroom apartment averages around $770, while a two-bedroom apartment is about $775, with houses for rent averaging a higher $1,300 per month (according to Zumper).
The median listing price for homes in the 39648 zip code, which includes McComb, is $149,500. The rental market shows a median rent of $825 per month. Year-over-year, rent prices have declined by 10.81%, potentially increasing affordability for renters (according to Realtor.com).
Job Market and Economy
McComb’s economy is supported by a variety of industries, with manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade being the most prominent sectors for its residents. From 2023 to 2024, employment in McComb saw a slight decline, but key employment sectors remain strong (according to Data USA).
Major employers in the area include Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center, the McComb School District, Walmart Supercenter, and Wayne-Sanderson Farms. Recent investments, such as the opening of a new Coca-Cola Bottling UNITED sales and distribution center, indicate ongoing economic development and job creation within the community (according to The Kirkland Company).
Major Employers
Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center is a significant employer, providing substantial healthcare services to the region. The McComb School District also plays a vital role in the local economy, employing a considerable number of individuals within its educational system. Other key employers include large retail operations like Walmart and significant agricultural businesses such as Wayne-Sanderson Farms (according to The Kirkland Company).
The presence of manufacturing companies like Croft Metals and Summit Plastics, along with logistics and distribution operations, further diversifies the employment landscape. These businesses contribute to the overall economic stability and growth of McComb and Pike County (according to The Kirkland Company).
Climate
McComb experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The temperature typically ranges from an average high of about 90°F in July to an average low of 40°F in January (according to Weather Spark).
The city receives a substantial amount of rainfall throughout the year, averaging around 63 inches annually (according to Livability.com). August is generally the wettest month, while October tends to be the driest (according to Weather Spark).
Average Temperatures and Rainfall
Summers in McComb are long, hot, and oppressive, with daily high temperatures often exceeding 84°F from late May through September (according to Weather Spark). Winters are shorter and milder, with average daily high temperatures remaining below 65°F from late November to late February.
The annual average precipitation in McComb is approximately 1615 mm (about 63.6 inches), with rain distributed relatively evenly throughout the year. February is typically the wettest month, while September sees the least amount of rain (according to Weather Spark).
Education
McComb’s public school system, managed by the McComb School District, serves the city’s student population. The district includes several schools, such as McComb High School, Higgins Middle School, and Otken Elementary School (according to Niche).
Academically, the schools in McComb face challenges. Math proficiency scores are around 43%, and reading proficiency scores are about 25%, both below the Mississippi state averages. The schools collectively have an average ranking of 3 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Mississippi public schools (according to Niche).
School Performance
McComb High School reported a four-year graduation rate of 89.4% for the 2022-2023 academic year, which is below the state average. Standardized test proficiency rates across all schools in the district are also consistently below state levels (according to SchoolDigger.com).
A notable aspect of the McComb school district is the high percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating significant economic challenges within the community. While student-teacher ratios are relatively low, this has not yet translated into improved academic outcomes (according to SchoolDigger.com).
Demographics
McComb is a city with a predominantly Black or African American population. As of the 2020 census, the city’s population was 12,413. In 2024, Black or African American residents constituted about 72% of the population, with White residents making up approximately 23% (according to Data USA and Point2Homes).
The median age in McComb is around 36.3 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females to males. The population includes a notable percentage of residents under 18 and a significant portion of individuals aged 65 and older (according to Data USA and Point2Homes).
Population and Diversity
The racial makeup of McComb is diverse, with 72.05% identifying as Black or African American and 23.69% as White (according to Wikipedia). Other racial groups are represented in smaller percentages. The city’s population is largely comprised of U.S.-born citizens, with a small percentage of naturalized citizens and non-citizens (according to Point2Homes).
McComb has a population of approximately 12,049 residents, with 57.8% being female and 42.2% being male (according to Point2Homes). The city has 5,091 households, with an average of two members per household. A significant portion of residents live below the poverty line, with 27.1% of the population for whom poverty status is determined living below the national average (according to Data USA).