Is Waveland Safe, Pros and cons of living in Waveland
Waveland, Mississippi, is a charming coastal city that offers a unique blend of small-town appeal and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico’s recreational opportunities. Nestled in Hancock County, it forms part of the broader Gulfport–Biloxi metropolitan area, providing residents with access to a wider range of amenities and services while maintaining a distinct community identity. The city’s history includes significant challenges, notably its near-total destruction by Hurricane Camille in 1969 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005, events that have shaped its resilience and community spirit.
Despite these natural disasters, Waveland has rebuilt and continues to attract those seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle. Its motto, “America’s Small Beach Town,” encapsulates its identity as a place that values community, natural beauty, and a slower pace of life. This profile aims to provide a comprehensive overview for individuals considering a move to Waveland, covering essential aspects such as safety, cost of living, employment, climate, education, and demographics.
Is it Safe to Live in Waveland?
Waveland’s crime statistics indicate a mixed but generally manageable safety profile for residents. In 2024, the city recorded a violent crime rate of 72.2 per 100,000 residents, which is slightly above the national average but significantly below the state average for Mississippi (as reported by FBI Uniform Crime Report data). The property crime rate stands at 2,643.4 per 100,000 residents (as reported by FBI Uniform Crime Report data).
Overall, Waveland receives a “D” safety grade, considered below average, with a total crime rate that is 28% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). However, it is important to note that violent crimes occur less often in Waveland than in most of America, with a chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime being 1 in 1,409 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The majority of crime in Waveland is property crime, with a chance of becoming a victim of property crime being 1 in 38 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Housing and Cost of Living
The cost of living in Waveland is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. Housing costs, in particular, are notably lower, with expenses being 25.4% less than the national average (as reported by Salary.com). The median home value in Waveland was approximately $210,333 as of March 2026 (as reported by Zillow).
Rental prices in Waveland are also relatively affordable. The average rent for all property types is around $2,100 per month (as reported by Zillow). Other sources indicate a median rent of $1,990 as of April 2026 (as reported by Apartments.com), and another indicates an average rent of $817 per month, which is 50% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). This variation in rental data highlights the importance of checking specific listings and current market conditions.
Housing Market Trends
Waveland’s housing market has seen some fluctuation. As of March 31, 2026, the average home value was $210,333, reflecting a 2.3% decrease over the past year (as reported by Zillow). However, other reports suggest a year-over-year increase in median sale prices by 16% (as reported by Waveland, Mississippi’s housing & rental market). The median listing price for homes in Waveland was $319,000 as of a recent report (as reported by Waveland, Mississippi’s housing & rental market).
The homeownership rate in Waveland was 60.9% as of 2024, a slight decrease from the previous year (as reported by Data USA). The housing market is described as not very competitive, with homes selling in a median of 84 days (as reported by Waveland MS Housing Market). This suggests a balanced environment for buyers, though it’s always advisable to consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.
Cost of Living Breakdown
Beyond housing, other cost of living factors in Waveland are competitive. Food expenses are about 10.7% above the national average (as reported by Salary.com), while energy, transportation, and healthcare costs are slightly lower than the national average (as reported by Salary.com). Grocery prices are 5% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale).
Overall monthly expenses are estimated at $2,204 for a single person and $5,021 for a family of four, making Waveland one of the less expensive cities in America (as reported by Salary.com). The cost of living in Waveland, Mississippi, is approximately 15% lower than the national average (as reported by PayScale).
Job Market and Economy
Waveland’s economy is supported by a growing employment sector and a diverse range of industries. As of 2024, employment in Waveland grew at a rate of 3.43%, with the number of employees increasing from 3.29k to 3.4k (as reported by Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Other Services (Except Public Administration), and Manufacturing (as reported by Data USA).
Major employers in the Waveland area are not explicitly detailed in readily available public data, but broader regional employers and industries provide a general overview. Nationally, major employers like Walmart, McDonald’s, and Lowe’s operate in the retail and food service sectors, which are also significant in Waveland (as reported by Indeed.com). The Mississippi Development Authority highlights key industries statewide, including advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense, and logistics, suggesting potential employment avenues within the broader regional economy (as reported by Mississippi Development Authority).
Average Salaries and Wages
The median wage in Waveland is approximately $37.7K per year, with the 75th percentile earning $50.4K annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The average annual salary in Mississippi is around $73,396, with a median wage of $58.4K (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This indicates that while Waveland’s median wage is lower than the state average, there are opportunities for higher earnings, particularly in specialized roles.
Some popular jobs in Waveland, such as Registered Nurse (RN) and Police Officer, can pay significantly more than the city’s average salary. These roles, along with others in fields like customer service, administration, and food preparation, form the backbone of the local job market (as reported by Data USA, ZipRecruiter).
Unemployment Rate
While specific recent unemployment data for Waveland is not readily available, broader Mississippi employment trends can offer context. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides state-level data, which is generally representative of local conditions in smaller communities. The average weekly wage in Mississippi was $1,459 in the third quarter of 2025 (as reported by Mississippi Development Authority).
The overall labor force in Waveland consists of 4,211 people (as reported by ZoomProspector). The unemployment rate in Mississippi has historically been in line with or slightly above the national average, but specific local figures would require more targeted data. However, the consistent growth in employment within Waveland suggests a stable or improving job market.
Climate and Weather
Waveland experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by long, hot, and humid summers, and short, mild winters. The temperature typically varies between 44°F and 90°F throughout the year and rarely drops below 30°F or exceeds 94°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The hot season lasts from late May to late September, with average daily high temperatures above 84°F.
July is the hottest month, with an average high of 89°F and a low of 75°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The cool season spans from early December to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 66°F. January is the coldest month, with an average low of 44°F and a high of 61°F (as reported by Weather Spark).
Rainfall and Precipitation
Waveland receives a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year, with no distinct dry season. The month with the most rain is typically July, averaging about 5.8 inches, while October sees the least, with around 3.3 inches (as reported by Weather Spark). The wetter season generally runs from early June to mid-September, with a greater than 39% chance of a wet day.
The drier season extends from mid-September to early June. An average of 16.9 days in July are wet days, compared to about 6.7 wet days in October (as reported by Weather Spark). The annual precipitation for Waveland is approximately 64.99 inches (as reported by NOAA Climate Normals 1991-2020).
Education and Schools
The Waveland area is served by the Bay St. Louis-Waveland School District, which is a public school district located in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The district serves approximately 1,664 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1 (as reported by Niche). According to state test scores, a significant majority of students demonstrate proficiency, with 75% proficient in math and 60% in reading (as reported by Niche).
Waveland Elementary School, serving grades PK-1, has an overall Niche grade of B. It has 329 students with a student-teacher ratio of 10:1. State test scores show 76% of students are proficient in math and 70% in reading (as reported by Niche). The Bay St. Louis-Waveland School District is ranked among the top school districts in Mississippi, indicating a commitment to educational quality within the community.
Demographics
Waveland is home to a population of approximately 7,062 residents as of 2024, making it one of the more populous cities in Mississippi (as reported by Data USA). The city’s population has seen some fluctuations, with a slight decrease from the 7,210 recorded in the 2020 Census (as reported by Data USA, Census Dots).
The racial and ethnic composition of Waveland is predominantly White, accounting for about 77.7% of the population. Other significant groups include Black or African American residents at 12%, and those identifying with Two or More Races at 3.6% (as reported by Data USA, Census Dots). Hispanic residents make up approximately 3.6% of the population (as reported by Data USA).
Age and Household Composition
The median age in Waveland is 40.7 years (as reported by Data USA). Regarding household composition, as of the 2020 census, 29.9% of households had children under the age of 18 living with them (as reported by Wikipedia). The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.1%, and the rental vacancy rate was 15.6% (as reported by Wikipedia).
Citizenship in Waveland is high, with 97.1% of residents being U.S. citizens, which is above the national average (as reported by Data USA). In 2024, about 5.2% of Waveland residents were born outside the country (as reported by Data USA).
Pros and Cons of Living in Waveland
Waveland offers a tranquil coastal lifestyle with a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average, particularly in housing (as reported by Salary.com, PayScale). The community boasts a friendly atmosphere and proximity to Gulf Coast attractions, making it appealing for those seeking a relaxed environment. Residents also benefit from a generally mild climate, with warm summers and cool winters (as reported by Weather Spark).
However, Waveland’s location on the Gulf Coast exposes it to the risks of hurricanes and other severe weather events, as evidenced by past devastating storms (as reported by Wikipedia). While crime rates are not exceptionally high, they are above the national average for property crime, and the overall safety grade is considered below average (as reported by AreaVibes, NeighborhoodScout). The job market and average salaries may also be lower compared to national or state averages, requiring careful consideration for career-focused individuals.