Americans love Mississippi! Mississippi’s nickname, “The Magnolia State,” comes from the unusually high number of magnolia trees in the state. If you’re seeking the best places to live in Mississippi, the state can be an excellent choice because it has a distinct charm and a slower pace of life.
The state has a $1954 cost of living, 1.12 times less than the national average. Mississippi exempts all retirement income from state income taxes, i.e., seniors can save more money compared to other states.
Biloxi, Oxford, Brandon, Jackson, and Ridgeland are some of the best cities to live in Mississippi. In addition, the Mississippi, the second-largest US river after the Missouri, drains nearly 60% of the nation’s freshwater.
3 Reasons to Live in Mississippi 🎵
- Best Education: Mississippi is home to several colleges and universities, including Jackson State University, Mississippi State University, and the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss).
- Income Tax: Mississippi charges an individual income tax of 5.00 percent.
- Career Opportunities: Mississippi has a diversified economy with opportunities in manufacturing, tourism, healthcare, and agriculture.
7 Best Places to Live in Mississippi in 2024
Mississippi is renowned for its contribution to American music, particularly blues music.
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Unemployment Rate | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Biloxi | 48,812 | $212,501 | $6,984 | 3.40% | 49/100 |
| 2. | Oxford | 27,373 | $327,322 | $7,484 | 22.60% | 47/100 |
| 3. | Jackson | 138,998 | $57,808 | $7,411 | 3.30% | 58/100 |
| 4. | Brandon | 25,847 | $273,568 | $8,027 | 4.1% | 57/100 |
| 5. | Tupelo | 37,578 | $182,260 | $7,434 | 2.90% | 53/100 |
| 6. | Starkville | 24,009 | $247,931 | $6,691 | 5.8% | 43/100 |
| 7. | Ridgeland | 24,196 | $258,605 | $7,793 | 4.8% | 69/100 |
1. Biloxi
| Home Value | ⬆️ 2.8% |
| Median Income | $51,289 |
| Monthly Expenses | $6,984 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.40% |
Biloxi is renowned for having a large number of waterfront casino resorts. The average cost of a home is $212,501. It is one of the best cities to live in MS. It is abundant in natural beauty and water access and is renowned as a center for recreational fishing and seafood production.
Apart from its abundance of seafood, the city is renowned for its varied culinary scene, which features dishes like gumbo, po’boys, and crawfish boils that combine Southern, Creole, and Cajun flavors.
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2. Oxford
| Home Value | ⬆️ 15.4% |
| Median Income | $51,096 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,484 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.60% |
The University of Mississippi is located in the city of Oxford. It is strongly linked to the well-known American writer William Faulkner and has a rich literary history. The average cost of a home is $327,322, which is less than the $338,100 national average.
Over the past year, the city has experienced a 2.2% increase in the job market. Over the next ten years, job growth is expected to exceed the US average, with a predicted 50.9% growth. Some of the best employers in the city are MTrade Park, Oxford University Bank, FNC, Inc., etc.
»Homes for Sale in Oxford, MS: Search for your home in the best city in Mississippi.
3. Jackson
| Home Value | ⬇️ 22.3% |
| Median Income | $39,969 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,411 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.30% |
Jackson is the capital of Mississippi; it is also known as the political and economic center of the state. In Jackson, the cost of living is 13% less than the national average and 1% higher than the state average. Housing in the city is 27% less expensive than the national average, and utilities are roughly 18% less expensive.
In addition, the city is the location of the Mississippi Blues Trail, which honors important locations and landmarks in blues music history. Furthermore, several universities can be found in the city, such as Belhaven University and Jackson State University, which is a historically black university.
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4. Brandon
| Home Value | ⬆️ 3.7% |
| Median Income | $85,911 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,027 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.1% |
Brandon is one of the best places to live in Mississippi. The average cost of a home is $273,568, which is less than the $338,100 national average. The city is also known for its family-friendly atmosphere, with safe neighborhoods, good schools, and other recreational activities.
The future job growth in Brandon over the next ten years is predicted to be 35.6%, which is higher than the US average of 33.5%. Some of the top employers in the city are Rankin County Government, Trustmark National Bank, Retail and Service Industries, etc.
» Homes for Sale in Brandon, MS: Find your dream home in this Mississippi city.
5. Tupelo
| Home Value | ⬆️ 5.4% |
| Median Income | $58,887 |
| Monthly Expenses | $6,711 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.90% |
Tupelo is one of the best cities in Mississippi to live. It is an economic hub for northeastern Mississippi, with a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and tourism. The housing expenses are 36% lower than the national average and the utility prices are 12% lower than the national average.
The city celebrates its artistic talent and cultural legacy with a number of annual events and festivals held throughout the year. It includes the Gumtree Arts Festival, the Tupelo Film Festival, and the Tupelo Elvis Festival.
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6. Starkville
| Home Value | ⬆️ 6.8% |
| Median Income | $34,391 |
| Monthly Expenses | $6,691 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.8% |
Starkville is best known as the home of Mississippi State University, one of the state’s largest universities. The average home value in Starkville is $247,931, which is 4.4% more than a year ago.
In addition, Starkville offers a variety of experiences for both locals and tourists, including a historic downtown area known as the Cotton District as well as a wide selection of dining and entertainment options.
» Homes for Sale in Starkville, MS: View the affordable properties in one of the good places to live in Mississippi.
7. Ridgeland
| Home Value | ⬆️ 3.9% |
| Median Income | $64,034 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,793 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.8% |
Ridgeland is one of the safest cities in Mississippi. The average Ridgeland home value is $258,605, up 3.9% over the past year. The city is also home to several shopping centers, including the Renaissance at Colony Park, a premier retail destination featuring upscale stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
In addition, the job market in Ridgeland has grown by 1.0% in the past 12 months. Over the following ten years, job growth is expected to exceed the US average at 36.8%. Some of the best employers located in the city are Trustmark National Bank, C Spire, Bomgar Corporation, etc.
» Homes for Sale in Ridgeland, MS: View the best properties in one of the best places to live Mississippi.
Best Places to Live Mississippi for Young Adults
Here are the best places to live in Mississippi for young adults:
- Hattiesburg: The city is home to the University of Southern Mississippi. The city is best for young adults and the job market grew by 1.2% last year. Its predicted future growth over the next decade is 36.7%, above the US average of 33.5.
- Flowood: Flowood is one of the best Mississippi cities and is affordable for young adults. Over the next ten years, job growth is expected to increase at a rate of 35.6%, higher than the 33.5% US average.
Bottom Line
Mississippi is one of the best places to live in the US due to its safe environment, warm hospitality, and friendliness. Mississippi’s average house value is $171,613, which is 0.9% more than a year ago.
Mississippi is home to a population of 2,967,297. Additionally, compared to many other states, the state’s cost of living is lower, making it more affordable for people to relocate.
In some places, the median home value is $57,808, whereas in others, it can extend to $327,322. So, you do your research before you move to Mississippi. To start your home search, browse properties online.
» Free Home Value Estimator: Get an estimate of property values with Mississippi’s most accurate home value estimator.
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Research Methodology
We considered different regions to rank the best places in Mississippi. Comparison criteria for the best cities to live in Mississippi and the information sources are as follows:
- Population: Demographics Report [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow[2] and Redfin[3]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[4]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[5]
- Unemployment Rate: US Bureau of Labor Statistics[6]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[7]
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best places to live in Mississippi?
Some of the best places to live in Mississippi are Biloxi, Oxford, Jackson, Brandon, etc.
What are the cheapest places to live in Mississippi?
The cheapest places to live in Mississippi are Yazoo City, Greenville, Greenwood, Meridian, etc.
What are some popular retirement communities in Mississippi?
Mississippi has several retirement-friendly towns, such as Hattiesburg, Gulfport, and Ocean Springs.
