12 Safest Places to Live in Mississippi
- Pass Christian
- Petal
- Brandon
- Madison
- Hernando
- Starkville
- Clinton
- Byram
- Waveland
- Long Beach
- Horn Lake
- Oxford
1. Pass Christian
The safest place to live in Mississippi is Pass Christian. This small town is located along the Gulf Coast in southern Mississippi. The city has a population of 6,307 and a violent crime rate that is 96% below the national average. Tourism along the coast plays a large role in the local economy, with local points of interest including the Middlegate Japanese Gardens, Sherman Castle, and the Dixie White House. The median home price in Pass Christian currently stands at $288,219.
2. Petal
Petal is another one of the safest cities in Mississippi. Petal is located in Forrest County and is part of the Hattiesburg metropolitan area. With a population of 10,454, Petal has a crime rate that is 79% below the national average. Petal has a great sense of community, hosting annual food festivals, events, and parades. Local hiking trails and parks are in abundance with the larger city of Hattiesburg being just a short drive away. The median home price in Petal is currently $213,064.
3. Brandon
Also located within the Jackson metropolitan area, Brandon is a small city that is perfect for families. The city has a population of 25,138 and a crime rate that is 74% below the national average. Brandon offers a laid-back suburban lifestyle with plenty of shopping and amenities in the immediate area. Local points of interest include the Brandon Amphitheater and the Black Rose Theatre Company. The median home price in Brandon is $272,442.
4. Madison
Located 13 miles north of Jackson, Madison is the 11th most populous city in Mississippi. Out of a population of 27,747, Madison has a crime rate that is 73% below the national average. Madison has no shortage of parks and trails, such as the Simmons Arboretum, Strawberry Patch Park, and Liberty Park. Madison offers opportunities in higher education as well, with both Tulane University and Jackson State University operating campuses in the city. The median home price in Madison is currently $389,530.
5. Hernando
Hernando is a safe Misssissippi city in DeSoto County and is part of the greater Memphis metropolitan area. The city has a population of 17,138 and a crime rate that is 69% below the national average. Colonial history in Hernando is abundant, with plenty of well-preserved homes and monuments. Being just south of Memphis, Hernando is just a short drive from big city attractions. The median home price in Hernando is currently listed at $326,012.
6. Starkville
Starkville is a city in Oktibbeha County and is part of the Golden Triangle region, which consists of Columbus, Starkville, and West Point. With a population of 25,653 Starkville has a violent crime rate that is 58% below the national average. Starkville is considered a college town and is home to Mississippi State University. The city has a strong arts culture, with the Cotton District featuring diverse works of public art. The median home price in Starkville currently stands at $248,103.
7. Clinton
Clinton is a city in Hinds County and is part of the Jackson metropolitan area. With a population of roughly 28,000, Clinton's crime rate is 49% below the national average. Clinton embodies the image of a charming southern town with a great sense of community. The town is home to Mississippi College, several parks, and local soccer tournaments. Clinton is a transitioning city with a median home price of Clinton is $225,260.
8. Byram
Byram is also one of the safest towns in Mississippi. Byram is a mid-sized town sitting near the banks of the Mississippi River and is part of the greater Jackson metro area. With a population of 12,666 Byram has a crime rate that is 39% below the national average. Byram offers a laid-back, southern lifestyle while being within driving distance of Jackson. Residents can enjoy walks along scenic nature trails while visiting some of the town's colonial monuments. The median home price in Byram is $200,047.
9. Waveland
Waveland is another one of the safest cities in Mississippi. It’s situated on the Gulf of Mexico in Hancock County, within the Gulfport-Billoxi metropolitan area. It has a population of 7,210 residents. Waveland is known for its luxury resorts, casinos, and outdoor attractions like Buccaneer State Park. It’s also very safe and features a crime rate of 1,532 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 34% lower than the national average. While property crime is only 25% lower than the rest of the country, the violent crime rate is 80% lower. As a result, Waveland is 69% safer than the average city in the US.
10. Long Beach
Long Beach is another one of the safest cities in Mississippi. Located on the Gulf Coast in Harrison County, Long Beach is part of the Gulfport-Biloxi metropolitan area. As of 2020, it’s home to 15,829 residents. Long Beach is known for its long stretches of coastline, recurring events, and excellent fishing. It’s also a very safe community with a crime rate of 1,599 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 31% lower than the rest of the US. The violent crime rate is 87% lower than the rest of the country, and the property crime rate is 21% lower. Your chances of being the victim of a crime in Long Beach are 1 in 63.
11. Horn Lake
Located in far northern Mississippi, Horn Lake is the 13th most populous city in Mississippi, with a growing population. Much of the area surrounding Horn Lake is rural, with many professional athletes and executives owning homes in the area. The Newly Weds Foods plant is the largest employer in Horn Lake, with popular tourist sites, including the Elvis Ranch. The median home price in Horn Lake is currently $188,016.
12. Oxford
Oxford is also one of the safest places to live in Mississippi. It is the 14th most populous city in the state and home to the University of Mississippi. Oxford has a crime rate that is 24% below the national average out of a population of 25,416. Oxford is a popular tourist destination in Mississippi and is home to some of the state's most popular locations. Much of the city's culture is based around the University of Mississippi and features sporting events. The median home price in Oxford is $323,813.