Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Camp Shelby, MS
Considering a move to Camp Shelby, MS? With its small population of about 1,200, Camp Shelby offers affordable living—median homes cost around $130,000 and rents average $850. Commute times are short at 22.8 minutes, and the warm, sunny climate features 63% sunny days each year. Local schools are solid, and nearby Hattiesburg provides access to hospitals and universities. While crime rates are near state averages, Camp Shelby’s relaxed pace and low cost of living make it a practical choice for families and military personnel alike.
Demographics - Camp Shelby, MS
Demographics - Camp Shelby, MS
Camp Shelby is a small community of about 1,200 residents, notable for its youthful median age of 29.5 and a predominantly male population. The area is largely White (69.5%) with a significant Black community (25.1%), and nearly 5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its low population density and diverse makeup create a close-knit yet varied environment.
Population:
1,200
Density:
25 per sq mi
Median Age:
29.5
Gender Ratio:
200 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
69.5%
Black:
25.1%
Asian:
1.3%
Others:
4.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Camp Shelby, MS?
Living costs in Camp Shelby are quite affordable, with a median home price of $130,000 and average rents around $850 per month. The overall cost of living index sits well below the national average, making everyday expenses, from groceries to utilities, more manageable for residents. State income tax rates range from 3% to 5%, adding to the area's budget-friendly appeal.
Median House Value:
$130,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,300
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$330
State Taxes:
Low:
3%
|
High:
5%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.2
Grocery:
89.5
Housing:
62.0
Utilities:
92.5
Transportation:
86.4
Health Care:
81.7
Miscellaneous:
80.3
Crime
Is Camp Shelby, MS a safe place to live?
Camp Shelby experiences moderate crime levels, with a violent crime rate of 220 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 2,000 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 50 chance of experiencing property-related incidents, slightly above national averages. While crime is a consideration, rates are comparable to similar communities in Mississippi.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
220
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,000
Crime Index:
2,220
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 455
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 50
Weather
What is the weather like in Camp Shelby, MS year-round?
The climate in Camp Shelby is warm and inviting, with mild winters averaging 37°F to 60°F and hot, humid summers peaking at 92°F. The area enjoys about 63% sunny days each year and receives ample rainfall, totaling roughly 58 inches annually. These conditions support an active outdoor lifestyle most months of the year.
Winter
Min:
37°F
Max:
60°F
Spring
Min:
55°F
Max:
80°F
Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
58 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Most households in Camp Shelby earn a median income of $49,200, though about 19% of residents live below the poverty line. The community is largely English-speaking, with nearly 85% of adults holding at least a high school diploma. Commute times are short, averaging just under 23 minutes, and unemployment is relatively low at 4.7%.
Median Income:
$31,500
Household Income:
$49,200
Family Income:
$56,000
Per Capita Income:
$19,500
Income Male:
$36,500
Income Female:
$27,800
Poverty Rate:
19.2%
Non English Speakers:
4.8%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
22.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.1%
Bachelors or More:
18.3%
Education
How are the schools in Camp Shelby, MS?
Families in Camp Shelby benefit from nearby public schools like Petal High School and Forrest County Agricultural High School, both known for reasonable class sizes. Private schooling options and higher education are also close at hand, with The University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University located just 12–13 miles away in Hattiesburg. Overall, the area offers a solid range of educational opportunities from K–12 through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Petal High School
Street:
1145 Hwy 42 East
Phone:
601-583-3538
Students:
1,110
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Name:
Forrest County Agricultural High School
Street:
215 Old Hwy 49 E
Phone:
601-582-4741
Students:
570
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Private Schools
Name:
Sacred Heart Catholic School
Street:
608 Southern Ave, Hattiesburg, MS
Phone:
601-583-8683
Students:
600
Colleges
Name:
The University of Southern Mississippi
City:
Hattiesburg
State:
MS
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
14,500
Name:
William Carey University
City:
Hattiesburg
State:
MS
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
5,200
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare through major hospitals in nearby Hattiesburg, including Forrest General Hospital and Merit Health Wesley, both offering emergency services. With 1.4 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 88% of locals insured, medical needs are well-served. The area’s healthcare index reflects solid service and availability for a small community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Forrest General Hospital
Address:
6051 US Highway 49, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Phone:
(601) 288-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Merit Health Wesley
Address:
5001 Hardy St, Hattiesburg, MS 39402
Phone:
(601) 268-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.6%
Health Care Index:
69.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Camp Shelby, MS?
Camp Shelby’s housing market is accessible, with median home prices around $130,000 and 58% of homes owner-occupied. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $850 and a vacancy rate of 8.7%. The local market is stable, showing modest home appreciation and low foreclosure rates.
Median Home Price:
$130,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.8%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
DMV services for Camp Shelby residents are managed by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, headquartered in Jackson. Essential services such as licensing, vehicle registration, and IDs can be accessed online or at the main office. The department is committed to providing efficient support to Mississippi drivers.
State:
Mississippi
Department:
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Address:
1900 East Woodrow Wilson Drive, Jackson, MS 39216
Phone:
(601) 987-1212
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.