Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Hattiesburg, MS
Thinking of moving to Hattiesburg, MS? With a population of around 48,700, Hattiesburg features affordable living, with median home prices at $145,000 and average rents near $950. The city offers a youthful vibe thanks to its universities, and you'll enjoy short average commutes of just under 19 minutes. While property crime rates are higher than average, Hattiesburg provides plenty of sunny days, a mild climate, and access to respected hospitals and educational options like the University of Southern Mississippi.
Demographics - Hattiesburg, MS
Demographics - Hattiesburg, MS
Hattiesburg is home to approximately 48,730 residents, offering a diverse community where White and Black populations are nearly equal and the median age is a youthful 28.2. The city features a balanced gender ratio and around 8% of its population speaks a language other than English, contributing to its multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
48,730
Density:
1,350 per sq mi
Median Age:
28.2
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
46.1%
Black:
47.0%
Asian:
1.7%
Others:
5.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Hattiesburg, MS?
Hattiesburg boasts a low cost of living, with a median home value of $145,000 and average monthly rent at $950, making it an affordable choice for both buyers and renters. Utility costs and state taxes remain moderate, while the city’s overall cost of living index is well below the national average.
Median House Value:
$145,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,130
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.6
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
54.3
Utilities:
99.6
Transportation:
88.7
Health Care:
91.9
Miscellaneous:
85.4
Crime
Is Hattiesburg, MS a safe place to live?
While Hattiesburg experiences a higher-than-average property crime rate, with about 3,245 incidents per 100,000 residents, the chance of violent crime remains relatively low at 1 in 238. Residents should take basic precautions, but many enjoy a safe community environment overall.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
419
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,245
Crime Index:
3,664
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 238
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 31
Weather
What is the weather like in Hattiesburg, MS year-round?
The city enjoys a mild Southern climate, with winter lows around 39°F and summer highs reaching 92°F. Hattiesburg receives ample rainfall at nearly 60 inches annually and over 60% of days are sunny, creating a pleasant environment for outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
39°F
Max:
61°F

Spring
Min:
51°F
Max:
77°F

Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
79°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
59.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Local households in Hattiesburg have a median income of around $40,700, with a family income near $53,600, though the poverty rate stands at 27.5%. Education rates are solid, with nearly 88% holding a high school diploma or higher, and commute times are short, averaging under 19 minutes.
Median Income:
$25,800
Household Income:
$40,700
Family Income:
$53,600
Per Capita Income:
$22,100
Income Male:
$29,200
Income Female:
$23,100
Poverty Rate:
27.5%
Non English Speakers:
7.8%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.9%
Commute Time:
18.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
87.5%
Bachelors or More:
32.1%
Education
How are the schools in Hattiesburg, MS?
Hattiesburg is an educational hub, featuring public and private schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and two prominent universities: the University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University. Families benefit from a range of schooling options and a vibrant academic community.

Public Schools
Name:
Hattiesburg High School
Street:
301 Hutchinson Ave
Phone:
601-582-5078
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Thames Elementary School
Street:
2900 Jamestown Rd
Phone:
601-264-7230
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2

Private Schools
Name:
Sacred Heart Catholic School
Street:
608 Southern Ave
Phone:
601-583-8683
Students:
700

Colleges
Name:
University of Southern Mississippi
City:
Hattiesburg
State:
MS
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
14,200
Name:
William Carey University
City:
Hattiesburg
State:
MS
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
5,200
Healthcare
Residents benefit from access to well-rated medical facilities such as Forrest General Hospital and Merit Health Wesley, both offering emergency services. With 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people and over 86% of the population insured, quality healthcare is readily available in Hattiesburg.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Forrest General Hospital
Address:
6051 US-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:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.2%
Health Care Index:
67.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Hattiesburg, MS?
Hattiesburg's housing market remains accessible, with a median home price of $145,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $950. Home appreciation has shown steady growth at 4.5% annually, and a relatively high rental vacancy rate offers options for newcomers.
Median Home Price:
$145,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
39.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.5%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Driver licensing and vehicle registration services for Hattiesburg residents are managed by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, located in Jackson. The department provides comprehensive information and online services through their official website for added convenience.
State:
Mississippi
Department:
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Address:
659 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39202
Phone:
1-601-987-1212
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.