Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Petal, MS
Thinking of moving to Petal, MS? With a population of just under 11,000, Petal is known for its welcoming community, affordable living, and excellent schools. Median home prices are around $162,000, and rent averages $900, making housing budget-friendly. Residents enjoy low commute times (24 minutes), a moderate crime rate, and good access to healthcare and education. Petal’s mild winters, warm summers, and high percentage of sunny days add to its small-town Southern charm—perfect for families and newcomers alike.
Demographics - Petal, MS
Petal, Mississippi is home to nearly 11,000 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 36.7 years. The city offers a balanced gender ratio and a close-knit community feel, with a moderate proportion of non-English speakers. Its population density and diversity make it welcoming for families and individuals alike.
Population:
10,992
Density:
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.7
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
81.2%
Black:
13.4%
Asian:
0.9%
Others:
4.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Petal, MS?
Petal boasts an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $162,000 and average rent around $900. The city's cost of living index is notably below the national average, making day-to-day expenses such as groceries, utilities, and healthcare more budget-friendly for residents. State income taxes range from 3% to 5%, further supporting a cost-effective lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$162,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,230
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$380
State Taxes:
Low:
3%
|
High:
5%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.6
Grocery:
94.5
Housing:
65.1
Utilities:
91.3
Transportation:
85.6
Health Care:
92.7
Miscellaneous:
86.4
Crime
Is Petal, MS a safe place to live?
Petal experiences relatively low crime, with 215 violent crimes and 1,520 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The chances of encountering violent or property crime are lower than in many comparably sized cities, contributing to a sense of safety and peace of mind for residents. Its crime rate supports a family-friendly and secure environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
215
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,520
Crime Index:
1,735
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 465
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 66
Weather
What is the weather like in Petal, MS year-round?
Residents of Petal enjoy mild winters with lows around 38°F and hot, humid summers reaching up to 92°F. The city sees about 61% sunny days each year and receives generous rainfall, averaging over 60 inches annually. This climate is ideal for those who appreciate long, warm seasons and abundant sunshine.
Winter
Min:
38°F
Max:
61°F
Spring
Min:
51°F
Max:
78°F
Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
60.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Petal's households typically earn a median income of $57,300, with a family income average of $66,400 and a poverty rate of 13.2%. The majority of adults have completed high school, and a significant portion hold college degrees. With low unemployment and short commute times averaging 24 minutes, Petal offers a comfortable and stable community atmosphere.
Median Income:
$32,700
Household Income:
$57,300
Family Income:
$66,400
Per Capita Income:
$27,400
Income Male:
$37,800
Income Female:
$28,300
Poverty Rate:
13.2%
Non English Speakers:
3.2%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
23.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.9%
Bachelors or More:
23.4%
Education
How are the schools in Petal, MS?
Petal is known for strong public schools, such as Petal High School and Petal Elementary, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios. Local options also include a private school and convenient access to higher education at the University of Southern Mississippi, just eight miles away. The city’s educational environment supports learners from early childhood through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Petal High School
Street:
1145 Hwy 42 East
Phone:
601-583-3538
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Petal Elementary School
Street:
1179 Hwy 42 East
Phone:
601-554-7244
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Private Schools
Name:
Sacred Heart Catholic School
Street:
608 Southern Ave, Hattiesburg
Phone:
601-583-8683
Students:
410
Colleges
Name:
The University of Southern Mississippi
City:
Hattiesburg
State:
MS
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
14,500
Healthcare
Petal residents benefit from proximity to major hospitals like Forrest General and Merit Health Wesley, both located in nearby Hattiesburg and offering full emergency and surgical services. The city has 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 88% health insurance coverage, ensuring good access to quality care. The local healthcare index reflects reliable services for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Forrest General Hospital
Address:
6051 US Hwy 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:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.5%
Health Care Index:
68.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Petal, MS?
Petal's housing market features a median home price of $162,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 75%. Rental options remain accessible, with average two-bedroom rents at $900 and a low foreclosure rate. The area has seen steady home appreciation, making it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$162,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services for Petal residents are managed by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, headquartered in Jackson. The DMV provides comprehensive licensing and registration services, and information is easily accessible by phone or their official website. This ensures straightforward access to essential state services for new and current residents.
State:
Mississippi
Department:
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Address:
1900 East Woodrow Wilson Avenue, Jackson, MS 39216
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.