Mississippi / Forrest County

Moving to Petal, MS

Thinking of making a move to Petal, MS? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Petal, MS

Considering a move to Petal, MS? This welcoming community of 10,992 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $162,000 and average rents near $900. Commute times average 24 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (61% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Petal's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Petal, MS

Petal has a population of 10,992 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 37 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 81% White, 13% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 3% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Petal is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 82.6. Median home values are around $162,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $900. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 215 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 66. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Mississippi.

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?

Petal experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 92°F and cold winters dipping to 38°F. The area receives about 60 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 61% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
38°F
Max
61°F

Summer

Min
70°F
Max
92°F

Spring

Min
51°F
Max
78°F

Fall

Min
54°F
Max
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches
60.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
61%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $57,300 and a low poverty rate of 13.2%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 23% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 24 minutes, and almost 0% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 offers quality education options, with public schools like Petal High School and Petal Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including The University of Southern Mississippi. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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 have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Forrest General Hospital and Merit Health Wesley nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.5 per 1,000 people and 87.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $162,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 75%. The market has seen a 6.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.7%. Petal offers a mix of stability and opportunity 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

Residents of Petal handle vehicle services through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, conveniently located in Jackson. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Mississippi
Department
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Address
1900 East Woodrow Wilson Avenue, Jackson, MS 39216
Phone
1-601-987-1212

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.

FAQs About Moving to Petal, MS

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Petal, review the core fields on this page: population 10,992, median home value $162,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $900, commute time 23.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 61%.

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