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Moving. Simplified.
Are you mulling over moving to Mississippi?
If you’ll like to live in a state where you can enjoy the best of both worlds; rural life and access to big city amenities, moving to Mississippi is right for you.
Mississippi offers lots of entertainment options along with renowned restaurants, easier access to fresh fruits and vegetables and you’ll get the chance to live among some of the friendliest people in the country.
The state’s low cost of living, low cost of education, and low housing costs make it one of the best places for anyone seeking to enjoy big city life while living rurally. All of that makes moving to Mississippi such a great idea.
If you’re considering moving to Mississippi and wondering if the state is right for you or not, this guide contains all the key details you need to know about the state to make the right decision.
A quick look at the population and other demographics of Mississippi.
Why should you consider moving to Mississippi? People are moving to Mississippi for several reasons.
We’ve made a list of the top ten reasons why people are moving to the state since you’re considering moving to Mississippi:
In Mississippi, the cost of education for an academic year is $5,041, which is much lower than the national average of $6,542.
Mississippi has the lowest cost of living among the 50 states in the US with the cost of living index of 84.8. The average health care costs for a single adult in the state total $4,217 per year, compared to the national average of $4,266.Similarly, child care costs $3,723 and food costs $3,202 per adult per annum, both much lower than the national average.
The median home value in Mississippi $114,500 while the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the state is $795 per month.
Mississippi has the lowest share of rush-hour traffic congestion at 17 percent, which is approximately five times lower than California.
The state has six national forests offering excellent outdoor recreational opportunities in Mississippi. 1.2 million acres of forest land provide a diversity of terrain, diverse ecosystems, numerous lakes, rivers, and streams. Approximately 265 miles of non-motorized hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails challenge visitors and provide great scenery. In addition, the state also has 90 miles of designated motorized trails open to off-highway vehicles.
Mississippi is famous for its gastronomy. From delicious local seafood to concoctions you’ll only find in the state, you must taste the cuisines here that range from Mississippi mud pie to corn bed, pecan pie, Cajun fried pecans, and sweet potato pie.
While you stay in big cities in Mississippi, do not miss the opportunities to delve deep into the past of the state, rich in Native American, Spanish, and French history, that are still visible in its rural areas and small towns, namely Oxford, Bay of St, Louis, Corinth, Ocean Springs, Vicksburg, and Natchez.
While moving to Mississippi, the great fortune comes in the shape of the hospitality of Mississippians. The locals are highly cordial and are always willing to lend you a helping hand. It is not rare that you will find people reaching to help you fix things at home.
There is a sense of community among Mississippians. They are highly patriotic and people you meet here will be proud of the country and respect men and women who serve it. In addition, most people here attend churches and regularly take part in community services.
Mississippi still has traces of its rich historic past, filled with Native American, Spanish, and French culture. You can see them preserved at some of the best museums, namely Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Jackson, Museum of Mississippi History, Jackson, and The Mississippi Freedom Trail and Blues Trail.
The pros and cons of living in the state isn't exactly the same for everyone. What seem to be pros for some will be cons for others.
Here are the key pros and cons of moving to Mississippi.
If you're considering moving to Mississippi, living in the best places in the state should be among your top priority.
So, we've compiled relevant data about the ten best places to live in Mississippi to help you get started.
| Place | Population | Median Home Value | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paradise Valley | 14,215 | $1,505,300 | 1.4% |
| Gilbert | 237,484 | $310,400 | 4.4% |
| Scottsdale | 246,026 | $455,900 | 3.7% |
| Oro Valley | 43,815 | $297,500 | 5.7% |
| Sahuarita | 28,949 | $200,700 | 3.7% |
| Chandler | 248,631 | $285,000 | 4.1% |
| Marana | 43,606 | $242,300 | 4.3% |
| Thatcher | 5,030 | $149,400 | 3.1% |
| Peoria | 164,572 | $248,700 | 5.5% |
| Prescott | 42,068 | $328,000 | 7.1% |
The cost of living in Mississippi is fairly competitive compared to other states across the country.
Otherwise known for its low cost of living which is now rising gradually as many more people flock to the state.
If you're considering moving to Mississippi, here's the average cost of living in the state using a national average of 100:
Overall, the cost of living in Mississippi is rated 102%, while the U.S. average is 100. This means the cost of living in Mississippi is slightly higher than the U.S. average. Housing is considered the biggest factor in the cost of living index, below is key data about Mississippi's rental and real estate market.
Tip: When you've got a home to move in Mississippi, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.
Renting a home can be a great option if you're moving to Mississippi. In fact, about 30.4% of people living in Mississippi are renters. Similar to several other states across the country, all types of homes are available for rent in Mississippi. However, only about 2.5 apartments and houses are open for rent in Mississippi.
Here's a simple breakdown of the state's real estate market:
Yes, Mississippi is a good state to live in. The state has a warm climate and the economy is highly growing. As a result, the job opportunities are extremely high here, especially in cities like Tucson and Phoenix. Despite the economy thriving, the cost of living is low and you can easily get good accommodation at a low rent. The quality of education is high here and some of the best universities in the US are situated in Mississippi.
Mississippi is one of the best places to move in. The advantages of living in Mississippi are:
No, Mississippi is not expensive at all. The cost of living in Mississippi is extremely low in comparison with many other states. Despite the economy growing and companies paying good salaries, you will get homes at affordable rent and can even buy one without burning your wallet. Even other expenses in the state are highly affordable.
As per the FBI, Mississippi is relatively a safe state and the violent crime rate is below the national average. Most of the violent crimes that occur in Mississippi tend to be centered close to the Mexico border.
The police claim to have brought gang wars and street fights under control and most neighborhoods in big cities are safer than what they had been a decade ago.
Yes, Mississippi promises a healthy life as it has the cleanest air in the US. The days are always sunny here and you will be always both mentally and physically healthier. Due to the natural sunlight, there will be no shortage of Vitamin D and you will have a strong immune system, better dental health, and low blood pressure.
While living in Mississippi, the chances of depression are also extremely low.
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Start My Quote NowIf you're moving to Mississippi, buying a home in the state is a great idea. However, to help you make the right decision, we collected the most important data about Mississippi's real estate market to help you get started:
This housing market information gives you a crystal-clear picture of the state real estate market if you're moving to Mississippi.
We've compiled key information about the job market in Mississippi including the biggest employers, top industries, top career options, and the average amount you're most likely to earn if you're moving to Mississippi.
Here's a simple summary of Mississippi's job market:
These are the largest industries in the state of Mississippi:
If you're considering changing your career after moving to Mississippi, we've compiled a list of the leading industries in the state to help you make an informed decision. Here they are:
Tip: Often, you feel like calculating the moving cost before you connect with a moving company. To help you, we've got a free moving cost calculator.
These companies are rated as the biggest employers in Mississippi and they cut across various sectors of the state economy. If you're moving to Mississippi, knowing who the biggest employers are can help you put the right foot forward. Here they are:
While getting a job in Mississippi is fairly easy, what's the average amount you're mostly likely to earn in the state? Let's find out.
A person in Mississippi typically earns around 106,000 USD per year, which helps to lead a decent living. Salaries range from 26,700 USD (lowest average) to 471,000 USD (highest average, the actual maximum salary is higher).
Here's a simple breakdown of taxes in Mississippi using data collated from Smart Asset:
Mississippi is known for many things. While its practically impossible to list all, we've compiled the key things the state is mostly known for. Here they are:
Often considered as one of the wonders of the world, the 1,217,262-acre Grand Canyon National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. About 6 million people annually visit the national park that is home to a wide range of flora fauna.
Situated in the Black Canyon of Colorado River, on the border between Nevada and Mississippi, Hoover Dam is a landmark in civil engineering and attracts 7 million tourists every year.
Mississippi is sunny throughout the year, including winter. The state receives 300+ days of sunlight and this of the major pluses of the state. Those who have the least interest in snow and chilling winter can consider making Mississippi the new home.
The 140-acre Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park has more than 50,000 plants and more than 4,000 taxa, one-third of which are native to the area. Desert Botanical Garden has been designated as a Phoenix Point of Pride
Also known as Barringer Crater, the 3,900 ft–diameter Meteor Crater is privately owned by the Barringer family and lies at an elevation of 5,640 ft above sea level. It is expected to have formed 50,000 years ago and is now a popular tourist destination in Mississippi.
One of the most photographed points on the earth, Monument valley boasts sandstone masterpieces that tower at heights of 400 to 1,000 feet. With scenic clouds casting shadows in the background, it gives a mystic feeling that has been used by movie makers to portray the Wild West for decades.
A 346-square mile national park in Navajo and Apache counties, Petrified Forest National Park is a semi-desert shrub steppe with highly eroded and colorful badlands. The park is home to about 400 species of plants and 200 species of birds. There is a wide range of animals, both large and small, including pronghorns, coyotes, bobcats, deer mice, snakes, and lizards.
The 92,000-acre Saguaro National Park in southeastern Mississippi is packed with a wide range of flora and fauna from the Sonoran Desert landscape. There is a 165-mile hiking trail that leads to a sightseeing point. Both cycling and horseback riding are permitted on selected roads and trails.
Phoenix, the largest city in Mississippi is also the fifth-most populous city in the US. The city homes many industries dealing with real estate, finance & insurance, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. In addition, Phoenix is also a center of performing arts. Tourism and cuisine are two other areas that Phoenix is famous for.
A river gorge in northern Mississippi between Flagstaff and Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon is often referred to as a smaller cousin of the Grand Canyon because of its scenic beauty. The 12-mile long canyon is about 800 - 2,000 feet deep and is now a popular recreation area with many hiking trails.
Whether you're still schooling or have school age kids or not, if you're moving to Mississippi, you'd most likely be interested in the best schools in the state. Here we've made a list of the best elementary, middle, high, and colleges in Mississippi. Check out the list below:
Lord Baltimore Elementary School
Indian River School District, Public, PK-5 | 647 students, Rating: 10/10
Lake Forest North Elementary School
Lake Forest School District, Public, PK-4 | 544 students, Rating: 10/10
Frear (Allen) Elementary School
Caesar Rodney School District, Public, 1-5 | 734 students, Rating: 10/10
Welch (Major George S.) Elementary School
Caesar Rodney School District, Public, 1-5 | 227 students, Rating: 10/10
Johns Creek Elementary School
Forsyth County School District, Public, PK-5 | 1045 students
Southern Mississippi School of the Arts
Indian River School District, Public, K-8 | 469 students, Rating: 10/10
Sussex Academy
Sussex Academy Of Arts & Sciences, Charter, 6-12 | 759 students, Rating: 10/10
Newark Charter School
Newark Charter School, Charter, K-12 | 2354 students, Rating: 9/10
Calloway (Cab) School of the Arts
Red Clay Consolidated School District, Public, 6-12 | 936 students, Rating: 9/10
Conrad Schools of Science
Red Clay Consolidated School District, Public, 6-12 | 1168 students, Rating: 9/10
Sussex Academy
Sussex Academy Of Arts & Sciences, Charter, 6-12 | 759 students, Rating: 10/10
Newark Charter School
Newark Charter School, Charter, K-12 | 2354 students, Rating: 10/10
Christiana High School
Christina School District, Public, 9-12 | 716 students, Rating: 9/10
Calloway (Cab) School of the Arts
Red Clay Consolidated School District, Public, 6-12 | 936 students, Rating: 9/10
Conrad Schools of Science
Red Clay Consolidated School District, Public, 6-12 | 1168 students, Rating: 9/10
Rank 1. University of Mississippi
Rank 2. Goldey-Beacom College
Rank 3. Mississippi State University
Rank 4. Wilmington University
Rank 5. Mississippi Technical Community College
Rank 6. Wesley College
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