Best places to live in Mississippi
Written by:
March 31, 2021
realtor.com
Best places to live in Mississippi
What do you look for in an ideal town? Proximity to trails, lakes, and beaches? How about top-ranked schools for your children? Would you like a professional or college sports team nearby, or do you prefer museums and art walks?
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Mississippi using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.
On the list, there’s a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.
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#25. Saltillo
- Population: 5,009
- Median home value: $129,100 (68% own)
- Median rent: $769 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $61,198
- Top public schools: Milam Elementary School (A), Tupelo Middle School (A-), Lawhon Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 431 County Road 1970, Saltillo ($799,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $129,100 (68% own)
- Median rent: $769 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $61,198
- Top public schools: Milam Elementary School (A), Tupelo Middle School (A-), Lawhon Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 431 County Road 1970, Saltillo ($799,900, 4 bedrooms)
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#24. St. Martin
- Population: 7,963
- Median home value: $126,000 (49% own)
- Median rent: $901 (51% rent)
- Median household income: $47,210
- Top public schools: St. Martin East Elementary School (A), St. Martin North Elementary School (A-), St. Martin Upper Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 15421 Straw St, Biloxi ($269,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $126,000 (49% own)
- Median rent: $901 (51% rent)
- Median household income: $47,210
- Top public schools: St. Martin East Elementary School (A), St. Martin North Elementary School (A-), St. Martin Upper Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 15421 Straw St, Biloxi ($269,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#23. D'Iberville
- Population: 13,673
- Median home value: $146,500 (42% own)
- Median rent: $985 (58% rent)
- Median household income: $46,115
- Top public schools: St. Martin East Elementary School (A), St. Martin North Elementary School (A-), North Woolmarket Elementary/Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Sacred Heart Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 13152 Riverview Cv, Diberville ($649,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $146,500 (42% own)
- Median rent: $985 (58% rent)
- Median household income: $46,115
- Top public schools: St. Martin East Elementary School (A), St. Martin North Elementary School (A-), North Woolmarket Elementary/Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Sacred Heart Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 13152 Riverview Cv, Diberville ($649,900, 4 bedrooms)
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#22. Long Beach
- Population: 15,698
- Median home value: $151,400 (63% own)
- Median rent: $965 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $53,951
- Top public schools: W.J. Quarles Elementary School (A), Thomas L. Reeves Elementary School (A), Long Beach Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 6502 Woodwards Blf, Long Beach ($1.3 million, 2 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $151,400 (63% own)
- Median rent: $965 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $53,951
- Top public schools: W.J. Quarles Elementary School (A), Thomas L. Reeves Elementary School (A), Long Beach Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 6502 Woodwards Blf, Long Beach ($1.3 million, 2 bedrooms)
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#21. New Hope
- Population: 3,908
- Median home value: $155,100 (92% own)
- Median rent: $804 (8% rent)
- Median household income: $62,904
- Top public schools: Caledonia Middle School (A), Caledonia Elementary School (A-), New Hope Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 815 N 8th St, Columbus ($375,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $155,100 (92% own)
- Median rent: $804 (8% rent)
- Median household income: $62,904
- Top public schools: Caledonia Middle School (A), Caledonia Elementary School (A-), New Hope Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 815 N 8th St, Columbus ($375,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#20. Arnold Line
- Population: 2,113
- Median home value: $105,100 (55% own)
- Median rent: $1,227 (45% rent)
- Median household income: $41,875
- Top public schools: Oak Grove High School (A), Oak Grove Middle School (A), Longleaf Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 5270 W 4th St, Hattiesburg ($550,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $105,100 (55% own)
- Median rent: $1,227 (45% rent)
- Median household income: $41,875
- Top public schools: Oak Grove High School (A), Oak Grove Middle School (A), Longleaf Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 5270 W 4th St, Hattiesburg ($550,000, 3 bedrooms)
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#19. Pontotoc
- Population: 6,015
- Median home value: $128,100 (54% own)
- Median rent: $714 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $49,063
- Top public schools: D.T. Cox Elementary School (A-), Pontotoc Junior High School (A-), Pontotoc Middle School (B+)
- Pictured: 712 Valley Rd, Pontotoc ($899,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $128,100 (54% own)
- Median rent: $714 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $49,063
- Top public schools: D.T. Cox Elementary School (A-), Pontotoc Junior High School (A-), Pontotoc Middle School (B+)
- Pictured: 712 Valley Rd, Pontotoc ($899,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#18. Southaven
- Population: 54,152
- Median home value: $153,200 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,056 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $61,026
- Top public schools: DeSoto Central Middle School (A), DeSoto Central High School (A-), DeSoto Central Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Northpoint Christian School (A-), Sacred Heart School (unavailable), Faith Preschool Academy - Church (unavailable)
- Pictured: 748 Ole Dan Rd, Southaven ($675,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $153,200 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,056 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $61,026
- Top public schools: DeSoto Central Middle School (A), DeSoto Central High School (A-), DeSoto Central Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Northpoint Christian School (A-), Sacred Heart School (unavailable), Faith Preschool Academy - Church (unavailable)
- Pictured: 748 Ole Dan Rd, Southaven ($675,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#17. Pass Christian
- Population: 5,877
- Median home value: $183,700 (67% own)
- Median rent: $882 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $47,599
- Top public schools: Pass Christian High School (A), Pass Christian Middle School (A), Pass Christian Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Coast Episcopal School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 219 Baywood Dr, Pass Christian ($1.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $183,700 (67% own)
- Median rent: $882 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $47,599
- Top public schools: Pass Christian High School (A), Pass Christian Middle School (A), Pass Christian Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Coast Episcopal School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 219 Baywood Dr, Pass Christian ($1.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#16. Hernando
- Population: 15,942
- Median home value: $197,100 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,039 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $79,195
- Top public schools: Hernando Hills Elementary (A), DeSoto Central Middle School (A), Hernando Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Hernando Baptist Church Kindergarten (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3049 Pleasant Hill Rd, Nesbit ($1.0 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $197,100 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,039 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $79,195
- Top public schools: Hernando Hills Elementary (A), DeSoto Central Middle School (A), Hernando Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Hernando Baptist Church Kindergarten (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3049 Pleasant Hill Rd, Nesbit ($1.0 million, 3 bedrooms)
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#15. Biloxi
- Population: 45,906
- Median home value: $161,700 (44% own)
- Median rent: $864 (56% rent)
- Median household income: $48,137
- Top public schools: Popp's Ferry Elementary School (A), Biloxi Junior High School (A), North Bay Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Cedar Lake Christian Academy (A-), Our Lady of Fatima School (unavailable), Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 765 Destiny Plantation Blvd, Biloxi ($1.9 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $161,700 (44% own)
- Median rent: $864 (56% rent)
- Median household income: $48,137
- Top public schools: Popp's Ferry Elementary School (A), Biloxi Junior High School (A), North Bay Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Cedar Lake Christian Academy (A-), Our Lady of Fatima School (unavailable), Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 765 Destiny Plantation Blvd, Biloxi ($1.9 million, 3 bedrooms)
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#14. Pearl
- Population: 26,461
- Median home value: $120,700 (62% own)
- Median rent: $881 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $49,944
- Top public schools: Northside Elementary School (A), Pearl Junior High School (A-), Pearl Upper School (A-)
- Top private schools: Park Place Christian Academy (C+), Faith Academy (unavailable), GG's Christian Kindercare Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 707 Trailside Pl, Pearl ($368,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $120,700 (62% own)
- Median rent: $881 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $49,944
- Top public schools: Northside Elementary School (A), Pearl Junior High School (A-), Pearl Upper School (A-)
- Top private schools: Park Place Christian Academy (C+), Faith Academy (unavailable), GG's Christian Kindercare Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 707 Trailside Pl, Pearl ($368,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#13. Olive Branch
- Population: 37,461
- Median home value: $175,600 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,164 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $74,680
- Top public schools: Center Hill Middle School (A), DeSoto Central Middle School (A), Pleasant Hill Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Desoto Christian Academy (B), Cross Creek Christian Academy (unavailable), Park Academy School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4703 E Spring Pl Cv, Olive Branch ($1.3 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $175,600 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,164 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $74,680
- Top public schools: Center Hill Middle School (A), DeSoto Central Middle School (A), Pleasant Hill Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Desoto Christian Academy (B), Cross Creek Christian Academy (unavailable), Park Academy School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4703 E Spring Pl Cv, Olive Branch ($1.3 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#12. Gulf Park Estates
- Population: 7,053
- Median home value: $147,700 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,332 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $75,378
- Top public schools: Ocean Springs Middle School (A), Ocean Springs High School (A), Ocean Springs Upper Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 3 Sauvolle Ct, Ocean Springs ($2.6 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $147,700 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,332 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $75,378
- Top public schools: Ocean Springs Middle School (A), Ocean Springs High School (A), Ocean Springs Upper Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 3 Sauvolle Ct, Ocean Springs ($2.6 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#11. Gulf Hills
- Population: 8,352
- Median home value: $136,800 (79% own)
- Median rent: $999 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $53,521
- Top public schools: St. Martin East Elementary School (A), St. Martin North Elementary School (A-), St. Martin Upper Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 6332 Porteaux Rd, Ocean Springs ($674,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $136,800 (79% own)
- Median rent: $999 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $53,521
- Top public schools: St. Martin East Elementary School (A), St. Martin North Elementary School (A-), St. Martin Upper Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 6332 Porteaux Rd, Ocean Springs ($674,900, 4 bedrooms)
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#10. Tupelo
- Population: 38,271
- Median home value: $145,400 (59% own)
- Median rent: $790 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $50,694
- Top public schools: Milam Elementary School (A), Pierce Street Elementary School (A), Rankin Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Tupelo Christian Preparatory School (A), Tupelo Christian Academy (C+), Calvary Baptist Kindergarten & Preschool (unavailable)
- Pictured: 179 Ridgelake Dr, Tupelo ($1.6 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $145,400 (59% own)
- Median rent: $790 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $50,694
- Top public schools: Milam Elementary School (A), Pierce Street Elementary School (A), Rankin Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Tupelo Christian Preparatory School (A), Tupelo Christian Academy (C+), Calvary Baptist Kindergarten & Preschool (unavailable)
- Pictured: 179 Ridgelake Dr, Tupelo ($1.6 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#9. Petal
- Population: 10,584
- Median home value: $141,600 (66% own)
- Median rent: $884 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $55,946
- Top public schools: Petal Middle School (A+), Petal Elementary School (A+), Petal Upper Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 692 Morriston Rd, Petal ($599,999, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $141,600 (66% own)
- Median rent: $884 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $55,946
- Top public schools: Petal Middle School (A+), Petal Elementary School (A+), Petal Upper Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 692 Morriston Rd, Petal ($599,999, 4 bedrooms)
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#8. West Hattiesburg
- Population: 6,352
- Median home value: $144,400 (49% own)
- Median rent: $843 (51% rent)
- Median household income: $40,433
- Top public schools: Oak Grove Lower Elementary (A), Oak Grove High School (A), Oak Grove Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 17 Stones Throw Dr, Hattiesburg ($350,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $144,400 (49% own)
- Median rent: $843 (51% rent)
- Median household income: $40,433
- Top public schools: Oak Grove Lower Elementary (A), Oak Grove High School (A), Oak Grove Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 17 Stones Throw Dr, Hattiesburg ($350,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#7. Brandon
- Population: 23,930
- Median home value: $181,900 (80% own)
- Median rent: $982 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $78,573
- Top public schools: Brandon Middle School (A), Brandon Elementary School (A), StoneBridge Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Brandon First United Methodist Church Kindergarten (unavailable)
- Pictured: 148 Stull Rd, Brandon ($1.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $181,900 (80% own)
- Median rent: $982 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $78,573
- Top public schools: Brandon Middle School (A), Brandon Elementary School (A), StoneBridge Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Brandon First United Methodist Church Kindergarten (unavailable)
- Pictured: 148 Stull Rd, Brandon ($1.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#6. Oxford
- Population: 26,962
- Median home value: $248,200 (46% own)
- Median rent: $959 (54% rent)
- Median household income: $44,283
- Top public schools: Oxford Elementary School (A), Della Davidson Elementary School (A), Oxford Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Oxford University School (A-)
- Pictured: 606 S 8th St, Oxford ($3.5 million, 9 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $248,200 (46% own)
- Median rent: $959 (54% rent)
- Median household income: $44,283
- Top public schools: Oxford Elementary School (A), Della Davidson Elementary School (A), Oxford Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Oxford University School (A-)
- Pictured: 606 S 8th St, Oxford ($3.5 million, 9 bedrooms)
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#5. Clinton
- Population: 25,131
- Median home value: $169,500 (67% own)
- Median rent: $981 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $62,685
- Top public schools: Lovett Elementary (A+), Eastside Elementary School (A), Northside Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Mt. Salus Christian School (A-)
- Pictured: 101 Heights Dr, Clinton ($770,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $169,500 (67% own)
- Median rent: $981 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $62,685
- Top public schools: Lovett Elementary (A+), Eastside Elementary School (A), Northside Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Mt. Salus Christian School (A-)
- Pictured: 101 Heights Dr, Clinton ($770,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#4. Ocean Springs
- Population: 17,729
- Median home value: $174,000 (71% own)
- Median rent: $954 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $58,713
- Top public schools: Ocean Springs Middle School (A), Oak Park Elementary School (A), Ocean Springs High School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Alphonsus School (unavailable), Grace Baptist Academy (unavailable), First Baptist Early Education Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 104 Spanish Point Ct, Ocean Springs ($2.8 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $174,000 (71% own)
- Median rent: $954 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $58,713
- Top public schools: Ocean Springs Middle School (A), Oak Park Elementary School (A), Ocean Springs High School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Alphonsus School (unavailable), Grace Baptist Academy (unavailable), First Baptist Early Education Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 104 Spanish Point Ct, Ocean Springs ($2.8 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#3. Flowood
- Population: 9,030
- Median home value: $187,500 (56% own)
- Median rent: $1,147 (44% rent)
- Median household income: $65,191
- Top public schools: Highland Bluff Elementary School (A), Northwest Rankin Middle School (A), Northwest Rankin Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Jackson Preparatory School (A), Hartfield Academy (B), Good Shepherd Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 110 Garrison Way, Flowood ($1.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $187,500 (56% own)
- Median rent: $1,147 (44% rent)
- Median household income: $65,191
- Top public schools: Highland Bluff Elementary School (A), Northwest Rankin Middle School (A), Northwest Rankin Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Jackson Preparatory School (A), Hartfield Academy (B), Good Shepherd Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 110 Garrison Way, Flowood ($1.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#2. Ridgeland
- Population: 24,269
- Median home value: $186,500 (50% own)
- Median rent: $1,043 (50% rent)
- Median household income: $60,823
- Top public schools: Madison Middle School (A+), Madison Station Elementary School (A), Madison Avenue Upper Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Andrew's Episcopal School (A+)
- Pictured: 700 Old Agency Rd, Ridgeland ($3.8 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $186,500 (50% own)
- Median rent: $1,043 (50% rent)
- Median household income: $60,823
- Top public schools: Madison Middle School (A+), Madison Station Elementary School (A), Madison Avenue Upper Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Andrew's Episcopal School (A+)
- Pictured: 700 Old Agency Rd, Ridgeland ($3.8 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#1. Madison
- Population: 25,592
- Median home value: $261,900 (93% own)
- Median rent: $1,549 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $114,521
- Top public schools: Madison Middle School (A+), Madison Station Elementary School (A), Germantown Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Joseph Catholic School (A), Madison-Ridgeland Academy (A-), St. Anthony Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 149 Old Farm Rd, Madison ($3.6 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $261,900 (93% own)
- Median rent: $1,549 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $114,521
- Top public schools: Madison Middle School (A+), Madison Station Elementary School (A), Germantown Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Joseph Catholic School (A), Madison-Ridgeland Academy (A-), St. Anthony Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 149 Old Farm Rd, Madison ($3.6 million, 7 bedrooms)
