Cost of Living in Hattiesburg, MS
Population 48,507 · Mississippi · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $44,140, median household incomes in Hattiesburg land roughly 41% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Around 30% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Located 85 miles northwest of Mobile, Hattiesburg is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 10% lower than Mobile's $170,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Hattiesburg
The median home value in Hattiesburg is $153,600 — 50% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $995/month, 24% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $44,140/year is 41% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.3%, above the national average of 4.8%. Mississippi's top state income tax rate is 4.7% and the combined sales tax is 7.1%. The climate averages highs of 77.6°F and lows of 55.3°F. Overall, Hattiesburg has a cost of living index of 61 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 39% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 60 | 65 | 72 | 78 | 85 | 90 | 92 | 92 | 88 | 80 | 69 | 62 |
| Low °F | 38 | 42 | 48 | 54 | 62 | 70 | 72 | 72 | 67 | 55 | 44 | 41 |
| Precip" | 5.82 | 4.88 | 5.57 | 5.37 | 4.44 | 5.85 | 5.70 | 4.75 | 4.15 | 3.70 | 3.70 | 4.98 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Hattiesburg, MS?
Hattiesburg has a cost index of 61 (100 = national average). It is 39% below the national average.
What is average rent in Hattiesburg, MS?
The median gross rent in Hattiesburg is $995 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Hattiesburg?
The median home value in Hattiesburg is $153,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Hattiesburg?
The median household income in Hattiesburg is $44,140 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Hattiesburg, MS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Hattiesburg is 7.1%. The Mississippi state income tax top rate is 4.7%.
Is Hattiesburg, MS affordable?
Yes, Hattiesburg is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 61 — about 39% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Hattiesburg?
Hattiesburg has average high temperatures of 77.6°F and average lows of 55.3°F. Annual precipitation is 58.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Hattiesburg at a Glance
- Population
- 48,507
- Median Income
- $44,140
- Home Value
- $153,600
- Median Rent
- $995/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 77.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.1%
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Mississippi Rankings
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