Cost of Living in West Hattiesburg, MS
Population 6,509 · Mississippi · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
West Hattiesburg's median household income of $38,269 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (37% here). At 12.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 85 miles southeast of Jackson, West Hattiesburg is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 93% higher than Jackson's $108,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in West Hattiesburg
The median home value in West Hattiesburg is $209,100 — 31% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,014/month, 23% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $38,269/year is 49% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 12.1%, 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, West Hattiesburg has a cost of living index of 72 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 28% less expensive.
West Hattiesburg has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in West Hattiesburg, MS?
West Hattiesburg has a cost index of 72 (100 = national average). It is 28% below the national average.
What is average rent in West Hattiesburg, MS?
The median gross rent in West Hattiesburg is $1,014 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in West Hattiesburg?
The median home value in West Hattiesburg is $209,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in West Hattiesburg?
The median household income in West Hattiesburg is $38,269 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in West Hattiesburg, MS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in West Hattiesburg is 7.1%. The Mississippi state income tax top rate is 4.7%.
Is West Hattiesburg, MS affordable?
Yes, West Hattiesburg is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 72 — about 28% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in West Hattiesburg?
West 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.
West Hattiesburg at a Glance
- Population
- 6,509
- Median Income
- $38,269
- Home Value
- $209,100
- Median Rent
- $1,014/mo
- Unemployment
- 12.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 77.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.1%
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