Top 10 Safest Cities in Mississippi

If you want to know about crime levels in Mississippi, just ask anyone who lives in the Magnolia State. They’ll tell you they feel safe enough to sleep with both eyes shut. Mississippi maintains a low violent crime rate — 1.90 incidents per 1,000 people; nationally the number is 4.49. It’s a state that relishes higher education with top-tier schools like the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University. The population is rather sparse — a little shy of 3 million — so there’s a lot of elbow room for future residents who want a new home, and the state is one of the most affordable in the country. While there are older, stately homes, there’s plenty of new construction to be found throughout the state.

Aside from being the state that gave us Elvis Presley — thank you, Tupelo — it is drenched in culture and history. Let’s take a look at the cities that occupy the top 10 spots on the safest places to live roster.

The Top 10 Safest Cities in Mississippi

1. Petal

• Population: 10,669
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 0
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 262.8
• Most Common Crime: Property

78% Below National Crime Rate

With a name like Petal, it must be a safe town — and it is. Residents are delighted that the crime rate has plummeted nearly 30 percent in recent years. The Leaf River flows alongside the city, carving its way through 242 acres that’s been dubbed a hunter’s paradise. Petal is eight minutes from Hattiesburg, home to the University of Southern Mississippi. Locals give a robust 100 percent satisfaction rate in the areas of safety, serenity and family friendliness. Families from the entire age spectrum live in Petal, from those just starting out to those enjoying their retirement years.

Your new home in Petal is waiting for you.

2. Madison

• Population: 25,522
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 69.7
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 894.2
• Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny

61% Below National Crime Rate

Only 10 minutes from Jackson, the town of Madison offers residents plenty of southern charm without all the city traffic congestion. Interested in buying a brand-new home? You’re in luck, as there is ongoing new home construction. The median home price is $243,000, but there are a few homes that hover around $500,000. Families with school-age children will be thrilled to learn that the student-teacher ratio is an astonishingly low 14 to 1.

Check out new homes in Madison.

3. Clinton

• Population: 25,456
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 59.7
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,826
• Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny

14% Below National Crime Rate

Clinton is an affordable place to put down roots as it’s almost 10 percent less expensive than the U.S. average. And when it comes to safety, you can rest assured that Clinton is an ideal choice; its crime rate is 15 percent lower than the national average. Clinton residents relish the small-town feel and boast about living within walking distance to grocery stores and other amenities.

4. Brandon

• Population: 23,688
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 123.5
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 626
• Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny

65% Below National Crime Rate

Crime rates have tumbled 9 percent in Brandon, making it one of the state’s safest cities. In fact, 100 percent of locals report feeling a sense of security and safety at night. If your heart is set on a family-friendly town, this should seal this deal: 77 percent of residents are married. And homes are priced right, with a median value of $169,800, but take note that they are appreciating at a steady clip.

5. Pass Christian

• Population: 5,669
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 98.7
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,627.8
• Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny

7% Below National Crime Rate

This Gulf Coast city, also known as The Pass, has plenty of inviting homes available. Pass Christian homes are 7 percent less expensive than the national average, with a median price slightly above $150,000. And year over year, the crime rate is taking a nosedive; it’s down 15 percent. Another bonus is that this family-friendly town has a great educational system; the average student test score is a high B. On its list of Best Places to Raise a Family in Mississippi, Niche has ranked Pass Christian in the 21st slot.

There are plenty of communities to get to know in Pass Christian.

6. Horn Lake

• Population: 26,925
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 102.8
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,894.4
• Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny

3% Below National Crime Rate

You get best of both worlds when you choose to reside in Horn Lake, as it’s a suburb of Memphis, Tennessee. Many residents live here and make the 24-minute commute to Memphis to work. Residents are quite proud of the community and have created a Keep Horn Lake Beautiful committee. One ordinance requires that every lot, residential or commercial, must have 20 percent allotted to green space. Another incentive to making Horn Lake your new address is that the median home price is $94,000. Plenty of hospitals and medical facilities are nearby, so those needing medical care will not need to travel far.

Find your new home in Horn Lake.

7. Oxford

• Population: 23,037
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 65.7
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 2,330.8
• Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny

9% Above National Crime Rate

Oxford residents have it all: arts, sports, culture, low cost of living and a charming quality of life. Dubbed the “Cultural Mecca of the South,” Oxford is rich in history and offers outstanding culinary experiences. The town’s vibrant literary community boasts that it had a part in the development of several authors, including the legendary William Faulkner. Oxford is home to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), and footfall fans gather at  The Grove, the popular tailgating spot, prior to home games. Oxford offers a choice of new or older homes, but don’t wait too long to sign on the dotted line if you want a new one.

Discover new homes in Oxford today.

8. Starkville

• Population: 25,122
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 159
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,702
• Most Common Crime: Property

91% Below National Crime Rate

Starkville is a marquee American college town, as home to Mississippi State University. MSU is responsible for many arts and entertainment events. If culture is your style, consider having those new address labels printed. The median price for a home is $163,200, but those who have a pretty penny to spend on a new home will find a few properties in the $400,000-$500,000 range. A bit of trivia: Prior to the Revolutionary War, the Starkville area was inhabited by the Choccuma tribe.

9. Byram

• Population: 11,657
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 154
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 2018.5
• Most Common Crime: Property

0.24% Above National Crime Rate

A suburb of nearby Jackson, Byram has an unemployment rate lower than the national average, while the high school graduation average is tilted higher. This small town has an affordable housing market with the median home listed at around $147,000. Many residents enjoy living off the beaten path of Jackson. They can own a home in a peaceful community but still live close enough to the state’s capital to take in shows, restaurants and a host of family-oriented activities. You can also trek across the historic Byram Swinging Bridge, a suspension bridge spanning the Pearl River. You’ll break in a new pair of walking shoes in no time.

10. Booneville

• Population: 8,767
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 276.2
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 379.8
• Most Common Crime: Property

34% Below National Crime Rate

Welcome to the “City of Hospitality,” where the locals can’t wait to greet you with a “howdy” and a glass of sweet tea from a Mason jar. Sipping on your brisk tea, you can stroll along streets in historic downtown Booneville; it is lined with buildings dating back to the 1900s. With an A+ public school system, it’s earned a reputation for being a friendly, livable town. Northeast Mississippi Community College, located in the heart of Booneville, gives this town a youthful appeal.

All data are taken from FBI U.S. crime statistics.