Moving to Mississippi statistics (2025 data)

How many people move to Mississippi?

Approximately 64,610 people moved to Mississippi in 2023, while 61,833 moved out. This represents a small net gain of 2,777 residents. Roughly six people moved to the state per day between 2022 and 2023 — just barely enough to offset out-migration.

A majority of those moving to Mississippi are international migrants, rather than domestic ones. According to a recent ConsumerAffairs study based on a sample of 143,506 ConsumerAffairs.com users who expressed an interest in moving between January 2023 and March 2024, Mississippi ranked as the 22nd most desired state to move to.

Top 5 cities that people moved to in Mississippi

Mississippi ranked as the 42nd best U.S. state to move to in 2024, as its poor economy, education and health care scores hold it back. However, the state does offer exceptional affordability and respectable safety.

Of those choosing to move to the Magnolia State, the majority are relocating to suburbs outside of Jackson or Memphis. Southaven — a Memphis suburb — attracted the most new residents, adding 2,209 (4% growth) between 2020 and 2023. Olive Branch — a small town in Northern Mississippi — happened to experience the fastest growth, growing by 6.2% within that same period.

Pearl and Brandon — both suburbs of Jackson — were also popular, attracting 1,011 and 582 new residents, respectively.

Overall, the top five cities in Mississippi people moved to between 2020 and 2023 are as follows:

Why do people move to Mississippi?

The majority of movers choose Mississippi for its affordability and tax benefits, as median home prices and property taxes are well below the national average. The state also has the lowest cost-of-living index in the nation.

However, many young professionals are also attracted to the combination of job opportunities and communal culture. The largest industries in the state are trade, transportation, and utilities, government, and education and health. Collectively, these industries employ just over 54% of nonfarm workers. The fastest-growing industry in the state is professional and business services, growing by 3.9% between July 2023 and July 2024.

Mississippi housing statistics

With a median rent price of $1,369.59 and a median home sale price of $242,500, Mississippi renters and homeowners can expect to pay a significant 42% less than the national median for housing.

Mississippi also has the 14th lowest property tax rate in the U.S. at 0.67%. The tax rate here is at least half that of 15 states, including Kansas. In 2021, the most expensive county was Madison County, where residents paid an average of $1,715 in property taxes. Conversely, the most affordable county was Amite County, where residents paid as little as $410 that same year.

Cost-of-living statistics in Mississippi

Mississippi’s cost-of-living index is 85.3, making it the most affordable state in the union. The cost of gas per gallon ($2.94) follows this affordability trend, being one of the cheapest in the nation at nearly 10% less than the national average. The state’s proximity to major Gulf Coast oil production helps improve prices but also prevents it from becoming a more green state.

Though Mississippi does have a lower-than-average cost of living, the state’s median household income is also one of the lowest in the nation ($52,658). That means the typical household here earns more than 30% less than the national median of $75,358. Luckily, unemployment is significantly lower (2.8%) than the national average of 4.2%.

In general, Mississippi may be an excellent choice for anyone moving from a more expensive area. However, a very low median household income can be a considerable challenge for would-be movers and jobseekers.

Who lives in Mississippi?

An estimated 2,939,690 people live in Mississippi as of 2023, making it the 35th largest state in terms of population. This represents a population increase of 762 people compared to 2022, mostly due to international migration.

Mississippi’s population skews female, with women accounting for 51.5% and men accounting for 48.5% of residents. In 2023, approximately 1.51 million Mississippi residents were female, and 1.43 million were male.

On average, Mississippi's population is also slightly younger (38.7 years old) than the U.S. average of 38.9 years. The largest age demographic in the state is those between 25 and 44 years old, accounting for 25.2% of the population.

White residents account for the largest share of Mississippians, representing 58.7% of the population (1.73 million people). The state also has the largest share of Black residents as a portion of the total population in the U.S., representing 37.8% (about 1.1 million people). This is followed by a much smaller share of Hispanic residents — 7.3% of the population.

Tips for moving to Mississippi

Not sure how to start your move to Mississippi? Consider these step-by-step moving tips:

1. Understand the cost of living

With the lowest cost-of-living index in the United States and median home sale prices over 40% below the national average, affordability isn’t an issue for Mississippi. However, overall costs will still vary by location and may be more of a challenge than expected when you consider the low median household income. Whether you plan on moving to the northern forests or southern Gulf Coast, you can learn more about what to expect on MS.gov.

2. Learn about the job market

From shipbuilding and oil refinery on the Gulf Coast to agriculture on the Mississippi River, the Magnolia State is an industrial hub with a low unemployment rate. However, given the low median household income, it’s important to analyze the highest-paying opportunities available to you before making a move. You can visit online job boards or the Mississippi Department of Employment Security website for local employment information.

3. Prepare for the subtropical climate

Mississippi’s southern location on the Gulf Coast endures long, humid summers and typically mild winters. Severe storms are common in the warmer months, while occasional freezing temperatures are possible in the winter. To stay comfortable, we recommend investing in weather-appropriate clothing, maintaining good HVAC systems and staying informed about changing weather conditions. The National Weather Service is a great resource for forecasts and emergency alerts.

4. Be aware of natural hazards

Mississippi sits in a hot spot for severe weather, experiencing both hurricanes and tornadoes. Hurricane season runs from June through November, with cities along the Gulf Coast being the most vulnerable. Tornadoes are also a threat in spring time, especially between March and May. If you’re thinking of purchasing a home in the Magnolia State, consider checking flood zone maps and looking into home insurance rates before you move. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency website is a great resource for information and emergency planning.

5. Understand transportation options

While Jackson and the suburbs surrounding Memphis offer public transportation in the form of bus routes, most of Mississippi is car-dependent. From highways to rural gravel roads, we recommend a personal vehicle for easy travel around the Magnolia State. Check traffic updates and road conditions on the Mississippi Department of Transportation website.

6. Embrace Deep South culture

When determining who has the right to hold the title of a Deep South state, Mississippi can never be called into question. From its legendary cuisine and blues music to stunning Gulf Coast beaches, this state is steeped in Southern hospitality and culture. To learn more about the state’s historical attractions and cultural events, check out Visit Mississippi.

7. Understand mover quotes and tipping

When moving to Mississippi, carefully review and compare moving company quotes. Be sure to account for potential additional fees depending on where you’re relocating to. Tipping movers is customary; a tip of 10% to 20% of the total cost is standard based on the quality of service.