Moving To State • Mississippi

Moving to Mississippi: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Mar 27, 2025
10 min read

If you’re thinking about moving to Mississippi, you’re not alone. The Magnolia State atttacts newcomers for good reason! With bustling metropolitan areas like Jackson and quiet rural towns, there’s a place to match your desired pace of life.

As much as there is to love about Mississippi, it’s smart to weigh the good and the not-so-good before you buy a new home and pack up your belongings.

Here, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about moving to Mississippi to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Jump to the Mississippi information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to MS
Top car shippers to MS
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in Mississippi

Like any big move, relocating to Mississippi comes with its own upsides and potential downsides that are important to consider.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest pros and cons of living in the Magnolia State to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of living in MS

✓Southern hospitality
✓Delicious comfort food
✓Mild winters
✓Low cost of living
✓Nice beaches

Cons of living in MS

✖Extreme weather
✖Lackluster economy
✖Low diversity
✖Poor healthcare
✖Political homogeneity

Things to do in Mississippi

Whether you’re moving to Mississippi work, family, or just a fresh start, you’ll want to get the most out of your new home state — and that includes finding fun things to do. The good news is that, no matter your interests, Mississippi has lots of fun places to explore and things to do.

You can visit these places with your family or use them to meet new people if you’re alone. With so many choices, you’re sure to find something that suits you and makes you feel comfortable.

Popular Attractions in Mississippi

Vicksburg National Military Park
Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
Natchez Trace Parkway
Gulf Coast Beaches & Water Activities
Jackson Zoological Park
Gulf Islands Waterpark
Elvis Presley’s Birthplace
Tupelo National Battlefield
Marine Life Oceanarium
Riley Center

Museums in Mississippi

1. Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
2. Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
3. Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum
4. Mississippi Children’s Museum
5. The Delta Blues Museum
6. Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum
7. U.S.S. Cairo Museum
8. Walter Anderson Museum of Art
9. Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art
10. Mississippi Armed Forces Museum

Parks in Mississippi

1. Vicksburg National Military Park
2. Bonita Lakes Park
4. Jones Park
5. Flowood Nature Park
6. Bluff Park
7. War Memorial Park
8. Tunica RiverPark
9. Pascagoula Beach Park
10. Ballard Park
12. Olive Branch City Park

Fun facts about Mississippi

Each state has a unique character molded by its history, culture, and residents. Learning about its small details and quirky traditions helps you understand what life there is truly like.

These fun facts about Mississippi, will give you a glimpse at what makes the state unique, and may even give you a few more reasons to make the move.

The French established the first permanent settlement in present-day Mississippi in 1699.[4] Before the arrival of the Europeans, three groups of people inhabited the place: the Natchez, the Chickasaw, and the Choctaw
On January 9, 1861, MS became the second southern state to declare its secession from the United States of America.
The name of the state is derived from the Mississippi River. The settlers in the region named the state from the Ojibwe word misi-ziibi (meaning “Great River”).[1] The Mississippi River forms the western boundary of the state and empties into the Gulf of Mexico.
On average, Mississippi is affected by 27 tornadoes each year. Also, note that two of the five deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history have occurred in the state.
The world’s first human lung transplant was performed by Dr. James Hardy at the University Of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson on June 11, 1963. However, the recipient, unfortunately, survived for only 18 days
Elvis Presley (“The King of Rock and Roll”), born on January 08, 1935, regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century was born in Tupelo, MS.
“Memorial Day” or “Decoration Day” finds its origin in Columbus, MS. Women on April 25, 1866, decorated the graves of both the Confederate and Union soldiers in Friendship Cemetery in the city, marking the beginning of the celebration of the day in the honor of those who lost their lives while serving in the United States armed forces.
More than 50% of the area of the state is covered by wild or cultivated trees.
Oprah Winfrey, the famous TV host was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi, United States.
The state has the highest population of black residents (more than 35%) of any U.S. state.
It is noteworthy that MS is home to NASA’s largest rocket engine test facility – The John C. Stennis Space Center (SSC) located in Hancock County
Mississippi is the poorest state in the U.S. The state has the lowest average income among the 50 U.S. states. However, the state has some of the nicest and most generous people in the country.
After the Missouri River, the Mississippi River is the second largest river of the United States. It is 3,778 km long. The Mississippi River lies entirely within the United States.
Britney Spears, the famous American pop singer was born in McComb, MS.
The population of the White-tailed Deer, which is estimated to exceed 1.75 million in the state, is higher on a deer-per-unit-area basis (density) than any other state, and only Texas has a greater number of deer. Nationally, the population of the White-tailed deer exceeds 30 million.

Mississippi population and demographics

While you’re thinking about relocating to Mississippi, it’s important to look beyond facts and figures to get to the story they tell about the Magnolia State.

A state with more people might have more jobs, entertainment, and better infrastructure. On the other hand, a state with fewer people could mean a quieter lifestyle and close-knit communities.

Average education levels show the availability of job opportunities or access to local schools and colleges. Political breakdowns may indicate a state’s values and priorities.

Understanding who lives in Mississippi, how they live, and what they value can make it much easier to decide if it’s the kind of place where you’d feel comfortable and connected.

Metric	Mississippi
Population	10,037,261
Female	50.4%
Male	49.6%
College graduation rate	24.78%
Political leaning	Republican 60.9-38
Crime index	19.92

Mississippi weather

Climate plays a huge role in shaping your day-to-day life, so it’s an important factor to consider when deciding whether Mississippi is right for you. Looking at seasonal highs and lows and average rain and snowfall can help you imagine how much time you’ll be spending outdoors, preparing for storms, and adjusting to temperature extremes.

Summer highs can influence your energy bills and how much time you spend away from the AC. Winter lows determine the type of wardrobe and heating system you’ll need. Annual snowfall can range from light flurries to major storms that affect travel and daily life.

Whether you love sunshine, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snow altogether, knowing the climate can help you decide if Mississippi aligns with your lifestyle and comfort level.

Metric	Mississippi
Summer high	91ºF
Winter low	33ºF
Annual rain	57″
Annual snow	1″

Income and cost of living in Mississippi

A look at major industries, average income, housing costs, and the overall cost of living gives you a clearer picture of how affordable and sustainable life will likely be in Mississippi.

Knowing which industries boost the economy can help you evaluate job prospects in your field or foresee job market stability. If you’re thinking about renting or buying a home, housing costs are probably a major factor when deciding whether to move.

The cost of living index shows how much your money is worth compared to the national average. A lower index usually means daily expenses such as groceries, transportation, and housing are cheaper.

These numbers are more than just statistics. They’re practical tools that help you compare your current lifestyle to what’s possible in Mississippi and make a confident, informed decision about your move.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Manufacturing ($18.8 billion)
Real estate and rental and leasing ($12 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($10 billion)
Retail trade ($9 billion)
Professional and business services ($8.3 billion)
Wholesale trade ($6.2 billion)
Finance and insurance ($5.6 billion)
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($5.2 billion)
Transportation and warehousing ($4.3 billion)
Construction ($4.3 billion)

Metric	Mississippi
Average rent cost	$896
Average home cost	$181,313
Average income (per capita)	$68,505
Cost of living index*	85
Unemployment rate	2.9%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	4.7%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in Mississippi

If education influences your decision to move, a state’s schools reflect its career opportunities and community resources.

Whether you’re planning to go back to school yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want to live in a state with strong academic options, it’s worth checking out what Mississippi has to offer.

Here are some of the top schools in Mississippi:

Mississippi State University
University of Mississippi
University of Southern Mississippi
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Jackson State University
Mississippi College
Belhaven University
Delta State University
Tougaloo College
Mississippi University for Wome
William Carey University
Millsaps College
Mississippi Valley State University
Alcorn State University
Rust College

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Mississippi

We’ve reviewed hundreds of moving companies and worked directly with customers to identify the top movers across the country.

If you’re planning on moving to the Magnolia State, here are the best moving companies to help you transport your belongings to your new home wherever you are headed from.

Cost of moving to Mississippi

Before you take the leap to Mississippi, it’s a good idea to get a handle on moving costs. On average, hiring professional movers will run you about $131 per hour. The total cost depends on how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving. Cross-country moves, for example, will definitely hit your wallet harder than a quick hop across state lines.

The type of move you choose can make a big difference in cost, too.

To keep costs down, choose one of the best moving container companies. You do the packing and loading and they handle the driving for you, so it’s kind of like a middle ground between DIY and full-service.

Want to save even more? The most affordable option is to get a rental truck. With this options, you’ll do all of the heavy lifting, including packing, loading, driving, and unloading.

But if you’d rather not break a sweat, professional interstate movers can do all the work for you. Just keep in mind that this convenience comes at a price. Be sure to get quotes from several different movers to find one that fits your budget and moving needs.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to Mississippi

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Mississippi.

Mississippi car insurance requirements

Mississippi drivers are required to have at least $25,000 in car insurance for each person injured and $50,000 per accident, along with $25,000 for property damage. These rules make sure drivers can cover costs in an accident, protecting everyone’s finances. Following these laws is important to avoid fines and keep the roads safe.

Mississippi drivers license requirements

If you move to Mississippi, you need to get a Mississippi driver’s license within 60 days. You must also register your out-of-state vehicle within 30 days of your move.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to Mississippi?

Moving to Mississippi is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if Mississippi is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to Mississippi?

On the cost of living index, Mississippi has a score of 85. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Mississippi?

The average income in MS is $68,505, and the an unemployment rate is 2.9. Home prices are $181,313, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $896.

What is the downside of living in Mississippi?

Like any place, Mississippi has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Magnolia State include:

Extreme weather
Lackluster economy
Low diversity
Poor healthcare
Political homogeneity

Mississippi Moving Resources

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