Hattiesburg, MS: 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Hattiesburg: The Data Profile (2026)

Hattiesburg represents a specific statistical anomaly in the 2026 economic landscape: a region where the cost of living has not risen to meet the median income, creating a distinct arbitrage opportunity. The city supports a population of 48,507, characterized by a unique demographic intersection. Despite a median income of $44,140—which sits -40.8% below the national average of $74,580—the educational attainment is surprisingly robust. 35.0% of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, exceeding the US average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic is the "Remote-First Professional." This profile describes individuals earning near the national median but residing in Hattiesburg, effectively leveraging geographic arbitrage to achieve a savings rate impossible in high-cost coastal markets. The data suggests a bifurcated economy: a local labor market with lower wage ceilings, and an influx of remote workers capitalizing on the -17.0% variance in healthcare and restaurant costs.

Cost of Living Analysis

The aggregate Cost of Living Index for Hattiesburg sits at 100.0, identical to the national average. However, this index masks significant variances in day-to-day expenditures. The most aggressive deflation is found in healthcare and services, while utilities remain a competitive advantage.

Disposable Income Analysis:
For a single earner making the national median of $74,580, the post-tax monthly income is approximately $4,650. Living in Hattiesburg costs $2,371, leaving a disposable surplus of $2,279 monthly. In contrast, a local earner making the median of $44,140 (approx. $2,850 post-tax) faces a surplus of only $479, highlighting the necessity of outside income for financial comfort.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the pivot point for relocation. While the median home price is lower than the national average, the Price-to-Income ratio for local workers is restrictive. For remote workers, however, the market offers high value.

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
The data strongly favors buying over renting for long-term residents. The $225,000 median home price results in a monthly mortgage (at 6.5% interest) of roughly $1,650, which is only $247 more than the $1,403 cost of renting a 3-bedroom home. With the -51.8% discount on price per square foot, building equity is significantly more efficient here than in the broader US market.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Return to Office (RTO) mandates have impacted Hattiesburg differently than major metros. With a low unemployment rate of 3.8% (below the US average of 4.0%), the local market is tight. However, local wages remain suppressed.

• Commute Times: The average commute is 19.4 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 27.6 minutes. Traffic congestion is minimal, reducing fuel costs and time loss.
• Industry Stability: The economy is anchored by the University of Southern Mississippi ($300M+ annual economic impact) and Forrest General Hospital. While stable, these sectors cap local earning potential. The 3.8% unemployment rate suggests a "full employment" environment, but often masks underemployment.

Quality of Life Audit

Hattiesburg presents a "High Utility, Moderate Health" profile. While infrastructure is solid, health risk factors are statistically higher than the national baseline.

Safety & Environment:

• Crime: Hattiesburg struggles with safety metrics. Violent crime is approximately 6.5 per 1,000 residents, and property crime is 32.0 per 1,000. This places it in the 4th percentile for safety nationally.
• Air Quality: A major asset is the air quality. The AQI of 42 and PM2.5 levels of 6.5 µg/m³ are well below hazardous thresholds, contributing to the 76.7 Health Score despite lifestyle risks.
• Schools: The Hattiesburg Public School District has a rating of 5/10, suggesting that families prioritizing top-tier public education may need to look to surrounding Forrest County districts or private options.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Arbitrage: A remote worker earning $75k+ can live like a local elite on a fraction of the income.
• Utilities & Services: Electricity at 13.39¢/kWh and healthcare costs 17% below average are significant long-term savings.
• Commute: Sub-20 minute average commutes reduce daily stress and costs.

Cons:

• Safety Concerns: High property crime rates (32.0/1k) require vigilance.
• Health Risks: High obesity (38.5%) and diabetes (13.6%) rates suggest an environment that is not conducive to active lifestyles without personal discipline.
• Income Ceiling: Earning -40.8% below the national average locally makes the city financially difficult for non-remote workers.

Final Recommendation:
Hattiesburg is a Strong Buy for Remote Workers seeking to maximize savings and minimize commute times. It is a Difficult Fit for Local Hires due to the wage-to-cost ratio. If you can import a salary of $60,000+, Hattiesburg offers a high standard of living for a low cost.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Hattiesburg?
For a single person, a salary of $50,000 provides a very comfortable lifestyle with significant savings. A family of four needs roughly $75,000 to maintain a middle-class standard including housing, healthcare, and discretionary spending.

2. How does the value proposition compare to larger Mississippi cities?
Hattiesburg offers better value than Jackson or Gulfport. While Jackson has higher wages, its crime rate is significantly worse and housing prices are rising faster. Hattiesburg provides a "college town" atmosphere with lower costs than Gulfport's coastal tourism pricing.

3. Are the safety statistics accurate for the whole city?
Yes. The 32.0 per 1,000 property crime rate is a city-wide average. However, neighborhoods near the university and the "Trenton" area generally report lower incidents, while areas east of I-59 show higher rates. Due diligence on specific zip codes is required.

4. Is the housing market expected to cool down?
Given the -46.4% discount to the national median price, Hattiesburg has less "bubble" risk than overvalued metros. However, with a 3.8% unemployment rate and steady demand from university staff, prices are expected to hold steady or appreciate modestly at 2-3% annually through 2027.