Safest cities in Mississippi

Known as the 'Magnolia State,' Mississippi is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Located in the southern United States, Mississippi boasts a diverse landscape that includes rolling hills, fertile farmlands, and the scenic Mississippi River. The state's economy is driven by industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Jackson, the state capital, is a vibrant urban center known for its music heritage, particularly blues, and its historical significance in the Civil Rights Movement. Mississippi is also home to numerous cultural attractions, including museums, historic sites, and music festivals that celebrate its unique heritage and traditions.

Low crime rates are essential for enhancing the livability of communities in Mississippi, making the safest cities highly desirable places to live. Safety provides a foundation for economic stability and community well-being, allowing residents to feel secure in their daily lives. Factors that contribute to the safety of Mississippi's cities include community policing, neighborhood watch programs, and active citizen participation. The safest cities are ranked based on total crime per 100,000 people, offering a reliable measure of security. This emphasis on safety ensures that residents can enjoy the many amenities and cultural attractions Mississippi has to offer without the overshadowing concern of crime.

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Madison Population: 25,650 445 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 57 Property Crime / 100k: 388 chance of being a victim: 1 in 225
Madison proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Mississippi. With only 445 crimes per 100,000 people, Madison has a crime rate that is 72% lower than the Mississippi average. This equates to an average of 0.34 crimes per day and a 1 in 225 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The city's well-funded police department, active neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement initiatives contribute significantly to its low crime rates, making it an ideal place for families and retirees.
Brandon Population: 24,088 463 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 89 Property Crime / 100k: 374 chance of being a victim: 1 in 216
Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Brandon comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in Mississippi with a crime rate of 463 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 39 counts of burglary, 317 counts of theft, 19 counts of vehicle theft, 54 counts of assault, 8 counts of robbery, 12 counts of rape and 15 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Brandon, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.
Petal Population: 10,624 522 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 130 Property Crime / 100k: 391 chance of being a victim: 1 in 192
With a population of 10,624 and a total crime rate of 522 per 100,000 residents, Petal is the 3rd safest city in Mississippi. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 88% lower than the Mississippi average, the commitment to safety is evident in its multifaceted crime prevention strategies. The local government collaborates closely with residents through regular community meetings and feedback sessions to address safety concerns. The end result, is an incredibly safe place to live.
Hernando Population: 16,206 565 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 92 Property Crime / 100k: 474 chance of being a victim: 1 in 177
With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Hernando is a growing community where residents can enjoy the outdoors. Residents also feel safe, knowing that the overall crime rate per 100,000 people is 565, 81% lower than the Mississippi average. This amounts to 0.29 crimes per day and a 1 in 177 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Strong community partnerships between local businesses, schools, and law enforcement further enhance the city’s security. These combined efforts make Hernando a highly desirable and safe place to call home.
Pass Christian Population: 6,079 808 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 0 Property Crime / 100k: 808 chance of being a victim: 1 in 124
Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Pass Christian consistently ranks high in safety. In Pass Christian, the focus on community policing ensures that officers are integrated into the community, building strong relationships with residents. Crime prevention education, offered through schools and local organizations, empowers residents to take an active role in maintaining their safety. With everything working asynchronously, the total crime rate comes in at 808, which is 94% lower than the state average.
Byram Population: 11,519 1,054 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 96 Property Crime / 100k: 958 chance of being a victim: 1 in 95
Byram has lots to offer its residents, including safety as it comes in at #6 on our list of the safest cities in Mississippi. The total crime rate from the year that it was last reported was 1,054 crimes per 100,000 people, 87% lower than the Mississippi average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 128 reports of burglary, 591 reports of theft, 240 reports of vehicle theft, 24 reports of assault, 16 reports of robbery, 48 reports of rape and 8 reports of homicide.
Long Beach Population: 15,829 1,073 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 82 Property Crime / 100k: 991 chance of being a victim: 1 in 93
Long Beach ranks as the seventh safest city in Mississippi and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 93 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 0.50 crimes per day (per 100,000 people), the area has a safety record that speaks for itself. Active involvement from its residents, such as neighborhood patrols and community safety workshops, fosters a strong sense of community and vigilance. Long Beach’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in Mississippi.
Richland Population: 7,203 1,082 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 53 Property Crime / 100k: 1,029 chance of being a victim: 1 in 92
Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Richland is the 8th safest city in Mississippi. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 93% lower than the Mississippi average, reporting a total of 1,082 crimes per 100,000 people. The city places a strong emphasis on public safety through various initiatives that promote collaboration between residents and local authorities. Regular community safety events and lots of outdoor spaces, coupled with an accessible and responsive police force, ensure that residents feel safe and supported.
New Albany Population: 8,723 1,216 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 78 Property Crime / 100k: 1,138 chance of being a victim: 1 in 82
Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. New Albany is a great example of such a city and continually ranks as one of the safest communities in Mississippi, based on the annual review of the FBI uniform crime report. Statistically speaking, there were a total of 1,216 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 92% lower than the state average.
Clinton Population: 24,797 1,274 total crimes per 100k
Violent Crime / 100k: 68 Property Crime / 100k: 1,206 chance of being a victim: 1 in 78
Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Mississippi, is Clinton. With a low rate of crime that included 53 burglaries, 993 thefts, 160 vehicle thefts, 30 assaults, 11 robberies, 27 rapes and 0 homicides, the overall crime rate was 74% lower than the state average. Cities with engaged citizens and responsive government bodies are more likely to implement effective policies and practices that promote safety and address residents’ concerns.

Full list of the safest cities in Mississippi

Rank Location Population Violent Crimes /100k Property Crimes /100k Total Crimes /100k 
1 Madison 25,650 57 388 445
2 Brandon 24,088 89 374 463
3 Petal 10,624 130 391 522
4 Hernando 16,206 92 474 565
5 Pass Christian 6,079 0 808 808
6 Byram 11,519 96 958 1,054
7 Long Beach 15,829 82 991 1,073
8 Richland 7,203 53 1,029 1,082
9 New Albany 8,723 78 1,138 1,216
10 Clinton 24,797 68 1,206 1,274
11 Horn Lake 27,234 110 1,399 1,509
12 Olive Branch 38,270 199 1,359 1,558
13 Forest 5,569 707 879 1,586
14 Ridgeland 24,194 320 1,381 1,700
15 Kosciusko 6,778 177 1,626 1,803
16 Senatobia 7,759 230 1,610 1,840
17 Oxford 27,662 127 1,853 1,980
18 Starkville 25,495 83 2,036 2,119
19 Pontotoc 6,070 251 1,877 2,129
20 Gautier 18,436 247 1,924 2,171
21 Southaven 55,026 304 2,025 2,329
22 Bay St. Louis 13,539 119 2,358 2,477
23 West Point 10,517 507 2,080 2,587
24 Waveland 6,352 72 2,643 2,716
25 Picayune 11,016 185 2,698 2,884
26 Philadelphia 7,137 524 2,490 3,014
27 Amory 6,873 630 2,506 3,136
28 Cleveland 11,363 384 2,843 3,227
29 Corinth 14,544 354 3,140 3,493
30 Hattiesburg 46,010 222 3,465 3,687
31 Booneville 8,539 242 3,647 3,890
32 Tupelo 38,251 391 3,777 4,168
33 Vicksburg 22,045 617 3,811 4,428
34 Laurel 18,403 1,052 3,788 4,840
35 Batesville 7,200 344 4,758 5,102
36 Pascagoula 21,732 326 4,871 5,197

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the safest cities in Mississippi is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) and property crime data (burglary, theft, vehicle theft) per 100,000 people and only included Mississippi cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Crime by State

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The interactive map above is a powerful tool for discovering the safest cities in each state across the USA. By highlighting states with the lowest total crime rates, this map provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. It showcases urban centers with thriving economies, regions boasting solid job markets, and areas with low unemployment, all of which correlate with reduced crime rates. By clicking on each state, you can dive deeper into information about their safest cities and explore detailed crime statistics that paint a clearer picture of safety across the nation.