The 10 Worst Places To Live In Mississippi For 2023

The 10 Worst Places To Live In Mississippi For 2023

Located about 45 minutes east of Jackson, Forest lives up to its name. It’s located inside the Bienville National Forest, making the area a draw for tourists and giving its 5,464 residents access to plenty of outdoor fun.

There are downsides, though. Given its remote location, the area suffers from a lack of housing and a difficult job market. A weak education system and a scarcity of amenities also causes problems.

The unemployment rate in the region comes in at 8.4%. Meanwhile, the median income equals $45,274. Schools in the region are mediocre at best, topping out at a score of 6/10 on Great Schools.

Actually, despite its name, West Point is located in the eastern part of the state. For a town of just 10,148 people, it features a strong cultural history.

However, day-to-day life in West Point can present a struggle. A lack of jobs and a high crime rate create problems. The unemployment rate runs to 11.3% and 31.5% of the residents live below the poverty line. Meanwhile, the crime rate tracks about 30% above the national average.

There are other problems in town as well. Education and housing are also concerns. Even the best local schools only rate a 5/10 on Great Schools.

Louisville, Kentucky, is one of the main metropolitan areas of that state. Louisville, Mississippi…not so much. In fact, this town of 6,108 residents is located in a rural part of the Magnolia State, more than an hour and a half away from Jackson. This Louisville is also one of the most unappealing locations in all of Mississippi.

What makes Louisville so bad? Well, the area faces challenges related to jobs, housing, and education. The unemployment rate runs 9.7% and the median income sits at $34,654.

Locals do get some benefit from their isolated location. The town is situated just south of the beautiful Tombigbee National Forest.

Gulfport has a great location, sitting (as the name implies) along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. It features access to beach and water entertainment, as well as other recreational options. For instance, the Island View Casino Resort is located in town.

As a result of these amenities, Gulfport draws its share of tourists. However, for the locals, it represents a tough place to make a living. These economic woes make the town of 72,468 residents one of the worst places in Mississippi to put down roots.

Despite the attractions for vacationers, there aren’t many economic opportunities in town. The unemployment rate sits at 11.6%. At the same time, the local median income hovers at $41,250, and 25.6% of people struggle on the wrong side of the poverty line.

Moss Point sits in the southeast part of the state, just north of Pascagoula, near the Gulf Coast. Biloxi lies about a half hour to the west, while a 40-minute drive east will take you to Mobile, Alabama.

The location does provide great access to the water. The 12,282 residents of the town can head over to the Grand Bay Savanna Coastal Preserve to take in the local national beauty. Unfortunately, a weak economy makes this one of the worst places in Mississippi to put down roots.

A lack of jobs acts as the main cause of concern in the area. The unemployment sits at 9.0%, while the median income hovers at $43,471. Meanwhile, there are also worries related to housing and education.