Hattiesburg, MS
Population 48,507 · Mississippi
About Hattiesburg, MS
Hattiesburg is a mid-sized city located in Mississippi with a population of 48,507 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $44,140 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 28.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Hattiesburg features a median home value of $153,600, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Hattiesburg in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $995, 14% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 22,941 total housing units, 36% are owner-occupied (7,377 units) and 64% are renter-occupied (12,848 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hattiesburg shows an unemployment rate of 7.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 30.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Hattiesburg have an average one-way commute time of 17 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
35.0% of Hattiesburg residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.2% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 1.9% Asian residents, with 3.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Hattiesburg Ranks in Mississippi
Cost of Living in Hattiesburg, MS
Compared to national averages, Hattiesburg has a median household income of $44,140 (41% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $153,600, which is 37% below the national median. Monthly rent at $995 is 14% below the US average of $1,163. Within Mississippi, Hattiesburg's income is 12% below the state average of $49,929, and home values are 22% above the state median of $125,705.
Why Live in Hattiesburg, MS?
Hattiesburg offers affordable housing with a median home value of $153,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $995/month, and a well-educated community where 35.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($44,140) that falls below the national average. However, Hattiesburg’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hattiesburg has a population of 48,507 with a median age of 28.7 years. Compare Hattiesburg with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Mississippi.
Similar Cities Near Hattiesburg
Cities in Mississippi with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biloxi | 49,011 | $55,958 | $203,200 | Compare |
| Olive Branch | 46,538 | $98,421 | $269,900 | Compare |
| Southaven | 55,531 | $76,159 | $214,800 | Compare |
| Tupelo | 37,825 | $66,314 | $201,300 | Compare |
| Meridian | 34,466 | $34,657 | $100,800 | Compare |
| Greenville | 28,833 | $36,297 | $100,800 | Compare |
| Madison | 27,775 | $120,918 | $334,700 | Compare |
| Pearl | 27,458 | $54,643 | $170,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Mississippi
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Hattiesburg With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hattiesburg
What is the population of Hattiesburg, MS?
The population of Hattiesburg, MS is 48,507 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Mississippi.
What is the median household income in Hattiesburg?
The median household income in Hattiesburg, MS is $44,140 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hattiesburg?
The median home value in Hattiesburg, MS is $153,600, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Hattiesburg?
The median monthly rent in Hattiesburg, MS is $995, which is 14% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hattiesburg?
The unemployment rate in Hattiesburg, MS is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Hattiesburg, MS a good place to live?
Hattiesburg offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 48,507 and a median age of 28.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Hattiesburg, MS?
35.0% of residents in Hattiesburg aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Hattiesburg?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hattiesburg, MS: median home value is $153,600 (37% below national), median rent is $995/month, and median household income is $44,140. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Hattiesburg?
The poverty rate in Hattiesburg, MS is 30.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Hattiesburg, MS?
Hattiesburg's population is 2.2% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 1.9% Asian, and 51.1% two or more races. 3.2% of residents are foreign-born.