West Hattiesburg, MS
Population 6,509 · Mississippi
About West Hattiesburg, MS
West Hattiesburg is a small town located in Mississippi with a population of 6,509 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $38,269 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 30.2 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 West Hattiesburg features a median home value of $209,100, which is 15% below the national median of $244,900. This positions West Hattiesburg in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,014, 13% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,663 total housing units, 35% are owner-occupied (837 units) and 65% are renter-occupied (1,555 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 West Hattiesburg shows an unemployment rate of 12.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 37.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in West Hattiesburg have an average one-way commute time of 28.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
25.6% of West 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 8.4% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 2.5% Black or African American, and 5.6% Asian residents, with 10.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in West Hattiesburg, MS
Compared to national averages, West Hattiesburg has a median household income of $38,269 (49% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $209,100, which is 15% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,014 is 13% below the US average of $1,163. Within Mississippi, West Hattiesburg's income is 23% below the state average of $49,929, and home values are 66% above the state median of $125,705.
Why Live in West Hattiesburg, MS?
West Hattiesburg offers affordable housing with a median home value of $209,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,014/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($38,269) that falls below the national average. However, West Hattiesburg’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
West Hattiesburg has a population of 6,509 with a median age of 30.2 years. Compare West Hattiesburg with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Mississippi.
Similar Cities Near West Hattiesburg
Cities in Mississippi with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulf Park Estates | 6,517 | $62,100 | $196,800 | Compare |
| Latimer | 6,474 | $66,016 | $178,500 | Compare |
| Amory | 6,564 | $51,592 | $140,700 | Compare |
| Holly Springs | 6,861 | $47,344 | $110,900 | Compare |
| Kosciusko | 6,994 | $36,490 | $115,900 | Compare |
| Louisville | 6,018 | $37,679 | $135,800 | Compare |
| Philadelphia | 7,030 | $36,781 | $95,600 | Compare |
| Waveland | 7,066 | $58,795 | $201,800 | 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 West Hattiesburg With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about West Hattiesburg
What is the population of West Hattiesburg, MS?
The population of West Hattiesburg, MS is 6,509 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Mississippi.
What is the median household income in West Hattiesburg?
The median household income in West Hattiesburg, MS is $38,269 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in West Hattiesburg?
The median home value in West Hattiesburg, MS is $209,100, which is 15% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in West Hattiesburg?
The median monthly rent in West Hattiesburg, MS is $1,014, which is 13% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in West Hattiesburg?
The unemployment rate in West Hattiesburg, MS is 12.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is West Hattiesburg, MS a good place to live?
West Hattiesburg offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,509 and a median age of 30.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is West Hattiesburg, MS?
25.6% of residents in West Hattiesburg aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in West Hattiesburg?
Key cost-of-living indicators for West Hattiesburg, MS: median home value is $209,100 (15% below national), median rent is $1,014/month, and median household income is $38,269. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in West Hattiesburg?
The poverty rate in West Hattiesburg, MS is 37.2%, 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 West Hattiesburg, MS?
West Hattiesburg's population is 8.4% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 2.5% Black or African American, 5.6% Asian, and 51.4% two or more races. 10.1% of residents are foreign-born.