Moving to Mississippi
Mississippi, otherwise known as ‘The Magnolia State’, is a fabulous state to work and live. If you are moving or relocating to MS, we have created a detailed list of some important facts and useful tidbits to help make your move an easy transition.
Geography
Located in the East South Central Region of the country, Mississippi is bordered by Alabama, Arkanssas, Louisiana and Tennessee. With a total land area of over 48,430.19 Square Miles, it comes in as the 18th smallest state.
Population
Currently, the population of MS is 2,988,726 making it the 18th least populated state in the union and the 17th least densely populated. The state capital, Jackson, has a population of 179298. which is the 22nd largest capital in the country.
Other Populous Mississippi Cities are:
| US Rank | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 149 | Jackson | 169,148 |
Notable Mississippians
Mississippi is home to several famous and some infamous citizens such as, Red Barber a notable sportscaster is from Columbus and Lance Bass a notable singer is from Laurel. Others include people like Theodore Bilbo a public official and Jimmy Buffett a singer songwriter .
Climate
Mississippi is located on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico and on the southern end of the vast, relatively flat plains of central North America. The state is therefore exposed to diverse air masses, including the warm, moist air over the Gulf of Mexico as well as the dry continental air masses, which are cold in the winter and warm in the summer. Relatively mild winters, hot summers, and year-round precipitation characterize Mississippi’s climate. In addition to serving as a predominant source of moisture, the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico help moderate temperatures along the coast. This mild climate is an important economic driver for agricultural production and tourism. Statewide average annual precipitation is about 56 inches, ranging from 50 inches in the north to about 65 inches along the coast. Historical observed extreme temperatures for the state range from -19°F at Corinth (January 30, 1966) to 115°F at Holly Springs (July 29, 1930).
Crime Statistics
Safety and security should always be an important factor when relocating to a new area. A state’s crime rate affects more than just the safety of its resident, it intensely affects property value, economics and the overall quality of life. Based on the last FBI Crime Statistics, Mississippi’s violent crime rate is 27 per 10k residents which is less than the national average of 37.3. In addition, the state’s property crime rate is 292per 10k residents which is greater than the national average of 248.7.
Mississippi ranks #33 in the US for violent crime and #16 for property crime.
Schools & Education
Whether you are a student, have children, or neither, a state’s educational system is not only important to those attending, it’s vital to the overall quality of life, culture and economics of the state. Based on data from multiple public and private sources, we were able to rank Mississippi’s educational system.
Overall Grade: D
Mississippi spends on average $9656.00 per pupil, which is less than the national average ($11,900). MS ranks #49 in the US compared to the rest of the country. While MS ranks #49 in spending, the latest graduation rate is 75.40%%.
Another important factor is the percentage of families that enroll their young children (ages 3-4) in an accredited pre-school program. Mississippi ranks #15 with over 49.00% of children attending a early educational program.
Taxes
The current income tax rate for Mississippi is 5.00% which ranks 18th favorable amongst other states. If you are purchasing property, you may want to consider the the property tax burden rate. This is the amount you pay in taxes per $1000 earned. MS’s rate is $27.19 which ranks 19th in the US.
Currently, MS sales tax is $32.75 for which it comes in as 41st compared to other states.
Sports
Unfortunately Mississippi does’nt have any major league teams.
Utility Companies
Before you move to Mississippi, it’s advised that you know who your utility companies are. We have an extensive list of both public and private utility companies in MS.
Other Resources
For more information about moving to Mississippi, visit their website at http://www.state.ms.us/