Which Mississippi City Is The Most Dangerous
Explore safety concerns: Which Mississippi city is the most dangerous? Get the latest crime data and insights to stay informed.
Author:Celeste PearlReviewer:Kelly HayesOct 31, 20231.6K Shares25.6K Views
Mississippi is known for its long past and southern charm. It also has many towns, and each one has its personality and beauty. Although, Mississippi does have some crime, just like any other state.
There is more crime in some places than others. This piece will look at the numbers to find the most dangerous place in Mississippi and talk about the reasons behind these differences. We'll look at how safe towns are all over the state, from the Mississippi River to the Gulf Coast. So, let's see which Mississippi city is the most dangerous.
Mississippi 2023 - Where Danger Lurks
You know Mississippi can be dangerous if you've ever taken a walk down Magnolia Lane in Batesville or went out on Elm Street in Brookhaven.
But how dangerous is it? You're in luck because RoadMunchies knows all about it. In fact, we've taken the guessing out of it and made a list of Mississippi's most dangerous places for 2023. In those kinds of places, your southern friendliness might not save the day.
How did we get this done? We looked at the numbers. All together, we looked at 32 places. We looked at the FBI's most recent crime report to find out how severe much crime and property crime there was in every place with more than 5,000 people.
In terms of property crime, Mississippi is just a bit above the national average. In terms of serious crime, Mississippi is about the same as the national average. And it's crazy that the place in the state with the most attacks and murders has less than 15,000 people living in it.
Even stranger is the fact that Mississippi had 285 violent crimes and 2,733 property crimes in 2023 but didn't make it into the top ten most dangerous states in the country. Plus, none of the places in The Magnolia State were in the top ten most dangerous cities in the country in 2023. However, Mississippi's most dangerous places could still use better job opportunities, higher wages, and substantial recovery programs to deal with their rising crime rates.
Which Mississippi City Is The Most Dangerous - 12 Cities
While it's true that crime rates can change from year to year, I can give you a list of some Mississippi towns that were known for having higher crime rates in January 2022, when I last updated my knowledge.
Remember that these ranks could have changed since then, so for the most up-to-date information, you should look at the most recent crime data from government sources. People thought these were some of the most dangerous towns in Mississippi.
Laurel
Laurel is the setting for the HGTV show "Home Town," so it's strange that it's ranked as the fifth most dangerous city in Mississippi. It's also named as the third most dangerous place. But Laurel is becoming safer.
Since 2017, property crime has gone down by 11%, and serious crime has gone down by 12%. People have also noticed Laurel's change for the better. A new list says it's one of the best small towns in Mississippi.
Flowood, Mississippi
Flowood is a town in western Mississippi that has 10,200 people living in it. Before 2009, the city council passed a law that let restaurants and hotels serve alcohol by the glass. Before that, the area was in a "dry" (alcohol-free) county.
If you need to do business in Jackson, you should stay in Flowood. There are many places to choose from since it is only 16 miles from the central city.
It costs about $24,000 a year to live in Flowood, and 13% of people there are poor. The town has a 1 in 49 chance of having a crime happen to someone. It's better than 12% of other towns its size. There were 22 serious crimes and 189 property crimes in 2016.
Philadelphia, Mississippi
Philadelphia is the county town of Neshoba County and has 6,995 people living there. The famous William's Brothers General Store, which has been open since 1907, is one of its key draws. It is also the famous place where three civil rights leaders were killed in 1964.
The killings of these people sparked the Civil Rights Act of 1964. At the spot where their bodies were found, there is a tribute to them. Two-eighths of the people who live in Philadelphia are poor. There were 76 crimes in all of last year.
Greenville, Mississippi
Greenville is known as the "Queen of the Delta" and is home to 34,400 people. Old cotton farms were there when most of Greenville was burned in the Civil War, but these stood. It is in the middle of Mississippi and the county seat of Washington County.
They can make and send goods like chemicals and linens to other countries because they have the most significant water port in the state. The Muppets' creator, Jim Henson, was born in Greenville, which is also home to the Kermit the Frog Museum. There isn't much physical crime in the city, but the 30% poverty rate causes a lot of property crime.
Greenwood, Mississippi
Greenwood is in the middle of Mississippi and has 15,200 people living there. It is on the Yazoo River and used to grow more cotton than any other town in the state. Once the machines that used to grow cotton were taken away, the town turned to grow soybeans, which did very well.
It's on the Mississippi Blues Trail and was a big part of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. Not many people are killed in the city, but a lot of things are stolen.
Mccomb, Mississippi
McComb is in southern Mississippi, about 80 miles from Jackson. It is home to 12,800 people. An essential part of McComb's history is its role in the fight for civil rights in the 1960s.
Eleven bombs went off, KKK members attacked, and people were killed there, making it the most dangerous place in the state for protests. The Pile School of Art and the McComb Railroad Museum are two well-known places in the town today.
Vicksburg, Mississippi
Vicksburg is in the southwest of Mississippi, and 21,928 people are living there. It is on a high point right next to the Mississippi River. Around the city, there are many examples of ancient buildings, such as farms.
The town is home to the Vicksburg National Cemetery, where more than 17,000 Union and Confederate men are buried. Vicksburg is where Coca-Cola was first put in bottles, and it's also where the first African-American woman doctor was born.
Meridian, Mississippi
It has 36,873 people, making it the seventh-biggest city in Mississippi. It is in the eastern central hills of the state and is famous for its museums, cultural events, and unique city buildings.
James "Father of Country Music" Rodgers was born there. Meridian had 181 violent crimes in 2017; 14 were killings, 16 were sexual attacks, 73 were robberies, and 79 were severe assaults.
Cleveland, Mississippi
The city had 11,199 people living in it and was named after President Grover Cleveland. Cleveland is in the middle of the Delta and is on the Mississippi River. Blues icon BB King said that this is where blues music began.
Cleveland is also home to the GRAMMY Museum. There is a wide range of shops, restaurants, and vintage stores to choose from when you go. But be careful, because it's only 2% better than similar towns.
Pascagoula, Mississippi
Pascagoula is near the Gulf of Mexico and has a population of 21,610 people. It has one of the biggest ports in the state because of this. The biggest company in Mississippi, Huntington-Ingalls Shipbuilders, is based there.
The most giant plant for Chevron Oil is there, as well as the base for Rolls-Royce cars. Pascagoula has a crime rate of 50 crimes per 1,000 people. People think it's safer than only 2% of towns the same size.
Jackson, Mississippi
153,701 people are living in Jackson, which is the central city of Mississippi. It has a lot of important places and is called after President Andrew Jackson. It was where Medgar Evers was killed in his backyard while working to improve the lives of African Americans.
Morgan Freeman and Channing Tatum are two famous people from Jackson. There are 24% poor people living there, even though it's the state's financial, legal, and medical hub. With 79.69 murders per 100,000 people, Jackson had the second-highest murder rate in the country in 2020.
Gulfport
Gulfport is one of the most significant towns in the state, with about 72,000 people living there. There is a bad chance that one of those 72,000 people will be a victim of a violent crime. Another one in 19.8 people will be a victim of a property crime. Be sure to avoid Gulfport at all costs, though. It's a great place to spend the summer in Mississippi.
Has Crime In Mississippi Gone Up Or Down In Recent Years?
In Mississippi, property crime has been going down over the last few decades, but serious crime and killings have stayed the same or even gone up some years. When it came to killings, 2021 was the worst year in US history. Jackson, MS, was known as the "Murder Capital of the US."
Some organizers have found a link between open carry laws and higher murder rates, even though there isn't a lot of complex data on the exact cause of higher murder rates. This idea is backed by the fact that most murders involve guns.
How To Stay Safe In Mississippi
There is no doubt that Mississippi is not the best state in the country, but there are some easy ways to stay safe if you go there for the food or the live bluegrass music.
Tips For Staying Safe In Mississippi
- If you are in Jackson, you should never go out at night, and you should stay away from downtown and other busy places. There is a lot of gun violence here, and most crimes happen at night, according to the figures.
- Pay close attention to weather reports if you're in a place on the coast. To get caught up in the fun of a new city or beach is easy. But Mississippi does get hit by pretty bad storms every so often.
- When you're driving at night, make sure the back seat is empty and the doors are locked.
- Go on trips with other people if you can. If you can't do this, stay in well-lit places and think about bringing pepper spray or something else to protect yourself.
Which Mississippi City Is The Most Dangerous - FAQs
What Is The Most Violent City In Mississippi?
Jackson had one of the highest violent crime rates in Mississippi.
How Bad Is The Crime In Mississippi?
Mississippi's crime rate was above the national average but varied by city and region.
What Part Of Mississippi Is The Safest To Live?
Southaven, in northern Mississippi, was among the safest places to live.
What Is Mississippi Ranked In Crime?
Mississippi had a higher crime rate than the national average, but specific rankings may change from year to year.
Conclusion
Determining which Mississippi city is the most dangerous requires considering a variety of factors. While Jackson consistently ranks high in crime rates, other cities face their unique challenges.
The safety of a city is not solely dependent on its crime statistics but also on the efforts of its residents and leaders to create a safer and more secure community.
Ultimately, Mississippi continues to grapple with the complex issue of crime, and the path to a safer future involves addressing the root causes of these challenges.
Celeste Pearl
Author
Celeste Pearl is an accomplished writer and expert in numerology, astrology, and spirituality.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and over 6 years of writing experience, Celeste brings a wealth of expertise to her articles, making complex topics accessible and engaging for readers.
Her passion for metaphysical sciences is evident in her insightful content, where she explores the depths of these subjects with clarity and depth.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Celeste enjoys delving into spiritual practices and connecting with nature for inspiration.
Kelly Hayes
Reviewer
Kelly Hayes is a seasoned journalist with over 10 years of experience, specializing in news reporting and horoscope analysis. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from New York University, enhancing her credibility and expertise in the field.
Kelly's writing style is characterized by clarity, depth, and a commitment to delivering credible information. Her published works across various platforms showcase her knack for engaging storytelling and insightful analysis.
Readers trust Kelly's expertise in both current events and astrological interpretations, making her a sought-after authority in journalism.
Apart from her professional activities, Kelly enjoys exploring new cultures, practicing yoga, and engaging in philanthropic activities.
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