The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Mississippi


The most dangerous places in Mississippi are Cleveland and Laurel for 2024 based on Saturday Night Science.

Most dangerous cities in Mississippi research summary. We analyzed the most recent FBI crime data using Saturday Night Science to determine the most dangerous cities in Mississippi.

We examined the violent and property crime per capita statistics for every place with over 5,000 residents. In total, we analyzed 47 Mississippi cities. Here are the results of our analysis:

  • The most dangerous city in Mississippi is Cleveland based on the most recent FBI crime data.

  • The violent crime rate in Mississippi is 1,038 per 100k people.

  • The property crime rate in Mississippi is 4,725 per 100k people.

  • The safest city in Mississippi is Madison.

  • Mississippi is the 34th most dangerous state in the United States.

Most Dangerous Cities In Mississippi Map


Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Table | Methodology | FAQs | References


If you’ve ever been to Eureka St. in Batesville or North St. in Brookhaven, you know that Mississippi has some dangerous places.

But what cities in Mississippi are the most dangerous? Well, we created a report of the most dangerous cities in Mississipi for 2024 based on violent and property crimes per capita.

We analyzed 47 Mississippi cities with over 5,000 residents. We discovered that Mississippi is slightly above the national average for property crime and comparable to the national average for violent crime.

So put on some bluegrass and grab some Mississippi mud pie as you learn about the top ten most dangerous places.

The Most Dangerous Cities In Mississippi For 2024

  1. Cleveland
  2. Laurel
  3. Corinth
  4. Natchez
  5. Vicksburg
  6. Biloxi
  7. Pascagoula
  8. Brookhaven
  9. Gulfport
  10. Forest

What is the most dangerous in Mississippi? The most dangerous place in Mississippi is Cleveland.

There are over 200 police officers per 100,000 residents in Mississippi, but they can’t be everywhere. So, smaller Mississippi cities like McComb and Greenwood are starting to suffer the consequences. And these are not even Mississippi’s most dangerous places.

For more Mississippi reading, check out:

The 10 Most Dangerous Places To Live In Mississippi For 2024

Cleveland, MS

Source: Wikipedia User Kilobytezero | CC BY-SA 3.0

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 10,687
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,038 (Most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,725 (Fourth most dangerous)
Murders: 3
More on Cleveland: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

This isn’t LeBron’s Cleveland. It’s not the Cleveland that claims ownership over rock n’ roll. It’s not even the Cleveland where you can make fun of the fact that the river once caught fire. No, that Cleveland is in Ohio. This one sits in west-central Mississippi, although it does have a museum centered around the Grammy awards, so there’s a music connection for its sister city along Lake Erie.

Otherwise, the claim to fame for this Cleveland centers around its ferocious crime rate. In fact, it counts as the number 1 most dangerous spot in Mississippi. This includes high rates of almost every crime on the books, with 505 property crimes and 111 violent crimes in a population of 10,687.

Laurel, MS

Source: Public domain

Overall SnackAbility

5
/10

Population: 17,066
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 615 (Seventh most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,570 (Fifth most dangerous)
Murders: 5
More on Laurel: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

With six rankings on our HomeSnacks lists, Laurel, Mississippi is sure to have something for everyone. It’s on the cheapest places to live list, the best places to retire in Mississippi list.

Unfortunately, if you live in Laurel, it’s also on the most dangerous cities in Mississippi list. You have a 1 in 162 chance of being a victim of a violent crime and 1 in 21 chance of being a victim of a property crime. Laurel is located halfway between Hattiesburg and Meridian off I-59.

Corinth, MS

Source: Wikipedia User Ron Cogswell | CC BY 2.0

Overall SnackAbility

5
/10

Population: 14,216
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 485 (12th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 5,120 (Second most dangerous)
Murders: 4
More on Corinth: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Corinth was originally known as Cross City. Not for religious reasons — it sat at the point where two railroads crossed. That history is commemorated in the Crossroads Museum, full of memorabilia from both railroading history and the Civil War.

Located in in the far northern part of the state, along the Tennessee border, that crossroads vibe still hangs in the air. Good thing too — better to make a quick escape. This area teems with criminal activity, including the number 3 rate of burglaries in the state. Robberies and violent crimes also happen at a high rate.

Natchez, MS

Source: Public domain

Overall SnackAbility

2
/10

Population: 14,497
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 669 (Fifth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,407 (Ninth most dangerous)
Murders: 5
More on Natchez: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Built along the Mississippi River, just across from Louisiana, Natchez played an important historical role in the development in the region. Its spot on the river, north of key ports like New Orleans, made it an important trading post during the 19th century. Its history goes even beyond this, however, being named for the Natchez tribe — a tradition celebrated in the town’s Grand Village of the Natchez Indians.

These days, the city’s role as a transportation hub has diminished. Railroads, then cars, then the airplane made river travel less crucial. Economic deterioration has led to a situation where crime has now become the only way some residents can make ends meet. As a result, the city has a high rate of robberies, as well as more serious crimes, like assaults and murders.

Vicksburg, MS

Source: Wikipedia User OzarksRazorback | CC BY-SA 4.0

Overall SnackAbility

1
/10

Population: 20,381
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 505 (11th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,489 (Seventh most dangerous)
Murders: 3
More on Vicksburg: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Vicksburg was once a crucial trading spot along the Mississippi River. So much so that a Confederate surrender there on July 4, 1863, marked a crucial turning point in the Civil War. At one point, this was one of the most important locations in the entire country. But then again, so was Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

These days? Well, river traffic isn’t what it used to be. You can check out some of the historical monuments around town. But doing so forces you to take on some risk. Yes, the chances of getting shot by Union snipers is substantially lower than it was back in 1863. But, that said, the odds of getting your car stolen or suffering a random assault are much higher.

Biloxi, MS

Source: Wikipedia User Woodlot | CC BY-SA 3.0

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 46,317
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 390 (16th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 5,108 (Third most dangerous)
Murders: 5
More on Biloxi: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

The name “Biloxi” is derived from the Sioux word meaning “First People”, and Biloxi ranks number 6 on this list. That’s down 1 spots different from last year.

Home to 11 casinos located on the Gulf of Mexico and the Biloxi Bay, this city’s residents have a 1 in 19 chance of getting their property stolen. You’ll want to be sure to keep your winnings safe when at the casinos and on the beach.

Biloxi not only made this list, but it also made the Best Places for Singles in Mississippi list

and the Most Expensive Places to Live in Mississippi list. Biloxi may have a lot of crime, but it looks like it has a bunch of single, high rollers too.

Pascagoula, MS

Source: Public domain

Overall SnackAbility

3
/10

Population: 21,736
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 404 (15th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,550 (Sixth most dangerous)
Murders: 2
More on Pascagoula: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Even though Pascagoula is on the most dangerous cities list this year, the people of this town have something to celebrate. Pascagoula is up 4 from last year, but it still ranks sixth highest in property crime. That means you have a 1 in 22 chance of being a victim of larceny, car theft, or arson. You’ll need to make sure you lock your doors and keep an eye on your personal belongings.

Known as the “Singing River” city located near the Gulf of Mexico, Pascagoula’s name is derived from a Native American tribe known as the “bread eaters”.

Brookhaven, MS

Source: Flickr User jayperk | CC BY-ND 2.0

Overall SnackAbility

5
/10

Population: 11,901
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 562 (Eighth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,747 (15th most dangerous)
Murders: 4
More on Brookhaven: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

If you take the walking tour in the Historic Victorian District of Brookhaven, be sure to keep an eye out for suspicious characters. Ranked eighth highest in violent crime, you have a 1 in 177 chance of being a victim of murder or rape. That’s the bad news.

The good news about Brookhaven is that it made two of our lists: the Best Places to Retire in Mississippi list. So, while crime might not be great, it’s not that bad either.

Gulfport, MS

Source: Wikipedia User Redditaddict69 | CC BY-SA 4.0

Overall SnackAbility

3
/10

Population: 71,803
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 427 (14th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,334 (11th most dangerous)
Murders: 15
More on Gulfport: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Gulfport is home to 12 casinos. So while you’re out looking for friends and playing Craps or Blackjack, be sure to keep an eye out for your belongings. This city ranks 11th highest in property crime.

Ranked as one of the most diverse cities in Mississippi, you’re sure to find friends in Gulfport. But, you may not stay very long because this city is also on the worst places to live in Mississippi list as well.

Forest, MS

Source: Public domain

Overall SnackAbility

5
/10

Population: 5,262
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 760 (Fourth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,565 (23rd most dangerous)
Murders: 1
More on Forest: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Forest, located in Scott County, Mississippi, is ranked as the tenth most dangerous place to live in the state. Given its population of 5,262, a violent crime count of 40 incidents, and a property crime count of 135 incidents ranks highly per capita.

Crime By City In Mississippi

Rank City Population Total Crimes Per 100K Violent Crimes Per 100K Property Crimes Per 100K Murders
1 Cleveland 10,687 5,764 1,038 4,725 3
2 Laurel 17,066 5,185 615 4,570 5
3 Corinth 14,216 5,606 485 5,120 4
4 Natchez 14,497 5,076 669 4,407 5
5 Vicksburg 20,381 4,994 505 4,489 3
6 Biloxi 46,317 5,499 390 5,108 5
7 Pascagoula 21,736 4,954 404 4,550 2
8 Brookhaven 11,901 4,310 562 3,747 4
9 Gulfport 71,803 4,761 427 4,334 15
10 Forest 5,262 3,325 760 2,565 1
11 West Point 9,893 3,426 869 2,557 1
12 Picayune 11,710 3,603 649 2,954 0
13 Meridian 36,878 4,048 512 3,535 13
14 Louisville 5,963 3,454 989 2,465 0
15 Tupelo 37,534 4,502 386 4,116 3
16 Hattiesburg 46,862 4,822 343 4,479 3
17 Pontotoc 5,771 3,742 450 3,292 0
18 Booneville 8,676 4,656 265 4,391 0
19 Batesville 7,238 3,177 345 2,832 0
20 D’Iberville 14,234 5,226 70 5,156 0
21 Senatobia 8,104 2,270 530 1,739 0
22 Laurel, 18,317 3,876 169 3,706 3
23 Bay St. Louis 10,591 3,569 169 3,399 2
24 Southaven 56,092 3,494 228 3,266 0
25 Amory 6,439 4,146 124 4,022 0
26 Ridgeland 23,896 2,297 359 1,937 1
27 Gautier 18,992 2,516 326 2,190 3
28 Starkville 24,720 2,649 153 2,495 0
29 Olive Branch 40,651 2,172 314 1,857 2
30 Jackson 163,297 4,014 0 4,014 72
31 Flowood 10,518 1,787 209 1,578 0
32 Horn Lake 26,729 2,244 149 2,095 6
33 Holly Springs 6,488 678 354 323 2
34 Byram 12,299 1,414 235 1,178 0
35 Ocean Springs 18,361 2,363 98 2,265 1
36 Kosciusko 6,955 1,682 158 1,524 1
37 Oxford 26,975 1,764 129 1,634 2
38 New Albany 7,645 2,354 26 2,328 0
39 Richland 7,245 1,532 138 1,394 0
40 Pass Christian 6,032 2,304 16 2,287 0
41 Waveland 6,920 1,531 72 1,459 0
42 Long Beach 16,944 1,599 47 1,552 1
43 Clinton 27,001 1,192 92 1,099 1
44 Brandon 25,636 592 113 479 0
45 Hernando 17,622 732 90 641 0
46 Petal 11,580 492 69 423 0
47 Madison 27,674 628 46 581 0

Methodology: How we determined the most dangerous cities in Mississippi for 2024?

Every year the FBI release two crime datasets on cities in Mississippi. First a preliminary dataset limited to the biggest cities in Mississippi, followed by a more detailed release at the end of the year.

For our analysis, we focused on the 2022 data, specifically the 2022 Crime In The United States Report for Mississippi.

So what criteria did we use? Have a look:

  • Violent Crimes Per Capita
  • Property Crimes Per Capita

In order to make the analysis as apples to apples as possible, we only considered Mississippi cities over 5,000 in population. That left us with 47 cities in Mississippi.

We then ranked each city from 1 to 47 for the two criteria with a #1 ranking being the most dangerous for the particular criteria.

Next, we averaged the two rankings into one “Dangerous Index”.

Finally, we ranked every city on the “Dangerous Index” with the lowest index being the most dangerous in Mississippi — Cleveland. Any ties went to the smaller city.

This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. It is our tenth time ranking the most dangerous places to live in Mississippi and is updated for 2024.

Most Dangerous Places To Live In Mississippi FAQs

No, Mississippi is not a dangerous state as it ranks as the #17 safest state in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. The violent crime rate in Mississippi ranks 37th most dangerous in the United States — 21.27% better than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the Magnolia State ranks 23rd most dangerous in the United States — 7.53% worse than US average property crime rate. The latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022.

Yes, Jackson is a dangerous city. Jackson ranks as the #89 most dangerous out of 328 major cities over 100,000 people in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. Keep in mind that are always safe and dangerous parts of any city, so even though Jackson might be considered dangerous you still need to be aware of where you are. For example, Fondren North is the safest in Jackson, while Enochs Street-Hyde Park is considered dangerous by many based on recent crime stats.

Compared to other big cities, the violent crime rate in Jackson ranks 328th highest in America — 100.0% better than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the ranks 50th highest in the United States — 47.1% worse than US average property crime rate. Note the latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022 and that no city in America is ‘dangerous’. Despite the uptick in murders, it’s nothing like you’d see in Tijuana or Caracas where the murder rate is 2x any American city.

Graphing The Most Dangerous And Safest Places In Mississippi

Most Dangerous Cities In Mississippi Graph

Click To Enlarge

Summary: Locking It All Up In Mississippi

So what is the most dangerous city in Mississippi? After analyzing 47 cities in Mississippi, Cleveland takes the top spot as the most dangerous city in Mississippi based on the most recently reported FBI data — 2022.

The latest FBI crime data shows that Cleveland ranks as the most dangerous city in Mississippi for 2024.

The most dangerous cities in Mississippi are .

We want to point out again that there’s still safes places in Cleveland and that this isn’t a comment on the people that live there. So please don’t beat us up.

What is the most dangerous in Mississippi? The most dangerous place in Mississippi is Cleveland.

There are over 200 police officers per 100,000 residents in Mississippi, but they can’t be everywhere. So, smaller Mississippi cities like McComb and Greenwood are starting to suffer the consequences. And these are not even Mississippi’s most dangerous places.

Learn more about the safest places in Mississippi.

If you’re looking for something more national, check out the most dangerous cities in America or the most dangerous states in America.

Here are the safest cities in Mississippi:

  1. New Albany (Pop. 7,645)
  2. Richland (Pop. 7,245)
  3. Pass Christian (Pop. 6,032)
  4. Waveland (Pop. 6,920)
  5. Long Beach (Pop. 16,944)
  6. Clinton (Pop. 27,001)
  7. Brandon (Pop. 25,636)
  8. Hernando (Pop. 17,622)
  9. Petal (Pop. 11,580)
  10. Madison (Pop. 27,674)

For more Mississippi reading, check out:

References

About Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar has been in the real estate business for almost ten years now. He originally worked for Movoto Real Estate as the director of marketing before founding HomeSnacks.

He believes the key to finding the right place to live comes down to looking at the data, reading about things to do, and, most importantly, checking it out yourself before you move.

If you've been looking for a place to live in the past several years, you've probably stumbled upon his writing already.

You can find out more about him on LinkedIn or his website.

8 thoughts on “The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Mississippi

  1. After studying these statistics, and knowing both McComb and Jackson, I will still take my chances in McComb rather than Jackson. I dread the thought of even driving through Jackson on either I-55 or I-20. I get through that city as quickly as possible. I loved for 8 years in Jackson from 1972-1980. It was dangerous enough back then, but nothing compared to today.

  2. Apparently the people who wrote this article don’t know the difference between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Given that, I doubt the reliability of anything they publish.

  3. My family has lived in Batesville since the 1850s on Eureka Street that you mention. Never in my almost 70 years nor do I recall my ancestors ever stating that they felt in danger. Not then & not now. Batesville has it’s issues as does everywhere these days, but not to the point that crime is “rampant”.

    1. Batesville isn’t the safest… but Eureka St in Batesville being dangerous?? We live right near it and drive down it every day.
      Not even close to dangerous on that street. You obviously just picked a random street to up your word count of this article.
      That discredited this whole story from the start.

  4. Anyone who thinks Laurel is more dangerous than Biloxi has never been to either. I have lived in both, Biloxi for two decades and Laurel for one, so I have a pretty good idea of which I speak. Ridiculous.

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