The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Mississippi For 2022

The 10 Most Dangerous Places To Live In Mississippi For 2022

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 678 property crimes and 97 violent crimes in a population of 10,944.

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.

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 1 rate of burglaries in the state. Robberies and violent crimes also happen at a high rate.

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.

Crime must be spiking in Hattiesburg since this town's rank is up 4 from last year.

A former center of the lumber and railroad industries, Hattiesburg is also the home of the University of Southern Mississippi. Hattiesburg gained its nickname "The Hub City" from a local newspaper contest. So, it's not a stretch to say that Hattiesburg is a hub for property crime. This city ranks third highest overall in burglaries, larcenies, and car thefts.

Even though Pascagoula is on the most dangerous cities list this year, the people of this town have something to celebrate. Pascagoula is up 1 from last year, but it still ranks second highest in property crime. That means you have a 1 in 18 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".

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 eighth 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.

This Homesnacks list is the only one that Batesville, Mississippi made. Unfortunately, you really don't want your town to be on the list for most dangerous cities in Mississippi. Ranked ninth highest in violent crime and 11th highest in property crime, you're more likely to be a victim of murder or rape than getting your car or cell phone stolen.

Batesville is Panola County's largest community and one of two county seats. If you take a stroll on Batesville Main Street, a popular tourist attraction, better be aware of your surroundings.

Although West Point ranks as one of the best places to raise a family and one of the best places to retire in Mississippi, you still have to watch where you go in this town of 10,314 people. You have a 1 in 32 chance of experiencing a burglary or car theft and a 1 in 191 chance of being a victim of a violent crime. Those are big numbers for a town with such a small population.

Located in the northeast section of Mississippi, West Point is part of what is known as the Golden Triangle region of the state.

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 237 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.

Most Dangerous Places To Live In Mississippi FAQs

Is Mississippi a dangerous state?

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 highest in the United States -- 24.92% better than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the Magnolia State ranks 23rd highest in the United States -- 7.32% worse than US average property crime rate. The latest reporting year from the FBI was 2020.

Is Gulfport, MS a dangerous city?

Yes, Gulfport is a dangerous city. Gulfport ranks as the #118 most dangerous out of 1416 major cities over 30,000 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 Gulfport might be considered dangerous you still need to be aware of where you are.

Compared to other big cities, the violent crime rate in Gulfport ranks 428th highest in America -- 18.49% worse than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the ranks 90th highest in the United States -- 99.87% worse than US average property crime rate. Note the latest reporting year from the FBI was 2020 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.