Median Income
$38,269
49% lower than US avg
Home Value
$209,100
26% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.6%
24% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,014
13% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.0%
40% higher than US avg
Unemployment
12.1%
236% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
37.4%
202% higher than US avg
How West Hattiesburg Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,509
Median Age30.2 yrs
Density2,701/mi²
Male / Female39% / 61%
Largest GroupWhite 35%
Veterans6.9%
Economy
F
Median Income$38,269
Per Capita$22,378
Unemployment12.1%
Poverty37.4%
County GDP$2,777M
Commute29 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$209,100
Rent$1,014
Ownership35.0%
Zillow$218,065
Housing Units2,476
Rent Burden35.3%
Health
Obesity45.0%
Uninsured24.6%
Smoking19.1%
Depression21.0%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp67°F (19°C)
Rain58.9 in/yr
Elevation306 ft (93 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.6%
High School+85.5%
Graduate+11.8%
School Score5.63
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 25%
Commute29 min
Broadband84.6%
EV Stations16
Libraries4
Is West Hattiesburg a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, West Hattiesburg receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. West Hattiesburg has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in West Hattiesburg is $38,269, 49% below the national average of $75,149. At 12.1%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 37.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in West Hattiesburg is $209,100, 26% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,014 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 5.5x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Education
25.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
West Hattiesburg enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F. Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 58.9 inches.
West Hattiesburg has a population of 6,509 with a density of 2,701 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age is 30.2 years, 22% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 61.1% female and 38.9% male. The city is predominantly Black (51.4%), with 34.9% White, 16.5% Hispanic, 1.6% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 82.8% of residents, while 15.5% speak Spanish. 6.9% of the population are veterans. 16.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 75.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
6,509
Total Population
2023 Census
30.2yrs
Median Age
22% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
West Hattiesburg vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
82.8%
5% above US avg
Spanish
15.5%
16% above US avg
Social Characteristics
West Hattiesburg vs U.S. Average
The median household income in West Hattiesburg is $38,269, which is 49% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,378 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $851, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 12.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 37.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,576 business establishments, including 151 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 3.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: West Hattiesburg vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $38,269 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,378 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $851 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,272 |
| Gini Index | 0.472 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 12.1% |
| 236% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 37.4% |
| 202% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,576 |
| County GDP | $2,777M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 151 |
| Healthcare | 196 |
| Retail | 280 |
| Manufacturing | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,950 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.89% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.5% |
The median home value in West Hattiesburg is $209,100, 26% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $218,065. Monthly rent averages $1,014 (13% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $782 for a one-bedroom to $924 for a two-bedroom apartment. 35.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,476 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1987. The average annual property tax is $3,950. 35.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.5x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $209,100 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $218,065 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,014 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 35.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $751 |
| 1 Bedroom | $782 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $924 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,177 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 35.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 35.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 65.0% |
| Housing Units | 2,476 |
| Median Year Built | 1987 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,950 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.89% |
In West Hattiesburg, 45.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 44.8% have high blood pressure. 19.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.7% report binge drinking. 38.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.0% report depression. 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 24.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:807. The dentist ratio is 1:914. 63.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: West Hattiesburg vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.0% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.9% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 44.8% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 8.9% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 4.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.1% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 38.0% |
| Depression | 21.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Short Sleep | 42.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 75.4% |
| Uninsured | 24.6% |
| 186% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:807 |
| Dentists | 1:914 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,698 |
| Checkup Rate | 81.8% |
| Dental Visits | 8.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,657/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 196 |
West Hattiesburg enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 58.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 306 feet.
Temperature
49°F Jan (10°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 66.5°F |
| 23% above US avg |
| January Average | 49°F (10°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 306 ft (93 m) |
| Area | 2.5 sq mi (6.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,701/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.3100°N, 89.3772°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lamar County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hattiesburg/Laurel Regional (PIB)
11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
58.9"
55% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.85"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 65.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 55.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 55.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.0 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jul 16, 1993 |
2 km SSW of Silas, Alabama |
M3.7 |
110 km |
| Mar 25, 1996 |
11 km NNE of Quitman, Mississippi |
M3.5 |
113 km |
| Mar 22, 2005 |
9 km NNE of Coffeeville, Alabama |
M3.3 |
138 km |
| May 16, 2008 |
10 km W of Coffeeville, Alabama |
M3.1 |
123 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
5 km NNE of Magee, Mississippi |
M3.0 |
74 km |
| Aug 9, 2019 |
Mississippi |
M2.8 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
19 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Francine (2024, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Francine |
Category 2 |
240 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
157 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
46 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
192 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
107 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
238 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
256 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 4 |
32 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 4 |
206 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
245 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 3 |
160 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
91 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
173 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 3 |
245 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
196 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 4 |
239 km |
| 1988 |
Florence |
Category 1 |
224 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
79 km |
| 1985 |
Juan |
Category 1 |
265 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
761 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 60 fatalities, 1,464 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 2020 |
EF4 |
62 km |
1 |
| Apr 12, 2020 |
EF4 |
76 km |
4 |
| Apr 12, 2020 |
EF4 |
40 km |
7 |
| Feb 10, 2013 |
EF4 |
9 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
81 km |
7 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 1987 |
EF4 |
24 km |
6 |
| Apr 18, 1978 |
EF4 |
75 km |
4 |
| Mar 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2023 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| Nov 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 2020 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Dec 16, 2019 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Dec 16, 2019 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Dec 16, 2019 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 2017 |
EF3 |
17 km |
4 |
| Dec 23, 2014 |
EF3 |
44 km |
3 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 2012 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WHITE DOG (12,306 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
WHITE DOG |
12,306 |
32 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
10,363 |
65 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
10,170 |
55 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
9,932 |
33 km |
| 2010 |
DESOTO 0902 |
8,713 |
62 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
7,660 |
89 km |
| 2010 |
DESOTO 1057 |
7,148 |
86 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
7,059 |
58 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
6,802 |
61 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
6,712 |
45 km |
| 2000 |
COW PEN |
6,502 |
31 km |
| 2010 |
CRIPPLE CHINOOK |
6,035 |
35 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,819 |
35 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
5,803 |
53 km |
| 2010 |
DESOTO 1064 |
5,695 |
92 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
5,657 |
50 km |
| 1987 |
MACHINE GUN |
5,601 |
33 km |
| 1990 |
PIERCES CREEK |
5,544 |
35 km |
| 2020 |
369 D |
5,362 |
31 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
5,230 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
49°F (10°C) |
5.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
53°F (12°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| March |
60°F (15°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| April |
66°F (19°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| May |
74°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
5.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
5.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
67°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
Driest |
| November |
57°F (14°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
51°F (11°C) |
5.0 in |
|
West Hattiesburg has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 49°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 58.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.9") and October the driest (3.7").
Average costs for common services in West Hattiesburg. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$218 ($131-$348) |
| Specialist Visit |
$305 ($174-$479) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$174 ($87-$305) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,914 ($696-$4,350) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$113 ($65-$174) |
| Dental Filling |
$218 ($131-$348) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$39 ($22-$65) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$65 ($44-$104) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$261 ($131-$435) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($17-$65) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$522 ($348-$870) |
| Battery Replacement |
$174 ($87-$305) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$87 ($52-$131) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$78 ($44-$122) |
| HVAC Repair |
$348 ($131-$696) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,090 ($3,480-$10,440) |
| Roof Repair |
$870 ($348-$1,740) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,830 ($4,785-$13,050) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,305 ($435-$3,045) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,050 ($4,350-$26,100) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,350 ($1,740-$8,700) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,305 ($696-$2,610) |
| Will Preparation |
$435 ($174-$870) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,175 ($870-$4,350) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$39) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26-$87) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$131 ($65-$218) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$39) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22-$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44-$113) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.57 ($2.61-$4.79) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.05 ($2.18-$4.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.31 ($2.18-$4.79) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.92 ($2.61-$5.66) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.79 ($3.48-$6.53) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.87 ($0.52-$1.57) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$122 ($70-$218) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$131) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$104) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$87) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26-$87) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$74 ($44-$131) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$174 ($65-$435) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,740 ($1,044-$3,045) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$113) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($6.96-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$87 ($26-$218) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13-$65) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,044 ($522-$2,175) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$870 ($435-$1,740) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$348 ($174-$609) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22-$87) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$870 ($348-$2,175) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,875 ($4,350-$26,100) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$52 ($26-$87) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$87 ($44-$174) |
| Dog Grooming |
$52 ($26-$87) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($17-$65) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$261 ($131-$435) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$174 ($87-$348) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $631 |
| Toddler | $589 |
| Preschool | $537 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About West Hattiesburg
What is the population of West Hattiesburg?
West Hattiesburg has a population of 6,509 residents and is located in Mississippi. The population density is 2,701 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 61.1% female and 38.9% male.
Is West Hattiesburg expensive to live in?
West Hattiesburg is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $38,269, 49% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $209,100 (26% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,014 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.5x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
What is the weather like in West Hattiesburg?
West Hattiesburg enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 49°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 58.9 inches.
How is the job market in West Hattiesburg?
The job market in West Hattiesburg faces challenges, with unemployment at 12.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $851. There are 1,576 business establishments in the area, including 151 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 3.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in West Hattiesburg?
The median home value in West Hattiesburg is $209,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $218,065. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,014. Fair market rent is $782 for a 1-bedroom and $924 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 35.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,950.
How are the schools in West Hattiesburg?
Schools in West Hattiesburg score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.6% of adults in West Hattiesburg hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.5% have completed high school. 11.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is West Hattiesburg?
The obesity rate in West Hattiesburg is 45.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.1% of adults are smokers. 38.0% are physically inactive. 21.0% of residents report depression. 24.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 63.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:807.
What is transportation like in West Hattiesburg?
The average commute in West Hattiesburg is 29 minutes. 71.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of West Hattiesburg?
The racial and ethnic makeup of West Hattiesburg is 34.9% White, 51.4% Black or African American, 16.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Asian. 82.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 15.5% speak Spanish. 6.9% of the population are military veterans. 16.8% of residents have a disability. 75.4% have health insurance coverage.