Retiring in Mississippi is perfect for anyone looking for a warm, affordable place to call home. Mississippi’s friendly atmosphere of beautiful, fragrant magnolias and the Delta Blues make living here easy and exciting.
NewHomeSource has named the top 10 cities for retirees in Mississippi. If you are ready to retire in the Magnolia State, we make it easy to find the perfect new retirement community in a city where you can engage in a lifestyle you love.
1. Clarksdale
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.0%
Median Home Value: $65,400
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 25
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 204
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 3
“Home of the Blues” Clarksdale, is a major hub of live entertainment where performers will serenade you with their unique sounds year-round; the city is ground zero if you want to learn about the history of the blues and experience it firsthand. If you are looking for a relaxing, easy-going place where music fills the atmosphere, Clarksville is an ideal retirement spot.
2. Yazoo City
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 11.5%
Median Home Value: $70,900
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 37
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 321
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2
If you are envisioning retiring to a place where outdoor adventure reigns, look no further than Yazoo City. The Wolf Lake, Panther Swamp, and the great Delta National Forest are some of the best places in town to camp, fish, or hunt. This “Getaway to the Delta” is a nice, downhome place to drop anchor and enjoy retirement.
3. Indianola
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.1%
Median Home Value: $76,400
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 124
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 514
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 4
Indianola, Mississippi, has a rich history and residents know how to embrace it. Museums and tours are dedicated to the famous lives who called Indianola home, including the legendary B.B. King. Anyone looking for a charismatic place to retire in should look no farther than Indianola.
4. Greenville
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.5%
Median Home Value: $78,300
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 67
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,534
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 4
Greenville offers a wide selection of activities for retirees. Ferguson Lake provides plenty of fishing, camping, and boating opportunities for the outdoor types. If you are in the mood for culture, the Mississippi Delta is full of museums and art galleries that allow you to become immersed in the city’s history. Greenville also sponsors annual music festivals and concerts in the local parks. Residents pride themselves in their specialty – southern barbeque restaurants.
5. Meridian
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.2%
Median Home Value: $83,300
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 181
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,475
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 5
Meridian has many great attributes for retirees and is ripe with many museums; you can explore the Mississippi’s Arts + Entertainment Experience, the MAX, with a Hall of Fame of musicians and artists with ties to Meridian. Nature lovers can embrace beautiful outdoors at Bonita Lakes Park, adorned by three lakes and interlocking trails to walk or bike.
6. Laurel
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.6%
Median Home Value: $85,800
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 125
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 800
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2
While Laurel may be most famous for its features in HGTV show Home Town, it is not all cameras and remodeled homes. This city has museums and art exhibits, antiques and peddler’s shows, as well as a local community theater. There is no denying that Laurel loves its artists.
7. Greenwood
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13.0%
Median Home Value: $87,900
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 79
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 697
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 1
Greenwood is knowns for its rural feeling within a suburban setting. The town’s authentic southern hospitality attracts many types of people, artists, musicians, filmmakers, craftsmen, foodies, nature lovers, collectors, history buffs, and adventurers. You will find shops and markets that highlight local artists, as well as museums that allow you to explore the city’s rich history.
8. McComb
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13.6%
Median Home Value: $88,800
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 112
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 717
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 7
McComb is the perfect place for retirees looking for a relaxing home. Nature lovers can visit the Percy Quin State Park for camping, fishing, boating, and golfing. McComb also has a deep history that you can explore by visiting museums and galleries.
9. West Point
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.5%
Median Home Value: $89,600
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 39
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 292
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 4
Retirees will love the slower-paced life in West Point. Here you will find museums and cinemas to keep you busy if you are searching for something to do indoors. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy campgrounds, walking trails, and dog parks. It is also the home of the Dudy Noble Field, where families and friends gather to watch college baseball.
10. Moss Point
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.7%
Median Home Value: $90,800
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 25
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 256
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 4
If you love the great outdoors, Moss Point is the place for you. This city is known for its river and marsh boating tours, but you can also kayak and fish. If the water isn’t your cup of tea, you may try your hand at the Palace Casino Resort, which has a hotel, spa, dining, and golf course.
Common Questions About Retiring in Mississippi
Is Mississippi a tax-friendly state for retirees?
Mississippi exempts all forms of retirement income from taxation, including Social Security benefits, income from an IRA, income from a 401(k), and any pension income.
Is Mississippi good for retirees?
Mississippi is extremely welcoming to retirees. The Magnolia State’s certified retirement community program has a list of 21 communities that have passed a rigorous certification process.
| City Name | People Over 65 | Violent Crimes | Property Crimes | Access to Doctors | Median Home Price |
| Clarksdale | 15.0% | 25 | 204 | 3 | $65,400 |
| Yazoo City | 11.5% | 37 | 321 | 2 | $70,900 |
| Indianola | 16.1% | 124 | 514 | 4 | $76,400 |
| Greenville | 15.5% | 67 | 1,534 | 4 | $78,300 |
| Meridian | 16.2% | 181 | 1,475 | 5 | $83,300 |
| Laurel | 16.6% | 125 | 800 | 2 | $85,800 |
| Greenwood | 13.0% | 79 | 697 | 1 | $87,900 |
| McComb | 13.6% | 112 | 717 | 7 | $88,800 |
| West Point | 17.5% | 39 | 292 | 4 | $89,600 |
| Moss Point | 18.7% | 25 | 256 | 4 | $90,800 |
| Jackson | 12.4% | 1,341 | 7,515 | 13 | $90,700 |
| Grenada | 16.4% | 18 | 68 | 3 | $97,600 |
| Natchez | 21.2% | 63 | 621 | 3 | $97,500 |
| Brookhaven | 16.5% | 45 | 387 | 4 | $100,300 |
| Horn Lake | 8.2% | 31 | 676 | 17 | $106,400 |
| Vicksburg | 14.4% | 144 | 1,111 | 2 | $108,500 |
| Picayune | 16.1% | 51 | 448 | 10 | $110,100 |
| Pascagoula | 14.3% | 56 | 1,241 | 4 | $110,900 |
| Hattiesburg | 11.4% | 106 | 2,065 | 4 | $113,200 |
| Canton | 15.6% | 9 | 57 | 10 | $119,200 |
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. Median home price, number of hospitals, 65+ population, and crime rates were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city whose population is at least 10,000.
Jessi Gonzalez writes on the topics of home-buying, home decor, and home-ownership for New Home Source. She has a degree from Coastal Bend College and is currently enrolled in the English degree program at Texas A&M Corpus Christi.
2021 Guide to Closing Costs in Alaska