If you’ve ever strolled down Magnolia Lane in Batesville or ventured onto Elm Street in Brookhaven, you’ll know that Mississippi can have its fair share of risks.
But just how risky? Well, you’re in for a treat, because RoadMunchies has the scoop. Indeed, we’ve eliminated the guesswork and crafted a list of the most precarious locales in Mississippi for 2024. You know, the sort of spots where your southern hospitality might not save the day.
How did we accomplish this? We turned to the data. In all, we scrutinized 32 cities. We examined the FBI’s most recent crime report for violent crime and property crime statistics for every location with a population exceeding 5,000.
We found that Mississippi is marginally above the national average in terms of property crime and mirrors the national average for violent crime. And, astonishingly, the city with the highest number of assaults and homicides in the state has a population of less than 15,000.
What’s even more astounding is that Mississippi recorded 285 violent crimes and 2,733 property crimes yet managed to avoid the top ten list of the most dangerous states in the country for 2024.
Moreover, none of The Magnolia State’s cities featured in the top ten most dangerous cities in the country for 2024.
However, this doesn’t imply that Mississippi’s riskiest areas couldn’t benefit from improved job prospects, increased salaries, and robust rehabilitation programs to tackle their escalating crime rates.
So, curious to know which places in Mississippi could use a little TLC? Keep on reading.
10 Cruddiest Places
| City | Population | Violent Crimes Per 100k | Property Crimes Per 100k |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland | 10,944 | 886 | 6,195 |
| Natchez | 14,497 | 669 | 4,407 |
| Corinth | 14,461 | 470 | 4,515 |
| Vicksburg | 21,420 | 770 | 4,211 |
| Hattiesburg | 45,870 | 372 | 5,271 |
| Pascagoula | 21,633 | 300 | 5,528 |
| Gulfport | 72,142 | 439 | 4,266 |
| Batesville | 7,193 | 375 | 3,684 |
| West Point | 10,314 | 523 | 3,063 |
| Brookhaven | 11,886 | 420 | 3,340 |
1. Cleveland
Cleveland, Mississippi, not to be confused with its namesake in Ohio, is a small city with a big crime problem.
With a population of just 10,944, it has the dubious distinction of being the most dangerous place in the state. The city recorded 678 property crimes and 97 violent crimes, making it a hotspot for criminal activity.
But it’s not all bad news. The city is home to a Grammy museum, providing a cultural oasis in the midst of the crime wave.
In a shocking incident that rocked the city, a local convenience store was the scene of a violent armed robbery.
The perpetrators, armed with semi-automatic weapons, made off with a significant amount of cash and left the store clerk seriously injured.
The incident, which was caught on CCTV, led to a city-wide manhunt and raised serious questions about safety in the city.
- Population: 10,944
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 886
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 6,195
2. Natchez
Natchez, located on the banks of the Mississippi River, has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. However, its economic decline has led to a surge in crime, with high rates of robberies, assaults, and murders.
Despite its historical significance and the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, the city’s crime rate overshadows its past.
A recent crime that sent shockwaves through the community was the murder of a local businessman in his home.
The brutal crime, which investigators believe was a robbery gone wrong, left the community in fear and led to calls for increased police patrols and community vigilance.
- Population: 14,497
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 669
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,407
3. Corinth
Corinth, originally known as Cross City, is located in the far north of the state. Despite its rich history, the city is plagued by crime, including the highest rate of burglaries in the state.
The Crossroads Museum, a testament to its railroading history and the Civil War, stands as a stark contrast to the city’s current state.
In a chilling case that gripped the city, a local woman was found murdered in her home, with her valuables missing.
The crime, which investigators believe was a burglary that escalated into murder, left the community in shock and fear, highlighting the city’s escalating crime problem.
- Population: 14,461
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 470
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,515
4. Vicksburg
Vicksburg, once a crucial trading spot along the Mississippi River, has seen better days. The city, which played a pivotal role in the Civil War, is now a hotspot for car theft and assault. Despite its historical monuments, the city’s crime rate is a deterrent for many.
A shocking incident that highlighted the city’s crime problem was the kidnapping and murder of a young woman.
The crime, which investigators believe was random, left the community in fear and led to calls for increased police presence and community vigilance.
- Population: 21,420
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 770
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,211
5. Hattiesburg
Hattiesburg, a former center of the lumber and railroad industries, has seen a spike in crime, moving up four places from last year.
Home to the University of Southern Mississippi, the city is now a hub for property crime, with high rates of burglaries, larcenies, and car thefts.
In a recent shocking incident, a group of armed men stormed a local bank, making off with a significant amount of money.
The brazen daylight robbery, which was caught on CCTV, left the community in shock and raised serious questions about safety in the city.
- Population: 45,870
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 372
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 5,271
6. Pascagoula
Despite its charming nickname, the “Singing River” city, Pascagoula has a high rate of property crime. The city ranks second highest in property crime, meaning residents have a 1 in 18 chance of being a victim of larceny, car theft, or arson.
The city’s crime rate is a stark contrast to its peaceful name, derived from a Native American tribe known as the “bread eaters”.
A recent shocking incident involved a series of arson attacks on local businesses. The fires, which caused significant damage and put lives at risk, were eventually traced back to a disgruntled former employee.
The incident served as a stark reminder of the city’s ongoing struggle with crime.
- Population: 21,633
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 300
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 5,528
7. Gulfport
Gulfport, located on the Gulf of Mexico, is home to 12 casinos. While the city offers entertainment and diversity, it also ranks eighth highest in property crime.
Despite its vibrant nightlife and bustling casino scene, the city’s crime rate casts a long shadow over its attractions.
In a shocking incident that made headlines, a daring heist took place at one of the city’s most popular casinos.
The robbers, who were armed and masked, managed to escape with a significant amount of money. The audacious crime put the city’s security issues in the spotlight and led to calls for improved security measures at the city’s casinos.
- Population: 72,142
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 439
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,266
8. Batesville
Batesville, the largest community in Panola County, has the unfortunate distinction of being one of the most dangerous cities in Mississippi.
The city ranks ninth highest in violent crime and 11th highest in property crime. Despite its charming Main Street, the city’s crime rate is a cause for concern.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a specific shocking crime that happened recently in Batesville. However, the high rates of violent and property crimes indicate that incidents such as burglaries, assaults, and other crimes are unfortunately common in the city.
- Population: 7,193
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 375
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,684
9. West Point
West Point, despite being one of the best places to raise a family and retire in Mississippi, has a high crime rate.
In this town of 10,314 people, residents 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.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a specific shocking crime that happened recently in West Point. However, the high rates of property and violent crimes indicate that incidents such as burglaries, assaults, and other crimes are unfortunately common in the town.
- Population: 10,314
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 523
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,063
10. Brookhaven
Brookhaven, while a charming place with a historic Victorian district, has a high violent crime rate. However, it’s not all bad news – it’s also one of the best places to retire in Mississippi.
- Population: 11,886
- Violent Crimes Per 100k: 420
- Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,340
If you’re considering a visit to the Magnolia State and are interested in outdoor activities, it’s worth noting that not all areas are as perilous as their urban counterparts. Experience the safer side of Mississippi through camping experiences offered here.
Most Horrific Crime In Mississippi
One of the most horrific crimes in the history of Mississippi is the infamous Mississippi Burning case, also known as the Freedom Summer murders.
In the summer of 1964, three civil rights workers, James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner, were abducted and murdered in Neshoba County, Mississippi.
The three young men were working to register African-American voters as part of the Freedom Summer campaign.
The case gained national attention and was a significant moment in the Civil Rights Movement. The FBI was called in to investigate, and the ensuing investigation led to the conviction of several Ku Klux Klan members.
The case also inspired the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The brutality of the crime and the fact that it was motivated by racial hatred make it one of the most horrific crimes in Mississippi’s history.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the violent resistance to racial equality and the struggle for civil rights in the United States.
- If you want to read more articles on Mississippi check here.
5 Safety Tips
- Ask the locals. Most people are super friendly and will be happy to tell you where to go and where to avoid them.
- Travel in groups. This goes for all unfamiliar areas.
- Tell your friends and family where you’ll be staying.
- Be careful at ATMs. Keep your guard up and don’t use them if they look sketchy.
- Don’t be cheap. Pay extra for things if it makes you safe
FAQ
What types of crimes are most common in these cities?
The types of crimes that are most common in these cities include property crimes such as burglary, larceny, and car theft, as well as violent crimes such as assault and murder.
In some cities, specific types of crime are particularly prevalent. For example, Corinth has the highest rate of burglaries in the state, and Pascagoula has the second-highest rate of property crime.
What is the “Mississippi Burning” case?
The “Mississippi Burning” case, also known as the Freedom Summer murders, is one of the most horrific crimes in the history of Mississippi.
In the summer of 1964, three civil rights workers, James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner, were abducted and murdered in Neshoba County, Mississippi.
The case gained national attention and was a significant moment in the Civil Rights Movement.
What measures are being taken to combat crime in these cities?
While the text does not provide specific details on the measures being taken to combat crime in these cities, it does suggest that there is a need for improved job prospects, increased salaries, and robust rehabilitation programs.
These measures could help to address the root causes of crime and reduce crime rates in the long term.
What safety tips should I follow when visiting these cities?
When visiting these cities, it’s recommended to ask locals for advice, travel in groups, inform friends and family of your whereabouts, be cautious when using ATMs, and not skimp on safety for the sake of saving money. These tips can help to enhance your safety and reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime.
How does the crime rate in Mississippi compare to the national average?
According to the data, Mississippi is slightly above the national average in terms of property crime and comparable to the national average for violent crime.
Despite this, Mississippi managed to stay out of the top ten most dangerous states in the country for 2024.
