Mississippi is a state that exudes southern charm, renowned for its bluegrass music, beautiful magnolias, and delectable southern-style cuisine. Regrettably, it is also plagued by poverty, unemployment, and crime. Although the state’s overall crime rate is relatively low, ranking 27th in the United States, certain cities are plagued by high levels of crime. Perhaps the reason behind this could be attributed to the fact that it is the least affluent state in the nation. Here is a list of the five most dangerous cities in Mississippi, according to the latest FBI crime data.
Most Dangerous Cities in Mississippi
Jackson
Jackson, the capital and largest city of Mississippi, is situated along the Pearl River. It used to be famous for its abundance of museums, rich musical heritage, and delicious cuisine. As of 2021, Jackson is experiencing a significant increase in criminal activity, including murder. In 2021, Jackson experienced a significant number of homicides, with the majority being the result of shootings. There has been a significant increase in murders since 2019, with a spike of over 30%.
The murder rate in the city is significantly higher than the national average, which may make it advisable to avoid visiting. Currently, Jackson has one of the highest murder rates in the entire country. The central neighborhoods of Jackson are often regarded as the least desirable areas to live in, with a higher incidence of violent crime compared to other parts of town. In contrast, the eastern parts of town are known for their safety. If you have a specific reason to visit, it might be worth considering staying in that part of town.
Biloxi
Biloxi is a city located on the coast of southern Mississippi, renowned for its beautiful beaches and vibrant casino scene. The beach was once known as the longest man-made beach globally, and the barrier reefs in the Gulf of Mexico help maintain a calm and peaceful water environment. In addition to the beach, Biloxi is famous for its gambling scene. There are 11 casinos in the area where you can enjoy playing slots or cards, although it’s important to be aware of the crime rate in the vicinity.
Biloxi is unfortunately known for having one of the highest rates of violent crime in Mississippi. Additionally, residents face a 1 in 17 chance of falling victim to theft or robbery. If you decide to visit the casinos in this area, it would be wise to keep a close eye on your wallet while playing at the tables. Interestingly, Biloxi is also considered to be one of the priciest places to live in the country. Living in this city can be challenging due to its high crime rate.
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Laurel
Laurel, a small city in southeastern Mississippi, has a population of approximately 18,500. In the past, it was a prominent player in the timber industry, but current data suggests that the majority of individuals are employed in the healthcare sector. Did you know that Laurel is the hometown of Lance Bass of NSYNC? It’s also home to the oldest art museum in Mississippi, the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art. On the other hand, Laurel possesses a sinister aspect.
The city has a high violent crime rate, making it a risky place to live with a significant chance of becoming a victim. The majority of the crimes reported consist of aggravated assaults, with a smaller number of murders and rapes occurring annually. The property crime rate is also quite high, with a 1 in 23 chance of becoming a victim. In Laurel, the poverty rate stands at 31.3%, which is nearly twice the national average. This could shed light on why certain individuals turn to criminal activities within this city.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia is a quaint town nestled in central Mississippi, boasting a population of approximately 7,000 residents. This location serves as the county seat of Neshoba County. One of the highlights is the famous William’s Brothers General Store, which has been operating for over a century since 1907. Additionally, this location gained notoriety due to the tragic events that occurred in 1964, where three civil rights activists lost their lives. Their murders were a catalyst for the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
A memorial stands at the location where their bodies were discovered, paying tribute to their memory. A significant portion of Philadelphia’s population, 28% to be exact, lives below the poverty line. In the previous year, a total of 76 crimes were reported. Out of those crimes, 11 were violent crimes, while 65 were property crimes. The likelihood of experiencing a property crime in Philadelphia is 1 in 33. When visiting the town, it’s important to be aware of potential risks such as robbery and motor vehicle theft.
Flowood is a place that is easy to understand
Flowood is a town located in western Mississippi, with a population of approximately 10,200 residents. In 2009, the city council passed an ordinance that permitted the serving of alcohol by the glass in restaurants and hotels, despite the county’s previous alcohol-free status. If you have business in Jackson, it would be advisable to stay in Flowood.
Located just 16 miles outside of the capital city, there are numerous hotels available for your convenience. In Flowood, the median income is $24,000 and the poverty rate stands at 13%. The likelihood of experiencing crime in the town is 1 in 49. Compared to other cities, it is relatively safe due to its smaller size. In the previous year, there were a total of 22 violent crimes and 189 property crimes.
In conclusion
Mississippi is a state that boasts a fascinating history and vibrant culture, but it also faces numerous challenges and issues. Crime is a prevalent issue, with certain cities experiencing higher rates than others. Based on the FBI crime data, these five cities have been identified as the most dangerous in the state. They experience significant levels of crime, including murder, assault, robbery, and theft, while also facing challenges in terms of income, education, and employment.
If you’re considering a visit or a move to Mississippi, it’s important to be informed about these facts and take necessary measures to ensure your safety and the security of your belongings. On the other hand, you have the option to explore or settle down in some of the more secure cities in the state, like Madison, Brandon, or Oxford.
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