Magnolias, bluegrass music, and southern-style cooking are some of Mississippi’s most well-known features. The state has a charming southern charm. Sadly, there is also a high rate of crime, unemployment, and poverty. Although the state ranks 27th in the nation for overall low crime rates, there are some cities in the state where crime is out of control. It might be related to the fact that it’s the poorest state in the union. Based on the most recent FBI crime statistics, the following is a list of Mississippi’s five most hazardous cities.
1. Jackson
Jackson, the largest city in Mississippi and the state capital is located along the Pearl River. It used to be well-known for its amazing cuisine, countless museums, and musical heritage. Jackson is becoming a murder and other crime hotspot as of 2021. Jackson experienced more than 150 killings in 2021 alone, most of which were gunshots. Murders have increased by more than 30% since 2019.
It’s definitely advisable to stay away from the city entirely because of the startling 15 times higher murder rate than the national average. Jackson currently has one of the highest rates of homicide in the entire nation. Jackson locals view the central neighborhoods as the worst areas of the city, where there is a 1 in 16 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. On the other hand, the town’s eastern areas are rather secure. If for any reason you must come, think about lodging in that part of town.
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2. The Biloxi
Southern Mississippi’s Biloxi is a seaside city well-known for its casinos and beaches. The barrier reefs off the Gulf of Mexico keep the ocean calm, and it was formerly dubbed the longest man-made beach in the world. Biloxi is well-known for its gaming in addition to its beach. There are eleven casinos where you can play cards or slots, but given the local crime rate, you might want to think twice.
On this list, Biloxi has the third-highest rate of violent crime in Mississippi, and the likelihood of becoming a victim of theft or robbery is 1 in 17. We advise you to keep one hand on your wallet when playing at the tables if you visit these local casinos. Ironically, Biloxi is among the most expensive cities in the nation to live in. It appears that living in this violent city is not worth the visit.
3. Laurel
Laurel is a small city in southeast Mississippi that is home to roughly 18,500 people. Although the majority of workers now work in the healthcare industry, the company was once well-known in the timber industry. In addition, the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, the oldest art museum in Mississippi, is located in Laurel, the hometown of NSYNC’s Lance Bass. But Laurel is not without her dark side.
With a 1 in 15 risk of becoming a victim, it has the second-highest rate of violent crime in the state. A small number of rapes and murders occur annually, but the majority of crimes are aggravated assaults. There is a 1 in 23 probability of becoming a victim of property crime, which is another high rate. Laurel has a poverty rate of 31.3%, which is nearly twice the national average. This could help to understand why some residents of this city turn to crime.
4. The Philadelphia
With 7,000 or so residents, Philadelphia is a small town in central Mississippi. It serves as Neshoba County’s county seat. The famous William’s Brothers General Store, which has been operating since 1907, is one of its primary draws. Additionally, it was the scene of the notorious 1964 killings of three civil rights activists. Their killings served as impetus for the 1964 Civil Rights Act to be passed.
At the location where their bodies were discovered, there is a memorial dedicated to them. In Philadelphia, 28 percent of people are impoverished. There were 76 offenses committed in total last year. Of those, 11 were violent offenses and 65 were property crimes. In Philadelphia, the odds of becoming a victim of a property crime are 1 in 33. The two biggest threats to visitors to the town should be auto theft and robbery.
5. Flowood
The population of Flowood, a community in western Mississippi, is roughly 10,200. Before the city council approved an ordinance in 2009 permitting alcohol to be offered by the glass in hotels and restaurants, the county was considered “dry,” meaning it was free of alcohol. Staying in Flowood is advised if you have business in Jackson.
It is only sixteen miles from the capital city and offers a wide selection of hotels. In Flowood, the poverty rate is 13.3% and the median income is $24,000. In the town, there is a 1 in 49 probability of becoming a victim of crime. It is safer than 12% of other cities according to its size. There were 189 property offenses and 22 violent crimes in the previous year.
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In summary
Mississippi is a state full of difficulties and issues, but it also has a rich history and culture. One of them is crime, which has a greater impact on some places than others. Based on FBI crime data, the five cities listed are the most dangerous in the state. They have low rates of income, education, and employment, along with high rates of murder, assault, robbery, and theft.
You should be aware of these facts and take safety measures to safeguard your belongings and yourself if you intend to visit or reside in Mississippi. As an alternative, you can decide to travel to or reside in Madison, Brandon, Oxford, or any of the other safer cities in the state.