Question 1

Is Hattiesburg, MS or Meridian, MS cheaper to buy in?

Accepted Answer

Meridian, MS is cheaper. The median home price in Hattiesburg, MS is approximately $115,300 and in Meridian, MS it is approximately $103,200 — a difference of $12,100.

Question 2

Is Hattiesburg, MS or Meridian, MS safer?

Accepted Answer

Hattiesburg, MS scores higher on safety. Hattiesburg, MS has violent crime rated Moderate and property crime rated Moderate. Meridian, MS has violent crime rated High and property crime rated Moderate.

Question 3

Is Hattiesburg, MS or Meridian, MS more walkable?

Accepted Answer

Hattiesburg, MS is more walkable. Hattiesburg, MS has a Walk Score of 6/100 and Meridian, MS has a Walk Score of 3/100.

Question 4

Should I live in Hattiesburg, MS or Meridian, MS?

Accepted Answer

Both neighborhoods have distinct trade-offs — review the data above to find your best fit.

Category	Hattiesburg, MS	Meridian, MS
Housing
Verdict	Think twice	Think twice
Median Price	$115K	$103K ✓ Lower price
Median Rent	$889	$860 ✓ Lower rent
Median Income	$37K	$41K ✓ Higher income
Price Volatility	High	Moderate ✓ More stable
Getting Around
Walk Score	6/100 ✓ More walkable	3/100
Transit Score	Minimal transit	Minimal transit ✓ Better transit
Bike Score	N/A	N/A ✓ More bikeable
Commute	N/A	N/A
Safety & Environment
Safety Grade	D+ ✓ Safer	F
Violent Crime	Moderate ✓ Lower risk	High
Property Crime	Moderate	Moderate
Flood Risk	Low	Low
Air Quality	Moderate	Moderate
Community
Schools	N/A	N/A
Best for	First‑time homebuyers with a tight budgetIndividuals willing to drive for most errandsLocal job seekers near the university or regional employers	Budget buyers looking for low property costsRenters who need a cheap place to liveSingle professionals willing to commute

Hattiesburg, MS vs Meridian, MS

Bottom line