Mississippi, known for its rich cultural heritage and Southern charm, presents a complex picture when it comes to various aspects of life in the Magnolia State. Let’s explore the key factors that shape the lives of Mississippians in 2024.
Cost of Living
Mississippi boasts the lowest cost of living in the United States, with expenses running 15% below the national average[1]. This affordability extends across various sectors:
- Housing costs are 29% lower than the national average
- Utility expenses are 11% lower
- Groceries are about 3% cheaper
- Transportation costs are 9% below average
For a single adult with no children, annual transportation costs are estimated at around $5,400[1].
Housing Market
The housing market in Mississippi remains relatively affordable compared to many other states:
- Median home price: $259,400 (as of October 2024)
- Year-over-year increase: 2.9%
- Average time on market: 50 days
- Monthly mortgage payment: $1,913 (based on 7% interest rate)[8]
While prices have risen, they remain significantly below the national median of $436,480[8].
Education
Mississippi has made remarkable strides in education, climbing to 30th place nationally in the 2024 Annie E. Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT® Data Book[3]. This represents a significant improvement from its 48th ranking in 2014. Key factors contributing to this progress include:
- Strong educational policies
- Dedicated and effective educators
- Increased investment in Pre-K programs
However, challenges remain, particularly in 8th-grade math proficiency[3].
Healthcare
Despite progress in other areas, healthcare remains a significant concern for Mississippi:
- Ranked 51st (last) in overall healthcare quality
- 39th in healthcare access
- 25th in healthcare costs[5]
The state faces critical issues in maternal and infant health, with the highest maternal mortality rate in the nation at 50.3 deaths per 100,000 live births[9].
Transportation
Mississippi’s transportation infrastructure faces significant challenges:
- Roads received a “D-” grade in the 2024 infrastructure report card
- 24.3% of roads with available data are in poor condition
- The state has the highest rate of roadway fatalities nationally, with 25 deaths per 100,000 people annually[6]
Infrastructure
The American Society of Civil Engineers gave Mississippi’s overall infrastructure a “C-” grade in 2024, matching the national average[10]. This represents a slight improvement from previous years. Notable points include:
- Bridges improved to a “D+” from a “D-” in 2020
- Drinking water and wastewater systems declined to a “D-“
- Ports received the highest grade of “B-“
While progress has been made, significant investment is still needed across various infrastructure categories to ensure long-term reliability and support economic growth[6].
In conclusion, Mississippi in 2024 presents a mix of affordability and challenges. While the low cost of living and improving education system offer advantages, the state must address critical issues in healthcare and infrastructure to enhance the quality of life for all its residents.
Citations:
[1] https://www.unbiased.com/discover/banking/what-is-the-cost-of-living-in-mississippi
[2] https://www.steadily.com/blog/mississippi-real-estate-market-overview
[3] https://www.picayuneitem.com/2024/06/mississippi-rises-to-30th-in-national-education-rankings/
[4] https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/mississippi
[5] https://www.beckersspine.com/orthopedic/60211-why-mississippi-is-the-worst-state-for-healthcare.html
[6] https://www.supertalk.fm/mississippi-infrastructure-given-c-grade-from-national-engineering-group/
[7] https://www.rentcafe.com/cost-of-living-calculator/us/ms/
[8] https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/housing-market/ms/
[9] https://mississippitoday.org/2023/06/22/mississippi-health-rankings-worst-in-country/
[10] https://www.asce.org/publications-and-news/civil-engineering-source/society-news/article/2024/11/14/mississippis-infrastructure-improves-to-a-c-minus-grade
