Hattiesburg, MS Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Hattiesburg, MS: What You Need to Know

Hattiesburg, home to 45,863 people, is a quintessential Southern city full of charm and hospitality. It’s located in the southern part of Mississippi.

Local History

Hattiesburg used to be called Twin Forks, and later on, Gordonville. Captain William H. Hardy, a lumberman and engineer, founded the city in 1882. He later renamed it after his wife, Hattie Lott. The city’s lumber industry thrived with the arrival of railroads, earning its moniker "the Hub City" because it was at the intersection of key rail lines. During the civil rights movement, a statewide voter registration drive for African Americans known as Mississippi Freedom Summer began in the city in 1964. Freedom Schools in churches taught civics and history classes. Hattiesburg was the largest Freedom Summer site with more than 3,000 local participants and 675 Freedom School students. 

Weather and Climate

It can be wet in Hattiesburg, with an occasional twister. The city gets 60 inches of rain per year, more than the U.S. average of 38 inches. About 27 tornadoes hit Mississippi annually, mostly in August and September. It doesn’t snow in Hattiesburg, and the city enjoys 220 sunny days per year versus the national average of 205 sunny days.

The Cost of Living in Hattiesburg

Hattiesburg is plenty affordable, with a cost of living rate and housing costs that are 13.6% and 25.4% lower than the national average respectively. The median gross rent in Hattiesburg is $774. However, the food cost is 10.7% higher than the national average. The Magnolia State charges a progressive income tax of 0% to 5% and a statewide sales tax of 7%. 

Know Your Neighborhoods

Looking for a home close to shops, restaurants, and year-round events? Downtown Hattiesburg fits the bill, with housing options ranging from historic lofts to new apartments to single-family houses. Majority of city residents rent. In the suburbs, Petal and Glendale are the closest to Hattiesburg. Residents praise Petal’s outstanding public schools and low crime rates, while Glendale gets kudos for its tranquility and friendly environment.

Shopping in the City

For an enjoyable shopping spree, hit the boutiques and locally-owned shops downtown or head over to Highway 49 Flea Market for unique finds among the numerous indoor and outdoor booths. Turtle Creek Mall features over 80 national retailers, specialty shops, and restaurants. You’ll find big-name brands at the enclosed shopping mall.