Picayune, MS Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Picayune, MS

What is Picayune's overall crime grade?

Picayune, MS earns an overall crime grade of C+ for 2026. That places it in a middle tier — not among Mississippi's most dangerous small cities, but not among the safest either. For context, a C+ grade means residents face a measurable but manageable level of risk, and the city performs better than many communities with similar economic profiles. A poverty rate of 28.8% and an unemployment rate of 9.1% — both significantly above national averages — are key socioeconomic factors that correlate with the crime levels reflected in that grade.

Is Picayune safe to live in?

Safety in Picayune is best understood in context. With a population of roughly 11,016 spread across a low-density footprint of 235 residents per square mile, the city has a small-town character that naturally limits some types of crime. The C+ overall grade signals that property crime — particularly theft and vehicle-related offenses — is the primary concern for most residents, while violent incidents tend to be more localized. Neighborhoods closer to the city's commercial corridors historically see more incident reports than quieter residential pockets near areas like South Haugh Avenue. Practicing standard precautions — securing vehicles, using home security systems, and staying aware of surroundings — meaningfully reduces individual risk.

How does Picayune's poverty rate affect its crime statistics?

Research consistently links economic hardship to elevated crime rates, and Picayune's numbers illustrate that relationship. With 28.8% of residents living below the poverty line and a median household income of just $31,349 — well below the Mississippi state median — financial stress is widespread. An unemployment rate of 9.1% compounds those pressures. These factors contribute most directly to property crime categories such as theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft, which make up the bulk of reported incidents in the city. The C+ crime grade reflects this economic reality, though it also reflects the community's ongoing efforts to address root causes through local programs and law enforcement partnerships.

What types of crime are most common in Picayune?

Property crimes dominate Picayune's incident reports, consistent with the patterns seen across Pearl River County. Theft — including shoplifting and larceny — accounts for the largest share of reported offenses, followed by burglary and motor vehicle theft. Violent crimes such as assault and disturbances are reported but tend to be concentrated in specific areas rather than spread evenly across the city. Drug-related offenses also appear in incident logs and are often linked to property crime activity. Residents near higher-traffic commercial zones should be especially attentive to vehicle security, while those in lower-density residential neighborhoods generally experience fewer incidents overall.

What are the safest areas in Picayune?

While Picayune's crime data doesn't break down to a granular block-by-block level, incident patterns point to lower activity in established residential neighborhoods on the city's periphery. Areas near Picayune Memorial High School and quieter subdivisions away from major commercial corridors tend to report fewer incidents. The downtown district and areas with higher foot traffic and commercial activity — while not uniquely dangerous — do account for a disproportionate share of theft-related reports. Prospective residents should cross-reference the Picayune crime map with current Police Department data and speak with neighbors to get the most current picture of any specific street or subdivision.

How does Picayune's crime rate compare to other Mississippi cities of similar size?

Among Mississippi municipalities in the 10,000–15,000 population range, a C+ crime grade puts Picayune in roughly the middle of the pack. Cities in this size bracket with stronger economies — lower poverty rates and higher median incomes — typically score in the B range, while those with deeper economic challenges often fall to a C or below. Picayune's $115,519 median home value and $777 median rent reflect an affordable but economically strained market, and the C+ grade is consistent with what analysts would predict given those inputs. The city is neither an outlier on the high-crime end nor a standout for safety among its Mississippi peers.

What resources exist for tracking crime in Picayune in real time?

Residents have several practical options for staying current on local incidents. The Picayune Police Department's official website publishes reports and safety updates. Third-party platforms such as CrimeMapping.com aggregate police department data into interactive maps that allow filtering by crime type and date range — useful for spotting recent trends in specific neighborhoods. Local media outlets covering Pearl River County also report on significant incidents. Combining these sources gives residents the most complete, up-to-date picture of crime patterns across Picayune's neighborhoods.