Jackson, MS skyline

Jackson, MS Crime Rate & Safety

Grade: D

Higher crime than 98% of major U.S. cities

Safety varies across 11+ neighborhoods — Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026

169%
Above Avg Crime
1 in 103
Violent Crime Risk
1 in 17
Property Crime Risk
64%
Safe Neighborhoods

Is Jackson Safe?

No — Jackson has high crime rates

Take precautions: avoid walking alone at night and keep valuables secured.

Jackson has a crime rate that is 169% above the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 103.

However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Belhaven earn an A safety grade, while Belhaven Heights rates D+. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Jackson.

Crime Index Comparison

Jackson
269
National Avg
100

100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.

Your Chance of Being a Victim

High Risk

Violent Crime

1 in 103

chance per year

National average: 1 in 263

155% higher than national average

High Risk

Property Crime

1 in 17

chance per year

National average: 1 in 55

226% higher than national average

Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?

Jackson Crime Breakdown

Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.

Highest Risk
Larceny / Theft · 206% above avg
Lowest Risk
Robbery · 148% above avg
Crime Type Index vs National Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder
267 +167% High
Assault
255 +155% High
Robbery
248 +148% High
Rape
264 +164% High
Property Crime
Burglary
273 +173% High
Larceny / Theft
306 +206% High
Vehicle Theft
296 +196% High

Violent vs Property Crime

Crime Index by Category

Jackson Crime Map

Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

Where Is It Safe in Jackson?

Safety varies dramatically across Jackson's 11+ neighborhoods.

Not sure which neighborhood you're in?

Neighborhood Safety Distribution

Out of 11 neighborhoods in Jackson

All Jackson Neighborhoods

# Neighborhood Grade Crime Index
1 Belhaven A 120
2 Woodland Hills A- 182
3 Cherokee Heights A- 92
4 Willowood A- 70
5 Hanging Moss East B+ 86
6 Lakeover B 70
7 Broadmeadow B- 99
8 Midtown Jackson C 141
9 Downtown Jackson C 138
10 Belhaven Heights D+ 191
11 Farish Street F 194

Jackson Crime by Zip Code

Explore crime data for specific Jackson zip codes.

Jackson Demographics & Context

Population
350,373
Median Income
$40,064
Home Value
$90,835
Median Rent
$856
Ownership
49%

Racial Demographics

Hispanic / Latino 1.6%
White 17%
Black 80%
Asian 0.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Jackson, MS?

Jackson, MS has a crime safety grade of D as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 169% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 103 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 17 chance for property crime. Jackson has higher crime than 98% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Is Jackson, MS safe to live in?

Jackson has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D. Approximately 64% of the city's 11 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Belhaven is one of the safest areas, while Belhaven Heights has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Jackson is strongly recommended.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Jackson?

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Jackson are Belhaven, Woodland Hills, Cherokee Heights, Willowood, and Hanging Moss East. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

What are the most dangerous areas in Jackson?

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Jackson include Belhaven Heights, Midtown Jackson, Broadmeadow, Hanging Moss East, and Willowood. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

What is the violent crime rate in Jackson?

The estimated violent crime rate in Jackson is 969.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 155% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 103 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 13.3 per 100K (167% above average); aggravated assault at 684.2 per 100K (155% above average); robbery at 183.4 per 100K (148% above average).

What is the property crime rate in Jackson?

The estimated property crime rate in Jackson is 5,968.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 226% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 17 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 737.9 per 100K (173% above average); larceny/theft at 4,285.2 per 100K (206% above average); vehicle theft at 945.2 per 100K (196% above average).

How does Jackson crime compare to the national average?

Jackson's overall crime rate is 169% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (206% above average), while robbery is 148% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Jackson has higher crime than 98% of them.

Is Jackson safe to visit?

Visitors to Jackson should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 226% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Belhaven, Woodland Hills, Cherokee Heights.

How does Jackson crime compare to the rest of Mississippi?

Mississippi as a whole has crime that is 18% above the national average. Jackson's crime rate is 169% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Mississippi city.

What type of crime is most common in Jackson?

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Jackson, with an estimated rate of 4,285.2 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 206% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (5,968 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (970 per 100K) in Jackson, which is consistent with national trends.

Crime Statistics for Nearby Cities

Crime Statistics by State