West Hattiesburg, MS Crime Rate & Safety

West Hattiesburg, MS has a crime safety grade of D- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 282% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 67 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 11 chance for property crime. West Hattiesburg has higher crime than 100% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

West Hattiesburg has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D-. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting West Hattiesburg is strongly recommended.

The estimated violent crime rate in West Hattiesburg is 1,501.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 294% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 67 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 20.0 per 100K (300% above average); aggravated assault at 1,046.2 per 100K (290% above average); robbery at 308.9 per 100K (318% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in West Hattiesburg is 8,717.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 376% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 11 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 936.3 per 100K (247% above average); larceny/theft at 6,391.9 per 100K (356% above average); vehicle theft at 1,388.9 per 100K (336% above average).

West Hattiesburg's overall crime rate is 282% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (356% above average), while burglary is 247% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, West Hattiesburg has higher crime than 100% of them.

Visitors to West Hattiesburg should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 376% 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.

Mississippi as a whole has crime that is 18% above the national average. West Hattiesburg's crime rate is 282% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Mississippi city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in West Hattiesburg, with an estimated rate of 6,391.9 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 356% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (8,717 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (1,501 per 100K) in West Hattiesburg, which is consistent with national trends.