Independent Living in Mississippi

Families considering senior living options in Mississippi will be greeted by warm temperatures and a landscape defined by the Mississippi and Yazoo rivers. Elevation is low throughout the state, with some small hills in the northeast section. The state’s climate becomes increasingly tropical as you travel south toward the beaches of Bay St. Louis along the Gulf Coast. Along with the Southern charm of its cities like Jackson and Biloxi, Mississippi’s pleasant weather and affordable living costs — the lowest of any U.S. state — make the Magnolia State an ideal retirement destination.

Currently, A Place for Mom partners with more than 15 independent living communities in Mississippi.

The median monthly cost of independent living in Mississippi is about $2,400.

Top cities in Mississippi

Ridgeland Hattiesburg Meridian Clinton Collins Flowood

Mississippi Independent Living Regulations

Each state regulates senior living communities differently. Because independent living is often provided by assisted living communities, states may regulate independent living within their guidelines for assisted living. You can use APFM’s guide to assisted living regulations to learn more about access to community records in Mississippi.

In Mississippi, independent living communities — also known simply as retirement communities — are geared towards seniors who are able to live on their own, without daily assistance, and prefer to live among people their age. This usually means residents are self-sufficient and do not require hands-on care. Think of independent living communities as age-restricted (typically 55+) complexes, which provide organized activities, meal services, and transportation.

Cost of Living

Overall, the cost of living in Mississippi is considered to be much more affordable than the national average. All index scores are based on a scale with the national average set at 100.

Price Indexes

Cost of Living: 86
Groceries: 92
Housing: 70
Utilities: 89
Transportation: 89

Demographics

About 16% of Mississippi’s population are seniors. In the 2016 presidential election, Mississippi leaned conservative. However, many of its counties with larger cities, like Jackson, tend to be more progressive.

2016 Presidential Election

40% voted Democratic
58% voted Republican
2% voted third party

Population

Median age: 38
Over the age of 55: 29%
2018 population: 2,986,530
2020 population: 2,980,274
Estimated 2025 population: 2,964,691

Miscellaneous

49% regularly attend a religious service
18% consider themselves atheist, agnostic, or a non-believer
The state has a total of 6,765 congregations
There are 604 Masonic lodges in the state

Climate and Weather

Like much of the U.S. Deep South, Mississippi has a humid subtropical climate. This means the state has long, hot summers and short, mild winters resembling an extended autumn. Temperatures tend to be noticeably warm during winter along Mississippi’s southern coastline with the Gulf of Mexico. Humidity is high all year throughout the state, but the increased humidity in the state’s southern region near the Gulf also brings more annual precipitation compared to Mississippi’s northern counties. Substantial snowfall is rare, but the state receives plenty of rain and severe weather including thunderstorms and tornadoes. Flooding is common throughout the state, particularly along the Mississippi River, which makes up the state’s entire western border. Given its location on the north end of the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi is also prone to tropical storms and hurricanes during late spring and summer months when ocean waters are warmest.