Mississippi Military Retirement: Best Cities, Housing Costs & Quality of Life
Where to retire in Mississippi as a veteran: best cities ranked by benefits, housing costs, veteran population, and quality of life for 2025.
Mississippi Military Retirement: Best Cities, Housing Costs & Quality of Life
Mississippi ranks among the most tax-friendly states for military retirees with 100% exemption on military retirement pay, generous property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, and one of the lowest costs of living in the nation.
But where should you actually live? Mississippi's cities vary significantly in veteran population, job opportunities, housing costs, and proximity to military installations and VA healthcare.
This guide ranks Mississippi's best cities for veterans with real data on home prices, veteran populations, and quality of life factors.
Bottom Line Up Front
Best overall for veterans: Gulfport-Biloxi (military presence, coast, jobs, VA hospital) Best for affordability: Hattiesburg, Jackson Best for military retirees: Biloxi (Keesler AFB proximity) Best small city: Hattiesburg (college town, military presence) Best suburban lifestyle: Southaven (Memphis metro, affordable)
Median home price range: $145,000 (Jackson) to $265,000 (Gulfport-Biloxi coast) State average: $198,000 (lowest in the South)
Top 10 Best Cities for Veterans in Mississippi
1. Gulfport-Biloxi - "Mississippi Gulf Coast"
Overall Grade: A-
Why it's #1: Gulfport-Biloxi offers the best combination of military community (Keesler Air Force Base), VA hospital access, coastal lifestyle, casino employment, and affordable housing.
Veteran Population
- Harrison County veterans: 22,000+
- Concentration: Very high (15-18% of adult population)
- Military connection: Keesler Air Force Base, Coast Guard, Naval Construction Battalion Center
- This is the highest veteran concentration in Mississippi
Housing Market
Gulfport:
- Median home price: $240,000
- Property tax with exemption: $0 for 100% disabled
- Property tax without exemption: ~$2,640/year (1.1% effective rate)
- Rental costs: $1,000-$1,500/month for 2BR apartment
Biloxi:
- Median home price: $265,000 (coastal premium)
- Property tax without exemption: ~$2,915/year
- Beachfront properties: $350,000-$700,000+
- Rental costs: $1,100-$1,700/month
D'Iberville/Ocean Springs (nearby suburbs):
- Median home price: $275,000-$320,000
- Higher-end, family-friendly areas
Cost of Living
- Overall index: 83.7 (16.3% below national average)
- Housing: Below national average (except beachfront)
- Utilities: Near state average
- Groceries: Below national average
- Entertainment: Casinos provide dining/entertainment options
Employment Opportunities
Military installations:
- Keesler Air Force Base (largest employer on coast, 13,000+ personnel)
- Naval Construction Battalion Center (Seabees)
- Coast Guard Station Gulfport
- Camp Shelby (Army National Guard - 90 miles north)
Major civilian employers:
- Casino industry (12+ casinos employing 15,000+)
- Beau Rivage, Hard Rock, Golden Nugget, IP Casino, Palace, others
- Jobs: Gaming, hospitality, food service, security, management
- Average salary: $35,000-$65,000
- Memorial Hospital at Gulfport (healthcare)
- Singing River Health System (healthcare)
- Port of Gulfport (maritime, logistics)
- Mississippi Power (utilities)
- Ingalls Shipbuilding (Pascagoula - 30 miles east, 11,000+ employees)
- Major defense contractor building Navy ships
- Actively recruits veterans
- Average salary: $55,000-$90,000
Industries: Military, gaming/hospitality, healthcare, shipbuilding, maritime, tourism
Average household income: $52,000
VA Healthcare Access
- Gulf Coast VA Health Care Center: 400 Veterans Avenue, Biloxi, MS 39531
- Phone: (228) 523-5000
- Services: Full-service hospital, primary care, mental health, surgery, specialty care, emergency services
- Vet Center: Biloxi Vet Center for counseling
- This is the best VA access in Mississippi
Quality of Life
- Climate: Mild winters (50-65°F), hot, humid summers (85-95°F), year-round outdoor activities
- Hurricane risk: Coastal location requires preparation and insurance
- Outdoor recreation: Gulf of Mexico beaches, fishing (world-class), boating, water sports
- Culture: Casino entertainment, seafood restaurants, Mardi Gras celebrations, coastal lifestyle
- Education: Good public schools in D'Iberville and Ocean Springs, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
- Crime: Moderate (varies by neighborhood; Biloxi has higher crime than Gulfport suburbs)
- Community: Strong military culture, veteran-friendly, Southern hospitality
Military Connection
- Keesler Air Force Base provides commissary, exchange, and military community
- Active and retired military ID holders have full access
- Strong military retiree community with organizations and events
Pros:
- Strongest veteran community in Mississippi (22,000+)
- Full VA hospital on the coast
- Keesler AFB provides military amenities
- Gulf Coast beaches and fishing
- Casino employment opportunities
- Ingalls Shipbuilding actively hires veterans
- Affordable housing with coastal lifestyle
- Tax-free military retirement income
- Property tax exemption for 100% disabled
- Year-round outdoor recreation
Cons:
- Hurricane risk (Katrina rebuilt the coast, but risk remains)
- High humidity and heat in summer
- Moderate to higher crime in some areas
- Casino economy can be volatile
- Lower wages than many states (but offset by low cost of living)
Bottom line: Gulfport-Biloxi is ideal for military retirees who want to stay connected to the military community, enjoy coastal living, and have full VA hospital access. The combination of Keesler AFB, casino employment, and Ingalls Shipbuilding provides diverse opportunities. Property values have recovered and grown since Hurricane Katrina, and the coast offers unmatched quality of life for Mississippi.
2. Hattiesburg - "Hub City"
Overall Grade: B+
Why it ranks #2: College town (University of Southern Mississippi), Camp Shelby proximity, affordable housing, younger demographic, good quality of life.
Veteran Population
- Forrest County veterans: 6,500+
- Lamar County (surrounding): 3,000+
- Total metro: 10,000+ veterans
- Concentration: High due to Camp Shelby
- University of Southern Mississippi: 1,000+ student veterans (excellent GI Bill support)
Housing Market
- Median home price: $215,000
- Property tax with exemption: $0 for 100% disabled
- Property tax without exemption: ~$2,150/year (1.0% rate)
- Rental costs: $850-$1,200/month for 2BR
- Very affordable for a city with this quality of life
Cost of Living
- Overall index: 81.2 (18.8% below national average)
- Housing: 30% below national average
- Groceries: Below national average
- Utilities: Slightly above state average
- One of the most affordable cities in the South
Employment Opportunities
Major employers:
- Camp Shelby (largest Army National Guard training site, 3,000+ personnel when active)
- University of Southern Mississippi (USM - 7,000+ employees, 14,000 students)
- Forrest General Hospital (healthcare, 4,000+ employees)
- Hattiesburg Clinic (multi-specialty medical center)
- Howard Industries (electrical manufacturing, 4,000+ employees)
- Kohler (bathroom fixtures manufacturing)
- Hattiesburg Public School District
- Anderson Regional Medical Center
Industries: Military, education, healthcare, manufacturing
Average salary: $48,000 (lower than national average but cost of living compensates)
VA Healthcare Access
- Hattiesburg VA Clinic: 231 Methodist Hospital Boulevard, Hattiesburg, MS 39402
- Phone: (601) 296-3500
- Services: Primary care, mental health, specialty clinics
- Closest VA Hospital: Gulf Coast VA (Biloxi - 1.5 hours south) or Jackson VA (90 miles north)
Healthcare: Excellent civilian healthcare through Forrest General and Hattiesburg Clinic
Quality of Life
- Climate: Mild winters (45-60°F), hot, humid summers (85-95°F)
- Outdoor recreation: De Soto National Forest, lakes, hiking, fishing
- Culture: College town atmosphere, arts, music scene, Southern Miss athletics
- Education: Excellent - University of Southern Mississippi, good public schools
- Crime: Low to moderate (safer than Jackson or parts of Gulf Coast)
- Community: College town energy, younger demographic, veteran-friendly, progressive for Mississippi
Military connection: Camp Shelby provides military community and commissary access (limited)
Pros:
- Very affordable housing ($215K median)
- College town quality of life (USM)
- Camp Shelby military connection
- Excellent healthcare (Forrest General)
- Good schools
- Low crime compared to other Mississippi cities
- Strong GI Bill support at USM (1,000+ student veterans)
- Central location (2 hours to coast, 1.5 hours to Jackson)
- Property tax exemption for 100% disabled
Cons:
- No VA hospital (must travel to Biloxi or Jackson)
- Lower wages than national average
- Hot, humid summers
- Small-city job market (limited opportunities outside education/healthcare)
- Hurricane risk (inland but still affected)
Bottom line: Hattiesburg is perfect for veterans using GI Bill at University of Southern Mississippi or those wanting affordable, safe, college-town living with military connection through Camp Shelby. The combination of low cost of living, good healthcare, and quality schools makes it ideal for families. Best small-city option in Mississippi.
3. Jackson - "Mississippi's Capital"
Overall Grade: B
Why it ranks #3: State capital, VA hospital, state government jobs with veteran preference, most affordable housing, but high crime.
Veteran Population
- Hinds County veterans: 13,000+
- Madison County (suburbs): 5,000+
- Rankin County (suburbs): 8,000+
- Metro total: 26,000+ veterans
- Concentration: Moderate in city, higher in suburbs
Housing Market
Jackson (city):
- Median home price: $145,000 (most affordable major city)
- Property tax with exemption: $0 for 100% disabled
- Property tax without exemption: ~$1,885/year (1.3% rate)
- Rental costs: $800-$1,200/month
- Many areas to avoid due to crime - research carefully
Madison (suburb - highly recommended):
- Median home price: $335,000
- Among Mississippi's safest and most affluent areas
- Excellent schools
Ridgeland/Flowood (suburbs):
- Median home price: $275,000-$300,000
- Growing, safer alternatives to Jackson proper
Brandon (Rankin County):
- Median home price: $245,000
- Family-friendly, good schools
Cost of Living
- Overall index (Jackson city): 77.8 (22.2% below national average)
- Housing: 40% below national average in city
- Overall: Among the lowest in the nation
- Suburbs are more expensive but still affordable
Employment Opportunities
Major employers:
- State of Mississippi government (largest employer - veteran hiring preference)
- University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC - 10,000+ employees, major hospital)
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VA employer)
- Nissan North America (Canton - 30 miles north, 6,000+ employees)
- Raytheon (defense contractor presence)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi
- Baptist Health Systems
- Jackson Public Schools
- Mississippi Department of Transportation
Industries: State government, healthcare, education, some manufacturing
Average salary: $48,000
State hiring preference is valuable in Jackson - many state agencies headquartered here.
VA Healthcare Access
- G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center: 1500 East Woodrow Wilson Avenue, Jackson, MS 39216
- Phone: (601) 362-4471
- Services: Full-service hospital, primary care, mental health, surgery, specialty care
- Vet Center: Jackson Vet Center for counseling
- This is Mississippi's main VA hospital (along with Biloxi)
Quality of Life
- Climate: Mild winters (45-60°F), hot, humid summers (90-95°F)
- Outdoor recreation: Ross Barnett Reservoir, Natchez Trace Parkway
- Culture: State capital amenities, museums, Mississippi Museum of Art, music history
- Education: Good in suburbs (Madison), struggling in Jackson Public Schools
- Crime: HIGH in Jackson proper - among the highest murder rates in the nation
- Community: Declining population in city, growing suburbs
Critical note: Jackson has serious crime and infrastructure challenges. Most veterans choose suburbs (Madison, Ridgeland, Brandon).
Pros:
- VA hospital in city
- State government jobs with veteran preference
- Most affordable housing in a major city
- Tax-free military retirement income
- Property tax exemption for 100% disabled
- Suburbs (Madison) are safe with excellent schools
- Central Mississippi location
Cons:
- Very high crime in Jackson proper (research neighborhoods carefully)
- Declining urban infrastructure
- Lower wages
- Hot, humid summers
- Limited private-sector veteran employment
- Must live in suburbs for safety (which are more expensive)
Bottom line: Jackson is best for veterans seeking state government employment with hiring preference or those requiring frequent VA hospital access. However, strongly consider living in suburbs (Madison, Ridgeland, Brandon) rather than Jackson proper due to crime. The VA hospital and state jobs are the main draws. If you can afford $275K-$335K for a home in Madison, you'll get excellent schools and safety with easy access to VA hospital and state jobs.
4. Southaven - "Gateway to the Mid-South"
Overall Grade: B
Why it ranks #4: Memphis metro area (jobs and airport), affordable Mississippi living, good schools, safe, growing.
Veteran Population
- DeSoto County veterans: 8,500+
- Concentration: Growing rapidly as Memphis metro expands south
- Memphis VA access across state line
Housing Market
- Median home price: $260,000
- Property tax with exemption: $0 for 100% disabled
- Property tax without exemption: ~$2,860/year (1.1% rate)
- New development: Lots of new construction
Cost of Living
- Overall index: 86.4 (13.6% below national average)
- Housing: Below national average but higher than most Mississippi cities
- Benefits from Mississippi's low taxes while accessing Memphis jobs
Employment Opportunities
Access to Memphis metro employers:
- FedEx (world headquarters in Memphis)
- International Paper
- AutoZone
- Memphis hospitals and healthcare
- Distribution and logistics (massive industry in Memphis)
- Manufacturing
Local Southaven employers:
- Retail (Tanger Outlets, Southaven Towne Center)
- Healthcare
- Distribution centers
Key advantage: Work in Memphis with higher salaries, live in Mississippi with lower taxes and costs.
Average household income: $68,000 (higher than most Mississippi cities)
VA Healthcare Access
- Memphis VA Medical Center (across state line - 20 minutes)
- Phone: (901) 523-8990
- Services: Full VA hospital
- Note: Many Mississippi veterans in DeSoto County use Memphis VA
Quality of Life
- Climate: Mild winters, hot summers (similar to rest of Mississippi)
- Outdoor recreation: Arkabutla Lake nearby
- Culture: Access to all Memphis amenities (Beale Street, Graceland, sports)
- Sports: Memphis Grizzlies (NBA), Memphis Redbirds (AAA baseball)
- Education: Good DeSoto County schools (among Mississippi's best)
- Crime: Low (much safer than Memphis or Jackson)
- Community: Growing suburban community, family-oriented
Memphis International Airport: 15 minutes away - major airport hub
Pros:
- Access to Memphis jobs with Mississippi cost of living
- Memphis International Airport (major hub)
- Safe with good schools
- Growing with new development
- Memphis VA hospital access
- Tax-free military retirement income (Mississippi advantage)
- Property tax exemption for 100% disabled
- Memphis amenities without Memphis costs
Cons:
- Becoming more expensive as Memphis metro expands
- Less veteran-specific culture than Gulfport-Biloxi
- Some commute to Memphis for work
- Hot, humid summers
Bottom line: Southaven is ideal for veterans who want access to Memphis's job market, airport, and amenities while living in Mississippi with lower taxes and costs. Perfect for families seeking good schools and safety. The arbitrage of Mississippi taxes and Tennessee employment is significant.
5. Tupelo - "All-American City"
Overall Grade: B-
Why it ranks #5: Northeast Mississippi hub, strong economy for the region, low cost, but limited veteran infrastructure.
Housing Market
- Median home price: $220,000
- Affordable and stable market
Employment Opportunities
- Toyota Manufacturing (Blue Springs - 15 miles)
- Furniture manufacturing
- Healthcare (North Mississippi Medical Center)
- Growing manufacturing sector
VA Healthcare Access
- No VA clinic in Tupelo
- Closest: Memphis VA (90 miles) or Columbus AFB area
Best for: Veterans wanting northeast Mississippi living with manufacturing jobs, but VA access is limited.
6. Columbus - "Friendly City"
Overall Grade: B-
Why it ranks #6: Columbus Air Force Base proximity, small-city feel, but limited housing and jobs.
Housing Market
- Median home price: $185,000
Military Connection
- Columbus Air Force Base (pilot training)
- Military community and commissary access
VA Healthcare Access
- Columbus VA Clinic: 1460 Hospital Road, Columbus, MS 39705
- Services: Primary care, mental health
Best for: Veterans wanting connection to active-duty military community at Columbus AFB.
7. Meridian - "Queen City"
Overall Grade: C+
Why it ranks #7: Affordable but economic decline and challenges.
Housing Market
- Median home price: $155,000 (very affordable)
VA Healthcare Access
- Meridian VA Clinic: 3426 North State Boulevard, Meridian, MS 39301
Challenges
- Economic decline
- Population loss
- Higher crime
Best for: Veterans on very tight budgets who need VA clinic access.
8. Vicksburg - "Gibraltar of the Confederacy"
Overall Grade: C+
Why it ranks #8: Historic city, riverboat casino employment, but small and limited opportunities.
Housing Market
- Median home price: $170,000
Employment
- Riverboat casinos
- Tourism
- Limited options
Best for: History enthusiasts or casino industry workers.
9. Oxford - "The Little Easy"
Overall Grade: C+
Why it ranks #9: University of Mississippi college town, beautiful, but expensive for Mississippi and limited veteran resources.
Housing Market
- Median home price: $315,000 (expensive for Mississippi)
Employment
- University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
- Limited outside education
Best for: Veterans using GI Bill at Ole Miss.
10. Pascagoula - "Singing River City"
Overall Grade: C+
Why it ranks #10: Ingalls Shipbuilding (major defense contractor), but industrial town challenges.
Employment
- Ingalls Shipbuilding (11,000+ employees, builds Navy ships)
- Actively hires veterans
Housing Market
- Median home price: $180,000
Best for: Veterans wanting shipbuilding employment, but Gulfport-Biloxi (30 minutes west) offers better overall quality of life with same job access.
Housing Market Analysis
Median Home Prices by City (2025)
| City | Median Price | Property Tax (no exemption) | Savings with Exemption (100%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madison (suburb) | $335,000 | $4,355 | $4,355/year |
| Oxford | $315,000 | $3,150 | $3,150/year |
| Biloxi (coast) | $265,000 | $2,915 | $2,915/year |
| Southaven | $260,000 | $2,860 | $2,860/year |
| Gulfport | $240,000 | $2,640 | $2,640/year |
| Brandon (suburb) | $245,000 | $3,185 | $3,185/year |
| Tupelo | $220,000 | $2,200 | $2,200/year |
| Hattiesburg | $215,000 | $2,150 | $2,150/year |
| Columbus | $185,000 | $1,850 | $1,850/year |
| Pascagoula | $180,000 | $1,980 | $1,980/year |
| Vicksburg | $170,000 | $1,700 | $1,700/year |
| Meridian | $155,000 | $1,550 | $1,550/year |
| Jackson | $145,000 | $1,885 | $1,885/year |
State median: $198,000 (lowest in the South)
Rental Market
2-bedroom apartment average rents:
- Gulfport-Biloxi: $1,000-$1,500
- Hattiesburg: $850-$1,200
- Jackson (city): $800-$1,200
- Madison (suburb): $1,200-$1,700
- Southaven: $1,000-$1,400
- Tupelo: $850-$1,200
- Columbus: $750-$1,100
Affordability Analysis
Most affordable (low home prices, low cost of living):
- Jackson ($145K - but high crime)
- Meridian ($155K)
- Hattiesburg ($215K - best value)
Best value (price vs. quality of life):
- Hattiesburg ($215K, college town, safe)
- Gulfport ($240K, coast, VA hospital)
- Southaven ($260K, Memphis access)
Least affordable (but still cheap by national standards):
- Madison ($335K - excellent schools, very safe)
- Oxford ($315K - college town premium)
Cost of Living Breakdown by City
Jackson
- Housing: 60 (40% below national)
- Groceries: 92
- Healthcare: 88
- Utilities: 95
- Transportation: 85
- Overall: 77.8
Gulfport-Biloxi
- Housing: 75 (25% below national)
- Groceries: 94
- Healthcare: 90
- Utilities: 98
- Transportation: 88
- Overall: 83.7
Hattiesburg
- Housing: 70 (30% below national)
- Groceries: 91
- Healthcare: 87
- Utilities: 96
- Transportation: 84
- Overall: 81.2
Southaven
- Housing: 82
- Groceries: 95
- Healthcare: 89
- Utilities: 96
- Transportation: 87
- Overall: 86.4
Mississippi state average: 81.1 (18.9% below US average) - lowest in the nation
Climate and Weather Considerations
Overall Mississippi Climate
- Winters: Mild (40-60°F) - rarely below freezing except far north
- Summers: Hot and humid (85-95°F, high humidity)
- Hurricane risk: Coastal areas and inland flooding
- Tornado risk: Spring tornadoes possible statewide
By Region
Gulf Coast (Gulfport-Biloxi)
- Mildest winters (50-65°F)
- Hot, humid summers (85-92°F)
- Hurricane risk (direct hits and storm surge)
- Year-round outdoor activities
Central Mississippi (Jackson, Hattiesburg)
- Mild winters (45-60°F)
- Hot summers (90-95°F)
- Inland hurricane effects (flooding, wind)
- Four seasons (mild)
North Mississippi (Tupelo, Southaven)
- Cooler winters (35-55°F, occasional snow)
- Hot summers (90-95°F)
- Tornado risk in spring
Veteran Health Considerations
Heat and humidity: Mississippi summers are challenging for veterans with cardiovascular issues or respiratory conditions. Air conditioning is essential.
Hurricane preparedness: Coastal residents need evacuation plans, flood insurance, and hurricane insurance.
Mild winters: Excellent for veterans with cold-weather injuries or arthritis.
Veteran Community Strength
Counties with Highest Veteran Concentration
- Harrison County (Gulfport-Biloxi): 22,000+ (highest, 15-18% of adults)
- Hinds County (Jackson): 13,000+
- Forrest County (Hattiesburg): 6,500+
- DeSoto County (Southaven): 8,500+
- Rankin County (Brandon): 8,000+
Military Installations
- Keesler Air Force Base (Biloxi)
- Naval Construction Battalion Center (Gulfport)
- Camp Shelby (Hattiesburg area)
- Columbus Air Force Base (Columbus)
- Stennis Space Center (Hancock County)
VFW and American Legion Posts
Most posts: Gulf Coast, Jackson area
Veterans Day events: Major celebrations in Gulfport-Biloxi, Jackson, Hattiesburg
Quality of Life Factors
Recreation
Best outdoor recreation:
- Gulf Coast: Beaches, fishing, boating, casinos
- Central Mississippi: De Soto National Forest, lakes
- Ross Barnett Reservoir: Boating, fishing
Best for fishing: Gulf Coast (world-class)
Best for hunting: North and central Mississippi
Culture and Entertainment
Best food scenes: Gulf Coast (seafood), Jackson Best entertainment: Gulf Coast (casinos), Memphis (via Southaven) Best museums: Jackson (state capital), Gulf Coast military museums
Education (for families)
Best school districts:
- Madison County (Madison)
- DeSoto County (Southaven)
- Ocean Springs (coast)
- Rankin County (Brandon)
Best universities:
- University of Mississippi (Oxford)
- University of Southern Mississippi (Hattiesburg - 1,000+ student veterans)
- Mississippi State University (Starkville)
Healthcare Access
Best overall healthcare:
- Jackson (UMMC)
- Gulfport-Biloxi (Memorial, Singing River)
- Hattiesburg (Forrest General)
Best VA access:
- Gulfport-Biloxi (Gulf Coast VA Hospital)
- Jackson (G.V. Montgomery VA Hospital)
Decision Matrix: Which City is Right for You?
Choose Gulfport-Biloxi if:
- You want strong military community (Keesler AFB)
- VA hospital access is important
- Coastal lifestyle appeals to you
- Casino or shipbuilding employment interests you
- You value year-round outdoor activities
- You can handle hurricane risk
Choose Hattiesburg if:
- Affordability is critical
- You want college town quality of life
- Safety and good schools are priorities
- Camp Shelby military connection appeals
- You're using GI Bill at USM
- You want central location in Mississippi
Choose Jackson (suburbs) if:
- State government employment with veteran preference
- VA hospital access is needed
- You want state capital amenities
- You can afford suburbs (Madison, Brandon)
- Central Mississippi location
Choose Southaven if:
- Memphis job market and airport access
- Good schools and safety are priorities
- You want Mississippi tax benefits with Memphis opportunities
- Family-friendly suburban living
Key Takeaways
- Gulfport-Biloxi leads for veterans - Military community, VA hospital, coastal lifestyle, affordable
- Hattiesburg leads for value - Affordable, safe, college town, Camp Shelby connection
- Jackson leads for VA hospital and state jobs - But live in suburbs for safety
- Southaven leads for Memphis access - Work in Tennessee, live in Mississippi
- Mississippi has the lowest cost of living in the nation - Your retirement dollars stretch further
- Property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans typically saves $1,500-$4,000/year
- 100% tax-free military retirement income - Keep every penny
Mississippi offers exceptional value for military retirees with zero state income tax on military retirement, low housing costs, and genuine Southern hospitality. The trade-offs are lower wages (less important for retirees), hot humid summers, and hurricane risk on the coast.
The best city for you depends on your priorities: military community (Gulfport-Biloxi), affordability (Hattiesburg), state jobs (Jackson suburbs), or Memphis access (Southaven).
Additional Resources
- Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board: 1-866-722-6832 | vab.ms.gov
- Housing market data: Zillow.com/MS, Realtor.com/Mississippi
- Cost of living calculators: BestPlaces.net
- Job search: mdes.ms.gov
- VA facility locator: VA.gov/find-locations
Information current as of January 2025. Housing prices and market conditions change frequently - verify current prices before making decisions.