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Overall Rating: 82/100 · 156,000 veterans (6.9% of population)
Reviewed 2026. Programs and exemptions verified against Mississippi veterans-affairs and tax-authority sources.
Benefit details verified January 2025. Tax exemptions, caps, and eligibility change and can vary by county — always confirm current figures with your county assessor and your Mississippi Department of Veterans Affairs before you rely on them.
100% exempt from state income tax for all military retirement pay regardless of age, income, or disability status
0.76% average effective rate
Full exemption
100% service-connected T&P: full ad valorem exemption on homestead, no income limit. Nothing below 100%.
Source ↗No sales tax exemptions for veterans. State sales tax rate is 7%
$78,160
VA Medical Center
1500 East Woodrow Wilson Drive, Jackson, MS 39216
(601) 362-4471
Primary care, mental health (PTSD), surgery, cardiology, oncology, neurology, women's health, geriatrics, pharmacy, dental, physical therapy, substance abuse treatment, homeless veteran services, military sexual trauma treatment, telehealth
Tuition Benefit
Using Post-9/11 or Montgomery GI Bill, living in Mississippi while attending school, enrolled within 3 years of discharge from 90+ days active duty
Median Home
$252,500
1BR Rent
$900/mo
COL Index
83.7
Unemployment
4.2%
Major employers: Keesler Air Force Base (13,000+), Casino industry (15,000+), Ingalls Shipbuilding (11,000+), Memorial Hospital at Gulfport, Port of Gulfport, Mississippi Power
Pros: Strongest veteran community in MS (22,000+), full VA hospital on coast, Keesler AFB military amenities, Gulf Coast beaches and fishing, casino employment, Ingalls Shipbuilding hires veterans, affordable coastal living, tax-free military retirement
Cons: Hurricane risk, high humidity and heat in summer, moderate to higher crime in some areas, casino economy volatility, lower wages than national average
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Buying a home
$0 down, no PMI. Funding fee waived for service-connected veterans.
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The Mississippi State Personnel Board adds 5 preference points to the scores of qualified veterans (90+ days active wartime service, honorable discharge) and 10 points for veterans with a 30%+ service-connected disability or a Purple Heart. During layoffs, veterans receive 4 retention points and disabled veterans 8.
Official source ↗The Mississippi Department of Employment Security provides veterans priority of service, job placement, and career assistance through Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program specialists at WIN Job Centers.
Official source ↗Resident veterans rated 100% service-connected disabled by the VA are not required to purchase a hunting or fishing license and may obtain the free Disabled Exempt License; the fee is also waived for veterans rated at least 70% non-permanent service-connected disabled.
Official source ↗Veterans may add a 'VET' designation to a Mississippi driver's license or ID card by presenting supporting discharge documentation in person at any Driver Service Bureau station; standard license fees apply.
Official source ↗Resident veterans with a 100% permanent or at least 70% non-permanent service-connected disability may register up to two vehicles for $1.00 total per plate, exempt from all ad valorem and privilege taxes; apply at the County Tax Collector's office with VA documentation.
Official source ↗The MSVA operates veterans homes in Collins, Jackson, Kosciusko, and Oxford. Eligibility requires the veteran to be or have been a Mississippi resident who served on active duty and was discharged under other than dishonorable conditions; spouses may also qualify.
Official source ↗The unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran who had a total and permanent service-connected disability and an honorable discharge may claim the full homestead property tax exemption on their primary residence.
Official source ↗Spouses, surviving spouses, and children entitled to Title 38 education benefits qualify for in-state tuition rates at Mississippi public institutions of higher learning even if they are not state residents.
Official source ↗Sourced from official state agencies; programs and eligibility change — confirm with your Mississippi Department of Veterans Affairs before applying.