Is Bay Saint Louis or Hattiesburg Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bay Saint Louis is safer than Hattiesburg (Safety Score 29/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,477 per 100,000 versus 3,687 for Hattiesburg — 33% lower. Bay Saint Louis has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Bay Saint Louis has a 46% lower rate.
Note: Hattiesburg is 4.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bay Saint Louis — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Hattiesburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bay Saint Louis, MS
Hattiesburg, MS
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bay Saint Louis | Hattiesburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,476.8 | 3,686.8 | -1,210.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 119.3 | 221.5 | -102.2 |
| Murder Rate | 9.2 | 12.4 | -3.3 |
| Rape Rate | 9.2 | 39.3 | -30.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 27.5 | 33.1 | -5.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 73.4 | 136.6 | -63.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,357.6 | 3,465.3 | -1,107.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 550.4 | 370.6 | +179.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,568.7 | 2,873.3 | -1,304.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 238.5 | 221.5 | +17.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bay Saint Louis or Hattiesburg safer?
Bay Saint Louis is safer with a total crime rate of 2,477 per 100K vs 3,687 for Hattiesburg — a 33% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bay Saint Louis has a violent crime rate of 119.3 per 100K while Hattiesburg has 221.5. Bay Saint Louis has lower violent crime.
About Bay Saint Louis, MS
Bay Saint Louis, a coastal town in Hancock County, Mississippi, retains much of its historic charm and vibrant arts scene. Situated on the Gulf of Mexico, it's a small community with a rich maritime heritage. With a safety score of 29/100 and a population coverage of 10,901, Bay Saint Louis has a total crime rate of 2,476.8 per 100,000 residents.
About Hattiesburg, MS
Hattiesburg, "The Hub City," is a South Mississippi city founded in 1882 by William H. Hardy. It is home to the University of Southern Mississippi and lies at the intersection of several major highways, serving as a regional center. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 48,307, Hattiesburg has a total crime rate of 3,686.8 per 100,000 residents.