Is Hattiesburg or Picayune Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Picayune is safer than Hattiesburg (Safety Score 21/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,884 per 100,000 versus 3,687 for Hattiesburg — 22% lower. Hattiesburg has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Picayune has a 75% lower rate.
Note: Hattiesburg is 4.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Hattiesburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Picayune — 3-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Hattiesburg, MS
Picayune, MS
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Hattiesburg | Picayune | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,686.8 | 2,883.6 | +803.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 221.5 | 185.5 | +36.0 |
| Murder Rate | 12.4 | 16.9 | -4.4 |
| Rape Rate | 39.3 | 33.7 | +5.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 33.1 | 8.4 | +24.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 136.6 | 126.5 | +10.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,465.3 | 2,698.2 | +767.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 370.6 | 278.3 | +92.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,873.3 | 2,141.7 | +731.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 221.5 | 278.3 | -56.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hattiesburg or Picayune safer?
Picayune is safer with a total crime rate of 2,884 per 100K vs 3,687 for Hattiesburg — a 22% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Hattiesburg has a violent crime rate of 221.5 per 100K while Picayune has 185.5. Picayune has lower violent crime.
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.
About Picayune, MS
Picayune, Mississippi, known for its annual "Blues in the Night" festival, sits near the Pearl River in southern Mississippi. This city, primarily serving as a bedroom community for New Orleans, is home to a diverse population. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 11,860, Picayune has a total crime rate of 2,883.6 per 100,000 residents.