Mississippi (MS)

Known as the "Magnolia State," Mississippi is a land of rich history, blues music, and Southern hospitality. From the banks of the mighty Mississippi River to the Gulf Coast’s sandy shores, the state offers a blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and mouthwatering cuisine.

• Population: ~3 million
• Weather: Hot, humid summers (80-95°F); mild winters (40-60°F).
• Famous Sites: Vicksburg National Military Park, Natchez Trace Parkway, Elvis Presley Birthplace, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Mississippi Blues Trail.
• Top Activities: Exploring Civil War history, visiting music heritage sites, enjoying Southern comfort food, fishing on the Gulf Coast, attending jazz and blues festivals.

Mississippi’s job market is growing, with promising opportunities in healthcare, engineering, technology, and education. These industries provide stable careers with strong salaries. Here are the top five in-demand jobs in Mississippi based on earnings and job availability. Click on the job titles to see more details from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Mississippi is known for historic towns and pleasant cities with welcoming college communities. The state's largest cities boast vibrant higher education institutions, attracting students from various regions. The table below shows information about the ten largest cities in Mississippi, their approximate populations, and the number of college students enrolled there.

Mississippi is home to some of the best public and private universities, offering diverse programs in engineering, healthcare, business, and more.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Mississippi

• University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) – The state's flagship university, known for strong programs in law, business, and healthcare.
• Mississippi State University (MSU) – A prominent research university with strong engineering, agriculture, and business programs.
• University of Southern Mississippi (USM) – Offers excellent programs in education, business, and the sciences.
• Jackson State University (JSU) – A historically Black university (HBCU) with strong STEM and business programs.
• Mississippi University for Women (MUW) – A coeducational institution known for healthcare, education, and liberal arts programs.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Mississippi

• Millsaps College – A highly ranked liberal arts college with strong pre-med, business, and humanities programs.
• William Carey University – Known for strong programs in healthcare, education, and business.
• Belhaven University – Offers a solid liberal arts education with notable fine arts and business programs.
• Rust College – A historic HBCU providing quality education in the liberal arts and sciences.
• Blue Mountain Christian University – A faith-based university with a strong focus on education and business.

Mississippi offers a variety of top-rated public and private high schools, known for their academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and commitment to preparing students for college and careers. These schools provide strong educational programs and resources to help students succeed.

Top Public High Schools in Mississippi

• Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, Columbus – A prestigious public high school that offers an advanced curriculum focused on STEM fields.
• Lewisburg High School, Olive Branch – Known for strong academic programs, high test scores, and supportive faculty.
• Ocean Springs High School, Ocean Springs – Provides rigorous coursework, AP classes, and excellent extracurricular opportunities.
• Oxford High School, Oxford – Offers a well-rounded education with high academic standards and strong athletic programs.
• DeSoto Central High School, Southaven – Recognized for academic achievement, arts programs, and college readiness.

Top Private High Schools in Mississippi

• Jackson Preparatory School, Jackson – A top-ranked private school known for academic excellence and college preparation.
• St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, Ridgeland – Offers a challenging academic environment with a focus on leadership and service.
• Madison-Ridgeland Academy, Madison – Provides a strong academic foundation combined with arts and athletics.
• Presbyterian Christian School, Hattiesburg – A well-respected private school that balances academics, faith, and extracurricular activities.
• St. Joseph Catholic School, Madison – Known for its rigorous college preparatory program and emphasis on moral development.

Mississippi does not have any major league professional sports teams (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL). However, the state has a deep passion for sports, especially college football and baseball. The Ole Miss Rebels (University of Mississippi) and Mississippi State Bulldogs (Mississippi State University) have some of the most dedicated fan bases, making college sports feel just as intense as the pros.

Though Mississippi lacks major league teams, the state is home to several minor league and semi-pro teams across different sports, giving fans plenty of options to enjoy live games.

Minor League & Semi-Pro Teams in Mississippi

Baseball 🏟️

• Mississippi Braves (Double-A – Atlanta Braves affiliate) – Based in Pearl, this team develops future MLB talents for the Braves.
• Biloxi Shuckers (Double-A – Milwaukee Brewers affiliate) – A competitive minor league team with a beautiful stadium on the Gulf Coast.

Soccer ⚽

• Mississippi Brilla FC (USL League Two – Pre-professional soccer) – A team that has built a strong reputation in the development league.

Hockey 🏒

• Mississippi Sea Wolves (FPHL – Federal Prospects Hockey League) – A minor league hockey team continuing the sport’s tradition in the state.

Basketball 🏀

• Mississippi Hawks (TBL – The Basketball League) – A professional basketball team competing in a growing league.

While Mississippi may not have major league teams, its strong sports culture ensures that fans always have exciting teams to support throughout the year.

1. Birthplace of Blues Music 🎶 – Mississippi is known as the “Birthplace of the Blues,” with legendary musicians like B.B. King and Muddy Waters hailing from the state.
2. Home to the Mighty Mississippi River 🌊 – The state is named after the Mississippi River, which is one of the longest and most famous rivers in the world.
3. First Bottle of Coca-Cola Sold Here 🥤 – In 1894, Coca-Cola was bottled for the first time in Vicksburg, Mississippi, making history in the soda industry.
4. World’s Largest Shrimp Festival 🍤 – Every year, Mississippi hosts the Biloxi Seafood Festival, celebrating fresh seafood and local culture.
5. Birthplace of Elvis Presley 🎤 – The "King of Rock and Roll" was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, and his childhood home is now a museum.
6. Home to America’s Catfish Capital 🐟 – Belzoni, Mississippi, is known as the Catfish Capital of the World, with the state producing the most farm-raised catfish in the U.S.
7. The First Heart Transplant Patient Survived Here ❤️ – Mississippi’s University Medical Center conducted the first lung transplant and the first human heart transplant with a long-term survivor.
8. Turkey Creek is Older Than Mississippi 🦃 – The Turkey Creek community was settled by freed African Americans in 1866, even before Mississippi rejoined the Union.
9. Home to the Largest Unbroken Stretch of Longleaf Pine Forest 🌲 – The De Soto National Forest preserves a massive longleaf pine ecosystem, providing a haven for wildlife and nature lovers.
10. Mississippi Invented the Teddy Bear 🧸 – In 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot a captured bear in Mississippi, inspiring the creation of the famous Teddy Bear toy.