West Hattiesburg, MS Eviction Risk Score Forrest County · Mississippi · Population 6,715

West Hattiesburg, MS has an eviction risk score of 1.3 out of 10, placing it in the very low-risk tier for landlords operating in Forrest County and the state of Mississippi. The score combines local political climate, court disposition patterns, cost-of-eviction estimates, tenant organizing strength, and the likelihood of new tenant-protective legislation in the next legislative cycle.

Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates show median gross rent as a percentage of household income is 36.6% — a core driver of eviction filings, because households above 30% of income on rent are statistically more likely to miss a payment after any income shock. Median gross rent in West Hattiesburg is $978/month. About 57.7% of occupied units here are renter-occupied.

Economic stress: poverty rate 37.2%, unemployment 12.1%. Higher values correlate with higher eviction filing rates and longer court timelines.

Political climate: In 2020, Forrest County voted Republican by 11.1 points — classified as moderately landlord-leaning for purposes of rent-control or just-cause expansion risk.

What this score means for landlords

At 1.3/10, West Hattiesburg is a lower-risk environment. Standard screening, documented notices, and prompt action on non-payment typically resolve quickly. Still follow your state's specific notice and service requirements.

Nearby Cities — Eviction Risk Comparison

Landlord Guides & Research Tools

Deepen your market research with these ACS-data guides. The metrics powering this score feed directly into each ranking.

• Rent Control Cities 2026 — Full National List & Map
• Best Cities for Landlords 2026 — see where West Hattiesburg ranks nationally
• Most Rent-Burdened Cities in America — ACS 2023 leaderboard
• Mississippi Eviction Risk Overview — all counties & cities in Mississippi
• Forrest County — compare every city in the county