Ask most Mississippi residents about life in the state and they’ll probably mention the friendly people, beautiful scenery, and abundance of history. But in spite of all that, there are some aspects of Mississippi that aren’t so great. From the economy to poor dietary habits, here are ten bad facts about Mississippi that you’d probably rather not know.
- Mississippi has the highest obesity rate in the nation.
Marjan Lazarevski/Flickr The state’s 2014 obesity rate was at 35.5%. One of the highest rates in the nation overall.
- In terms of completing high school, Mississippi ranks dead last.
Jeff Meyer/Flickr Overall, Mississippi has a high school completion rate of 77.3%. See the statistics on high school completion for yourself.
- In a 2014 evaluation, Mississippi students ranked last in school performance.
Howard County Library System/Flickr Mississippi Business Journal states that the state came in 51st among the rest of the states and Washington D.C. in K-12 student achievement.
- Mississippi has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country.
neetalparekh/Flickr The state had an unemployment rate of 6.5% in the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ monthly unemployment rankings for February 2016.
- In 2014, 24.2% of Mississippi residents were living below the poverty level.
Tasha/Flickr This is the highest percentage in the nation. A recent study tells us that more than a quarter of the people surveyed admitted they didn’t have money for food at some point in the previous year.
- Mississippi has the lowest life expectancy in the country.
Kate Gardiner/Flickr The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index states that residents of the Magnolia State have a life expectancy of 75.
- Mississippi has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the nation.
bradfordst219/Flickr The state ranked 49th, and while this is high, it’s important to note that this rate has declined tremendously over the years. For more information, check out the statistics.
- In 2014, the state’s economy ranked the worst in the nation.
Simon Cunningham/Flickr Business Insider, informs us that Mississippi had the lowest gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of any of the states. Additionally, the state had the second lowest GDP growth rate.
- Mississippi is home to some of the worst drivers in the nation.
Tom Wicker/Flickr A recent study by Car Insurance Comparison determined that Mississippi drivers are the tenth worst in the nation. Factors such as speeding, fatalities, and drunk driving were taken into consideration.
- Mississippi is considered one of the country’s most miserable states.
super awesome/Flickr Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index says that the state has a well-being index score of 63.7, which is a result of things such as residents being unhappy with working conditions, living below poverty level, and not having access to basic needs, such as food and healthcare. This may be one of the worst things about living in Mississippi.
Obviously, the state’s positive traits far outweigh the not-so-great ones, which is why most of us aren’t even aware of these negative statistics. Were you surprised by any of the bad facts about Mississippi on this list?
Marjan Lazarevski/Flickr
The state’s 2014 obesity rate was at 35.5%. One of the highest rates in the nation overall.
Jeff Meyer/Flickr
Overall, Mississippi has a high school completion rate of 77.3%. See the statistics on high school completion for yourself.
Howard County Library System/Flickr
Mississippi Business Journal states that the state came in 51st among the rest of the states and Washington D.C. in K-12 student achievement.
neetalparekh/Flickr
The state had an unemployment rate of 6.5% in the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ monthly unemployment rankings for February 2016.
Tasha/Flickr
This is the highest percentage in the nation. A recent study tells us that more than a quarter of the people surveyed admitted they didn’t have money for food at some point in the previous year.
Kate Gardiner/Flickr
The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index states that residents of the Magnolia State have a life expectancy of 75.
bradfordst219/Flickr
The state ranked 49th, and while this is high, it’s important to note that this rate has declined tremendously over the years. For more information, check out the statistics.
Simon Cunningham/Flickr
Business Insider, informs us that Mississippi had the lowest gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of any of the states. Additionally, the state had the second lowest GDP growth rate.
Tom Wicker/Flickr
A recent study by Car Insurance Comparison determined that Mississippi drivers are the tenth worst in the nation. Factors such as speeding, fatalities, and drunk driving were taken into consideration.
super awesome/Flickr
Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index says that the state has a well-being index score of 63.7, which is a result of things such as residents being unhappy with working conditions, living below poverty level, and not having access to basic needs, such as food and healthcare. This may be one of the worst things about living in Mississippi.
If you need a bit of a pick me up after hearing these bad things about Mississippi, we recommend taking a look at these hilarious Mississippi memes, and send them to a friend so you can both share in the laughs!
And don’t forget, Mississippi is also pretty splendid, if you need a reminder, get on the road for our natural wonders of Mississippi road trip. The trip is about 11 hours worth of driving so it is best to do it over a long weekend as the seven stops along the way will definitely keep your jaw dropped for a good while.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Living in Mississippi December 30, 2022 Sara Dager What are the best things about living in Mississippi? While this article may have felt bleak, there are lots of amazing things about this state, some of the best things about living in Mississippi include:
Great schools Lack of traffic Kindly neighbors A lively music scene Mississippi’s natural wonders
Are there any interesting habits that Mississippians have? When you arrive in Mississippi, some of the customs of the locals may look a bit strange, but these are just some of the unique habits that Mississippians have! Such as:
Giving directions in time rather than miles Calling all sodas coke Being skilled in backhanded compliments Committing to one brand of mayonnaise and refusing to stray
Is there any fun Mississippi slang so I can sound like a local? If you want to sound like you were born in Mississippi, you best learn the language! Luckily it is not too difficult, there is a lot of fun Mississippi slang that is unique to the state and will make you fit right in try saying:
“Cut on/off the lights” instead of turn “Tote-sum” instead of convenience store “How’s your ma n ’em?” to check on someone’s family “I’m being treated like a red-headed stepchild!” when you’re feeling underappreciated
The OIYS Visitor Center
Living in Mississippi
December 30, 2022
Sara Dager
What are the best things about living in Mississippi? While this article may have felt bleak, there are lots of amazing things about this state, some of the best things about living in Mississippi include:
Great schools Lack of traffic Kindly neighbors A lively music scene Mississippi’s natural wonders
Are there any interesting habits that Mississippians have? When you arrive in Mississippi, some of the customs of the locals may look a bit strange, but these are just some of the unique habits that Mississippians have! Such as:
Giving directions in time rather than miles Calling all sodas coke Being skilled in backhanded compliments Committing to one brand of mayonnaise and refusing to stray
Is there any fun Mississippi slang so I can sound like a local? If you want to sound like you were born in Mississippi, you best learn the language! Luckily it is not too difficult, there is a lot of fun Mississippi slang that is unique to the state and will make you fit right in try saying:
“Cut on/off the lights” instead of turn “Tote-sum” instead of convenience store “How’s your ma n ’em?” to check on someone’s family “I’m being treated like a red-headed stepchild!” when you’re feeling underappreciated
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
While this article may have felt bleak, there are lots of amazing things about this state, some of the best things about living in Mississippi include:
- Great schools
- Lack of traffic
- Kindly neighbors
- A lively music scene
- Mississippi’s natural wonders
Are there any interesting habits that Mississippians have?
When you arrive in Mississippi, some of the customs of the locals may look a bit strange, but these are just some of the unique habits that Mississippians have! Such as:
- Giving directions in time rather than miles
- Calling all sodas coke
- Being skilled in backhanded compliments
- Committing to one brand of mayonnaise and refusing to stray
Is there any fun Mississippi slang so I can sound like a local?
If you want to sound like you were born in Mississippi, you best learn the language! Luckily it is not too difficult, there is a lot of fun Mississippi slang that is unique to the state and will make you fit right in try saying:
- “Cut on/off the lights” instead of turn
- “Tote-sum” instead of convenience store
- “How’s your ma n ’em?” to check on someone’s family
- “I’m being treated like a red-headed stepchild!” when you’re feeling underappreciated
