How Mississippi compares
Ranked against the other 49 states on the figures we hold. Rates that combine state and local components — sales tax, the minimum wage where it varies by region — are shown on this page but not ranked, because a single number would misstate them.
| Figure | MS | Nationally | In its region |
|---|---|---|---|
| PopulationUS Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 estimates, July 1, 2025 | 2,954,160 | 35th highest of 50 | 11 of 12 |
| GDP ($bn)Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2025 | 165.1 | 36th highest of 50 | 11 of 12 |
| Median household incomeUS Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year, 2024 | $59,127 | 50th highest of 50 | 12 of 12 |
| Unemployment rateBureau of Labor Statistics, LAUS (seasonally adjusted, preliminary), September 2026 | 3.3% | tied 11th lowest of 50 | 1 of 12 |
| Foreign-born shareUS Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year, 2024 | 2.7% | 48th highest of 50 | 11 of 12 |
| Property tax ratechecked Nov 2026; confirm with the Mississippi legislature | 0.75% | tied 16th lowest of 50 | 7 of 12 |
| Deposit return window (days)checked Nov 2026; confirm with the Mississippi legislature | 45 | tied 44th lowest of 50 | 9 of 12 |
| Eviction notice (days)checked Nov 2026; confirm with the Mississippi legislature | 3 | tied 31st highest of 50 | 9 of 12 |
- State income tax: yes41 of 50 states answer the same way
- At-will employment: yesthe same in all 50 states — it does not set Mississippi apart
- Paid sick leave required: no30 of 50 states answer the same way
- Paid family leave: no38 of 50 states answer the same way
- Workers' comp required: yes49 of 50 states answer the same way
- Rent control permitted: no46 of 50 states answer the same way
- Annual report required: yes43 of 50 states answer the same way
Statistical figures: US Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025) · US Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (2024) · Bureau of Economic Analysis (2025) · Bureau of Labor Statistics, LAUS (seasonally adjusted, preliminary) (September 2026) · SBA Office of Advocacy, 2025 Small Business Profiles (2025). Tax, wage, business and tenancy figures are recorded from state sources and were last checked on 2026-11-05 — confirm anything you are about to act on with the Mississippi legislature.
What's changing in Mississippi
Enacted changes with a fixed effective date. Contracts, payroll and leases signed now may run past these dates.
Took effect in the last 12 months
- January 1, 2026
Checked against official sources on 2026-11-05.
How long you have in Mississippi
The periods that decide whether something is on time. Days are calendar days unless the underlying rule says otherwise.
- Return a security deposit within
- 45 days
- Eviction notice before filing
- 3 days
- LLC formation processed in
- 5–7 days
- Annual report due
- April 15
- Overtime starts after
- 40 hrs/week
AI Legal Insights — Mississippi
AI-generated · Updated July 2026
Mississippi operates under a common law system with a judiciary structured around<pad> Circuit, Chancery, and Justice courts. The state is known for its specific Chancery Court system, which handles matters of equity, domestic relations, and probate, distinct from general jurisdiction courts.
Mississippi offers a competitive tax environment, including a declining flat income tax and low LLC formation fees, making it attractive for small businesses. While the state benefits from a low-cost labor market, businesses must navigate a regulatory landscape<pad><pad> focused on agriculture, manufacturing, and maritime industries.
The immigrant population in Mississippi is relatively small at 2.7%, with much of the community concentrated in agricultural and service sectors. There are no state-level sanctuary policies, and immigration enforcement is primarily handled through federal agencies like USCIS.
- ›Ensure all real estate contracts comply with the Mississippi Statute of Frauds, requiring written documentation for land transfers.
- ›Be mindful of Mississippi's specific<pad> rules regarding 'unconscionability' in consumer contracts which can void agreements.
- ›Include a clear choice-of-law clause specifying Mississippi law to avoid jurisdictional uncertainty in local disputes.
AI-generated insights · Verify with a licensed attorney before relying on this information.
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Employment Laws
Mississippi labor regulations
Mississippi is an at-will, right-to-work state with no state minimum wage law, so the federal floor of $7.25/hr applies. There are no state mandates for paid sick leave or paid family leave. Workers' compensation is mandatory for employers with five or more employees, and all employers must use E-Verify for new hires. The state income tax rate fell to a flat 4% in 2026 and is scheduled to keep phasing down.
| Law | MS Rule | Federal Floor |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wage | $7.25/hr (federal rate applies; no state minimum wage law) | $7.25/hr |
| Overtime | No state overtime law; FLSA overtime after 40 hrs/week at 1.5× rate applies | FLSA: after 40 hrs/week |
| Paid Sick Leave | No state mandate | None (federal) |
| Paid Family Leave | No state program | FMLA: 12 weeks unpaid |
| Workers Comp | Mandatory for employers with 5+ employees | Federal employees: yes |
| At-Will Employment | Yes; right-to-work state | Default nationwide |
| Final Paycheck | No state final-pay statute; final wages are generally paid on the next regular payday | No federal deadline |
| Meal Breaks | No state meal or rest break requirement | No federal requirement |
| E-Verify | All employers must verify new hires through E-Verify | Voluntary for most private employers |
- Mississippi has few state employment discrimination laws covering private employers, so federal laws (Title VII, ADA, ADEA) are the main protection for private-sector employees.
- Mississippi is a right-to-work state — employees cannot be required to join or financially support a union as a condition of employment.
- The workers' compensation threshold is 5 or more employees; smaller businesses may buy coverage voluntarily.
- Mississippi does not have a state WARN Act — only the federal WARN Act applies to mass layoffs and plant closings.
- The Mississippi Employment Protection Act prohibits knowingly hiring unauthorized workers and requires all employers to use E-Verify for new hires.
- Non-compete agreements can be enforced in Mississippi if they are reasonable in duration, geographic scope, and the interests they protect; courts review them case by case.
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor state minimum wage table · state labor agencies (checked Nov 2026)
Landlord-Tenant Laws
Mississippi rental regulations
Mississippi landlord-tenant law provides basic protections but is less tenant-protective than many states. There is no statutory cap on security deposits, and deposits must be returned within 45 days of the end of the tenancy. Mississippi has no rent control. Eviction for non-payment requires only a 3-day notice to pay or vacate — one of the shortest periods in the country.
| Topic | MS Rule |
|---|---|
| Security Deposit | No statutory cap on the amount |
| Deposit Return | Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, with a written itemization of any deductions |
| Rent Control | No rent control anywhere in the state |
| Eviction Notice (Non-Payment) | 3-day notice to pay rent or vacate before filing for eviction in court |
| Eviction Notice (Lease Violation) | 30-day written notice for a material lease violation; the lease ends unless the tenant fixes the problem within 14 days |
| Ending a Periodic Tenancy | 30 days' written notice for a month-to-month tenancy; 7 days for week-to-week |
| Habitability | Landlord must comply with applicable building and housing codes and keep the premises in reasonably safe and fit condition |
| Retaliation Protection | Limited; tenants may raise retaliation as a defense in some eviction cases |
| Late Fees | Allowed if set out in the lease; no statutory cap |
| Entry Notice | No specific statutory notice period; reasonable notice is expected and lease terms usually control |
Both landlords and tenants have enforceable rights under Mississippi law. Document all communications and keep copies of your lease agreement. Use AI review to spot risky clauses before signing.
Starting a Business
Mississippi LLC formation guide
Mississippi has one of the lowest LLC costs in the nation: $50 to file a Certificate of Formation and a free annual report due April 15. The state recruits manufacturing and automotive investment with incentive packages, and its low cost of doing business and Gulf Coast port access make it attractive for distribution and manufacturing. The state income tax rate is a flat 4% for 2026 on income over $10,000.
Step-by-step LLC formation
- 1Choose a business name — must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company"; check availability with the Mississippi Secretary of State
- 2Designate a registered agent with a physical Mississippi street address (no P.O. boxes)
- 3File a Certificate of Formation with the Mississippi Secretary of State online
- 4Pay the $50 LLC formation fee
- 5Get an EIN from the IRS — free at irs.gov
- 6Register with the Mississippi Department of Revenue for sales tax (7% state rate), employer withholding, and other applicable taxes
- 7If you hire, enroll in E-Verify and register for state unemployment insurance with the Mississippi Department of Employment Security
- 8File the annual report with the Secretary of State by April 15 each year — there is no fee
- 9Open a business bank account using your EIN and filed Certificate of Formation
- 10Check local business licenses and permits with your city or county
Every LLC also needs a free EIN from the IRS (Form SS-4). Apply online at irs.gov — takes about 15 minutes and is required to open a business bank account.
Popular IRS Forms
Most-filed federal forms for Mississippi taxpayers
Fill these out online with plain-English guidance — every field explained, no accountant required. Download as a ready-to-file PDF when done.
The main annual federal income tax return every taxpayer files.
Fill out free →Give your SSN or EIN to a client before getting paid as a contractor.
Fill out free →Report $600+ paid to independent contractors during the year.
Fill out free →Tell your employer how much federal tax to withhold from pay.
Fill out free →Report income and expenses from a sole proprietorship or LLC.
Fill out free →Report payroll taxes withheld from employees each quarter.
Fill out free →Get an automatic 6-month extension to file your 1040.
Fill out free →The year-end wage statement employers issue to each employee.
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Federal Offices
United States government offices in Mississippi
Walk-in assistance by appointment only. Call (844) 545-5640 to schedule, or book online at irs.gov.
Immigration appointments via my.uscis.gov or call (800) 375-5283.
Free Legal Aid
Mississippi legal assistance organizations
These organizations provide free or reduced-cost civil legal services to qualifying Mississippi residents.
Free civil legal help for south Mississippi
Legal aid for north Mississippi
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