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, 2023 | 2,940,057 | 35th highest of 50 | 11 of 12 |
| GDP ($bn)Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2023 | 118 | 36th highest of 50 | 11 of 12 |
| Median household incomeUS Census Bureau, 2023 | $48,716 | 50th highest of 50 | 12 of 12 |
| Unemployment rateBureau of Labor Statistics, 2025 | 3.7% | 31st lowest of 50 | 9 of 12 |
| Foreign-born shareUS Census Bureau, 2023 | 2.7% | 48th highest of 50 | 11 of 12 |
| Property tax rateconfirm with the Mississippi legislature | 0.75% | tied 16th lowest of 50 | 7 of 12 |
| Deposit return window (days)confirm with the Mississippi legislature | 45 | tied 44th lowest of 50 | 9 of 12 |
| Eviction notice (days)confirm with the Mississippi legislature | 3 | tied 29th 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: no37 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: yes46 of 50 states answer the same way
Statistical figures: US Census Bureau (2023) · Bureau of Economic Analysis (2023) · Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025) · Small Business Administration (2023). Tax, wage, business and tenancy figures are recorded from state sources without a per-figure date — confirm anything you are about to act on with the Mississippi legislature.
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
- 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 employment state with a minimum wage matching the federal floor of $7.25/hr. Mississippi has no state mandates for paid sick leave or paid family leave, making it one of the most employer-flexible states in the southeast. It is a right-to-work state. Workers' compensation is mandatory for employers with five or more employees. Mississippi has been reducing its income tax and is on a path to eliminate it.
| Law | MS Rule | Federal Floor |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wage | $7.25/hr (mirrors federal; no state law) | $7.25/hr |
| Overtime | After 40 hrs/week at 1.5× rate | 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 | Regular payday following the next pay period after termination | Next regular payday |
| Meal Breaks | No state requirement for adults; minors under 16 must have a 30-min break after 5 hrs | No federal requirement |
- Mississippi has no state anti-discrimination law with a private right of action — federal laws (Title VII, ADA, ADEA) are the primary 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.
- Workers' compensation threshold is 5+ employees (lower than most states at 1+ employee). Businesses with fewer than 5 may opt in voluntarily.
- Mississippi does not have a state WARN Act — only the federal WARN Act (100+ employees) applies.
- Mississippi Employment Protection Act prohibits employers from knowingly hiring unauthorized workers and requires use of E-Verify for new hires.
- Non-compete agreements are generally enforceable in Mississippi if reasonable in time (typically 2 years or less) and geographic scope.
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor · NCSL 2025 · State labor agency
Landlord-Tenant Laws
Mississippi rental regulations
Mississippi landlord-tenant law provides basic protections but is less comprehensive than many states. There is no statutory cap on security deposits, and they must be returned within 45 days of move-out. Mississippi has no statewide rent control. Eviction for non-payment requires only a 3-day notice — one of the shortest in the country. The state follows general common law principles for habitability.
| Topic | MS Rule |
|---|---|
| Security Deposit | No statutory cap; must be returned within 45 days of termination with itemized deductions |
| Deposit Return | Within 45 days of lease termination; written itemization required for any deductions withheld |
| Rent Control | No statewide rent control; municipalities lack authority to impose it |
| Eviction Notice (Non-Payment) | 3-day notice to pay rent or vacate before filing for eviction in justice court |
| Habitability | Implied warranty of habitability; landlord must maintain premises in fit and habitable condition |
| Retaliation Protection | Limited statutory protection; tenants may assert retaliatory eviction as a defense in eviction proceedings |
| Late Fee | Permitted if specified in the lease; no statutory cap |
| Entry Notice | Reasonable notice required; no specific statutory minimum period |
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 formation costs in the nation at $50, with a $25 annual report. The state actively recruits manufacturing and automotive investment with aggressive incentive packages. Mississippi's low cost of living and doing business, combined with port access at Gulfport and a strategic location for Gulf Coast trade, make it attractive for distribution and manufacturing.
Step-by-step LLC formation
- 1Choose a business name — must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company"; check availability at sos.ms.gov
- 2File a Certificate of Formation with the Mississippi Secretary of State online at sos.ms.gov/business-services
- 3Pay the $50 LLC formation fee (one of the lowest in the US)
- 4Designate a registered agent — must have a physical Mississippi street address (no P.O. boxes)
- 5Get an EIN from the IRS — free at irs.gov; required for banking, hiring, and state tax registration
- 6Register for Mississippi taxes through the Mississippi Department of Revenue at dor.ms.gov — includes sales tax (7%), employer withholding, and corporate income tax
- 7File the annual report each year — $25 fee at sos.ms.gov
- 8Open a business bank account using your EIN and filed Certificate of Formation
- 9Investigate Mississippi's Advantage Jobs incentive, tax increment financing, and other programs through the Mississippi Development Authority at mississippi.org
- 10Check local business licenses and permits with your municipality 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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