Mississippi’s 50
Top Cities for Fit Lifestyles

2020

Extensive plains, rolling hills, and broad rivers make up the Mississippi landscape that encourages staying fit and active. A smaller amount of gym facilities means that fitness enthusiasts utilize the plethora of natural landscapes to run, swim, bike, and kayak to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Agritourism is a significant feature of Mississippi’s industry, bringing to life a growing connection to nutrition and wellness. 

Interesting things to know about Mississippi: 

  • The University of Mississippi is the only federally-funded research center investigating cannabis’s medical effects. 
  • Mississippi is home to the longest man-made beach in the world, stretching along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. 
  • 63% of Mississippi is covered in forests, perfect for hiking through nature. 
14 %

The percentage of adults who report excessive drinking. Heavy drinking is linked to higher blood pressure, poorer liver function, increased stroke risk and larger waistlines.

31 %

The percentage of adults who report lack of physical activity.

37 %

The percentage of adults who report a BMI — or body mass index — above 30%. Higher BMI may be an indicator of greater risk to physical health.

Mississippi

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1
Greenville, Mississippi
Greenville
Fit Score: 83.33

Greenville, MS

Population 29,898
Exercise Opportunities 800
Physical Inactivity 350
Access to Healthy Food 190
Obesity 430
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.54
Smoking 210
Frequent Physical Distress 16
Poor Physical Health Days 4.8
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 100
Frequent Mental Distress 15

2
Madison, Mississippi
Madison
Fit Score: 82.9

Madison, MS

Population 25,676
Exercise Opportunities 800
Physical Inactivity 240
Access to Healthy Food 50
Obesity 310
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.75
Smoking 150
Frequent Physical Distress 10
Poor Physical Health Days 3.4
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 150
Frequent Mental Distress 11

3
West Point, Mississippi
West Point
Fit Score: 82.55

West Point, MS

Population 10,520
Exercise Opportunities 670
Physical Inactivity 310
Access to Healthy Food 150
Obesity 370
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.64
Smoking 200
Frequent Physical Distress 14
Poor Physical Health Days 4.4
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 110
Frequent Mental Distress 14

4
Clarksdale, Mississippi
Clarksdale
Fit Score: 81.99

Clarksdale, MS

Population 15,304
Exercise Opportunities 720
Physical Inactivity 320
Access to Healthy Food 160
Obesity 420
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.57
Smoking 230
Frequent Physical Distress 16
Poor Physical Health Days 4.8
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 100
Frequent Mental Distress 16

5
Byram, Mississippi
Byram
Fit Score: 81.83

Byram, MS

Population 11,655
Exercise Opportunities 700
Physical Inactivity 320
Access to Healthy Food 120
Obesity 390
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.75
Smoking 190
Frequent Physical Distress 13
Poor Physical Health Days 4.1
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 120
Frequent Mental Distress 14

6
Grenada, Mississippi
Grenada
Fit Score: 81.78

Grenada, MS

Population 12,466
Exercise Opportunities 650
Physical Inactivity 340
Access to Healthy Food 80
Obesity 370
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.33
Smoking 190
Frequent Physical Distress 13
Poor Physical Health Days 4.1
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 120
Frequent Mental Distress 13

7
Clinton, Mississippi
Clinton
Fit Score: 81.6

Clinton, MS

Population 25,179
Exercise Opportunities 700
Physical Inactivity 320
Access to Healthy Food 120
Obesity 390
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.75
Smoking 190
Frequent Physical Distress 13
Poor Physical Health Days 4.1
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 120
Frequent Mental Distress 14

8
McComb, Mississippi
McComb
Fit Score: 81.34

McComb, MS

Population 13,045
Exercise Opportunities 540
Physical Inactivity 340
Access to Healthy Food 90
Obesity 350
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.22
Smoking 220
Frequent Physical Distress 15
Poor Physical Health Days 4.6
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 110
Frequent Mental Distress 15

9
Ridgeland, Mississippi
Ridgeland
Fit Score: 81.1

Ridgeland, MS

Population 24,188
Exercise Opportunities 800
Physical Inactivity 240
Access to Healthy Food 50
Obesity 310
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.75
Smoking 150
Frequent Physical Distress 10
Poor Physical Health Days 3.4
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 150
Frequent Mental Distress 11

10
Columbus, Mississippi
Columbus
Fit Score: 81.03

Columbus, MS

Population 23,853
Exercise Opportunities 670
Physical Inactivity 290
Access to Healthy Food 70
Obesity 370
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.71
Smoking 210
Frequent Physical Distress 12
Poor Physical Health Days 3.9
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 130
Frequent Mental Distress 13

11
Meridian, Mississippi
Meridian
Fit Score: 81.02

Meridian, MS

Population 37,325
Exercise Opportunities 600
Physical Inactivity 330
Access to Healthy Food 110
Obesity 360
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.64
Smoking 210
Frequent Physical Distress 13
Poor Physical Health Days 4.2
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 120
Frequent Mental Distress 13

12
Greenwood, Mississippi
Greenwood
Fit Score: 80.95

Greenwood, MS

Population 13,790
Exercise Opportunities 690
Physical Inactivity 330
Access to Healthy Food 310
Obesity 420
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.57
Smoking 220
Frequent Physical Distress 17
Poor Physical Health Days 5
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 100
Frequent Mental Distress 16

13
Canton, Mississippi
Canton
Fit Score: 80.77

Canton, MS

Population 12,232
Exercise Opportunities 800
Physical Inactivity 240
Access to Healthy Food 50
Obesity 310
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.75
Smoking 150
Frequent Physical Distress 10
Poor Physical Health Days 3.4
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 150
Frequent Mental Distress 11

14
Jackson, Mississippi
Jackson
Fit Score: 80.76

Jackson, MS

Population 164,422
Exercise Opportunities 700
Physical Inactivity 320
Access to Healthy Food 120
Obesity 390
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.75
Smoking 190
Frequent Physical Distress 13
Poor Physical Health Days 4.1
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 120
Frequent Mental Distress 14

15
Gulf Park Estates, Mississippi
Gulf Park E.
Fit Score: 80.59

Gulf Park Estates, MS

Population 6,461
Exercise Opportunities 770
Physical Inactivity 270
Access to Healthy Food 110
Obesity 330
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.54
Smoking 190
Frequent Physical Distress 12
Poor Physical Health Days 3.8
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 150
Frequent Mental Distress 12

16
Petal, Mississippi
Petal
Fit Score: 80.56

Petal, MS

Population 10,674
Exercise Opportunities 880
Physical Inactivity 280
Access to Healthy Food 70
Obesity 350
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.57
Smoking 190
Frequent Physical Distress 13
Poor Physical Health Days 4
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 150
Frequent Mental Distress 13

17
Vicksburg, Mississippi
Vicksburg
Fit Score: 80.23

Vicksburg, MS

Population 22,136
Exercise Opportunities 640
Physical Inactivity 320
Access to Healthy Food 110
Obesity 390
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.43
Smoking 200
Frequent Physical Distress 13
Poor Physical Health Days 4.2
Drinking Water Violations Yes
Excessive Drinking 120
Frequent Mental Distress 13

18
Gulf Hills, Mississippi
Gulf Hills
Fit Score: 80

Gulf Hills, MS

Population 8,249
Exercise Opportunities 770
Physical Inactivity 270
Access to Healthy Food 110
Obesity 330
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.54
Smoking 190
Frequent Physical Distress 12
Poor Physical Health Days 3.8
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 150
Frequent Mental Distress 12

19
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Ocean Sprin.
Fit Score: 79.91

Ocean Springs, MS

Population 17,809
Exercise Opportunities 770
Physical Inactivity 270
Access to Healthy Food 110
Obesity 330
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.54
Smoking 190
Frequent Physical Distress 12
Poor Physical Health Days 3.8
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 150
Frequent Mental Distress 12

20
Latimer, Mississippi
Latimer
Fit Score: 79.89

Latimer, MS

Population 7,209
Exercise Opportunities 770
Physical Inactivity 270
Access to Healthy Food 110
Obesity 330
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.54
Smoking 190
Frequent Physical Distress 12
Poor Physical Health Days 3.8
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 150
Frequent Mental Distress 12

21
Gautier, Mississippi
Gautier
Fit Score: 79.68

Gautier, MS

Population 18,566
Exercise Opportunities 770
Physical Inactivity 270
Access to Healthy Food 110
Obesity 330
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.54
Smoking 190
Frequent Physical Distress 12
Poor Physical Health Days 3.8
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 150
Frequent Mental Distress 12

22
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Hattiesburg
Fit Score: 79.65

Hattiesburg, MS

Population 45,951
Exercise Opportunities 880
Physical Inactivity 280
Access to Healthy Food 70
Obesity 350
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.57
Smoking 190
Frequent Physical Distress 13
Poor Physical Health Days 4
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 150
Frequent Mental Distress 13

23
St. Martin, Mississippi
St. Martin
Fit Score: 79.46

St. Martin, MS

Population 8,242
Exercise Opportunities 770
Physical Inactivity 270
Access to Healthy Food 110
Obesity 330
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.54
Smoking 190
Frequent Physical Distress 12
Poor Physical Health Days 3.8
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 150
Frequent Mental Distress 12

24
Natchez, Mississippi
Natchez
Fit Score: 79.35

Natchez, MS

Population 15,009
Exercise Opportunities 690
Physical Inactivity 310
Access to Healthy Food 130
Obesity 380
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.15
Smoking 230
Frequent Physical Distress 14
Poor Physical Health Days 4.3
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 130
Frequent Mental Distress 14

25
Long Beach, Mississippi
Long Beach
Fit Score: 79.32

Long Beach, MS

Population 15,824
Exercise Opportunities 690
Physical Inactivity 300
Access to Healthy Food 160
Obesity 340
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.43
Smoking 210
Frequent Physical Distress 13
Poor Physical Health Days 4.1
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 140
Frequent Mental Distress 13

26
Moss Point, Mississippi
Moss Point
Fit Score: 79.3

Moss Point, MS

Population 13,378
Exercise Opportunities 770
Physical Inactivity 270
Access to Healthy Food 110
Obesity 330
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.54
Smoking 190
Frequent Physical Distress 12
Poor Physical Health Days 3.8
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 150
Frequent Mental Distress 12

27
Pass Christian, Mississippi
Pass Christ.
Fit Score: 79.27

Pass Christian, MS

Population 6,075
Exercise Opportunities 690
Physical Inactivity 300
Access to Healthy Food 160
Obesity 340
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.43
Smoking 210
Frequent Physical Distress 13
Poor Physical Health Days 4.1
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 140
Frequent Mental Distress 13

28
Pascagoula, Mississippi
Pascagoula
Fit Score: 79.26

Pascagoula, MS

Population 21,685
Exercise Opportunities 770
Physical Inactivity 270
Access to Healthy Food 110
Obesity 330
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.54
Smoking 190
Frequent Physical Distress 12
Poor Physical Health Days 3.8
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 150
Frequent Mental Distress 12

29
Brookhaven, Mississippi
Brookhaven
Fit Score: 79.12

Brookhaven, MS

Population 12,089
Exercise Opportunities 480
Physical Inactivity 350
Access to Healthy Food 120
Obesity 400
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.33
Smoking 210
Frequent Physical Distress 13
Poor Physical Health Days 4.3
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 120
Frequent Mental Distress 14

30
D'Iberville, Mississippi
D'Iberville
Fit Score: 79.03

D'Iberville, MS

Population 13,831
Exercise Opportunities 690
Physical Inactivity 300
Access to Healthy Food 160
Obesity 340
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.43
Smoking 210
Frequent Physical Distress 13
Poor Physical Health Days 4.1
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 140
Frequent Mental Distress 13

31
Biloxi, Mississippi
Biloxi
Fit Score: 78.99

Biloxi, MS

Population 45,968
Exercise Opportunities 690
Physical Inactivity 300
Access to Healthy Food 160
Obesity 340
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.43
Smoking 210
Frequent Physical Distress 13
Poor Physical Health Days 4.1
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 140
Frequent Mental Distress 13

32
Brandon, Mississippi
Brandon
Fit Score: 78.89

Brandon, MS

Population 24,156
Exercise Opportunities 700
Physical Inactivity 290
Access to Healthy Food 100
Obesity 350
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.71
Smoking 160
Frequent Physical Distress 10
Poor Physical Health Days 3.3
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 160
Frequent Mental Distress 11

33
Olive Branch, Mississippi
Olive Branc.
Fit Score: 78.87

Olive Branch, MS

Population 38,149
Exercise Opportunities 700
Physical Inactivity 300
Access to Healthy Food 90
Obesity 320
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.61
Smoking 190
Frequent Physical Distress 10
Poor Physical Health Days 3.4
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 160
Frequent Mental Distress 11

34
Booneville, Mississippi
Booneville
Fit Score: 78.85

Booneville, MS

Population 8,740
Exercise Opportunities 580
Physical Inactivity 400
Access to Healthy Food 40
Obesity 340
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.54
Smoking 200
Frequent Physical Distress 14
Poor Physical Health Days 4.5
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 130
Frequent Mental Distress 14

35
Hernando, Mississippi
Hernando
Fit Score: 78.82

Hernando, MS

Population 16,317
Exercise Opportunities 700
Physical Inactivity 300
Access to Healthy Food 90
Obesity 320
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.61
Smoking 190
Frequent Physical Distress 10
Poor Physical Health Days 3.4
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 160
Frequent Mental Distress 11

36
Gulfport, Mississippi
Gulfport
Fit Score: 78.75

Gulfport, MS

Population 71,870
Exercise Opportunities 690
Physical Inactivity 300
Access to Healthy Food 160
Obesity 340
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.43
Smoking 210
Frequent Physical Distress 13
Poor Physical Health Days 4.1
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 140
Frequent Mental Distress 13

37
Cleveland, Mississippi
Cleveland
Fit Score: 78.66

Cleveland, MS

Population 11,501
Exercise Opportunities 490
Physical Inactivity 320
Access to Healthy Food 240
Obesity 390
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.61
Smoking 230
Frequent Physical Distress 17
Poor Physical Health Days 5
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 110
Frequent Mental Distress 16

38
Southaven, Mississippi
Southaven
Fit Score: 78.48

Southaven, MS

Population 54,944
Exercise Opportunities 700
Physical Inactivity 300
Access to Healthy Food 90
Obesity 320
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.61
Smoking 190
Frequent Physical Distress 10
Poor Physical Health Days 3.4
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 160
Frequent Mental Distress 11

39
Flowood, Mississippi
Flowood
Fit Score: 78.4

Flowood, MS

Population 9,219
Exercise Opportunities 700
Physical Inactivity 290
Access to Healthy Food 100
Obesity 350
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.71
Smoking 160
Frequent Physical Distress 10
Poor Physical Health Days 3.3
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 160
Frequent Mental Distress 11

40
Saltillo, Mississippi
Saltillo
Fit Score: 78.25

Saltillo, MS

Population 5,019
Exercise Opportunities 530
Physical Inactivity 310
Access to Healthy Food 90
Obesity 310
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.68
Smoking 200
Frequent Physical Distress 12
Poor Physical Health Days 3.8
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 150
Frequent Mental Distress 12

41
Kosciusko, Mississippi
Kosciusko
Fit Score: 78.15

Kosciusko, MS

Population 6,837
Exercise Opportunities 340
Physical Inactivity 340
Access to Healthy Food 120
Obesity 400
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.47
Smoking 190
Frequent Physical Distress 13
Poor Physical Health Days 4.2
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 120
Frequent Mental Distress 13

42
Holly Springs, Mississippi
Holly Sprin.
Fit Score: 78.12

Holly Springs, MS

Population 7,652
Exercise Opportunities 410
Physical Inactivity 350
Access to Healthy Food 80
Obesity 380
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.5
Smoking 180
Frequent Physical Distress 12
Poor Physical Health Days 4
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 130
Frequent Mental Distress 12

43
Horn Lake, Mississippi
Horn Lake
Fit Score: 78.01

Horn Lake, MS

Population 27,127
Exercise Opportunities 700
Physical Inactivity 300
Access to Healthy Food 90
Obesity 320
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.61
Smoking 190
Frequent Physical Distress 10
Poor Physical Health Days 3.4
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 160
Frequent Mental Distress 11

44
Ripley, Mississippi
Ripley
Fit Score: 77.96

Ripley, MS

Population 5,264
Exercise Opportunities 610
Physical Inactivity 380
Access to Healthy Food 60
Obesity 370
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.47
Smoking 200
Frequent Physical Distress 13
Poor Physical Health Days 4.2
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 140
Frequent Mental Distress 13

45
Richland, Mississippi
Richland
Fit Score: 77.93

Richland, MS

Population 7,187
Exercise Opportunities 700
Physical Inactivity 290
Access to Healthy Food 100
Obesity 350
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.71
Smoking 160
Frequent Physical Distress 10
Poor Physical Health Days 3.3
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 160
Frequent Mental Distress 11

46
Pearl, Mississippi
Pearl
Fit Score: 77.91

Pearl, MS

Population 26,471
Exercise Opportunities 700
Physical Inactivity 290
Access to Healthy Food 100
Obesity 350
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.71
Smoking 160
Frequent Physical Distress 10
Poor Physical Health Days 3.3
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 160
Frequent Mental Distress 11

47
Columbia, Mississippi
Columbia
Fit Score: 77.87

Columbia, MS

Population 5,941
Exercise Opportunities 350
Physical Inactivity 290
Access to Healthy Food 180
Obesity 360
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.29
Smoking 200
Frequent Physical Distress 14
Poor Physical Health Days 4.4
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 120
Frequent Mental Distress 14

48
Aberdeen, Mississippi
Aberdeen
Fit Score: 77.58

Aberdeen, MS

Population 5,265
Exercise Opportunities 240
Physical Inactivity 310
Access to Healthy Food 30
Obesity 360
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.68
Smoking 200
Frequent Physical Distress 12
Poor Physical Health Days 3.8
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 130
Frequent Mental Distress 13

49
New Albany, Mississippi
New Albany
Fit Score: 77.54

New Albany, MS

Population 8,761
Exercise Opportunities 590
Physical Inactivity 290
Access to Healthy Food 60
Obesity 360
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.54
Smoking 190
Frequent Physical Distress 12
Poor Physical Health Days 3.9
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 150
Frequent Mental Distress 13

50
Philadelphia, Mississippi
Philadelphi.
Fit Score: 77.53

Philadelphia, MS

Population 7,172
Exercise Opportunities 450
Physical Inactivity 330
Access to Healthy Food 40
Obesity 390
Air pollution (PM2.5) 3.64
Smoking 220
Frequent Physical Distress 15
Poor Physical Health Days 4.7
Drinking Water Violations No
Excessive Drinking 130
Frequent Mental Distress 15

Didn’t Find Your City in the Top 50?

RankCityPopulation Exercise OpportunitiesPhysical InactivityHealthy Food AccessObesityAir Pollution (PM2.5)SmokingDrinkingPhysical DistressFit Score
51Amory6871240310303603.682001303.877.51
52Forest5608690350904303.572401304.577.5
53Louisville6227270340703703.542101204.777.28
54Tupelo38206530310903103.682001503.877.26
55Laurel18478400330504203.541901304.377.22
56Batesville72572803801203703.52101304.276.47
57Senatobia80103403001503903.51801403.676.47
58Yazoo City108254303402104103.472501204.776.47
59Picayune11008490320603703.261801503.976.34
60Starkville253095602501503503.612001504.375.95
61Oxford245288002701603203.471801704.175.37
62Corinth14485280350503603.51901404.275.28
63Pontotoc6144290290503603.57190150475.1
64Diamondhead80444703601503603.291901503.975.03
65West Hattiesburg6016540260503503.41901703.574.64
66Indianola92522803302504603.612401204.774.45
67Waveland63224703601503603.291901503.974.26
68Bay St. Louis135154703601503603.291901503.974.09

How Did We Determine the Top Cities for Fit Lifestyles?

We compiled our list of Best Cities for for Fit Lifestyle by looking at 11 key metrics backed by scientific research. Keep reading to find out which metrics we chose and how they affect slumber.

Find the Top Cities for Fit Lifestyles in the following States