Water Hardness in Mississippi
Across 6 measured cities — with 262 more covered by labeled county-level estimates — Mississippi's median tap water hardness is 37.5 mg/L (2.2 gpg): soft on the USGS scale. Below: every covered city, the state's hardest and softest water, and the geology that explains it.
Data updated July 6, 2026. Sources: utility-reported water quality data and USGS/EPA Water Quality Portal samples.
Mississippi Cities by Hardness Category
Measured cities only — labeled county estimates never enter the category counts or the median.
| Category | Range | Measured cities | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft | 0-60 mg/L | 4 | 66.7% |
| Moderately hard | 60-120 mg/L | 2 | 33.3% |
| Hard | 120-180 mg/L | 0 | 0.0% |
| Very hard | >180 mg/L | 0 | 0.0% |
Hardest and Softest Water in Mississippi
Measured values only; labeled county estimates and values under active dispute never rank.
Hardest water in Mississippi
- Oxford — 77.0 mg/L (4.5 gpg), moderately hard
- University — 77.0 mg/L (4.5 gpg), moderately hard
- Byram — 37.5 mg/L (2.2 gpg), soft
- Clinton — 37.5 mg/L (2.2 gpg), soft
- Jackson — 37.5 mg/L (2.2 gpg), soft
Softest water in Mississippi
- Bay St. Louis — 4.5 mg/L (0.3 gpg), soft
- Byram — 37.5 mg/L (2.2 gpg), soft
- Clinton — 37.5 mg/L (2.2 gpg), soft
- Jackson — 37.5 mg/L (2.2 gpg), soft
- Oxford — 77.0 mg/L (4.5 gpg), moderately hard
Every Covered City in Mississippi
All 268 covered Mississippi cities, sorted by population served. "County estimate" rows are labeled context values from USGS/EPA Water Quality Portal county sampling — they never enter the median above. City names link to each city's full water quality page.
| City | Hardness (mg/L) | gpg | Category | Data |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clinton | 37.5 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Jackson | 37.5 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Byram | 37.5 | 2.2 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Gulfport | 8.9 | 0.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Hattiesburg | 1.0 | 0.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Southaven | 24.0 | 1.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Canton | 22.9 | 1.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Olive Branch | 24.0 | 1.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Columbus | 51.3 | 3.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Flowood | 29.8 | 1.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| Biloxi | 8.9 | 0.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| University | 77.0 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Starkville | 28.7 | 1.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| Meridian | 14.8 | 0.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Vicksburg | 87.3 | 5.1 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Tupelo | 85.0 | 5.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Horn Lake | 24.0 | 1.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Pearl | 29.8 | 1.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| Oxford | 77.0 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | Utility-reported |
| Brookhaven | 11.0 | 0.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Grenada | 30.0 | 1.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Laurel | 13.9 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Taylor | 25.3 | 1.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Ridgeland | 22.9 | 1.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Picayune | 19.8 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Hernando | 24.0 | 1.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Philadelphia | 20.0 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Richland | 29.8 | 1.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| Clarksdale | 160.0 | 9.4 | Hard | County estimate |
| Lumberton | 7.2 | 0.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Collinsville | 14.8 | 0.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Greenwood | 78.6 | 4.6 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Lyon | 160.0 | 9.4 | Hard | County estimate |
| Long Beach | 8.9 | 0.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Cleveland | 80.6 | 4.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Madison | 22.9 | 1.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Natchez | 128.0 | 7.5 | Hard | County estimate |
| Mississippi State | 28.7 | 1.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| Glen | 19.0 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Tylertown | 9.7 | 0.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Booneville | 139.0 | 8.1 | Hard | County estimate |
| McComb | 5.6 | 0.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Bay St. Louis | 4.5 | 0.3 | Soft | Utility-reported |
| Kosciusko | 37.9 | 2.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Fulton | 5.1 | 0.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Saltillo | 85.0 | 5.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Diamondhead | 298.0 | 17.4 | Very hard | County estimate |
| Pontotoc | 40.1 | 2.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Crystal Springs | 17.8 | 1.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| New Albany | 131.0 | 7.7 | Hard | County estimate |
| Batesville | 28.0 | 1.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Ripley | 18.8 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Bailey | 14.8 | 0.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Pass Christian | 8.9 | 0.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Yazoo City | 109.0 | 6.4 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Indianola | 159.0 | 9.3 | Hard | County estimate |
| Holly Springs | 16.6 | 1.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Randolph | 40.1 | 2.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Amory | 24.2 | 1.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Petal | 1.0 | 0.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Iuka | 11.4 | 0.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| Aberdeen | 24.2 | 1.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Bay Springs | 7.8 | 0.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Walls | 24.0 | 1.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Senatobia | 31.4 | 1.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Monticello | 14.5 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Quitman | 13.0 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Hazlehurst | 17.8 | 1.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Leakesville | 19.9 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Courtland | 28.0 | 1.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Brandon | 29.8 | 1.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| Summit | 5.6 | 0.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Nettleton | 5.1 | 0.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Pearlington | 298.0 | 17.4 | Very hard | County estimate |
| Waveland | 298.0 | 17.4 | Very hard | County estimate |
| Fayette | 134.0 | 7.8 | Hard | County estimate |
| Caledonia | 51.3 | 3.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Toomsuba | 14.8 | 0.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Foxworth | 2.7 | 0.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Sandy Hook | 2.7 | 0.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Forest | 34.1 | 2.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Carriere | 19.8 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Florence | 29.8 | 1.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| Pelahatchie | 29.8 | 1.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| Baldwyn | 139.0 | 8.1 | Hard | County estimate |
| Ellisville | 13.9 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Corinth | 19.0 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Shannon | 85.0 | 5.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Kiln | 298.0 | 17.4 | Very hard | County estimate |
| Lexington | 16.6 | 1.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Boyle | 80.6 | 4.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Mount Olive | 6.7 | 0.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Leland | 170.0 | 9.9 | Hard | County estimate |
| Myrtle | 131.0 | 7.7 | Hard | County estimate |
| Utica | 2.1 | 0.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Water Valley | 34.3 | 2.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Morton | 34.1 | 2.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Walnut | 18.8 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Flora | 22.9 | 1.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Hamilton | 24.2 | 1.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Mooreville | 85.0 | 5.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Jayess | 14.5 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Soso | 13.9 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Byhalia | 16.6 | 1.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Plantersville | 85.0 | 5.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Guntown | 85.0 | 5.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Stringer | 7.8 | 0.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Decatur | 71.8 | 4.2 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Woodville | 96.2 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Newton | 71.8 | 4.2 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Poplarville | 19.8 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Union | 20.0 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Durant | 16.6 | 1.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Verona | 85.0 | 5.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Okolona | 77.1 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Raleigh | 10.0 | 0.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Itta Bena | 78.6 | 4.6 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Columbia | 2.7 | 0.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Hermanville | 32.3 | 1.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Port Gibson | 32.3 | 1.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Harrisville | 6.4 | 0.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Star | 29.8 | 1.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| Raymond | 2.1 | 0.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Brooksville | 19.0 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Pattison | 32.3 | 1.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Collins | 6.7 | 0.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Lorman | 134.0 | 7.8 | Hard | County estimate |
| Belmont | 11.4 | 0.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| Golden | 5.1 | 0.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Mendenhall | 6.4 | 0.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Charleston | 10.0 | 0.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Bruce | 24.6 | 1.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Sallis | 37.9 | 2.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Nesbit | 24.0 | 1.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Falkner | 18.8 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Tiplersville | 18.8 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Rolling Fork | 245.0 | 14.3 | Very hard | County estimate |
| Hickory | 71.8 | 4.2 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Ruleville | 159.0 | 9.3 | Hard | County estimate |
| Purvis | 7.2 | 0.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Dumas | 18.8 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Sardis | 28.0 | 1.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Como | 28.0 | 1.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Lena | 20.7 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Woodland | 77.1 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Houlka | 77.1 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Scobey | 10.0 | 0.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| North Carrollton | 14.5 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Hollandale | 170.0 | 9.9 | Hard | County estimate |
| Drew | 159.0 | 9.3 | Hard | County estimate |
| Magnolia | 5.6 | 0.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Kokomo | 2.7 | 0.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Little Rock | 71.8 | 4.2 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Ecru | 40.1 | 2.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Bogue Chitto | 11.0 | 0.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Centreville | 96.2 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Calhoun City | 24.6 | 1.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Heidelberg | 7.8 | 0.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Taylorsville | 10.0 | 0.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Mantachie | 5.1 | 0.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| West Point | 13.8 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Blue Mountain | 18.8 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Smithville | 24.2 | 1.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Shelby | 80.6 | 4.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Ethel | 37.9 | 2.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Edwards | 2.1 | 0.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Shaw | 80.6 | 4.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Ashland | 11.4 | 0.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| Beaumont | 3.7 | 0.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Sunflower | 159.0 | 9.3 | Hard | County estimate |
| Vossburg | 13.0 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Prentiss | 23.6 | 1.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Houston | 77.1 | 4.5 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Mound Bayou | 80.6 | 4.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Sumrall | 7.2 | 0.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Marion | 14.8 | 0.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Ackerman | 30.6 | 1.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Vardaman | 24.6 | 1.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Perkinston | 15.5 | 0.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Wiggins | 15.5 | 0.9 | Soft | County estimate |
| Clara | 5.9 | 0.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Preston | 125.9 | 7.4 | Hard | County estimate |
| Coffeeville | 34.3 | 2.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Moorhead | 159.0 | 9.3 | Hard | County estimate |
| Tutwiler | 10.0 | 0.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Pickens | 22.9 | 1.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Vaughan | 109.0 | 6.4 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Rosedale | 80.6 | 4.7 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Wesson | 17.8 | 1.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Tchula | 16.6 | 1.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Pachuta | 7.8 | 0.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Pinola | 6.4 | 0.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Liberty | 9.0 | 0.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Kilmichael | 68.2 | 4.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| State Line | 19.9 | 1.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Mize | 10.0 | 0.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Lucedale | 8.2 | 0.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Hickory Flat | 11.4 | 0.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| Union Church | 134.0 | 7.8 | Hard | County estimate |
| Coldwater | 31.4 | 1.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Terry | 2.1 | 0.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Jonestown | 160.0 | 9.4 | Hard | County estimate |
| Rose Hill | 7.8 | 0.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Burnsville | 11.4 | 0.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| Goodman | 37.9 | 2.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Bassfield | 23.6 | 1.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Crawford | 51.3 | 3.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Saucier | 8.9 | 0.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Metcalfe | 170.0 | 9.9 | Hard | County estimate |
| Carrollton | 14.5 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Mathiston | 30.6 | 1.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Pittsboro | 24.6 | 1.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| West | 37.9 | 2.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Waynesboro | 5.9 | 0.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Louin | 7.8 | 0.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Inverness | 159.0 | 9.3 | Hard | County estimate |
| Tremont | 5.1 | 0.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Potts Camp | 16.6 | 1.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Gloster | 9.0 | 0.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Richton | 3.7 | 0.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Rienzi | 19.0 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Enterprise | 13.0 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Sherman | 40.1 | 2.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Stonewall | 13.0 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Blue Springs | 131.0 | 7.7 | Hard | County estimate |
| Duck Hill | 68.2 | 4.0 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Friars Point | 160.0 | 9.4 | Hard | County estimate |
| Cascilla | 10.0 | 0.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Marietta | 5.1 | 0.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Isola | 40.0 | 2.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Sarah | 31.4 | 1.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Crowder | 28.0 | 1.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Bolton | 2.1 | 0.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Sandersville | 13.9 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Mantee | 56.5 | 3.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| New Augusta | 3.7 | 0.2 | Soft | County estimate |
| Webb | 10.0 | 0.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Oakland | 34.3 | 2.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Meadville | 983.0 | 57.5 | Very hard | County estimate |
| Artesia | 51.3 | 3.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Chunky | 71.8 | 4.2 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Cruger | 16.6 | 1.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Georgetown | 17.8 | 1.0 | Soft | County estimate |
| Roxie | 983.0 | 57.5 | Very hard | County estimate |
| Sidon | 78.6 | 4.6 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Osyka | 5.6 | 0.3 | Soft | County estimate |
| Schlater | 78.6 | 4.6 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Lamar | 11.4 | 0.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| Coila | 14.5 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Vaiden | 14.5 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Coahoma | 160.0 | 9.4 | Hard | County estimate |
| Seminary | 6.7 | 0.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Crosby | 96.2 | 5.6 | Moderately hard | County estimate |
| Sumner | 10.0 | 0.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Doddsville | 159.0 | 9.3 | Hard | County estimate |
| Abbeville | 25.3 | 1.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Alligator | 160.0 | 9.4 | Hard | County estimate |
| Piney Woods | 29.8 | 1.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| Diberville | 8.9 | 0.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Enid | 10.0 | 0.6 | Soft | County estimate |
| Greenwood Springs | 24.2 | 1.4 | Soft | County estimate |
| Michigan City | 11.4 | 0.7 | Soft | County estimate |
| New Site | 139.0 | 8.1 | Hard | County estimate |
| Paulding | 7.8 | 0.5 | Soft | County estimate |
| Pheba | 13.8 | 0.8 | Soft | County estimate |
| Porterville | 125.9 | 7.4 | Hard | County estimate |
| Shuqualak | 19.0 | 1.1 | Soft | County estimate |
| Weir | 30.6 | 1.8 | Soft | County estimate |
Above 120 mg/L (7 gpg), scale is usually worth treating — see our water softener guide, or size a system with the hardness calculator & converter.
The Geology Behind Mississippi's Water Hardness
Mississippi sits in the Southeastern Coastal Plain and Piedmont region.
Much of the Southeast draws its water from sandy Coastal Plain aquifers and from rivers draining crystalline Piedmont rock - neither contributes much dissolved calcium or magnesium. As a result the USGS maps most of the region as soft to moderately hard. Hardness climbs where supplies tap deeper limestone units near the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.
Mississippi Water Hardness FAQ
Does Mississippi have hard water?
On the whole, no — Mississippi's statewide median sits below the hard threshold, though some cities run harder. The median is 37.5 mg/L (2.2 gpg) — soft on the USGS scale, where anything above 120 mg/L (7 gpg) counts as hard. 0 of Mississippi's 6 measured cities fall in the hard or very hard bands (0%), so check your own city rather than the state average.
How hard is tap water in Mississippi?
Across the 6 Mississippi cities with measured values in our index, the median hardness is 37.5 mg/L (2.2 gpg) — soft on the USGS scale. Individual cities range from 4.5 to 77.0 mg/L, so check your own city rather than assuming the state number.
Which city in Mississippi has the hardest water?
Oxford has the hardest measured tap water in our Mississippi index at 77.0 mg/L (4.5 gpg) — moderately hard on the USGS scale. Rankings use measured utility values only; labeled county estimates and values under active dispute are excluded.
Do I need a water softener in Mississippi?
0 of Mississippi's 6 measured cities (0%) fall in the hard or very hard bands — above 120 mg/L (7 gpg), the level where most water treatment professionals suggest considering an ion-exchange softener. Hardness varies utility to utility, so look up your own city's value before sizing equipment.
How do I find my city's exact water hardness?
Enter your ZIP code in our free lookup at tapwaterdata.com/zip to see the value we hold for your Mississippi city from utility-reported water quality data, check your water utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), or use a home test-strip kit.
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