Hattiesburg Housing Market Update (October 2026): Prices Hold Steady as Inventory Climbs

Quick answer: The Hattiesburg housing market in October 2026 is balanced. The median listing price is $299,450 — essentially flat compared with last year — while active listings are up about 26% year over year to 354 homes, and the median home now takes 79 days to sell. Buyers have more choices and more negotiating room than they've had in years; sellers can still sell well, but only with accurate pricing. Jason McMichael with Real Broker LLC – CONNECT Group tracks these numbers across Hattiesburg, Petal, and Oak Grove to help local buyers and sellers time their move.

The October 2026 Numbers

According to Realtor.com market data for October 2026:

• Median listing price (Hattiesburg): $299,450 — flat month over month, down just 0.15% from last year
• Price per square foot: $147, up 3.5% year over year
• Active listings: 354, up about 26% from last year
• Median days on market: 79 days, up about 11% from last year
• Median rent: $1,400/month

Listing prices vary sharply by county in the Hattiesburg area:

• Forrest County: $236,750 median listing price
• Jones County: $249,725
• Lamar County (Oak Grove, Petal, Sumrall): $342,400 — the premium end of the market, driven by Oak Grove schools and newer construction

Statewide, Mississippi's median listing price is $292,250, and statewide sold prices were still up modestly year over year heading into the fall.

What This Means for Buyers

More inventory plus longer days on market equals leverage. Statewide, roughly 1 in 5 listings has taken a price cut, and homes are selling for about 97% of asking price on average — which means offers below ask, seller credits, and repair requests are back on the table in a way they weren't during the frenzy years.

If you're buying in Hattiesburg, Petal, or Oak Grove right now:

• You can shop instead of scrambling — 354 active listings is real choice
• Homes sitting past 60 days are prime candidates for a negotiated offer
• Loan type matters more than ever: FHA, VA, USDA, and Mississippi down payment assistance can cut your cash-to-close significantly (see our guide to first-time homebuyer loans in Mississippi)

What This Means for Sellers

A balanced market doesn't punish sellers — it punishes overpricing. With a median of 79 days on market, buyers have time to compare, and the homes that sell fastest are the ones priced to the most recent comparable sales from day one.

• Price to the newest comps, not to last spring's peak
• A single, correct price adjustment beats a series of small cuts
• Condition and presentation matter again: with this much inventory, buyers skip the homes that need imagination

For a realistic timeline, see our post "How Long Does It Take to Sell a Home in Hattiesburg or Petal?" and our seller's expense guide, "What Does It Cost to Sell a House in Mississippi?"

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hattiesburg a buyer's market or a seller's market in 2026?
It's a balanced market. Prices are holding steady, but inventory is up about 26% and homes are taking longer to sell (a median of 79 days), so neither side has the clear upper hand.

Are home prices dropping in Hattiesburg?
Listing prices are essentially flat — the median list price of $299,450 is down only 0.15% from last year. What has changed is negotiating room: price cuts and seller concessions are more common.

Why is Lamar County more expensive than Forrest County?
Lamar County includes Oak Grove and much of Petal and Sumrall. Demand for the Oak Grove school district and a higher share of newer construction keep its median listing price ($342,400) well above Forrest County's ($236,750).

Is now a good time to buy in the Hattiesburg area?
For buyers who plan to stay several years, yes — selection is the best it's been in years, prices are stable, and sellers are negotiating. The key is choosing the right loan and not overpaying for a home that has been sitting.

Want the Numbers for Your Neighborhood?

Market-wide medians don't price your home or your offer — your street does. Jason McMichael with Real Broker LLC – CONNECT Group helps buyers and sellers across Hattiesburg, Petal, Oak Grove, Purvis, Lumberton, and South Mississippi read the local data and act on it.

Thinking of buying or selling this fall? Visit jasonhousedealer.com for a free home valuation or buyer consultation.

About the author: Jason McMichael is a REALTOR® with Real Broker LLC – CONNECT Group serving Hattiesburg, Petal, Oak Grove, and South Mississippi. He helps buyers and sellers across Forrest, Lamar, Jones, and Hancock counties.