You're driving down Hardy Street, the sun is setting over the longleaf pines, and you realize something weird. In the span of about ten minutes, you've crossed through three different worlds. One minute you're passing the historic, oak-lined streets near downtown, and the next you're in the middle of a bustling university hub, only to find yourself in a sprawling suburban sprawl with a Target and a million chain restaurants five miles later.
That’s the Hub City for you.
When people search for a Hattiesburg Mississippi zip code, they usually aren't just looking for a number to put on a tax form. They’re trying to figure out where they actually belong in this patchwork city. Because let’s be real: living in 39401 feels absolutely nothing like living in 39402. One is the soul of the city; the other is its engine.
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The Big Two: 39401 vs. 39402
If you live here, you know the "98 side" vs. "Downtown side" debate. It’s basically the local version of the Hatfields and McCoys, but with more Sweet Tea.
39401: The Soul and the Grit
This is the original Hattiesburg. It covers the downtown area, the historic district, and a large chunk of Forrest County heading south toward Camp Shelby. Honestly, if you want character, this is where you find it. You’ve got the Saenger Theatre, the pocket galleries, and those massive Victorian homes in the Mobile-Boulevard neighborhood that look like they belong in a movie.
But it’s a mixed bag. 39401 is incredibly diverse, both economically and architecturally. You might find a $500,000 restored mansion three blocks away from a small cottage that’s seen better days. It’s also the zip code for William Carey University.
What most people get wrong: They think 39401 is just "old." It’s actually where most of the new, cool stuff—like the Lucky Rabbit or the Midtown developments—started finding its legs.
39402: The Expansion and the Amenities
Ask anyone where the "good" grocery stores are, and they’ll point you to 39402. This zip code is the powerhouse of West Hattiesburg and Lamar County. It’s home to the University of Southern Mississippi (USM), though the campus technically straddles the line.
If you’re looking for the Oak Grove school district, you’re almost certainly looking at 39402. It’s where the growth is. New subdivisions like Bellegrass or Bent Creek are popping up constantly. It feels like every time I drive out past Turtle Creek Mall, there’s a new coffee shop or a strip mall I didn't see last week.
The downside? Traffic. Hardy Street at 5:00 PM in 39402 is a special kind of test for your soul.
The Specialized Codes: 39406 and 39407
Did you know USM basically has its own zip code? Sorta.
39406 is specifically tied to the University of Southern Mississippi. If you're a student living on campus or you're sending mail to a department, this is the one you use. It’s a tiny geographic footprint but huge in terms of mail volume.
Then there’s 39407. This one is often associated with Camp Shelby and the more rural stretches of South Hattiesburg. It’s the "I want five acres and a porch" zip code. It’s technically Hattiesburg, but you're probably going to hear more crickets than sirens out there.
The "Hattiesburg-Adjacent" Confusion
This is where it gets tricky for people moving here. You’ll find addresses that say "Hattiesburg" but the zip code belongs to a different town entirely.
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- 39465 (Petal): Everyone in the area knows Petal is its own city, but because it sits right across the Leaf River, it’s inextricably linked to Hattiesburg life. People move here specifically for the Petal School District, which has been ranked #1 in the state more times than I can count.
- 39482 (Sumrall): This is the "new" West Hattiesburg. As 39402 gets crowded, people are pushing further west into Sumrall. It’s quiet, safe, and the commute to the city is only about 15-20 minutes.
- 39475 (Purvis): Similar to Sumrall, but heading south. It’s more of a country feel.
Real Numbers: What it Costs to Live Here
Let's look at the data because the price of a roof over your head changes drastically depending on those five digits. According to 2024-2025 census estimates and local real estate trends, the median home value in Hattiesburg is roughly $153,600 to $182,000.
But check this out:
In 39402, you’re lucky to find a decent move-in-ready home for under $250,000 these days. The demand for the Oak Grove school district keeps those prices high.
In 39401, you can still find "fixer-uppers" in the $100k range, but the luxury historic homes can easily top $600k.
It’s not just the house price, either. Since 39402 often falls into Lamar County and 39401 is mostly Forrest County, your property taxes and car tag fees will be different. People often forget that. Lamar County tags are generally cheaper, which is why you see so many "07" stickers on the back of cars at the mall.
Why the Hub City Layout Matters
Hattiesburg is called the Hub City because it’s centrally located between Jackson, New Orleans, Mobile, and the Gulf Coast. But locally, the "hub" is the intersection of I-59 and Highway 98.
Everything radiates out from there.
If you work at Forrest General Hospital or Merit Health Wesley, your zip code choice determines whether you have a 5-minute commute or a 25-minute crawl through the Midtown construction.
Which Hattiesburg Mississippi Zip Code is for You?
Choosing where to plant your flag depends on your stage of life.
If you’re a young professional or an artist type, you’ll probably gravitate toward 39401. You want to be near the breweries like Southern Prohibition and the downtown festivals. You don't mind a little grit if it comes with a soul.
If you’re raising a family, 39402 is the standard choice. The parks are newer, the schools are high-performing, and everything is convenient. You trade "uniqueness" for "ease of use."
If you’re associated with the military, you’re looking at 39407 or 39401 (South). The proximity to Camp Shelby is the priority, and you get more land for your dollar.
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Actionable Next Steps
- Check the School Zone: Don't assume a Hattiesburg address means Hattiesburg Public Schools. Use the Lamar County or Forrest County tax parcel maps to verify exactly which district a house falls into before you buy or rent.
- Drive the Commute at 5:00 PM: Before you commit to a house in 39402, drive from the hospital or university to that house during rush hour. The "Hardy Street Crawl" is real.
- Verify County Lines: Since Hattiesburg sits in two counties, your taxes and voting precinct change based on the street. Check the legal description of any property—don't just trust the zip code on a Zillow listing.
- Visit Midtown: If you haven't been in a while, check out the 39401/39402 border near the university. It’s the most walkable part of the city and offers a "third option" for people who want a bit of both worlds.
Hattiesburg is growing. It’s not the sleepy town it was twenty years ago. Whether you're in the historic heart or the suburban edge, knowing your zip code is the first step to figuring out how you fit into the Pine Belt.