Small-Town Living Near Hattiesburg: Sumrall Guide
February 19, 2026
February 19, 2026
Thinking about trading city buzz for a quieter pace while keeping easy access to Hattiesburg? Sumrall and the 39482 area offer that balance: small-town rhythm, outdoor spaces, and a practical commute to jobs, healthcare, and universities. If you want room to breathe without giving up convenience, this guide will help you see what daily life, housing, and community feel like here. You will also find tips to decide if 39482 is a fit for your goals. Let’s dive in.
Sumrall is an incorporated town in Lamar County and part of the Hattiesburg metro. The town counted 1,765 residents at the 2020 census, which captures only the population within town limits. You will hear people use “Sumrall” to describe both the town and the wider ZIP area, so it helps to know which one a statistic refers to. Learn more about the town’s profile from the Sumrall entry on Wikipedia.
The 39482 ZIP code covers a much larger, partly rural area outside the town limits. Many data sites report ZIP-level populations in the 10,000 to 13,000 range for 39482, which is a very different scale than the town count. When comparing numbers on schools, prices, or taxes, check whether they describe the town or the broader ZIP. A quick ZIP overview is available on City-Data’s 39482 page.
Sumrall sits roughly 16 to 18 miles from central Hattiesburg. A typical drive to downtown Hattiesburg runs about 25 to 30 minutes via MS 42 and US 49 in normal traffic. That commute puts jobs, hospitals, shopping, and campuses within easy reach. For a mileage and time snapshot, see the route comparison on Distance-Cities.
Local businesses shape Sumrall’s day-to-day feel. You will find independent spots like Sumrall Drug Store, a familiar main-street staple, along with casual eateries and service shops near Highway 42 and Railroad Avenue. These storefronts give the town center a classic, walkable vibe.
For quick trips, you can use convenience and dollar-format stores in town. For larger grocery runs, big-box retail, and specialty shopping, most residents head to Hattiesburg within a 15 to 30 minute drive. This pattern keeps daily essentials close while giving you easy access to bigger selections when you want them.
For major medical care, Sumrall residents typically use Hattiesburg hospitals and clinics, including emergency care and specialty practices. The short drive makes it feasible to schedule routine and follow-up visits without disrupting your day. Regional health outreach events also pop up through community organizations during the year.
Public schools that serve the Sumrall area are part of the Lamar County School District. Sumrall Elementary (PK–5) and the middle and high school complexes support the community. In November 2024, the district approved a multi-million dollar bond that includes planning for new school facilities in Sumrall, a sign of ongoing investment. You can review basic school details on the NCES page for Sumrall Elementary and confirm current attendance zones with the district.
The Longleaf Trace, a 44-mile paved rail trail, runs from Hattiesburg through Sumrall toward Prentiss. Local families, walkers, and cyclists use it daily, and there is equestrian access on adjacent segments. If you enjoy biking or evening strolls, living near a designated Trace access point is a real lifestyle perk. Learn about rules and access at the Longleaf Trace official site.
Sumrall’s Sportsplex added new space for soccer, tennis, and youth leagues, with public access opening in 2024. The complex supports local play and brings in occasional regional tournaments that energize weekends. Read the opening coverage from WDAM.
Community events are a big part of Sumrall’s identity. The town hosts seasonal gatherings downtown, including Olde Towne Christmas. In late 2025, Sumrall completed the new Beam Park amphitheater to support concerts and festivals. See the project update from WDAM on the Beam Park amphitheater.
Price estimates vary by data source and method. Recent snapshots showed Zillow’s local home value index around 261,000 dollars for Sumrall and Realtor.com’s median near 329,900 dollars. These figures use different measurements, so focus on a range rather than a single number and confirm current pricing before you make an offer. Your exact price will depend on location within 39482, age and style of the home, acreage, and recent upgrades.
You will see a mix of options across the ZIP. Near town, established single-family homes line older streets with modest lots. In newer pockets, you can find recently built homes and small subdivisions. Outside the town limits, the inventory often includes rural parcels and small acreage, which appeal if you want space for a workshop, a large garden, or more privacy.
Inventory in 39482 tends to be modest, and days on market often sit in the multi-week range. New construction phases can shift supply in certain neighborhoods, while rural parcels follow their own rhythm. Property taxes and overall cost of living run below national averages in many comparisons, but always verify current assessments and utility costs for a specific property before you finalize a budget.
You will notice the small-town pace first. Neighbors wave. Youth sports bring families together on weeknights. The Longleaf Trace fills with walkers and cyclists when the sun dips. On weekends, it is easy to head into Hattiesburg for a game, a concert, or a big shopping run, then come back home to quiet streets and starry skies.
Buyers choose Sumrall for lifestyle and access, so your listing should speak to both. Highlight proximity to the Longleaf Trace, Sportsplex, or a quick route to Hattiesburg. Professional photos, clear pricing, and smart online placement help your home stand out in a modest-inventory market.
As a boutique, founder-led brokerage, AM EQUITY REALTY provides full listing representation with polished marketing, data-backed pricing, and neighborhood-level expertise across the Pine Belt. If you are thinking about selling, or want an instant starting point for value, reach out for guidance tailored to your goals.
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