Concrete Driveway Cost in Mississippi: 2026 Price Guide

Concrete Driveway Cost in Mississippi: What to Expect in 2026

Are you planning to replace that cracked gravel path or upgrade from asphalt? A new concrete driveway is one of the smartest curb-appeal investments a Mississippi homeowner can make. In 2026, typical Concrete Driveway Cost in Mississippi ranges from $8.50 to $16.00 per square foot installed—about 6% higher than 2025 thanks to rising fuel, cement, and labor rates. For a standard 16 × 40 ft (640 sq ft) two-car driveway, expect to budget $5,400–$10,200 all-in.

Below you’ll find real-world pricing, design choices that save (or splurge) money, and insider tips to stretch every dollar while avoiding the “gotchas” that derail driveway budgets.

2026 Mississippi Concrete Driveway Cost Breakdown

Price by Driveway Size

• Single-car (12 × 24 ft, 288 sq ft): $2,450 – $4,600
• Two-car (16 × 40 ft, 640 sq ft): $5,400 – $10,200
• Three-car (24 × 40 ft, 960 sq ft): $8,150 – $15,350
• Rv pad (12 × 50 ft add-on): $1,275 – $2,400

Price by Finish Type (per Square Foot)

Hidden Extras That Move the Needle

• 4-inch vs. 6-inch thick slab: +$1.10/sq ft
• Wire mesh vs. #3 rebar grid: +$0.65/sq ft
• 2500 psi vs. 4000 psi concrete: +$0.45/sq ft
• Permit & inspection (varies by county): $75 – $225
• Tree or old concrete removal: $4.25 – $6.00/sq ft of debris
• Geo-grid base reinforcement for clay soil (central MS): +$0.90/sq ft

Mississippi-Specific Cost Drivers

Yazoo Clay & Expansive Soils

Central Mississippi’s infamous Yazoo clay swells when wet, cracking slabs that lack a properly compacted, drained base. Contractors often add a 6–8 in. layer of crushed limestone plus geo-fabric, raising material costs 8–12%. Always ask if the bid includes a soil moisture test (AST D 698) and a compaction certificate; the $250 fee is cheap insurance against spider cracks later.

Humidity & Pour Schedule

High summer humidity shortens concrete set time. Crews may add set retarders ($0.15/sq ft) or pour at dawn to finish before midday heat. Scheduling off-peak (March–May or October–November) can shave 5–7% off labor rates.

Hurricane & Flood Codes along the Coast

Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson counties enforce FEMA flood-zone rules: minimum 4,000 psi concrete and 6-inch slump max. These specs add roughly $0.45/sq ft but are non-negotiable for permit approval.

DIY vs. Hiring a Mississippi Pro—Real Numbers

Big-box store concrete mix in Jackson runs $4.90 per 80-lb bag (0.6 sq ft at 4-in. thick). For a 640 sq ft driveway you’d need 1,067 bags—over $5,200 in material alone, before gravel, forms, delivery, mixer rental, and reinforcement. Add $1,200 for equipment rental (mixer, compactor, saw), and you’re at $6,400 with zero warranty. A licensed Mississippi contractor averages $7.75/sq ft turnkey, including permit, base, concrete, labor, and 1-year workmanship warranty. Translation: saving $1,000–$1,500 to risk a DIY crack fest rarely makes sense.

8 Proven Ways to Lower Concrete Driveway Cost in Mississippi

1. Bundle with neighbor: Two-driveway jobs split mobilization fees; save 6–10%.
2. Choose off-peak months: February or November pours can cut labor 5–8%.
3. Keep the footprint square: Curved borders add 15–20% linear footage in forms and finishing.
4. Opt for broom finish + clear sealer: Looks sharp, costs 30% less than stamped patterns.
5. Reuse existing base: If asphalt is <2 in. thick and drains well, some contractors will mill and overlay with 4 in. concrete, saving $1.25/sq ft.
6. Order concrete by the full truck: Short-load fees run $125 per yard under 5 yds; design slab depth to hit 5.5 yds min.
7. Seal it yourself: Contractors charge $1.10/sq ft for sealer; DIY acrylic sealer costs $0.25/sq ft and takes an afternoon.
8. Finance smart: Mississippi Development Bank offers 2.99% Green Home improvement loans up to $15 k; interest paid may be tax deductible.

Maximizing Driveway Lifespan—What Adds Real Value

Mississippi’s combo of summer heat, winter ice, and pine-tree sap can age a driveway fast. Follow these non-negotiables:

• Control joints every 10 ft (or 2.5 × slab thickness in feet) prevent random cracks.
• Seal at 30 days, then every 3 years; UV blockers keep color vibrant.
• Never use de-icing salts; sand or cat litter provides winter traction sans spalling.
• Redirect downspouts at least 5 ft from slab edge to stop soil erosion.

A well-maintained 4,000 psi driveway in Mississippi should last 35–40 years, pushing your upfront cost to only 23 ¢ per square foot per year—far cheaper than asphalt that needs sealcoating every 3–5 years.

How to Vet a Mississippi Concrete Contractor

1. Verify license: MS requires a Commercial or Residential Remodeling license for projects over $10 k. Check msboc.us.
2. Demand concrete ticket: Every truck should arrive with a state-certified mix ticket showing psi, slump, and air content.
3. Ask for local references older than 2 winters; drive by and look for spider cracking or pop-outs.
4. Get a written warranty: Minimum 1 year on workmanship; top-tier outfits offer 5-year crack-free guarantees.
5. Compare apples-to-apples bids: Ensure each quote lists slab thickness, psi, reinforcement type, joint spacing, and finish.

Return on Investment in Mississippi Real Estate

According to the 2026 Mississippi Realtors Remodeling Report, a new concrete driveway recovers 92% of its cost at resale—outperforming kitchen upgrades (78%) and composite decks (69%). In coastal markets like Gulfport, premium stamped drives can add $12 k–$15 k to appraised value, effectively paying for themselves.

Quick Planning Checklist

• ☐ Measure area; sketch desired shape
• ☐ Call 811 for utility locate (free)
• ☐ Obtain HOA approval if required
• ☐ Budget $8.50–$16/sq ft depending on finish
• ☐ Schedule 3 contractor quotes (March–May for best price)
• ☐ Ask for license, insurance, and mix design ticket
• ☐ Arrange 30-day seal & periodic maintenance plan

FAQ – Concrete Driveway Cost in Mississippi