CountyScore

Adams County

Mississippi · MS

#54 in Mississippi
66
County Score

County Report Card

About Adams County, Mississippi

Adams County outpaces national median

Adams County scores 66.0 on the CountyScore composite index, well above the national median of 50.0 and ranking in the 66th percentile nationally. This places the county in the upper-middle tier of U.S. counties for overall livability.

Slightly below Mississippi's average

At 66.0, Adams County ranks just under Mississippi's state average composite score of 67.5. The county holds a competitive position within the state but has room to close the gap to reach the state's upper tier.

Tax burden and housing affordability shine

Adams County excels in tax efficiency with a score of 77.4 and an effective tax rate of just 0.885%, paired with strong housing affordability at 87.8. Median home values of $106,300 and rent under $720/month make homeownership and rental options accessible.

Income and environmental risk lag behind

Income remains the county's weakest dimension at 9.7, with a median household income of $40,250—notably below state and national norms. Risk scores of 42.8 suggest moderate environmental or economic vulnerabilities that warrant attention.

Ideal for cost-conscious families

Adams County suits budget-focused families and retirees who prioritize affordable housing and low taxes over high incomes and urban amenities. The county offers stability and accessibility, though residents should expect modest income levels and consider the moderate risk profile.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax77.4Cost87.8SafetyComing SoonHealth51.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome9.7Risk42.8WaterComing Soon
🏛77.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼9.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤51.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡42.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Adams County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Craighead County
Arkansas
66
Median income: $57,615
Putnam County
Georgia
66
Median income: $64,163
Hendricks County
Indiana
66
Median income: $99,988
Boyd County
Kentucky
66
Median income: $60,659
Daviess County
Kentucky
66
Median income: $65,323

Deep Dives

Adams County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Adams County

via TaxByCounty

Adams County taxes run 3x below national average

Adams County's 0.885% effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.80%, but homeowners here pay just $941 in median annual property tax—a fraction of the $2,690 national median. This gap reflects Mississippi's significantly lower home values: the state's median of $106,300 compared to $281,900 nationwide.

Above average for Mississippi, below state median tax

Adams County's 0.885% effective rate ranks above Mississippi's state average of 0.743%, putting it in the middle tier statewide. Despite the higher rate, the county's $941 median tax bill sits just $10 below the state median of $931, thanks to modestly valued homes.

Among the region's steepest tax rates

Adams County has the highest effective tax rate among nearby counties, outpacing Bolivar County (0.777%) and Carroll County (0.665%). Only Alcorn County's 0.596% rate drops notably lower, showing Adams County residents shoulder a comparatively heavier tax burden locally.

Median home in Adams costs $941 yearly

A home valued at the county median of $106,300 generates approximately $941 in annual property tax at the current 0.885% rate. For homeowners with mortgages, escrow accounts typically add $314 to annual costs, bringing the total to $1,255.

Many Adams homeowners could appeal assessments

Property tax appeals are a powerful but underused tool in Mississippi—and Adams County is no exception. If you believe your home's assessed value is too high, a formal appeal could reduce your tax bill; the county assessor's office can guide you through the process.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Adams County

via CostByCounty

Adams rents squeeze harder than nation

Residents here spend 21.5% of income on rent, compared to the national average of roughly 28-30% for renters overall—but Adams' median household income of $40,250 is nearly half the national median of $74,755. That means housing costs hit deeper into already-stretched budgets in this county.

Above-average burden in Mississippi

At 21.5%, Adams County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Mississippi's average of 19.6%, ranking it among the less affordable counties statewide. Median rent of $720 runs below the state average of $782, but incomes are lower too—leaving residents with less cushion.

How Adams stacks against neighbors

Adams County's $720 rent falls between Alcorn County's $728 and Amite County's $689, but Adams' income advantage over Amite ($40,250 vs. $35,385) makes it slightly more manageable. Both are tougher than Attala County, where a $774 rent eats just 19.3% of income thanks to higher median earnings of $48,098.

Where Adams dollars go

Renters pay $720 monthly while homeowners average $509, and both groups navigate a median household income of $40,250—or $3,354 monthly. This leaves renters about $185 per month after housing, and homeowners $309, before other essentials like utilities and food.

Considering Adams County?

If you're eyeing a move, Adams offers lower ownership costs ($509/month) than many neighbors and modest median home values of $106,300. Compare these numbers against Alcorn County ($665 monthly owner cost) or Carroll County ($621 rent with stronger median income of $55,275) to find your best fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Adams County

via IncomeByCounty

Adams County trails national income

Adams County's median household income of $40,250 falls significantly below the U.S. median of $74,755—a gap of 46%. This places the county in the lower income tier nationally, where earnings struggle to keep pace with rising costs of living across the country.

Below average for Mississippi

At $40,250, Adams County's median household income ranks near the bottom of Mississippi's 82 counties, falling $8,264 short of the state average of $48,514. The county's per capita income of $24,717 also lags the state average by $2,419.

Lowest earners in regional cluster

Adams County residents earn less than nearby Alcorn County ($49,404) and Attala County ($48,098), but slightly more than Amite County ($35,385). This income variation across the region reflects differences in economic opportunity and workforce composition.

Housing costs manageable but tight

With a rent-to-income ratio of 21.5%, Adams County households spend roughly one-fifth of income on rent—above the recommended 15% threshold. The median home value of $106,300 remains accessible for many, though low median income limits homeownership capacity for renters.

Build financial security strategically

Adams County residents should prioritize emergency savings of 3–6 months of expenses to weather income volatility. Consider affordable investment tools like employer retirement plans and micro-investing apps to grow wealth incrementally while managing tight household budgets.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Adams County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy in Adams County lags nation

Adams County residents have a life expectancy of 71.0 years, about 6 years below the U.S. average of 77.3 years. Nearly 27% of adults report being in poor or fair health, significantly higher than the national average of 18%. These gaps reflect deeper disparities in chronic disease prevention and early intervention.

Slightly healthier than Mississippi average

At 71.0 years, Adams County's life expectancy slightly exceeds Mississippi's state average of 70.9 years—a razor-thin margin that masks ongoing health challenges. The county ranks in the middle tier statewide, with room to improve on both preventive care and access to primary services.

Adams stands out among regional peers

Adams County's life expectancy of 71.0 years beats Bolivar County (67.0 years) and Benton County (70.7 years) by a measurable margin. However, it trails Alcorn County (72.2 years) and Carroll County (72.0 years), indicating geographic variation in health outcomes across the region.

Healthcare access remains uneven

Adams County has 77 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well above the state average and suggesting decent access to basic care. However, 15.4% of residents remain uninsured, meaning roughly 1 in 7 people lack coverage for preventive screenings and routine treatment.

Check your health insurance options today

With 15.4% of Adams County uninsured, exploring coverage through the Mississippi Health Marketplace or Medicaid could unlock access to preventive care, dental services, and prescription medications. Even part-time workers and self-employed residents may qualify for subsidized plans that make coverage affordable.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Adams County

via RiskByCounty

Adams County's risk: above average nationally

Adams County scores 57.25 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively low risk category—but above the national average. This means residents face moderately elevated exposure to natural hazards compared to typical U.S. counties.

Mid-range risk within Mississippi

Adams County ranks in the middle of Mississippi's risk spectrum with a score of 57.25, exceeding the state average of 50.94. This positions it as higher-risk than roughly half of Mississippi's counties, particularly driven by tornado and hurricane exposure.

Riskier than most nearby counties

Adams County's 57.25 score outpaces neighbors like Wilkinson and Franklin counties, but trails Bolivar County (76.78) to the north. Among immediate peers, Adams faces notably higher tornado and hurricane risk, making it one of the more exposed areas in southwest Mississippi.

Tornadoes and hurricanes dominate here

Tornado risk peaks at 82.12—well above state norms—while hurricane risk scores 75.22, reflecting Adams County's vulnerability to Gulf Coast storm systems. Flood risk also registers at 59.03, meaning spring storms and tropical systems pose compounded threats to homes and infrastructure.

Insurance is essential, especially for wind

With tornado and hurricane risk this elevated, comprehensive homeowners insurance with wind and hail coverage is critical. Residents should also verify flood insurance separately, as standard policies exclude flood damage—critical given the county's 59.03 flood risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.