countyscore
43.8
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 77.6Property Tax 75

County Report Card

About Alcorn County, Mississippi

Trailing the National Benchmark

Alcorn County’s composite score of 43.8 sits below the national median of 50.0. This indicates that while the county is affordable, it trails the typical U.S. county in overall livability metrics.

Below the Mississippi Average

Ranking below the state average of 48.4, Alcorn County faces more significant challenges than many of its regional neighbors. It struggles to keep pace with the state's top-performing areas.

Low Taxes and Cheap Housing

Financial relief is the county's primary draw, featuring a strong Tax Score of 75.0 and an effective tax rate of 0.596%. A Cost Score of 77.6 highlights accessible housing, with median rents around $728.

Significant Safety Concerns

Safety is a major area for improvement, as evidenced by a low Safety Score of 7.5. Additionally, the county struggles with economic growth, posting an Income Score of 13.2.

A Value Play for the Tough-Minded

Alcorn County is best suited for individuals who prioritize low taxes and housing costs above all else. Those seeking a secure, high-service environment may find better fits elsewhere in the state.

Score breakdown

Tax75Cost77.6Safety7.5Health22.9Schools37.4Income13.2Risk35Water86Weather61.9
🏛75
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼13.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡7.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤22.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓37.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡35
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨39.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱31.8
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Crawford County
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Nearby counties

Tippah County
Mississippi
56.7
Prentiss County
Mississippi
43.6
McNairy County
Tennessee
54.6
Tishomingo County
Mississippi
55.3
Hardeman County
Tennessee
40.7
Hardin County
Tennessee
46.3
Benton County
Mississippi
57.3
Union County
Mississippi
45.1

Deep Dives

Alcorn County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Alcorn County

via TaxByCounty

Alcorn County's taxes rank low nationally

Alcorn County's 0.596% effective tax rate places it in the bottom quartile nationally, where most counties hover around 0.80%. At $788 median annual property tax, Alcorn residents pay less than 30% of the national median of $2,690, a savings rooted in Mississippi's lower home values.

Mississippi's lowest effective tax rate

Alcorn County boasts the lowest effective tax rate in Mississippi at 0.596%, well below the state average of 0.743%. Although the median tax bill of $788 remains near the state median of $931, Alcorn's favorable rate offers more breathing room for homeowners.

Clear tax advantage over surrounding counties

Alcorn County's 0.596% rate dramatically undercuts every neighboring county in this analysis, including Adams County (0.885%), Calhoun County (0.683%), and Attala County (0.627%). This tax-friendly environment makes Alcorn one of the region's most attractive counties for property owners.

Median home taxed at just $788 annually

With a median home value of $132,300 and a 0.596% effective rate, typical Alcorn County homeowners pay $788 per year in property tax. Adding mortgage-related escrow increases the annual burden to approximately $956, still among the region's lowest.

Verify your assessment to protect savings

Even in low-tax Alcorn County, assessment errors happen—and appealing an inflated valuation can preserve your tax advantage. Contact the county assessor to request a free review of your property's assessed value if you suspect overvaluation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Alcorn County

via CostByCounty

Alcorn rents well below national strain

At 17.7%, Alcorn County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below Mississippi's 19.6% average and well below the national renter burden of roughly 28-30%. With median income of $49,404—closer to statewide norms—Alcorn offers more breathing room for housing costs.

Top tier for affordability in Mississippi

Alcorn County ranks among Mississippi's more affordable counties with a 17.7% rent-to-income ratio, nearly 2 percentage points better than the state average. This efficiency reflects a balance between moderate rent ($728) and solid median income ($49,404).

Alcorn vs. surrounding counties

Alcorn's $728 rent is comparable to Adams County ($720) but carries less affordability strain thanks to a $9,154 income edge. Alcorn outpaces Attala County ($774 rent) and significantly beats Amite County's affordability stress, making it a stronger choice for renters on average incomes.

Alcorn's monthly housing math

Renters here pay $728 monthly while homeowners average $665, against median household income of $49,404—or roughly $4,117 monthly. This leaves renters about $297 after rent, and homeowners $325, providing reasonable cushion for other living expenses.

Relocating to Alcorn County?

Alcorn delivers solid affordability with median rents of $728 and median home values of $132,300 paired with above-average county incomes. If you're comparing options, note Alcorn's higher ownership costs ($665/month) relative to Adams, but stronger income potential makes homeownership more achievable here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Alcorn County

via IncomeByCounty

Alcorn trails U.S. earnings by 34%

Alcorn County's median household income of $49,404 significantly lags the national median of $74,755—a shortfall of $25,351, or 34%. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier nationally, though it performs better than many rural Mississippi peers.

Slightly above Mississippi average

Alcorn County's median household income of $49,404 edges 1% above Mississippi's state average of $48,514, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 82 counties. Per capita income of $29,456 exceeds the state average by $2,320, suggesting more diverse income streams per person.

Mid-range earner in North Mississippi

Alcorn County residents earn more than Adams County ($40,250) and Benton County ($42,139), but less than Carroll County ($55,275). This positioning reflects Alcorn's mixed economy of agriculture, manufacturing, and small business activity.

Rent costs remain reasonable

Alcorn County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% sits above the ideal 15% threshold but below many peers, meaning households allocate roughly $726 monthly to rent on median income. The median home value of $132,300 remains within reach for many working families with stable employment.

Leverage stable income for growth

With income above state average, Alcorn County residents have room to save 10–15% of household earnings for retirement and investments. Explore low-cost index funds, community credit unions, and local business investment opportunities to build long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Alcorn County

via CrimeByCounty

Alcorn County Crime Exceeds National Average

Alcorn County faces a total crime rate of 3,041.7 per 100K, which exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. This leads to a safety score of 95.2, indicating higher risk than many other U.S. counties.

Safety Score Below State Average

The county's safety score of 95.2 falls below the Mississippi state average of 98.4. It ranks among the state's more active areas for law enforcement activity and reported incidents.

Higher Incidents Compared to Rural Peers

Alcorn’s crime rate is significantly higher than neighboring Calhoun’s rate of 682.2 per 100K. The area sees more reported crime per capita than many of its rural peers in the region.

Property Crime Drives Local Statistics

Property crime drives the local statistics with a rate of 2,811.3 per 100K, while violent crime remains lower at 230.4. This means residents are much more likely to encounter theft or burglary than physical harm.

Prioritize Property Security Today

Residents can deter the high property crime rate by installing motion-activated lighting and security cameras. Securing valuables in vehicles remains a critical step for protecting Alcorn County homes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Alcorn County

via HealthByCounty

Alcorn's health outcomes exceed state norms

Alcorn County's life expectancy of 72.2 years runs nearly 5 years below the U.S. average of 77.3 years, but it's among Mississippi's stronger performers. Just 22% of adults report poor or fair health—the lowest rate among our eight-county sample—suggesting better chronic disease management.

Top tier health outcomes in Mississippi

At 72.2 years, Alcorn County's life expectancy ranks above the state average of 70.9 years and ties for the highest in this region. The county's 22% poor/fair health rate also represents one of the best health status indicators statewide.

Alcorn leads regional health rankings

Alcorn County's 72.2-year life expectancy outpaces all neighboring counties except Carroll County (72.0 years). Its 22% poor/fair health rate is significantly better than Amite County (27%), Calhoun County (27.5%), and Carroll County (28.7%).

Mental health resources compensate for primary care gaps

Alcorn County has just 44 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—below state levels—but offers 322 mental health providers per 100,000, the highest concentration in the region. With 13.9% uninsured, the county matches the state average, meaning access barriers exist but are narrower than in neighboring counties.

Maintain coverage to protect your health gains

Even at Alcorn County's state-matching 13.9% uninsured rate, those without coverage should explore Mississippi's Health Marketplace to sustain preventive care access. Keeping continuous coverage supports the routine checkups that have helped Alcorn achieve above-average life expectancy.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Alcorn County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Infrastructure Across Two Districts

Alcorn County maintains a significant educational footprint with 13 total schools serving 5,678 students. The system is distributed across four elementary, three middle, and six high schools, including one alternative school.

High Graduation Rates and Competitive Scores

The county boasts an impressive 91.4% graduation rate, far outstripping the state and national averages of approximately 87%. With a per-pupil expenditure of $5,982, the county achieves a school score of 52.1, indicating efficient use of resources compared to state peers.

Comparing Alcorn and Corinth Districts

The Alcorn School District is the larger of the two, managing 10 schools and 3,188 students. The Corinth School District serves 2,490 students across three highly populated campuses, representing 44% of the county's total enrollment.

Rural Roots and Large Elementary Campuses

Eight schools are situated in rural locales, while five reside in town settings. Corinth Elementary is the largest school in the county with 1,103 students, offering a stark contrast to the average school size of 516.

Top-Tier Performance for Your Next Move

High graduation rates make Alcorn County a premier destination for families prioritizing academic outcomes. Look for properties within the Alcorn or Corinth districts to secure a place in these high-performing school zones.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Alcorn County

via RiskByCounty

Alcorn County sits well above national average

Alcorn County scores 65.01 on the composite risk scale, placing it firmly in the relatively low risk category but notably above typical U.S. risk levels. This elevated score reflects significant exposure to multiple hazard types across the county.

One of Mississippi's higher-risk counties

Alcorn County ranks among the state's riskier areas with a 65.01 score, well above Mississippi's 50.94 average. Only a handful of counties in the state exceed this risk level, making Alcorn a notable hot spot for natural hazard exposure.

Stands out for earthquake and tornado threat

Alcorn County's 65.01 score significantly exceeds neighboring Tippah and Prentiss counties, placing it in a distinct risk category for northeast Mississippi. Its exceptional earthquake risk of 89.76 is particularly unusual for the region and warrants special attention from residents.

Earthquakes, tornadoes shape risk profile

Earthquake risk reaches 89.76—extraordinarily high for Mississippi and the nation—while tornado risk scores 87.53, creating a dual threat environment. These two hazards dominate Alcorn's risk profile far more than flood or wildfire concerns.

Earthquake preparedness is unusual but vital

Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes earthquake damage, yet Alcorn County's 89.76 earthquake risk demands dedicated coverage through separate policies. Equally important: ensure your policy covers tornado and wind damage, as the 87.53 tornado risk poses year-round threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Alcorn County

via WeatherByCounty

Northern Mississippi's Moderate Warmth

Alcorn County records an average annual temperature of 60.5°F, which is notably warmer than the U.S. national median. Despite being in the South, its northern position provides a slightly more temperate version of the humid subtropical climate. It balances Southern heat with more distinct seasonal shifts.

One of Mississippi's Coolest Counties

A 60.5°F average places Alcorn well below the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. It ranks as one of the cooler counties in the state due to its location on the Tennessee border. This difference is most apparent during the winter months.

Cooler than Southern Counterparts

Alcorn is significantly cooler than southern counties like Adams, which averages 64.2°F. It receives 58.8 inches of rain annually, slightly less than the state average of 59.6 inches. This makes it one of the drier and cooler spots in the Magnolia State.

Mild Winters and 60 Heat Days

July temperatures average 79.9°F, contributing to 60 days of extreme heat per year. The winter average of 42.0°F is chilly for the state, and the county sees about 0.7 inches of snow annually. January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of 39.8°F.

Winter Layers and Summer Cooling

Residents should invest in versatile wardrobes to handle both the 60 extreme heat days and the 42°F winter average. Proper home insulation is important here as winter temperatures are lower than in much of the state. Rain gear remains a staple for the nearly 59 inches of annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Alcorn County

via SoilByCounty

Typical Southern Acidic Soils

Alcorn County's soil pH of 5.36 aligns closely with the Mississippi average of 5.30. This acidic profile is much sharper than the national 6.5 median, often requiring lime treatments for traditional garden vegetables.

Balanced Mix of Sand and Silt

The soil composition is 48.0% silt and 34.2% sand, providing a gritty but cohesive feel. With only 17.8% clay, the soil remains relatively easy to tilt and work during the spring planting season.

Strong Organic Matter Levels

At 1.87%, the organic matter content in Alcorn exceeds the state average of 1.81%. Coupled with an available water capacity of 0.181 in/in, this soil holds nutrients and moisture better than many surrounding areas.

Reliable Agricultural Foundation

The county achieves a soil score of 39.8, outperforming the state average of 35.7 despite missing specific drainage classifications. This indicates a solid foundation for both building projects and agricultural ventures.

Success in Zone 8a

Zone 8a supports a wide range of crops including blueberries, azaleas, and camellias which thrive in acidic soil. Gardeners should test their soil early to manage the pH for heavy feeders like tomatoes.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Alcorn County

via LawnByCounty

Standard Mississippi Growing Conditions

Alcorn County's lawn difficulty score of 31.8 aligns closely with the state average of 30.9 but trails the national median. This Zone 8a region presents a moderate challenge for homeowners looking to maintain lush, green turf year-round.

Lower Heat Load with High Rainfall

With 60 extreme heat days, Alcorn is cooler than many Mississippi neighbors, though it still sees 58.8 inches of annual rain. This high moisture level combined with 4,963 growing degree days means your mowing schedule will peak in early summer.

Acidic Soil Needs Lime Treatment

The soil pH of 5.36 is significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range, likely necessitating lime applications to unlock nutrients. The soil contains 34.2% sand, which helps with drainage but may require more frequent watering during dry spells.

Managing Long-Term Dry Periods

The county has spent 25 weeks in drought over the last year, even though severe conditions are currently at 0.0%. Because 94.3% of the area remains abnormally dry, residents should monitor soil moisture closely to prevent grass dormancy.

Spring Seeding Begins in April

Zoysia and Centipede grass thrive in the Zone 8a climate of Alcorn County. Aim to begin your lawn projects after the last frost on April 2 to give your turf plenty of time to mature before the fall frost arrives in early November.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alcorn County's county score?
Alcorn County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 43.8 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Alcorn County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Alcorn County ranks #55 among all counties in Mississippi on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Alcorn County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Alcorn County is $788, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Alcorn County a tax score of 75/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Alcorn County?
The median household income in Alcorn County, Mississippi is $49,404 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Alcorn County earns an income score of 13.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Alcorn County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Alcorn County scores 43.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #55 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Alcorn County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Alcorn County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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