countyscore
59.3
County Score
Cost of Living 93.4Property Tax 87.4Safety 83.6

County Report Card

About Amite County, Mississippi

Exceeding National Standards

Amite County achieves a solid composite score of 59.3, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This high ranking suggests a superior quality of life compared to many other rural American counties.

One of Mississippi's Best

With a score well above the state average of 48.4, Amite County stands as a premier location in Mississippi. It offers a balanced profile that few neighboring counties can match.

Incredible Affordability and Low Taxes

The county boasts an elite Cost Score of 93.4 and a Tax Score of 87.4, thanks to an effective tax rate of 0.484%. Homes are remarkably affordable with a median value of just $89,800.

Struggling Local Economy

Economic prosperity remains elusive, as shown by a very low Income Score of 1.1 and a median household income of $35,385. Health services also need improvement, with a score of 13.5.

Perfect for Independent Lifestyles

Amite County is a haven for retirees or those with outside income who want to maximize their purchasing power. It offers high safety and rock-bottom costs for those not dependent on the local job market.

Score breakdown

Tax87.4Cost93.4Safety83.6Health13.5Schools26.1Income1.1Risk51.8Water49Weather40.9
🏛87.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠93.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼1.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡83.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤13.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓26.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡51.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧49
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤40.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨28.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱26.6
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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Nearby counties

Franklin County
Mississippi
60.2
St. Helena Parish
Louisiana
46.9
Pike County
Mississippi
37.9
East Feliciana Parish
Louisiana
61.8
Wilkinson County
Mississippi
54.8
Lincoln County
Mississippi
41.6
Adams County
Mississippi
57.1
Jefferson County
Mississippi
52.3

Deep Dives

Amite County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Amite County

via TaxByCounty

Amite County offers steep national tax savings

Amite County's 0.484% effective tax rate ranks among the lowest in the nation, far below the national median of 0.80%. Homeowners here pay just $435 in median annual property tax—approximately 16% of the $2,690 national median, reflecting both low rates and modest home values.

Mississippi's lowest median property tax

Amite County delivers Mississippi's most affordable property tax environment, with a median bill of $435 and an effective rate of 0.484% well below the state average of 0.743%. This combination of low rates and lower home values makes Amite a genuinely affordable county to own property in.

Most tax-friendly in the immediate region

Amite County's 0.484% effective rate and $435 median tax undercut all comparable nearby counties, including Attala County (0.627%, $675) and Carroll County (0.665%, $702). This makes Amite the region's clearest choice for property owners seeking minimal tax burden.

County's lowest median tax in the state

On Amite County's median home value of $89,800, residents pay approximately $435 yearly in property tax at the 0.484% rate. Including mortgage escrow, the annual total reaches roughly $764, the lowest in Mississippi.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

Low rates don't mean assessments are always accurate—even in Amite County, some homeowners may be overassessed. Filing an appeal with the county assessor is free and can further reduce your already-modest tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Amite County

via CostByCounty

Amite faces toughest affordability squeeze

Amite County's 23.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the highest in Mississippi, exceeding the state average of 19.6% by 3.8 percentage points. With the lowest median household income in this peer group at $35,385, Amite residents strain hardest to afford even its modest $689 monthly rent.

Mississippi's most strained county

At 23.4%, Amite County's rent-to-income ratio places it among the least affordable in the state, driven by income levels that trail most Mississippi counties. For renters here, housing costs consume roughly a quarter of gross income—significantly more than the sustainable 30% threshold.

Amite struggles vs. surrounding areas

Amite's $689 rent is the lowest among neighbors, yet its 23.4% burden ratio is the highest—a reflection of incomes $4,865 below Adams County and $13,890 below Alcorn. Even cheap rent becomes unaffordable when paychecks don't keep pace.

Amite's tight income-to-housing gap

Renters pay $689 monthly on a median household income of $35,385—just $2,949 monthly—while homeowners average $393. This leaves renters only $260 per month after housing and homeowners $324, among the tightest margins in the region.

Thinking about Amite County?

Amite's lowest rents ($689) and most affordable homeownership ($393/month, median home value $89,800) appeal to budget seekers, but incomes here rank lowest regionally. Consider whether local employment opportunities align with your needs, or compare to higher-income counties like Alcorn ($49,404) or Carroll ($55,275) for long-term stability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Amite County

via IncomeByCounty

Amite County earns half national median

Amite County's median household income of $35,385 represents just 47% of the U.S. median of $74,755—one of the steepest gaps in the nation. This $39,370 deficit signals significant economic challenges and limited earning potential for local workers.

Near bottom of Mississippi rankings

Amite County ranks among Mississippi's lowest-income counties at $35,385, falling $13,129 short of the state average of $48,514. The per capita income of $24,941 also trails the state by $2,195, indicating limited wealth distribution across the population.

Struggling against stronger neighbors

Amite County's median income significantly lags Adams County ($40,250), Alcorn County ($49,404), and Attala County ($48,098). This disparity reflects economic transitions in the region and relative disadvantage in employment and industry diversity.

Housing cost burden is severe

Amite County's rent-to-income ratio of 23.4% is among the highest in Mississippi, forcing households to spend nearly a quarter of income on rent alone. The median home value of $89,800 is the lowest in this cohort, reflecting lower property values but also limited homeownership capacity.

Focus on reducing debt and expenses

Amite County residents should prioritize eliminating high-interest debt and building small emergency savings before investing. Look into local job training programs, nonprofit credit counseling, and state assistance programs to strengthen financial foundations.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Amite County

via CrimeByCounty

Amite County Ranks Among Safest Areas

Amite County maintains a low total crime rate of 386.3 per 100K, which is well under the national mark of 2,385.5. A safety score of 99.4 identifies it as one of the safer counties in the country.

Strong Safety Performance in Mississippi

The county’s safety score of 99.4 is higher than the Mississippi state average of 98.4. Local law enforcement maintains a high level of safety across the community compared to state benchmarks.

Quiet Outlook Compared to Neighbors

With a crime rate of 386.3, Amite is significantly safer than nearby Bolivar County, which reports over 3,000 incidents per 100K. Its rural character likely contributes to these lower reporting numbers.

Low Risk for Personal Crime

The violent crime rate is 134.0, while property crime sits at 252.3 per 100K. These figures suggest that crime is rare and usually involves minor property disputes rather than violent encounters.

Keep Amite County Safe

To maintain this high safety rating, residents should continue to use outdoor lighting and alarm systems. Community awareness remains the best defense against rare local incidents and theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Amite County

via HealthByCounty

Amite County life expectancy trails national average

At 72.1 years, Amite County's life expectancy falls roughly 5 years short of the U.S. average of 77.3 years. Nearly 27% of residents report poor or fair health, nearly 50% above the national average, pointing to significant unmet preventive and chronic care needs.

Slightly above Mississippi baseline health outcomes

Amite County's 72.1-year life expectancy edges past Mississippi's 70.9-year average, though its 27% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's highest. The county represents a mixed health profile—longer-lived residents but with substantial illness burden.

Amite lags healthier counties in the region

Amite County's 27% poor/fair health rate ties with Adams County and trails the healthier performers like Alcorn County (22%) and Attala County (25.2%). Its 72.1-year life expectancy falls short of Carroll County (72.0 years) and Alcorn County (72.2 years).

Severe provider shortages hamper healthcare access

Amite County has only 16 primary care providers and 16 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among the lowest in the region and far below adequate levels. Combined with a 15.4% uninsured rate, these access gaps mean residents face long waits and limited options for both routine and behavioral health care.

Health coverage is a critical first step

With severe provider shortages and 15.4% uninsured, Amite County residents should prioritize getting covered through Mississippi's Health Marketplace or Medicaid to at least secure access to telehealth and regional specialists. Coverage creates a foundation for care coordination even when local providers are limited.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Amite County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Learning in Amite County

Amite County offers a compact school landscape consisting of four public schools under one central district. The system supports 853 students through one elementary, one middle, and two high schools.

Investing Above Average Per Pupil

The county spends $6,987 per student, which is nearly $1,000 more than the state average, though the 82.0% graduation rate trails the state target of 87.1%. This investment helps maintain a composite school score of 49.3, very close to the state average of 49.8.

A Single District Serving All Students

The Amite County School District manages every campus in the county, ensuring a unified curriculum for all 853 students. There are no charter schools in the area, keeping the focus entirely on the traditional public district.

A Purely Rural Educational Experience

All four schools in Amite County are located in rural settings, offering a quiet environment with an average school size of 284 students. Amite County Elementary is the largest with 468 students, while the middle school provides a very small-group experience with only 131 students.

Quiet Rural Schools for Growing Families

If you value small class sizes and a rural atmosphere, Amite County's unified district is worth a look. Search for homes near Liberty or Gloster to find the perfect spot within this community-focused school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Amite County

via RiskByCounty

Amite County just below national average risk

Amite County scores 48.22 on the composite risk scale, landing in the relatively low risk category and slightly below the national average. This moderate profile masks significant risk concentration in specific hazards like hurricanes and wildfires.

Lower-risk county within Mississippi

Amite County's 48.22 score sits below Mississippi's 50.94 state average, placing it in the safer half of the state's counties. Still, this relatively favorable position doesn't eliminate meaningful exposure to Gulf-driven hurricanes and seasonal storms.

Similar risk to Pike and Wilkinson counties

Amite County's 48.22 score closely mirrors neighboring Pike County, both occupying the safer tier of southwest Mississippi. However, all three counties in this region face elevated hurricane risk due to proximity to the Gulf Coast.

Hurricanes and wildfires pose acute threats

Hurricane risk dominates at 86.27—among the highest in Mississippi due to coastal exposure—while wildfire risk reaches 61.16, reflecting the county's timber resources and seasonal fire seasons. Tornado risk of 67.14 adds a third seasonal threat during spring months.

Hurricane coverage is non-negotiable

With a hurricane risk score of 86.27, wind and storm surge coverage must be prioritized in your homeowners policy. Additionally, separate wildfire insurance or coverage riders make sense given the 61.16 wildfire risk score in this timber-rich county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Amite County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep South Subtropical Heat

Amite County is significantly warmer than the national average, with a mean annual temperature of 65.2°F. This high temperature is paired with 61.7 inches of annual precipitation, making it a very wet and warm region. It represents the quintessential Southern climate profile.

Exceeding the State Temperature Average

At 65.2°F, Amite is warmer than the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. Its location near the Louisiana border makes it one of the warmest and wettest counties in the state. The county receives two inches more rain than the state average every year.

Hotter and Wetter than Neighbors

Amite's 65.2°F average makes it warmer than Attala County's 62.8°F to the north. It also receives 61.7 inches of rain, which is higher than the 60.1 inches seen in nearby Adams County. This makes Amite a local leader in both heat and rainfall.

Intense Summers and Mild Winters

The county faces 75 extreme heat days each year, with July averages reaching 80.4°F. Winter is very mild at 49.8°F, keeping the ground from freezing for most of the year. While snowfall data is unavailable, the high winter average suggests snow is an extremely rare event.

Hydration and High-Capacity Drainage

Managing 61.7 inches of rain requires high-capacity gutters and reliable drainage systems. With 75 days of extreme heat, outdoor workers must prioritize hydration and heat safety. The mild winter average of nearly 50°F means heavy winter coats are rarely needed.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Amite County

via SoilByCounty

Strongly Acidic Sandy Ground

Amite County presents a pH of 5.17, making it more acidic than both the state average of 5.30 and the national median of 6.5. This low pH level is common in the piney woods regions of the state.

High Sand and Low Clay

With 46.7% sand and only 11.7% clay, this soil is exceptionally light and porous. This high sand content ensures easy digging but means nutrients may leach away more quickly than in heavier soils.

Leaching Risks and Water Capacity

The organic matter level of 1.59% and available water capacity of 0.168 in/in both fall below the state averages. Frequent applications of organic mulch are necessary to help these sandy soils retain moisture for crops.

Fast-Draining Pine Land

A soil score of 28.6 reflects the challenges of farming in such sandy, acidic conditions compared to the state average of 35.7. However, the high sand percentage generally translates to excellent drainage and stable building sites.

Heat-Tolerant Gardening in 8b

Water-loving plants may struggle in this porous soil, but heat-tolerant varieties like peppers and watermelons perform well in zone 8b. Focus on soil-building strategies like cover cropping to boost your garden's productivity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Amite County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in Amite County

With a lawn difficulty score of 26.6, Amite County is one of the more difficult places in the state to maintain a perfect lawn. High heat and very acidic soil make it tougher than both the state average and the national median.

Intense Heat and Heavy Rainfall

The county faces 75 days of extreme heat annually and a high growing degree day count of 6,010. Coupled with 61.7 inches of rain, these conditions create a tropical environment that can stress cool-season grasses and promote rapid weed growth.

Sandy, Highly Acidic Soil Base

Amite's soil is notably sandy at 46.7%, which helps prevent pooling but can lead to rapid nutrient leaching. The very low pH of 5.17 is a significant hurdle that requires consistent soil testing and amendments to support healthy turf.

Resilience During Summer Spells

Currently, 12.1% of the county is in severe drought, part of a 10-week drought cycle over the past year. To conserve water in these conditions, allow your grass to grow slightly taller to shade the soil and reduce evaporation.

Late March is Prime Planting Time

Heat-tolerant varieties like St. Augustine are best suited for the 75 extreme heat days in this Zone 8b area. Wait until after the March 25 frost date to plant, ensuring your lawn is established before the long, hot Mississippi summer.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Amite County's county score?
Amite County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 59.3 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 Amite County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Amite County ranks #10 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 Amite County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Amite County is $435, with an effective tax rate of 0.48%. This earns Amite County a tax score of 87.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Amite County?
The median household income in Amite County, Mississippi is $35,385 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Amite County earns an income score of 1.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Amite County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Amite County scores 59.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Amite 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 Amite 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.