countyscore
57.3
County Score
Safety 97.5Cost of Living 85.1Disaster Risk 84.8

County Report Card

About Benton County, Mississippi

A High-Performing Rural Choice

Benton County earns a composite score of 57.3, significantly beating the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a hidden gem for those seeking a high-value rural lifestyle.

Leading the State Average

Surpassing the Mississippi state average of 48.4, Benton County provides a higher baseline of livability than many of its peers. It is one of the more desirable rural options in the state.

Safety and Stability First

Safety is a premier feature here, with an impressive score of 97.5. The county also excels in environmental stability, reflected in a Risk Score of 84.8 and a Cost Score of 85.1.

Education and Infrastructure Needs

Benton County struggles with a low School Score of 17.3 and a Water Score of 15.4. Economic opportunities are also limited, with an Income Score of only 4.4.

Quiet Living for Remote Workers

Benton County is ideal for people seeking safety and low costs away from the urban bustle. It is a perfect fit for those who can work remotely and do not rely on local schools or water systems.

2040608010067.985.197.51317.34.484.815.464.3Tax67.9Cost85.1Safety97.5Health13Schools17.3Income4.4Risk84.8Water15.4Weather64.357.3/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Benton County DNA

Foverall

How Benton County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Benton County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (97.5/100) but notably weak in Income (4.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
67.9+15.900000000000006
Cost
85.1+37.099999999999994
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
13-37
Schools
17.3-36.7
Income
4.4-46.6
Risk
84.8+37.8
Water
15.4-42.6
Weather
64.3+8.299999999999997
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$109,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$729/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$109,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $42,139/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

13.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Tippah County
Mississippi
56.7
Marshall County
Mississippi
45.3
Union County
Mississippi
45.1
Hardeman County
Tennessee
40.7
Alcorn County
Mississippi
43.8
Fayette County
Tennessee
55.6
Lafayette County
Mississippi
43.6
Prentiss County
Mississippi
43.6

Deep Dives

Benton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Benton County

via TaxByCounty

Benton County taxes remain national bargain

Benton County's 0.655% effective tax rate falls below the national median of 0.80%, and its $716 median property tax represents just 27% of the $2,690 national median. This substantial discount stems from Mississippi's significantly lower home values compared to national norms.

Slightly below Mississippi's state average

Benton County's 0.655% effective rate sits just below Mississippi's 0.743% state average, landing it in the favorable bottom half statewide. The $716 median tax tracks 23% below the state median of $931, delivering above-average savings for property owners.

Reasonable tax position in the region

Benton County's 0.655% rate ranks between Alcorn County's low 0.596% and Adams County's high 0.885%, placing it solidly in the regional middle ground. The $716 median tax similarly reflects an intermediate position among comparable surrounding counties.

Median home taxed around $716 yearly

With a median home value of $109,300 and a 0.655% effective rate, typical Benton County residents pay approximately $716 in annual property tax. Mortgage escrow adds roughly $53, bringing the total to about $769.

Review your assessment for overvaluation

Even moderate tax rates can mask individual overassessments—Benton County residents should verify their home's appraised value against recent comparable sales. The county assessor's office provides free assessment information and can guide you through an appeal if needed.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Benton County

via CostByCounty

Benton rents slightly above state average

Benton County's 20.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Mississippi's 19.6% average, though it remains far below the national renter burden of 28-30%. With median income of $42,139, Benton residents face moderate housing pressure relative to incomes.

Slightly less affordable than Mississippi average

At 20.8%, Benton County's rent-to-income ratio ranks slightly above the statewide average, placing it in the less-affordable tier. This reflects lower median income ($42,139) relative to rent costs, a pattern more common in rural southern counties.

Benton compared to nearby counties

Benton's $729 rent and 20.8% burden fall between Adams ($720 rent, 21.5% burden) and Attala ($774 rent, 19.3% burden), with income lower than both neighbors. Benton renters face pressure similar to Adams but with slightly higher rent.

Benton's monthly housing budget

Renters pay $729 monthly while homeowners average $550, against median household income of $42,139—roughly $3,512 monthly. This leaves renters about $276 after rent and homeowners $295, tighter margins than higher-income neighbors.

Considering Benton County?

Benton offers moderate rents ($729) and ownership costs ($550) with median home values of $109,300, though income levels here rank lower than Alcorn or Attala. If affordability is primary, compare Benton's numbers against Amite's lower rents or Carroll's stronger incomes to find your best match.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Benton County

via IncomeByCounty

Benton County earns 56% of U.S. median

Benton County's median household income of $42,139 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by $32,616, or 44%. The county ranks in the lower-income tier nationally, similar to many rural Mississippi and Southern counties.

Below Mississippi state average

Benton County's median household income of $42,139 falls $6,375 short of Mississippi's state average of $48,514. The per capita income of $23,870 is the lowest among this group, falling $3,266 below state average.

Lower earnings than most regional peers

Benton County residents earn less than Alcorn County ($49,404), Attala County ($48,098), and Carroll County ($55,275), but more than Amite County ($35,385). The county's income profile reflects limited employment diversity and wage competition.

Housing costs are manageable

Benton County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.8% sits slightly above recommended levels, meaning households spend about $729 monthly on rent from median income. The median home value of $109,300 remains within reach for many working families.

Maximize savings despite constraints

Benton County residents should aim to save 8–10% of household income, prioritizing emergency funds before investing. Explore community banks, employer benefits programs, and local economic development initiatives that support worker advancement.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Benton County

via CrimeByCounty

Benton County Reports Exceptional Safety

Benton County records a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100K, far below the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a perfect safety score of 100.0 for the 2022 reporting year.

Leading the State in Safety Ratings

Its 100.0 safety score exceeds the Mississippi state average of 98.4. This puts the county in the top tier of safety ratings across the state based on currently available data.

Safer than Northern Neighbors

Benton appears much safer than Alcorn County, which has a crime rate of 3,041.7 per 100K. However, with only one agency reporting, this data may not capture every local incident.

Interpret Perfect Scores with Caution

The county reports 0.0 violent and property crimes per 100K. Because only a single agency provided data, residents should interpret these perfect scores as a limited snapshot of total local activity.

Small Steps for Big Protection

Even with no reported crimes, simple measures like porch lights and locked gates provide peace of mind. Staying connected with neighbors helps maintain this safe environment in a single-agency county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Benton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Concentrated Learning in Benton County

Benton County operates a streamlined system of four public schools that serve 961 total students. The infrastructure includes one elementary school, two high schools, and one K-12 attendance center.

Local Investment and Academic Standing

Benton County invests $6,262 per pupil, which is higher than the Mississippi average of $5,954. The graduation rate currently sits at 82.0%, and the county maintains an overall school score of 47.7.

One District for All Benton Students

All 961 students are enrolled in the Benton County School District, which operates without the presence of charter schools. This single-district model allows for a centralized approach to county-wide educational goals.

A Truly Rural Learning Environment

Every school in the county is located in a rural setting, emphasizing a close-knit community feel. The Hickory Flat Attendance Center is the largest campus with 465 students, while Ashland Middle-High School serves 222 students.

Searching for a Quiet Community?

Benton County's rural school landscape is perfect for those seeking a slower pace and smaller campuses. Explore home options in Hickory Flat or Ashland to become part of this unified school district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Benton County

via RiskByCounty

Benton County: Mississippi's safest county

Benton County scores just 15.24 on the composite risk scale, making it one of the very lowest-risk counties in America. This exceptional rating reflects minimal exposure to major natural hazards and makes it a standout safe haven within Mississippi.

Dramatically safer than Mississippi average

Benton County's 15.24 score is less than one-third of Mississippi's 50.94 state average, positioning it as the state's safest or near-safest county. This remarkable gap underscores the county's unique geographic advantage and low-hazard profile.

Far safer than surrounding counties

Benton County's 15.24 score dwarfs all nearby counties including Marshall (higher), Tippah, and Prentiss, establishing it as a clear regional outlier. Its northeast location and distance from flood-prone river systems and coastal zones explain much of this advantage.

Earthquake is only moderate concern

Earthquake risk at 78.44 is Benton County's highest hazard score, though tornado (54.90) and flood (14.25) risks remain minimal. Even the earthquake score, while elevated for the county, reflects a broader regional pattern rather than acute local vulnerability.

Basic coverage provides ample protection

Standard homeowners insurance without specialized riders likely covers your primary risks in Benton County. Flood insurance is optional for most residents given the county's 14.25 flood risk—among the lowest in the state.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Benton County

via WaterByCounty

Benton County Receives Grade F for Compliance

Benton County carries a Grade F for drinking water compliance, driven by 11 health violations over five years. The violation rate of 192.4 per 100K is more than double the Mississippi state average.

Local Water Bodies Await Federal Assessment

Benton County's water bodies have not yet been assessed under the federal Clean Water Act §303(d) guidelines. There are no official reports detailing impairment levels or specific contaminant issues for the county's streams.

Intensive Monitoring Records Nutrient Data

Four monitoring sites provide a significant data set with 1,453 measurements recorded in the last five years. The primary focus of these records is on physical characteristics, nutrients, and inorganic substances.

Live Streamflow Data Currently Unavailable

There is no active USGS streamgage in Benton County to provide real-time discharge information. Compliance data and monitoring site records serve as the primary indicators for water health in this area.

Testing Recommended Due to High Violations

The Grade F compliance status suggests that residents should be proactive about water filtration and regular testing. High violation rates relative to the state average highlight a critical need for awareness regarding potential contaminants.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Benton County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Warmth in the North

Benton County has an annual average temperature of 59.9°F, which is warm nationally but moderate for the South. Its 57.8 inches of rain is high compared to the national average, though lower than state norms. This produces a humid climate with more distinct winters than most of Mississippi.

One of the State's Coldest

Benton is significantly cooler than the Mississippi average of 63.9°F. At 59.9°F, it ranks among the coldest counties in the state due to its northern border location. It is also drier than the state average, receiving 57.8 inches of rain versus the 59.6-inch average.

Cooler than its Southern Neighbors

Benton is roughly four degrees cooler on average than Bolivar County to the south. It is even cooler than nearby Alcorn County, which averages 60.5°F. This makes Benton a unique northern outlier in the state's temperature rankings.

Highest Snowfall in the Region

Winter is colder here than in most of Mississippi, averaging 41.3°F with 2.3 inches of annual snow. Summer is still warm, with 56 days reaching 90°F and a July average of 78.9°F. It has the fewest extreme heat days among the counties listed.

Winterizing for Snow and Ice

Benton residents need to prepare for 2.3 inches of snow, more than any other county in this group. Heating systems are critical during the 41.3°F winter average. While summer is milder, 56 extreme heat days still require adequate ventilation and cooling.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Benton County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Ground in North Mississippi

Benton County features a pH of 5.28, sitting right near the state average but well below the national 6.5 benchmark. These soils are naturally weathered and require amendments to support alkaline-loving plants.

Dominantly Silty Texture

The soil is comprised of 59.7% silt, making it one of the siltiest counties in the state. This fine-textured ground holds 15.5% clay and 24.7% sand, creating a silty loam feel that is soft to the touch.

Exceptional Water Capacity

Benton boasts a high available water capacity of 0.198 in/in, significantly higher than the state average of 0.174. However, the organic matter content is low at 1.37%, so adding compost is vital for nutrient cycling.

Stronger than State Averages

A soil score of 38.1 puts Benton County ahead of the state's 35.7 average. The high silt content helps with water storage, though growers must be careful to avoid compaction in these fine-grained soils.

Gardening in Cooler Zone 7b

As one of the cooler regions in Mississippi, zone 7b is perfect for spring peas and leafy greens. Utilize the high water capacity of this soil to grow lush gardens with less frequent irrigation.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Benton County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Lawn Difficulty in Benton

Benton County's lawn difficulty score of 36.0 makes it one of the more manageable areas in Mississippi for turf care. As a Zone 7b region, it experiences slightly milder temperatures than much of the state, though it still falls below the national ease median.

Milder Summers and Wet Winters

With only 56 extreme heat days, Benton County avoids the worst of the Mississippi swelter found further south. However, 57.8 inches of annual precipitation means you must stay on top of drainage to prevent root rot during wet periods.

Managing Acidity in Silt-Heavy Soil

The soil pH of 5.28 is low for optimal lawn health, likely requiring soil testing to determine lime needs. The relatively low sand content of 24.7% suggests the soil may hold moisture longer, which is helpful during the county's dry spells.

Navigating Abnormally Dry Spells

The entire county is currently classified as abnormally dry, following 19 weeks of drought over the past year. Homeowners should focus on mulch-mowing to return moisture and nutrients to the soil during these extended dry windows.

Wait for the April 8 Frost

The 7b hardiness zone allows for a mix of warm-season grasses and even some transition-zone varieties. Ensure you wait until after the last frost on April 8 to begin seeding to protect young sprouts from a late-season chill.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Benton County's county score?
Benton County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 57.3 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 Benton County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Benton County ranks #13 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 Benton County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Benton County is $716, with an effective tax rate of 0.66%. This earns Benton County a tax score of 67.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Benton County?
The median household income in Benton County, Mississippi is $42,139 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Benton County earns an income score of 4.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Benton County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Benton County scores 57.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Benton 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 Benton County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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