countyscore
32.6
County Score
Cost of Living 76.9Property Tax 57Weather & Climate 44.4

County Report Card

About Bolivar County, Mississippi

Struggling on the National Stage

Bolivar County’s composite score of 33.3 falls well below the national median of 50.0. This indicates significant livability challenges that affect nearly every dimension of resident life.

Trailing State Averages

The county significantly lags behind the Mississippi average of 48.4. Residents here experience fewer resources and lower socioeconomic indicators than the typical Mississippian.

Housing Remains Highly Affordable

Affordability is the county's strongest point, with a Cost Score of 81.5. Median gross rent is very low at $671 per month, providing an entry point for low-income households.

Deep Socioeconomic Struggles

The county faces extreme hurdles with an Income Score of 1.8 and a Safety Score of 7.7. Education also ranks poorly, with a School Score of 14.6.

A Community in Transition

Bolivar County is best for those with existing local ties or social missions who can overlook safety and economic metrics. Its ultra-low costs provide a floor for those on very tight budgets.

204060801005776.97.711.714.62.123.228.344.4Tax57Cost76.9Safety7.7Health11.7Schools14.6Income2.1Risk23.2Water28.3Weather44.432.6/100
This county
National avg
1 above average7 below average

Bolivar County DNA

Foverall

How Bolivar County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Bolivar County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Income (2.1/100), though Cost of Living (76.9/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
57
Cost
76.9+28.900000000000006
Safety
7.7-47.3
Health
11.7-38.3
Schools
14.6-39.4
Income
2.1-48.9
Risk
23.2-23.8
Water
28.3-29.7
Weather
44.4-11.600000000000001
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Bolivar County?

Many homeowners in Bolivar County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$130,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$685/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$130,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $39,585/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

19.9

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
Compare Bolivar County with Yellowstone County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Yellowstone County
Montana
Median income: $76,570
32.6
Fresno County
California
Median income: $74,201
32.7
Ramsey County
Minnesota
Median income: $81,568
32.5
Rogers County
Oklahoma
Median income: $80,067
32.7
Colleton County
South Carolina
Median income: $51,114
32.7
Andrews County
Texas
Median income: $72,242
32.7
Johnson County
Texas
Median income: $84,859
32.5
Maricopa County
Arizona
Median income: $89,300
32.8

Nearby counties

Desha County
Arkansas
48.4
Sunflower County
Mississippi
45.4
Arkansas County
Arkansas
35.9
Coahoma County
Mississippi
45.2
Phillips County
Arkansas
35.3
Chicot County
Arkansas
51.8
Washington County
Mississippi
47.4
Lincoln County
Arkansas
52.6

Deep Dives

Bolivar County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Bolivar County

via TaxByCounty

Bolivar County taxes remain globally affordable

Bolivar County's 0.777% effective tax rate sits within national norms, but its $961 median property tax stays well below the $2,690 national median. This reflects Mississippi's lower home values: Bolivar's median of $123,600 compared to $281,900 nationwide.

Among Mississippi's higher county rates

Bolivar County's 0.777% effective rate exceeds Mississippi's state average of 0.743%, placing it in the upper tier statewide. The $961 median tax sits just 3% above the state median of $931, showing Bolivar residents shoulder slightly higher burdens locally.

Second-highest rate in this group

Bolivar County's 0.777% effective rate ranks second only to Adams County (0.885%) among these eight counties, making it a higher-burden area regionally. Only Alcorn County's 0.596% rate offers substantially better terms for property owners.

Median home generates $961 annual tax

On Bolivar County's median home value of $123,600, homeowners pay approximately $961 per year at the 0.777% effective rate. For mortgaged homes, escrow increases the annual bill to roughly $1,353.

Challenge inflated assessments to cut bills

In higher-tax Bolivar County, a successful assessment appeal can yield meaningful annual savings for homeowners. Request a free assessment review from the county assessor and, if warranted, file a formal appeal with supporting comparable sales data.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bolivar County

via IncomeByCounty

Bolivar County earns 50% of U.S. median

Bolivar County's median household income of $37,315 represents just 50% of the national median of $74,755—a gap of $37,440. The county ranks among the lowest-earning regions in the United States, signaling significant economic headwinds.

Below average throughout Mississippi

Bolivar County's median household income of $37,315 falls $11,199 below Mississippi's state average of $48,514. The per capita income of $25,359 exceeds state average by only $8,223, indicating limited wealth concentration and broad economic strain.

Struggles against regional competition

Bolivar County residents earn less than most peers, including Adams County ($40,250), Attala County ($48,098), and Alcorn County ($49,404). Only Amite County ($35,385) earns less, reflecting shared economic challenges in the Delta region.

Housing burden takes heavy toll

Bolivar County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.6% forces households to allocate roughly $672 monthly to rent from median income. The median home value of $123,600 is the highest in this cohort but remains difficult for low-income renters to access through homeownership.

Prioritize stability before investing

Bolivar County residents should focus on debt reduction and building 3–6 months of emergency savings before pursuing investments. Connect with nonprofit financial counseling, state workforce programs, and community development organizations to improve long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bolivar County

via CrimeByCounty

Bolivar County Faces Higher Crime Rates

Bolivar County reports a total crime rate of 3,027.2 per 100K, exceeding the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 95.2, placing it in a higher risk category than many peers.

Safety Below Mississippi Average

At 95.2, Bolivar’s safety score falls below the state average of 98.4. It is one of the more active counties for crime reporting in Mississippi, with seven agencies submitting data.

Higher Risk than Surrounding Counties

Bolivar's violent crime rate of 567.0 is much higher than Calhoun's 265.3. This highlights a need for increased safety awareness compared to surrounding, quieter jurisdictions.

Elevated Violent and Property Crime

The county faces a property crime rate of 2,460.2 and a significant violent crime rate of 567.0. Both metrics are notably higher than national benchmarks, indicating frequent law enforcement intervention.

Invest in Comprehensive Security

Residents should invest in comprehensive home security systems that include both cameras and monitoring. Being proactive about personal safety and property protection is essential in this area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bolivar County

via WeatherByCounty

Extreme Heat in the Delta

Bolivar County's annual average temperature of 63.4°F is well above the national median. This Delta region is known for intense humidity and a high volume of extreme heat days. It averages 56.7 inches of rain, making it one of the drier parts of the state despite the humid air.

Hotter Summers than State Average

While the annual average of 63.4°F is near the state average of 63.9°F, Bolivar's extreme heat is more intense. It receives less precipitation than the state average of 59.6 inches. This combination makes for a particularly oppressive summer season.

The Hottest Peak in the Region

Bolivar's July average of 81.9°F is higher than neighbors like Calhoun (81.0°F) or Benton (78.9°F). It records 86 days of extreme heat, significantly more than the 60 days seen in Alcorn. This makes it a hotspot even by Mississippi standards.

Extreme Heat and Mild Snow

With 86 days over 90°F, Bolivar has one of the longest heat seasons in the state. Winters are mild at 44.5°F, and the county typically sees only 1.0 inch of snow. July is the peak of the heat with an average of 81.9°F.

Prioritizing Extreme Heat Safety

Eighty-six days of extreme heat demand reliable HVAC systems and sun protection. Residents should manage water carefully, as the 56.7 inches of rain is lower than in southern counties. Winter coats are necessary for the 44.5°F winter average, though snow remains rare.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bolivar County

via SoilByCounty

Rich Delta Soil Profile

Bolivar County's pH of 6.04 is much closer to the national median of 6.5 than most of Mississippi. This favorable acidity level is a hallmark of the fertile Delta region, supporting intensive agriculture.

Heavy Clay and Silt Mix

With 29.7% clay and 44.3% silt, this is a heavy soil that can be challenging to work when wet. The 26.0% sand helps slightly with drainage, but the clay dominates the soil's physical behavior.

Nutrient Retention and Moisture

The organic matter level of 1.42% is below the state average, but the high clay content provides excellent nutrient-holding capacity. Surprisingly, the available water capacity of 0.165 in/in is lower than the state average, requiring careful irrigation.

Above Average Soil Quality

Bolivar earns a soil score of 41.7, comfortably beating the state average of 35.7. This high rating reflects the county's reputation as a powerhouse for large-scale farming and productive land.

Productive Delta Zone 8b

The combination of zone 8b and Delta soil is legendary for cotton, soybeans, and corn. Home gardeners can grow massive harvests of tomatoes and peppers in this rich, less-acidic ground.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bolivar County

via LawnByCounty

High Heat Challenges in Bolivar

Bolivar County presents a difficult environment with a lawn score of 29.3, slightly below the state average. This Zone 8b region is defined by its intense summer heat, making consistent lawn maintenance a high-effort task.

Extreme Heat and High Growth

Lawns here must endure 86 days of extreme heat, significantly higher than the state average of 73. With 5,725 growing degree days, the grass grows aggressively, requiring a rigorous mowing schedule to maintain curb appeal.

Clay-Rich Soil with Ideal pH

Unlike many neighboring counties, Bolivar's pH of 6.04 is nearly ideal for turf. However, the high clay content of 29.7% can lead to compaction and drainage issues, so core aeration is often a necessary spring ritual.

Severe Drought Requires Water Strategy

Bolivar has endured 30 weeks of drought in the past year, with over 55% of the county currently in severe drought. Effective water management, such as irrigating in the early morning, is crucial to keeping lawns alive during these frequent dry periods.

Mid-March Start for Heat-Hardy Turf

Choose heat-loving grasses like Bermuda to withstand the 86 days of 90-degree weather. Your planting season begins after the last frost on March 15, giving you a long window before the first fall frost in mid-November.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bolivar County's county score?
Bolivar County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 32.6 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 Bolivar County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Bolivar County ranks #80 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 Bolivar County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Bolivar County is $950, with an effective tax rate of 0.73%. This earns Bolivar County a tax score of 57/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bolivar County?
The median household income in Bolivar County, Mississippi is $39,585 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bolivar County earns an income score of 2.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bolivar County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Bolivar County scores 32.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #80 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Bolivar 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 Bolivar County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.