countyscore
33.3
County Score
Cost of Living 81.5Property Tax 55.3Weather & 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.

Score breakdown

Tax55.3Cost81.5Safety7.7Health11.7Schools14.6Income1.8Risk23.2Water28.3Weather44.4
🏛55.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼1.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡7.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤11.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓14.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡23.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧28.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨41.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱29.3
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

Desha County
Arkansas
47.4
Sunflower County
Mississippi
46.4
Arkansas County
Arkansas
37.4
Coahoma County
Mississippi
44.8
Phillips County
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Chicot County
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Washington County
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Lincoln County
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Deep Dives

Bolivar County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Bolivar County

via CostByCounty

Bolivar rents stress lower-income households

Bolivar County's 21.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Mississippi's 19.6% average, driven by the second-lowest median income in this group at $37,315. Renters here struggle more than most, despite modest rent of $671.

Below-average affordability in Mississippi

At 21.6%, Bolivar County ranks among the less affordable in Mississippi, trailing the state average by 2 percentage points. Income constraints, not high rents, drive this affordability gap—Bolivar's $671 rent is lowest in the peer group.

Bolivar's unique income-cost tension

Bolivar's $671 rent is the cheapest among peers, yet its 21.6% burden ratio exceeds all but Amite (23.4%), reflecting income of $37,315 that trails all neighbors except Amite. However, Bolivar's homeownership cost ($679/month) is the highest in this group—unusual pressure on buyers.

Bolivar's stretched housing math

Renters pay $671 monthly on median income of $37,315—roughly $3,110 monthly—while homeowners average $679. This leaves renters only $251 per month after rent and homeowners just $32 after ownership costs, among the tightest margins in the region.

Thinking about Bolivar County?

Bolivar's lowest rents ($671) appeal to renters on tight budgets, but homeownership costs ($679/month) run high relative to income, making buying risky here. Consider whether local employment aligns with your salary needs, or compare to higher-income counties like Carroll ($55,275) or Alcorn ($49,404) for better long-term stability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Bolivar County

via HealthByCounty

Bolivar County faces severe life expectancy crisis

Bolivar County's life expectancy of 67.0 years represents a public health emergency—more than 10 years below the U.S. average of 77.3 years. Nearly a quarter of residents (24.6%) report poor or fair health, and the gap to national standards points to deep systemic health inequities.

Lowest life expectancy in Mississippi sample

At 67.0 years, Bolivar County's life expectancy trails Mississippi's 70.9-year state average by 3.9 years—the worst performance in this eight-county analysis. The county requires urgent health system intervention and community-level disease prevention efforts.

Bolivar County stands apart in a struggling region

Bolivar County's 67.0-year life expectancy is drastically lower than every neighboring county in this analysis, including Benton County (70.7 years) and Attala County (71.0 years). The magnitude of this gap demands investigation into specific causes—cardiovascular disease, diabetes, infant mortality, or violence.

Moderate provider supply masks deeper barriers

Bolivar County has 50 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 93 mental health providers—reasonably robust supply that doesn't fully explain the life expectancy crisis. At 14.2% uninsured, coverage rates match state average, suggesting that access and quality issues run deeper than insurance gaps alone.

Coverage is essential; use it strategically

With 14.2% uninsured and a documented life expectancy crisis, Bolivar County residents must secure health coverage immediately through Mississippi's Health Marketplace or Medicaid and commit to preventive care. Coverage alone won't close a 10-year gap, but it opens doors to screenings, vaccinations, and chronic disease management that could save lives.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bolivar County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Educational Network in the Delta

Bolivar County hosts 17 public schools, making it one of the more extensive systems in the region with 4,536 students. The landscape includes nine elementary, one middle, and six high schools spread across three districts.

Competitive Spending and Performance

The county spends $5,974 per pupil, aligning closely with the state average of $5,954. The graduation rate is 82.3%, and the county earns a school score of 47.3 as it works to bridge gaps toward national benchmarks.

Three Districts Serving Bolivar Families

The Cleveland School District is the largest, managing 2,818 students across 10 schools. The West Bolivar Consolidated and North Bolivar Consolidated districts serve the remaining 1,718 students, providing localized education without any charter schools.

Balancing Town Centers and Rural Fields

The locale is split nearly evenly with nine rural schools and eight town schools. Cleveland Central High School is the largest campus with 817 students, while the average school across the county hosts about 324 students.

Connecting with Schools in Bolivar County

With multiple districts and a mix of town and rural locales, Bolivar County provides various options for homebuyers. Focus your search in Cleveland or surrounding consolidated districts to find a neighborhood that matches your educational needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bolivar County

via RiskByCounty

Bolivar County faces above-average national risk

Bolivar County scores 76.78 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively low rating but well above the national average. This elevated score reflects significant and concentrated hazard exposure, particularly for flood and earthquake risks.

Mississippi's riskiest county by composition

Bolivar County's 76.78 score is the highest in Mississippi, nearly 50% above the state average of 50.94. This distinction reflects the county's precarious location in the Mississippi River Delta, where flood risk and seismic activity converge.

Dramatically riskier than all surrounding areas

Bolivar County's 76.78 score vastly exceeds all adjacent counties including Sunflower (moderate), Coahoma, and Sharkey counties. Its Delta location creates a singular environmental risk profile unmatched elsewhere in north-central Mississippi.

Floods and earthquakes define risk here

Flood risk peaks at 76.88—among the nation's highest—while earthquake risk reaches 92.18, an extraordinarily elevated score even for Mississippi. Tornado risk of 82.92 adds a third major threat, creating a hazard-rich environment across multiple categories.

Flood and earthquake insurance are essential

Given flood risk of 76.88 and earthquake risk of 92.18, Bolivar County residents must carry both separate flood insurance and earthquake coverage—standard homeowners policies exclude both. Verify that wind and tornado coverage is included, given the 82.92 tornado risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 33.3 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 Bolivar County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Bolivar County ranks #79 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 $961, with an effective tax rate of 0.78%. This earns Bolivar County a tax score of 55.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bolivar County?
The median household income in Bolivar County, Mississippi is $37,315 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bolivar County earns an income score of 1.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bolivar County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Bolivar County scores 33.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #79 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.

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🏛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.