countyscore
55.9
County Score
Cost of Living 94.1Disaster Risk 72.4Safety 71.5

County Report Card

About Calhoun County, Mississippi

Solidly Above the Median

Calhoun County achieves a composite score of 55.8, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a reliable quality of life in a quiet, rural setting.

A Strong Regional Performer

Beating the Mississippi average of 48.4, Calhoun County is a competitive option for those looking to stay in the state. It offers better stability and value than many neighboring districts.

Top-Tier Housing Value

With a Cost Score of 92.7, Calhoun is one of the most affordable places to live, featuring a median home value of just $82,900. Safety is also a strength, evidenced by a score of 71.5.

Health and Income Gaps

Health services are a major challenge, with a very low score of 8.0. The local economy is also sluggish, with an Income Score of 6.0 and a median household income of $43,942.

Excellent for Thrifty Homeowners

Calhoun County is a great match for retirees or young families who prioritize owning a home without a massive mortgage. It offers a secure, traditional lifestyle for those who don't mind traveling for healthcare.

2040608010064.594.171.5840.74.472.437.853.2Tax64.5Cost94.1Safety71.5Health8Schools40.7Income4.4Risk72.4Water37.8Weather53.255.9/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Calhoun County DNA

Foverall

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

Calhoun County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (94.1/100) but notably weak in Income (4.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
64.5+12.5
Cost
94.1+46.099999999999994
Safety
71.5+16.5
Health
8-42
Schools
40.7-13.299999999999997
Income
4.4-46.6
Risk
72.4+25.400000000000006
Water
37.8-20.200000000000003
Weather
53.2
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Many homeowners in Calhoun County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$90,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$662/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$90,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$26,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $43,125/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

30.7

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 Calhoun County with Covington County →Share on X

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New York County
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Nearby counties

Chickasaw County
Mississippi
56.8
Webster County
Mississippi
58.9
Pontotoc County
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43.7
Yalobusha County
Mississippi
51.2
Grenada County
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Lafayette County
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Montgomery County
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Clay County
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39.4

Deep Dives

Calhoun County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Calhoun County

via TaxByCounty

Calhoun County offers strong national savings

Calhoun County's 0.683% effective tax rate sits below the national median of 0.80%, and its $566 median property tax represents just 21% of the $2,690 national figure. The substantial discount reflects both moderate local rates and Mississippi's much lower home values.

Slightly above Mississippi's state average

Calhoun County's 0.683% effective rate edges above Mississippi's 0.743% state average, placing it near the middle statewide. The $566 median tax runs 39% below the state median of $931, delivering exceptional savings despite the modestly higher rate.

Favorable tax position among peer counties

Calhoun County's 0.683% rate ranks below Adams County (0.885%) and Bolivar County (0.777%), and its $566 median tax is the lowest in this group. This combination makes Calhoun an exceptionally affordable option for property owners in the region.

Lowest median tax bill in the group

Calhoun County's median home value of $82,900 combined with its 0.683% effective rate generates approximately $566 in annual property tax—the lowest median in this eight-county comparison. Adding mortgage escrow brings the total to roughly $943.

Verify your assessment is accurate

Even with low taxes, individual assessments can be incorrect—Calhoun County homeowners should confirm their appraised values match the current market. A free assessment review from the county assessor or a successful appeal can protect your low-tax advantage.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Calhoun County

via IncomeByCounty

Calhoun County earns 59% of U.S. median

Calhoun County's median household income of $43,942 falls $30,813 short of the U.S. median of $74,755—a 41% gap. The county ranks in the lower-income tier nationally but performs slightly better than some Mississippi peers.

Below state average but stable

Calhoun County's median household income of $43,942 trails Mississippi's state average of $48,514 by $4,572. The per capita income of $25,398 exceeds the state average by only $262, suggesting limited income diversity.

Mid-range earner across the region

Calhoun County residents earn more than Adams County ($40,250), Amite County ($35,385), and Benton County ($42,139), but less than Alcorn County ($49,404) and Carroll County ($55,275). The county's income profile reflects modest but stable economic activity.

Housing costs are relatively low

Calhoun County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% sits below state average, meaning households spend roughly $673 monthly on rent. The median home value of $82,900 is the second-lowest in this cohort, offering affordable homeownership opportunities.

Build savings with affordable housing

Calhoun County residents should leverage low housing costs to save 10–12% of household income for retirement and investments. Explore employer 401(k) plans, local credit unions, and affordable first-time homebuyer programs to accelerate wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Calhoun County

via CrimeByCounty

Calhoun County Stays Below National Average

Calhoun County reports a total crime rate of 682.2 per 100K, which is far below the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score of 98.9 reflects a secure community environment.

Ranked Highly for Mississippi Safety

The county outperforms the Mississippi average safety score of 98.4. It ranks as a relatively safe haven within the state's central-northern region across five reporting agencies.

Quiet Outlier Among Neighbors

Calhoun’s crime rate of 682.2 is roughly half of Attala County's 1,182.6 per 100K. This makes it a quiet outlier compared to some more active neighbors in the surrounding area.

Property Crime Outpaces Violent Crime

Property crime accounts for 416.9 per 100K, while violent crime sits at 265.3. Most local incidents involve non-violent offenses against property rather than direct personal threats.

Vigilance Protects Calhoun Homes

Maintaining a strong neighborhood watch can help keep property crime rates low. Simple upgrades like reinforced door frames and window sensors add an extra layer of protection.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Calhoun County

via WeatherByCounty

Steady Subtropical Southern Warmth

Calhoun County averages 62.8°F annually, which is considerably warmer than the national median. The climate is defined by 58.4 inches of rain and a high level of humidity. This creates a long growing season and mild, short winters.

Just Below the State Average

The county's average temperature of 62.8°F sits just below the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. Its precipitation of 58.4 inches is also slightly lower than the statewide 59.6-inch mark. This places Calhoun in the middle of the state's climate spectrum.

Matching its Central Neighbors

Calhoun shares an identical annual average temperature of 62.8°F with Attala County. It is warmer than northern Benton County (59.9°F) but cooler than southern Carroll County (64.0°F). These patterns show a steady increase in heat moving south through the state.

Typical Heat and Minimal Snow

Summer features 63 days of extreme heat with a July average of 81.0°F. Winter is mild, averaging 45.1°F, and snowfall is limited to just 0.7 inches annually. January temperatures stay above freezing on average at 42.9°F.

Beat the July Peak

With 63 days of temperatures over 90°F, heat management is the primary weather concern for residents. Regular HVAC maintenance is essential before the July peak of 81.0°F. Rain gear should be kept ready to handle the 58.4 inches of annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Calhoun County

via SoilByCounty

The Silt Loam of Calhoun

Calhoun County's soil belongs to the Alfisols taxonomic order, featuring a pH of 5.18. This acidic nature is common in the state and means the soil has undergone significant leaching over time.

Heavy Silt with Limited Sand

The dominant texture is silt loam, consisting of 61.7% silt and only 22.0% sand. This mix creates a flour-like texture that retains moisture well but can become easily compacted by heavy machinery.

Superior Moisture Reservoir

While organic matter is low at 1.43%, the available water capacity is a robust 0.204 in/in. This significantly exceeds the state average of 0.174, making Calhoun's soil an excellent sponge for crop hydration.

Poor Drainage and High Runoff

The land is somewhat poorly drained and falls into hydrologic group D, meaning it sheds water slowly. These conditions require careful management for building foundations and field drainage.

Perfect for Thirsty Zone 8a Crops

The high water capacity in zone 8a makes this county ideal for moisture-loving plants like pecans and blueberries. Start a garden with confidence, knowing your soil will stay hydrated during the summer heat.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Calhoun County

via LawnByCounty

Calhoun County's Tough Lawn Climate

Calhoun County is one of the toughest spots for lawns in Mississippi, with a difficulty score of 23.9. This score is significantly lower than the state average, reflecting the complex mix of soil and drought challenges in the area.

Steady Growth in Zone 8a

The county receives 58.4 inches of rain annually and sees 63 days of extreme heat. These factors contribute to 5,506 growing degree days, creating a long, active season where grass thrives if properly hydrated.

Silt Loam and Drainage Hurdles

The soil is classified as silt loam and is generally somewhat poorly drained, which can lead to standing water. Combined with an acidic pH of 5.18, homeowners will need to focus on both drainage improvements and lime amendments.

Persistent Drought Exposure

With 29 weeks spent in drought over the last year, 76.4% of the county currently remains abnormally dry. In these conditions, it is vital to avoid over-fertilizing, as salt buildup can further stress thirsty grass.

Planting Around the Late March Frost

For best results in Calhoun County's silt loam, consider hardy warm-season grasses that can tolerate wet feet. Wait until after the March 28 frost date to ensure your new lawn isn't damaged by a late-season cold snap.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Calhoun County's county score?
Calhoun County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 55.9 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 Calhoun County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Calhoun County ranks #20 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 Calhoun County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Calhoun County is $600, with an effective tax rate of 0.66%. This earns Calhoun County a tax score of 64.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Calhoun County?
The median household income in Calhoun County, Mississippi is $43,125 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Calhoun County earns an income score of 4.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Calhoun County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Calhoun County scores 55.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Calhoun 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 Calhoun 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.