countyscore
55.8
County Score
Cost of Living 92.7Disaster 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.

Score breakdown

Tax65Cost92.7Safety71.5Health8Schools40.7Income6Risk72.4Water37.8Weather53.2
🏛65
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠92.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡71.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓40.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡72.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧37.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨39.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱23.9
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Calhoun County?

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

Check My Assessment

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 Coosa County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Coosa County
Alabama
Median income: $57,063
55.8
Harris County
Georgia
Median income: $89,184
55.8
Clay County
Illinois
Median income: $57,266
55.8
Lucas County
Iowa
Median income: $67,921
55.8
Mitchell County
Kansas
Median income: $58,233
55.8
Chickasaw County
Mississippi
Median income: $43,041
55.8
Simpson County
Mississippi
Median income: $54,111
55.8
Upton County
Texas
Median income: $52,321
55.8

Nearby counties

Chickasaw County
Mississippi
55.8
Webster County
Mississippi
62.3
Pontotoc County
Mississippi
43.1
Yalobusha County
Mississippi
47.1
Grenada County
Mississippi
34.8
Lafayette County
Mississippi
43.6
Montgomery County
Mississippi
58
Clay County
Mississippi
41.3

Deep Dives

Calhoun County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Calhoun County

via CostByCounty

Calhoun offers solid affordability comfort

Calhoun County's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio sits below Mississippi's 19.6% average, providing affordability relief similar to Alcorn County. With median income of $43,942 and rent of $674, Calhoun balances modest costs with reasonable earning power.

Among Mississippi's more affordable counties

At 18.4%, Calhoun County ranks in the better-affordability tier statewide, nearly 1.2 percentage points below the state average. This efficiency reflects a balance between lower-than-average rent and moderate household income.

Calhoun punches above its weight

Calhoun's $674 rent is the second-lowest among peers, and its 18.4% burden ratio is the second-best after Carroll County (13.5%), despite income ($43,942) lower than Alcorn and Attala. This county delivers exceptional affordability relative to earning power.

Calhoun's efficient housing burden

Renters pay $674 monthly while homeowners average $485, against median household income of $43,942—roughly $3,662 monthly. This leaves renters about $311 per month after rent and homeowners $328, healthy margins for other expenses.

Relocating to Calhoun County?

Calhoun delivers strong affordability with the second-lowest rents ($674) and ownership costs ($485) in the peer group, plus the lowest median home values at $82,900. If you're comparing counties, Calhoun offers exceptional value—only Carroll County's 13.5% rent-to-income ratio beats Calhoun's 18.4%.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Calhoun County

via HealthByCounty

Calhoun County life expectancy significantly below U.S. average

Calhoun County's life expectancy of 70.5 years falls nearly 7 years short of the U.S. average of 77.3 years. Nearly 28% of residents report poor or fair health—the second-highest rate in this region—pointing to substantial chronic disease and disability burden.

Below-average health outcomes for Mississippi

At 70.5 years, Calhoun County's life expectancy trails Mississippi's 70.9-year state average and ranks among the weakest performers statewide. The 27.5% poor/fair health rate ties as the second-worst in this eight-county analysis.

Calhoun ranks among the unhealthiest counties

Calhoun County's 70.5-year life expectancy ranks second-worst in this region, beating only Bolivar County (67.0 years), and its 27.5% poor/fair health rate ties Adams County for second-highest burden. Only Carroll County (28.7%) reports worse health status.

Severe provider shortages worsen access crisis

Calhoun County has only 15 primary care providers and 16 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among the lowest supplies in the region. With 17.1% uninsured, the county ranks third-highest for uninsured residents, creating a double barrier to care access and preventive health management.

Getting covered is a critical first step

Calhoun County's 17.1% uninsured rate and severe provider shortages demand immediate action: explore coverage through Mississippi's Health Marketplace or Medicaid enrollment. Even with limited local providers, coverage enables access to regional specialists and telehealth services that can address the county's health crisis.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Calhoun County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined High Schools in Calhoun County

Calhoun County manages seven public schools, focusing heavily on secondary education with four high schools and three elementary schools. The entire system supports a student population of 2,080.

Leading the State in Graduation Rates

The county achieves a stellar 92.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than both the state average of 87.1% and the national average of 87.0%. This success comes with an investment of $6,003 per pupil, resulting in a school score of 52.4.

Unified Under Calhoun County School District

The Calhoun County School District oversees all 2,080 students, ensuring 100% of public school enrollment remains in traditional district schools. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county lines.

Consistently Rural and Community-Focused

All seven schools in the county are classified as rural, creating a consistent educational atmosphere for all students. Bruce High School is the largest campus with 459 students, while Vardaman High School is more intimate with 274 students.

Home Buying in a High-Performing District

The 92% graduation rate is a powerful draw for families looking for high-quality public education in Mississippi. Explore residential listings in Bruce, Vardaman, or Calhoun City to join this successful school community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Calhoun County

via RiskByCounty

Calhoun County: well below national average

Calhoun County scores 27.67 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the very low risk category and significantly below the national average. This favorable profile reflects relatively modest exposure to most major natural hazards.

Among Mississippi's safest counties

Calhoun County's 27.67 score sits well below Mississippi's 50.94 state average, ranking it among the state's lower-risk areas. This below-average standing positions Calhoun as a safer choice compared to most Mississippi counties.

Safer than most northeast Mississippi peers

Calhoun County's 27.67 score outperforms neighboring Yalobusha, Grenada, and Chickasaw counties, establishing it as a regional safety standout. Its central-east location provides distance from both Gulf hurricane zones and the Delta flood belt.

Tornado and earthquake are modest concerns

Tornado risk reaches 49.36 and earthquake risk 76.78, representing Calhoun County's highest hazards, though both remain manageable. Flood risk is notably low at 25.35, reflecting the county's slightly elevated terrain relative to surrounding areas.

Standard coverage is likely sufficient

A standard homeowners policy with tornado and wind coverage should address Calhoun County's primary risks. Flood insurance is optional for most residents outside designated flood zones given the county's modest 25.35 flood risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 55.8 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 #21 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 $566, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Calhoun County a tax score of 65/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Calhoun County?
The median household income in Calhoun County, Mississippi is $43,942 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Calhoun County earns an income score of 6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Calhoun County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Calhoun County scores 55.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 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.

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.