CountyScore

Calhoun County

Mississippi · MS

#21 in Mississippi
70
County Score

County Report Card

About Calhoun County, Mississippi

Calhoun County ranks above national peers

Calhoun County scores 70.0 on the composite index, placing it in the 70th percentile nationally and well above the national median of 50.0. The county demonstrates livability competitive with stronger-performing U.S. counties.

Above state average, near the top

At 70.0, Calhoun County ranks above the state average of 67.5 and positions itself among Mississippi's most livable counties. The county shows consistent strength across multiple dimensions.

Housing affordability and tax efficiency

Calhoun County excels with a cost score of 89.1 and tax score of 83.1 (effective rate 0.683%), paired with the lowest median home value of $82,900 and median rent of $674/month. The strong risk score of 72.4 adds further appeal.

Income and health outcomes lag

The income score of 12.1 and median household income of $43,942 indicate below-average earnings potential, while the health score of 49.8 is the weakest among these counties. These dimensions require attention and investment.

Best for budget-focused, resilient households

Calhoun County suits families and individuals seeking exceptional housing affordability combined with environmental resilience and low taxes. The county offers economic stability for those prioritizing cost control over income growth, though healthcare access may need consideration.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax83.1Cost89.1SafetyComing SoonHealth49.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome12.1Risk72.4WaterComing Soon
🏛83.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤49.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡72.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Calhoun County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

St. Clair County
Alabama
70
Median income: $78,993
Sumter County
Alabama
70
Median income: $37,981
Sitka City and Borough
Alaska
70
Median income: $101,207
Lee County
Arkansas
70
Median income: $36,860
Pike County
Georgia
70
Median income: $84,184

Deep Dives

Calhoun County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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