CountyScore

Carroll County

Mississippi · MS

#6 in Mississippi
71.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Carroll County, Mississippi

Carroll County leads national rankings

Carroll County scores 71.9 on the composite index, placing it in the 72nd percentile nationally—among the strongest-performing U.S. counties and well above the national median of 50.0. The county demonstrates exceptional livability across multiple dimensions.

Highest-scoring Mississippi county

At 71.9, Carroll County ranks above the state average of 67.5 and is the top-performing county among these eight Mississippi counties. The score reflects consistent excellence across measured dimensions.

Highest incomes and exceptional affordability

Carroll County leads with an income score of 19.5 and median household income of $55,275—the highest among these eight counties—while maintaining a cost score of 90.1 with median home values of $105,500. Tax efficiency of 83.6 and strong risk resilience of 76.7 round out the profile.

Health outcomes need strengthening

The health score of 51.7 is the weakest dimension and trails peer counties, suggesting healthcare access or quality improvements are needed. This remains the primary area for development.

Ideal for prosperity-seeking families

Carroll County is the best fit for families seeking higher incomes combined with affordability, low taxes, and environmental stability. The county offers the strongest economic opportunity among these eight counties while maintaining cost advantages, making it ideal for professionals and entrepreneurs.

Score breakdown

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

Tax83.6Cost90.1SafetyComing SoonHealth51.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome19.5Risk76.7WaterComing Soon
🏛83.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠90.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤51.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡76.7
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 Carroll County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Izard County
Arkansas
71.9
Median income: $47,728
Clear Creek County
Colorado
71.9
Median income: $96,667
Glascock County
Georgia
71.9
Median income: $55,250
Montgomery County
Indiana
71.9
Median income: $66,571
Randolph County
Indiana
71.9
Median income: $61,121

Deep Dives

Carroll County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Carroll County

via TaxByCounty

Carroll County taxes rank well below national

Carroll County's 0.665% effective tax rate falls below the national median of 0.80%, and its $702 median property tax represents just 26% of the $2,690 national median. The gap illustrates Mississippi's substantially lower property values relative to national benchmarks.

Slightly below Mississippi's state average

Carroll County's 0.665% effective rate sits just below Mississippi's 0.743% state average, placing it in the favorable lower half statewide. The $702 median tax runs 25% below the state median of $931, delivering solid savings for homeowners.

Competitive tax rates in the region

Carroll County's 0.665% rate and $702 median tax position it squarely in the regional middle tier, below Adams County (0.885%) but above Alcorn County (0.596%). This makes Carroll a reasonable choice among comparable surrounding counties.

Median home generates $702 annual tax

On Carroll County's median home value of $105,500, homeowners pay approximately $702 per year at the 0.665% effective rate. For properties with mortgages, escrow costs add $368, bringing the total to around $1,070.

Appeal assessments that seem excessive

Carroll County residents concerned about their property's assessed value should request a free review from the county assessor and consider filing a formal appeal. Successful appeals can reduce your annual tax burden and free up money for home improvements or repairs.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Carroll County

via CostByCounty

Carroll ranks best in affordability

Carroll County's 13.5% rent-to-income ratio is exceptional, ranking far below Mississippi's 19.6% average and approaching the national gold standard of 30% for affordability. With the highest median income in this group at $55,275, Carroll residents enjoy the strongest housing security.

Mississippi's affordability champion

At 13.5%, Carroll County stands out as one of Mississippi's most affordable, exceeding the state average by 6.1 percentage points in favor. This superior affordability stems from the highest median income in the peer group combined with the lowest rent.

Carroll dominates peer affordability rankings

Carroll's $621 rent is the lowest in the peer group, but its 13.5% burden ratio is the best because median income ($55,275) far exceeds all neighbors. Carroll's $1,893 income advantage over Amite and $6,281 edge over Bolivar translate into dramatically better housing security.

Carroll's comfortable housing position

Renters pay just $621 monthly while homeowners average $484, against median household income of $55,275—roughly $4,606 monthly. This leaves renters about $435 per month after rent and homeowners $449, the healthiest margins in the region.

Considering Carroll County?

Carroll County stands as the premier affordable option in this peer group, offering the lowest rent ($621) and strongest median income ($55,275) alongside reasonable home values of $105,500. If housing affordability is your priority, Carroll's 13.5% rent-to-income ratio outshines all neighbors—a rare housing market that works for residents.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Carroll County

via IncomeByCounty

Carroll County leads regional income growth

Carroll County's median household income of $55,275 exceeds most Mississippi counties, though it still trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $19,480, or 26%. The county ranks among Mississippi's strongest performers and demonstrates higher earning potential than peers.

Above Mississippi state average

Carroll County's median household income of $55,275 surpasses Mississippi's state average of $48,514 by $6,761, or 14%. The per capita income of $32,822 also exceeds state average by $5,686, indicating stronger wealth distribution and economic opportunity.

Strongest earner in this cohort

Carroll County residents earn substantially more than all peers, including Alcorn County ($49,404), Attala County ($48,098), and Calhoun County ($43,942). This income leadership reflects diversified employment, education access, and economic stability.

Housing costs are very manageable

Carroll County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.5% is the lowest in this group and below the ideal 15% threshold, meaning households spend roughly $496 monthly on rent from median income. The median home value of $105,500 is highly accessible for working families.

Maximize wealth-building opportunities

Carroll County residents should aim to save 15–20% of household income for retirement and investments, taking advantage of their income advantage. Pursue tax-advantaged accounts, real estate investment, and educational advancement to compound long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Carroll County

via HealthByCounty

Carroll County life expectancy trails U.S. significantly

Carroll County's life expectancy of 72.0 years falls roughly 5 years short of the U.S. average of 77.3 years. Nearly 29% of residents report poor or fair health—the highest rate in this eight-county analysis—indicating severe chronic disease burden and disability prevalence.

Above-average life expectancy, worst health status

At 72.0 years, Carroll County's life expectancy edges above Mississippi's 70.9-year state average, yet its 28.7% poor/fair health rate represents the worst health status in this region. This paradox suggests concentrated mortality among specific age groups or causes.

Carroll's health status outpaced only by life expectancy

Carroll County's 72.0-year life expectancy ranks second-best in this region, behind only Alcorn County (72.2 years), but its 28.7% poor/fair health rate is the worst among all eight counties. This mismatch warrants investigation into specific mortality drivers.

Limited provider access compounds health challenges

Carroll County has only 20 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and mental health provider data is unavailable, limiting the full picture of care access. With 15.2% uninsured, roughly 1 in 7 residents lack coverage for preventive services and chronic disease management.

Coverage matters—especially for chronic disease management

With 15.2% uninsured and the region's highest poor/fair health rate, Carroll County residents should prioritize enrollment in Mississippi's Health Marketplace or Medicaid to access preventive screenings and chronic disease programs. Coverage is foundational to addressing the county's 28.7% illness burden.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Carroll County

via RiskByCounty

Carroll County: very low national risk

Carroll County scores 23.31 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the very low risk category and far below the national average. This excellent standing reflects minimal exposure to major natural hazards across the board.

Among Mississippi's lowest-risk counties

Carroll County's 23.31 score ranks well below Mississippi's 50.94 state average, positioning it among the state's safest counties. Only a handful of counties in Mississippi achieve comparably low risk profiles.

Safest in the immediate region

Carroll County's 23.31 score significantly outperforms neighboring Attala, Grenada, and Montgomery counties in overall risk. Its east-central location provides natural protection from coastal hurricane impacts and Delta flooding.

All risks remain modest and manageable

Earthquake risk is Carroll County's highest concern at 61.67, followed by hurricane risk at 58.66 and tornado risk at 47.33—all moderate by state standards. Flood risk of just 20.39 is among Mississippi's lowest, and wildfire risk remains minimal.

Basic homeowners coverage suffices

Standard homeowners insurance with standard wind and hail coverage should adequately protect your home in Carroll County. Flood insurance is likely unnecessary for most residents given the county's very low 20.39 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.