countyscore
64.5
County Score
Safety 97.5Cost of Living 95.3Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Carroll County, Mississippi

A National Leader in Value

Carroll County boasts a high composite score of 64.5, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This puts it in the top tier of counties for overall livability and value.

Top-Ranked Mississippi Living

This county is a standout performer, scoring well above the state average of 48.4. It represents some of the best quality of life Mississippi has to offer.

Safe and Highly Affordable

Carroll County is exceptionally safe with a score of 97.5 and offers incredible housing value with a Cost Score of 95.3. Median rent is impressively low at just $621 per month.

Limited Health Resources

Despite its many strengths, the county struggles with health access, scoring just 12.3. While its Income Score of 25.5 leads this group, it still trails national averages.

A Premium Rural Choice

Carroll County is the ideal destination for families and retirees seeking peace, safety, and maximum value. It offers a rare combination of security and affordability that is hard to find anywhere else.

2040608010066.995.397.512.339.125.576.78642.6Tax66.9Cost95.3Safety97.5Health12.3Schools39.1Income25.5Risk76.7Water86Weather42.664.5/100
This county
National avg
5 above average4 below average

Carroll County DNA

D+overall

How Carroll County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Carroll County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (95.3/100) but notably weak in Health (12.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
66.9+14.900000000000006
Cost
95.3+47.3
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
12.3-37.7
Schools
39.1-14.899999999999999
Income
25.5-25.5
Risk
76.7+29.700000000000003
Water
86+28
Weather
42.6-13.399999999999999
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Carroll County?

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

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$105,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$621/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$105,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$24,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $55,275/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

20.4

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 Carroll County with Lyon County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Lyon County
Minnesota
Median income: $72,761
64.5
Traill County
North Dakota
Median income: $88,289
64.5
Marshall County
South Dakota
Median income: $72,500
64.5
Claiborne County
Tennessee
Median income: $46,587
64.5
Mason County
Texas
Median income: $68,750
64.5
San Miguel County
Colorado
Median income: $80,117
64.6
Fulton County
Indiana
Median income: $62,878
64.4
Smith County
Kansas
Median income: $57,024
64.6

Nearby counties

Montgomery County
Mississippi
58
Leflore County
Mississippi
46.3
Grenada County
Mississippi
34.8
Holmes County
Mississippi
57
Attala County
Mississippi
49.3
Tallahatchie County
Mississippi
47.5
Choctaw County
Mississippi
62.7
Humphreys County
Mississippi
48.3

Deep Dives

Carroll County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Carroll County

via CrimeByCounty

Carroll County Shows Zero Reported Crimes

Carroll County reports zero crimes per 100K, making it significantly safer than the national average of 2,385.5. This data earns the county a perfect safety score of 100.0.

Surpassing State Safety Standards

With a 100.0 score, Carroll County ranks above the Mississippi state average of 98.4. Two local agencies provided this crime data for the 2022 reporting period.

Safety Leader in the Region

Carroll’s reported rate of 0.0 stands in sharp contrast to Attala County's 1,182.6 per 100K. This suggests Carroll is an exceptionally quiet area for law enforcement according to the data.

Ideal Safety Metrics Recorded

Both violent and property crime rates are 0.0 per 100K based on available reporting. While these numbers are ideal, residents should remember they represent a specific snapshot in time.

Preserving a Low-Crime Culture

Maintaining a safe community culture involves looking out for neighbors and reporting suspicious activity. Even in low-crime areas, keeping homes secured is a wise and necessary habit.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Carroll County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concentrated Two-School System

Carroll County operates a highly centralized school landscape with just two public schools serving 805 students. This includes one elementary school and one high school, all under a single district.

Exceptional Outcomes on a Lean Budget

Carroll County matches the top tier of the state with a 92.0% graduation rate, well above the 87.1% state average. It achieves this with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,848, producing a strong composite school score of 52.1.

The Carroll County District Advantage

The Carroll County School District manages both campuses, providing a seamless transition for the county's 805 students as they move from primary to secondary school. Charter schools are not part of the local mix, keeping the focus on these two central institutions.

An Entirely Rural Education Experience

Both schools are located in rural areas, offering an average school size of 403 students. J Z George High School is the larger facility with 441 students, while Marshall Elementary serves 364 young learners.

Stability and Performance in Carroll County

Families seeking high graduation rates in a small, rural setting will find Carroll County particularly appealing. Look for homes near the central district campuses to benefit from this community's impressive academic track record.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Carroll County

via WaterByCounty

Carroll County Earns Grade A Water Rating

Carroll County earns a Grade A for drinking water, with zero health violations reported in the last five years. This perfect record is far superior to the statewide average violation rate of 92.1 per 100K.

Watershed Conditions Not Yet Assessed

Carroll County’s water bodies have not yet been evaluated under the federal Clean Water Act §303(d) reporting cycle. Data on impaired status and top pollution causes is currently unavailable for these watersheds.

Localized Monitoring Tracks Core Water Quality

Five monitoring sites have recorded 85 measurements over the past five years. These records focus on physical, nutrient, and inorganic characteristics to provide a baseline for local water health.

Abiaca Creek Flows Well Below Average

Abiaca Creek near Seven Pines is currently flowing at 26 cfs, which is 23% of its long-term typical discharge. This low flow affects a drainage area of 95 square miles.

Conserve Water During Low Flow Periods

While drinking water compliance is excellent, the low flow in Abiaca Creek suggests residents should be mindful of water conservation. Maintaining high standards for drinking water remains critical as monitoring continues.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Carroll County

via WeatherByCounty

High Heat and Moderate Rain

Carroll County has an annual average temperature of 64.0°F, making it much warmer than the national average. It records 55.5 inches of rain annually, which is high for the country but actually low for Mississippi. This creates a hot, slightly drier environment compared to its neighbors.

Typical Heat, Less Rainfall

At 64.0°F, Carroll matches the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F almost perfectly. However, its 55.5 inches of rain is notably lower than the state average of 59.6 inches. This makes it one of the drier counties in the Magnolia State.

Hotter than Northern Neighbors

Carroll is warmer than Attala and Calhoun, which both average 62.8°F. It faces 85 extreme heat days, nearly 25 more than Alcorn County. This makes Carroll a significantly hotter location during the peak summer months.

Durable Summer Heat Waves

The county endures 85 days of extreme heat each year, with July averaging a high 81.5°F. Winter is mild with a 46.6°F average and very little snow at just 0.4 inches. The summer season dominates the local weather pattern.

Maximize Cooling and Irrigation

Eighty-five days of extreme heat require efficient home cooling and careful outdoor scheduling. Residents should prepare for a mild 46.6°F winter with light layers rather than heavy gear. Gardeners may need supplemental irrigation since this county is drier than most in Mississippi.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Carroll County

via SoilByCounty

Carroll's Moderate Acidic Soil

Carroll County has a pH of 5.57, which is more alkaline than the state average of 5.30. While it still trails the national median of 6.5, it offers a more balanced starting point for local gardeners.

Silt-Heavy Composition

The soil is 63.9% silt, the highest percentage among these counties, with only 19.0% sand. This high silt content produces a very fine, fertile soil that can be prone to crusting after heavy rains.

High Water Storage Potential

Available water capacity is high at 0.197 in/in, well above the state average of 0.174. Organic matter is 1.50%, indicating that while the soil holds water perfectly, it needs supplemental nutrients for peak performance.

Elite Soil Quality Score

Carroll County boasts a soil score of 46.0, nearly 30% higher than the Mississippi state average of 35.7. This high score points to a superior landscape for agriculture and sustainable land management.

Lush Gardening in Zone 8a

The fine, silty soil in zone 8a is perfect for growing large yields of sweet potatoes and squash. With such high water retention, your garden will be more resilient against the erratic Mississippi weather.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Carroll County

via LawnByCounty

Typical Mississippi Lawn Challenges

Carroll County’s lawn difficulty score of 32.0 is just above the state average of 30.9. Located in Zone 8a, the county faces high summer temperatures that require specific turf choices to maintain a healthy green space.

High Heat and Moderate Rain

Homeowners must manage lawns through 85 days of temperatures exceeding 90 degrees, well above the state average. While the 55.5 inches of annual rain is slightly lower than other counties, it is still sufficient to support rapid growth given the 5,840 growing degree days.

Low Sand Content and Acidic pH

The soil has a pH of 5.57 and a low sand content of 19.0%, which may lead to slower drainage and higher acidity than desired. Regular aeration and lime treatments will help improve the soil structure and nutrient availability for your grass.

Managing Dryness and Extreme Heat

Carroll County has experienced 18 weeks of drought in the past year, with 59.6% of the area currently abnormally dry. During these hot, dry windows, prioritize watering your lawn's most visible or high-traffic areas to conserve resources.

Ready for Growth After March 17

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia are the most reliable choices to handle the 85 extreme heat days. Your planting window begins after the last spring frost on March 17, giving the grass time to root before the peak summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carroll County's county score?
Carroll County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 64.5 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 Carroll County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Carroll County ranks #2 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 Carroll County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Carroll County is $702, with an effective tax rate of 0.67%. This earns Carroll County a tax score of 66.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Carroll County?
The median household income in Carroll County, Mississippi is $55,275 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Carroll County earns an income score of 25.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Carroll County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Carroll County scores 64.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Carroll 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 Carroll County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.