countyscore

Chickasaw County, Mississippi — County Report Card

MS

#17 in Mississippi

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
56.8
County Score
Safety 93.1Cost of Living 90Water Quality 62.2

County Report Card

About Chickasaw County, Mississippi

Beating the National Median

Chickasaw County earns a composite score of 55.8, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a quality of life that outperforms many rural peers across the United States.

A Strong Performer in Mississippi

The county exceeds the Mississippi state average of 48.4 by more than seven points. It ranks as a competitive destination for residents seeking a balance of safety and affordability within the state.

High Safety and Exceptional Affordability

Public safety is a standout feature with a high score of 93.1. Additionally, the Cost Score of 84.1 reflects deep affordability, supported by a low median home value of $100,400.

Economic and Health Hurdles

The county faces significant challenges in income and health, which score 5.2 and 11.5 respectively. A median household income of $43,041 suggests limited local economic mobility for many residents.

The Verdict: Ideal for Budget-Conscious Retirees

Chickasaw County is a great fit for retirees or remote workers who prioritize a safe, low-cost environment. It rewards those who value financial predictability over high-density economic opportunities.

2040608010057.39093.111.525.34.656.162.257.1Tax57.3Cost90Safety93.1Health11.5Schools25.3Income4.6Risk56.1Water62.2Weather57.156.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Chickasaw County DNA

Foverall

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

Chickasaw County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (90/100) but notably weak in Income (4.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
57.3
Cost
90+42
Safety
93.1+38.099999999999994
Health
11.5-38.5
Schools
25.3-28.7
Income
4.6-46.4
Risk
56.1+9.100000000000001
Water
62.2
Weather
57.1
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Many homeowners in Chickasaw 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

$109,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$670/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$109,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$26,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $43,586/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

11.8

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Counties with similar scores

Adams County
Mississippi
Median income: $43,644
56.8
Claiborne County
Mississippi
Median income: $31,897
56.8
Tishomingo County
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Median income: $53,040
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Westmoreland County
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Median income: $74,109
56.8
Benton County
Tennessee
Median income: $51,746
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Hall County
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Median income: $48,459
56.8
Oldham County
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Median income: $79,900
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Giles County
Virginia
Median income: $65,691
56.8

Nearby counties

Calhoun County
Mississippi
55.9
Clay County
Mississippi
39.4
Webster County
Mississippi
58.9
Pontotoc County
Mississippi
43.7
Monroe County
Mississippi
46.9
Oktibbeha County
Mississippi
34.1
Lee County
Mississippi
33.5
Lowndes County
Mississippi
46.3

Deep Dives

Chickasaw County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Chickasaw County

via TaxByCounty

Chickasaw's tax rate: well below national average

Chickasaw County's effective property tax rate of 0.743% sits roughly one-fifth the national median of 0.88%, placing the county in the bottom quarter nationally for tax burden. Homeowners here pay a median of $746 annually—less than 28% of the national median tax bill of $2,690—despite owning homes worth about one-third the national average.

Right at Mississippi's average rate

At 0.743%, Chickasaw County's effective rate matches the state average exactly, making it a typical Mississippi county for property tax burden. Its median tax bill of $746 falls below the state median of $931, reflecting both lower home values and a rate aligned with statewide norms.

Middle of the pack in northeast Mississippi

Chickasaw's 0.743% rate exceeds the lower-taxing Choctaw County (0.452%) and Clarke County (0.499%) but trails the higher-burden Coahoma County (1.240%) just to the west. Among its immediate region, Chickasaw represents a moderate tax environment with predictable costs for homeowners.

Median home: $100,400 means $746 yearly

A homeowner with a median-valued property in Chickasaw County pays approximately $746 in annual property taxes. For those with mortgages, escrow accounts typically include an estimated $889 annually; without a mortgage, the tax bill alone is $574.

Many Chickasaw owners could reduce their burden

Research shows that overassessment is common in Mississippi counties, and Chickasaw homeowners may be paying more than they should. If you believe your home's assessed value is too high, filing an appeal with the county assessor's office could lower your tax obligation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Chickasaw County

via IncomeByCounty

Chickasaw lags far behind national income

Chickasaw County's median household income of $43,041 sits 42% below the national median of $74,755, placing it among the lowest-earning counties nationwide. This income gap reflects persistent economic challenges that require targeted investment and opportunity-building in the region.

Below Mississippi average, middle of pack

At $43,041, Chickasaw's median household income trails the state average of $48,514 by $5,473. The county ranks in the bottom half of Mississippi's 82 counties, indicating limited earning power relative to peers statewide.

Comparing Chickasaw to nearby counties

Chickasaw ($43,041) earns modestly more than neighboring Claiborne ($34,371) but less than Choctaw ($48,321) and Covington ($47,001). The variation across this region suggests different economic drivers and employment opportunities in each community.

Housing costs are manageable here

Chickasaw's rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% falls comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing remains affordable for renters. However, with a median household income of just $43,041, households have limited financial flexibility for savings and unexpected expenses.

Build stability through financial planning

Chickasaw residents earning $43,041 annually should prioritize budgeting for emergencies and retirement contributions, even in small amounts. Local resources and low-cost investment tools can help families build wealth despite modest incomes.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Chickasaw County

via CrimeByCounty

Chickasaw County's Exceptional Safety Record

Chickasaw County maintains an elite safety score of 99.9, making it one of the most secure areas in the country. Its total crime rate of 82.2 per 100K residents is a mere fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

A Top Performer in Mississippi

The county's safety score significantly outperforms the Mississippi state average of 98.4. With three reporting agencies providing data, the county establishes itself as a leader in regional public safety.

Leading the Way Among Neighbors

At 82.2 crimes per 100K, Chickasaw is considerably safer than neighboring Choctaw County, which reports 1,011.2. It also maintains much lower rates than nearby Clay County's 2,183.0.

Low Rates Across All Categories

Violent crime is rare here, with a rate of only 23.5 per 100K compared to the national 369.8. Property crime also stays exceptionally low at 58.7, which is far below the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Maintain Your Peace of Mind

While rates are low, basic precautions like outdoor motion lighting help keep property crime numbers down. Stay proactive by participating in local community watch programs.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Chickasaw County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and wetter than the national average

Chickasaw County averages 62.3°F annually, which is significantly warmer than the national median of roughly 54°F. This humid subtropical climate also sees a high annual precipitation of 59.3 inches.

A cooler pocket in the Magnolia State

With an average temperature of 62.3°F, the county is slightly cooler than the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. It ranks among the more temperate counties in the northern half of the state.

Temperate compared to its southern neighbors

Chickasaw is cooler than Clarke County, which averages 64.7°F further south. Its rainfall of 59.3 inches almost perfectly aligns with the state average of 59.6 inches.

Long summers and rare winter snow

The county faces 54 days of extreme heat above 90°F, while winters remain mild with a January average of 42.5°F. Snow is rare here, averaging only 0.8 inches annually.

Prepare for heat and heavy rain

Residents should maintain efficient cooling systems to handle nearly two months of extreme heat. Reliable rain gear is a must for the 59.3 inches of annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Chickasaw County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Soil in Chickasaw Heights

Chickasaw County features an acidic soil profile with a pH of 5.53, which sits well below the national median of 6.5. Despite this acidity, it remains slightly more alkaline than the Mississippi state average of 5.30.

A Balanced Silty Texture

The earth here consists of 48.9% silt and 20.9% clay, creating a stable medium for root development. With sand making up 30.3% of the mix, the soil offers a functional balance between drainage and structure.

Above Average Water Retention

Available water capacity reaches 0.178 in/in, which is higher than the state average of 0.174 in/in. While organic matter at 1.69% trails the state average of 1.81%, the soil’s ability to hold moisture boosts its productivity.

Strong Potential for Agriculture

A soil score of 40.6 indicates this land is more productive than the typical Mississippi county, which averages 35.7. While specific drainage classes aren't recorded, the high silt content suggests the soil holds water effectively for crop use.

Growing in Hardiness Zone 8a

The combination of acidic soil and zone 8a weather is perfect for blueberries and camellias. Start your garden today to take advantage of these moisture-rich silty soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Chickasaw County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Chickasaw's Lawn Care Hurdles

Chickasaw County earns a lawn difficulty score of 34.8, indicating a more challenging environment than the national median of 50.0. While it sits slightly above the state average of 30.9, homeowners in this Zone 8a region must work hard to maintain healthy turf.

Managing High Rainfall and Summer Heat

The county receives 59.3 inches of annual precipitation, which exceeds the ideal lawn range of 30-50 inches. With 54 extreme heat days and 5,374 growing degree days, you should expect a vigorous mowing schedule to keep up with rapid summer growth.

Neutralizing Acidic Chickasaw Soil

The local soil pH of 5.53 is acidic and falls below the preferred 6.0-7.0 range for most grasses. Consisting of 20.9% clay and 30.3% sand, your yard likely needs lime treatments to unlock essential nutrients and improve soil health.

Preparing for Frequent Dry Spells

Although the county is currently clear of drought, it weathered 20 weeks of dry conditions over the past year. Maintaining deep watering habits during normal periods will help your lawn survive the next inevitable drought cycle.

Planting for Success in Zone 8a

Bermudagrass and Tall Fescue are reliable choices for this climate and soil profile. Aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost on March 28th to ensure your lawn is established before the July heat peaks.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chickasaw County's county score?
Chickasaw County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 56.8 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 Chickasaw County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Chickasaw County ranks #17 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 Chickasaw County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Chickasaw County is $800, with an effective tax rate of 0.73%. This earns Chickasaw County a tax score of 57.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chickasaw County?
The median household income in Chickasaw County, Mississippi is $43,586 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chickasaw County earns an income score of 4.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chickasaw County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Chickasaw County scores 56.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Chickasaw 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 Chickasaw 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.