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Chickasaw County, Mississippi — County Report Card

MS

#22 in Mississippi

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
55.8
County Score
Safety 93.1Cost of Living 84.1Water 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.

Score breakdown

Tax58.4Cost84.1Safety93.1Health11.5Schools25.3Income5.2Risk56.1Water62.2Weather57.1
🏛58.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼5.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡93.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤11.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓25.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡56.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧62.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨40.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱34.8
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 →
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Deep Dives

Chickasaw County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Chickasaw County

via CostByCounty

Chickasaw rents track national averages closely

Residents here spend 19.6% of income on rent, matching Mississippi's state average but significantly below what many Americans experience. With a median household income of $43,041—well below the national median of $74,755—housing costs consume a larger share of take-home pay than in wealthier regions.

Middle ground among Mississippi counties

Chickasaw County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% ties it with the state average, placing it squarely in the middle tier of Mississippi's 82 counties for housing affordability. This equilibrium reflects both modest rents ($702/month) and lower-than-national incomes.

Slightly pricier than nearby Choctaw

Chickasaw's median rent of $702 exceeds Choctaw County's $661 by about $40 per month, though both counties maintain similar affordability profiles. Compared to Covington County just south, Chickasaw rents run $63 higher, making it a mid-range option in the region.

Rent dominates, ownership costs stabilize

Median gross rent stands at $702/month while homeowners pay $602/month, with both consuming roughly 16-19% of the $43,041 median household income. This leaves renters with tighter budgets than homeowners in Chickasaw County.

Consider Chickasaw if stability matters

If you're relocating from a high-cost region, Chickasaw offers stable, average housing costs aligned with state norms and median home values near $100,400. Compare rent and ownership costs here against neighboring Choctaw, Covington, and Clay counties to find your best fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Chickasaw County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy slightly above national struggles

Chickasaw County residents live to an average of 71.0 years, nearly 8 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. About 28% of adults report poor or fair health, a troubling sign of chronic disease burden affecting the community.

Performing just above state average

At 71.0 years, Chickasaw County's life expectancy marginally exceeds Mississippi's state average of 70.9 years—a difference of just 0.1 years. The county ranks near the middle of Mississippi's 82 counties for overall health outcomes.

Better than southern neighbors, worse than eastern

Chickasaw County outperforms Coahoma County (65.3 years) and Claiborne County (68.6 years) to the south and west, but trails Choctaw County (73.8 years) to the east. Primary care provider access at 59 per 100K exceeds many peers, though mental health support lags at 30 per 100K.

Nearly 1 in 7 without health insurance

Chickasaw County's uninsured rate of 14.5% exceeds the state average of 13.9%, leaving over 2,000 residents potentially without regular access to preventive care. With 59 primary care providers per 100,000 people, the county maintains reasonable access to basic health services, though mental health providers are limited.

Explore coverage options today

If you're uninsured, the Affordable Care Act marketplace and Mississippi Medicaid may provide affordable coverage options. Contact your local health department or visit healthcare.gov to learn about enrollment periods and financial assistance programs available to your family.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Chickasaw County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small but Specialized Educational Landscape

Chickasaw County operates 11 public schools across two distinct districts, serving a total of 2,725 students. The infrastructure includes three elementary, two middle, and five high schools, plus one alternative learning center. This network provides a focused learning environment for the county's growing student population.

High Graduation Rates Outpace National Average

The county boasts an 88.6% graduation rate, exceeding both the Mississippi average of 87.1% and the national benchmark of 87%. While per-pupil spending of $5,698 sits below the state average, the composite school score of 50.0 remains slightly higher than the state median. These results suggest a high return on educational investment for local families.

Two Districts Serving Chickasaw Students

The Chickasaw County School District is the region's largest provider, educating 2,214 students across seven different schools. The Okolona Separate School District serves an additional 511 students in four facilities. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county's borders.

Rural and Town School Environments

Most students attend one of the eight rural schools, though three schools are located in town settings. Houston High School is the largest campus with 499 students, while the average school size across the county is a manageable 341 students. This smaller scale ensures students are rarely just a number in a crowded hallway.

Find a Home Near Quality Schools

Families looking for strong academic outcomes should explore homes near Houston or Okolona. With graduation rates outperforming national trends, the local schools are a major draw for prospective homebuyers. Investing in a home here means joining a community that prioritizes high school completion.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Chickasaw County

via RiskByCounty

Chickasaw's Risk: Below Average

Chickasaw County scores 43.92 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Low category and below Mississippi's average of 50.94. This means residents face fewer natural disaster threats than typical Americans, though certain hazards still warrant attention.

Safer Than Most Mississippi Counties

Among Mississippi's 82 counties, Chickasaw ranks in the lower half for overall disaster risk. The county's 43.92 score sits comfortably below the state average, making it one of the safer areas in Mississippi for natural hazard exposure.

Compared to Adjacent Counties

Chickasaw's risk profile aligns with nearby Clay County (42.53), though it faces slightly higher tornado risk than Clarke County (66.00 vs 66.00). Coahoma County to the north presents notably higher overall risk at 62.50, driven by exceptional earthquake exposure.

Watch for Earthquakes and Tornadoes

Chickasaw residents face the greatest exposure to earthquakes (81.52) and tornadoes (72.61), both well above national averages. While flood and wildfire risks remain moderate at 26.49 and 30.85 respectively, the earthquake threat is particularly notable for a county east of the Mississippi River.

Secure Your Home Against Quakes and Storms

Homeowners should prioritize earthquake insurance and storm reinforcement given Chickasaw's elevated seismic and tornado risks. Standard homeowners policies typically exclude earthquake damage, making separate coverage essential for protecting your property.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 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 Chickasaw County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Chickasaw County ranks #22 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 $746, with an effective tax rate of 0.74%. This earns Chickasaw County a tax score of 58.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chickasaw County?
The median household income in Chickasaw County, Mississippi is $43,041 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chickasaw County earns an income score of 5.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chickasaw County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Chickasaw County scores 55.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 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.

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