With a composite score of 68.0, Chickasaw County significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0, ranking in the 68th percentile nationally. This places it firmly in the upper-middle tier for livability across the country, suggesting solid fundamentals for residents.
2 / 5
Slightly Ahead of Mississippi's Average
Chickasaw's score of 68.0 edges out Mississippi's state average of 67.5, making it one of the better-performing counties in the state. This modest advantage reflects competitive cost of living and tax conditions within the state landscape.
3 / 5
Tax Efficiency and Affordability Lead the Way
Chickasaw County excels in tax relief, with an effective tax rate of just 0.743% and a tax score of 81.4, among the state's lowest burdens. Housing remains highly affordable, with a median home value of $100,400 and gross rent averaging $702/month, giving families genuine financial breathing room.
4 / 5
Income Levels and Health Need Attention
Income remains a significant constraint, with a median household income of just $43,041 and an income score of 11.5—well below state and national standards. Health outcomes (52.3) also lag behind neighboring counties, and risk management scores (56.1) suggest room for improvement in community safety and resilience.
5 / 5
Best for Budget-Conscious, Self-Sufficient Families
Chickasaw County appeals most to households prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing, particularly retirees or remote workers with stable income sources. Those seeking higher local wages or advanced healthcare services should look elsewhere, but cost-conscious families will find genuine value here.
With a composite score of 68.0, Chickasaw County significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0, ranking in the 68th percentile nationally. This places it firmly in the upper-middle tier for livability across the country, suggesting solid fundamentals for residents.
Slightly Ahead of Mississippi's Average
Chickasaw's score of 68.0 edges out Mississippi's state average of 67.5, making it one of the better-performing counties in the state. This modest advantage reflects competitive cost of living and tax conditions within the state landscape.
Tax Efficiency and Affordability Lead the Way
Chickasaw County excels in tax relief, with an effective tax rate of just 0.743% and a tax score of 81.4, among the state's lowest burdens. Housing remains highly affordable, with a median home value of $100,400 and gross rent averaging $702/month, giving families genuine financial breathing room.
Income Levels and Health Need Attention
Income remains a significant constraint, with a median household income of just $43,041 and an income score of 11.5—well below state and national standards. Health outcomes (52.3) also lag behind neighboring counties, and risk management scores (56.1) suggest room for improvement in community safety and resilience.
Best for Budget-Conscious, Self-Sufficient Families
Chickasaw County appeals most to households prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing, particularly retirees or remote workers with stable income sources. Those seeking higher local wages or advanced healthcare services should look elsewhere, but cost-conscious families will find genuine value here.
Score breakdown
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🏛81.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.