countyscore
62.7
County Score
Cost of Living 92.9Property Tax 90.4Disaster Risk 88.5

County Report Card

About Choctaw County, Mississippi

Outperforming the National Landscape

Choctaw County stands out with a robust composite score of 62.7, significantly outpacing the national median of 50.0. This high ranking puts it in the upper tier of American counties for overall livability.

A Top-Tier Mississippi Choice

The county is a standout performer in Mississippi, comfortably exceeding the state average score of 48.4. It offers a much higher standard of overall stability than many of its regional neighbors.

Low Taxes and High Resilience

Choctaw excels in affordability and tax efficiency with scores of 92.9 and 90.4 respectively. Residents benefit from a low effective tax rate of 0.452% and a Risk Score of 88.5, indicating high environmental resilience.

Room for Growth in Health

Economic mobility and health outcomes remain the primary areas for improvement, scoring 11.6 and 30.6. These numbers suggest that while the cost of living is low, access to high-paying jobs and wellness services is more limited.

The Verdict: Perfect for Stable Families

Choctaw is a haven for families seeking extreme affordability and long-term peace of mind. Its combination of low taxes and low environmental risk makes it an exceptionally stable choice for homeownership.

Score breakdown

Tax90.4Cost92.9Safety55.7Health30.6Schools50.6Income11.6Risk88.5Water55Weather50.2
🏛90.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠92.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼11.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡55.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤30.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡88.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧55
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨31.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱43.5
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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Counties with similar scores

Jackson County
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Nearby counties

Winston County
Mississippi
48.5
Webster County
Mississippi
62.3
Montgomery County
Mississippi
58
Oktibbeha County
Mississippi
33.7
Attala County
Mississippi
49.3
Neshoba County
Mississippi
42
Carroll County
Mississippi
64.5
Clay County
Mississippi
41.3

Deep Dives

Choctaw County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Choctaw County

via TaxByCounty

Choctaw's low rate beats most of America

Choctaw County's effective tax rate of 0.452% ranks among the lowest in the nation, roughly half the national median of 0.88%. Residents pay just $472 in median annual taxes—only 18% of the national median—making this one of the country's most tax-friendly places to own property.

Mississippi's third-lowest tax rate

Choctaw County's 0.452% effective rate is significantly below Mississippi's state average of 0.743%, placing it among the state's most affordable counties for property owners. Its median tax bill of $472 is the lowest among these eight counties and well under the state median of $931.

Choctaw undercuts nearly all regional peers

Choctaw's 0.452% rate is the lowest in this northeast Mississippi cluster, beating Clarke County (0.499%), Chickasaw (0.743%), Clay (0.689%), and Coahoma (1.240%) by significant margins. Only Claiborne County comes close with a similar low-tax profile.

Median home: $104,500 costs $472 yearly

A homeowner with Choctaw County's median-valued home of $104,500 pays approximately $472 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, escrow adds about $667 per year; without one, the tax bill stands at $294.

Even low-tax counties have assessment errors

Despite Choctaw's favorable rates, some homeowners may still be overassessed relative to comparable properties. Filing an appeal with your county assessor costs nothing and could reduce your already-modest tax burden further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Choctaw County

via CostByCounty

Choctaw's rents beat national affordability

With a rent-to-income ratio of 16.4%, Choctaw County outperforms both Mississippi's state average (19.6%) and the national benchmark for housing affordability. A median rent of $661/month paired with a $48,321 household income creates one of the region's most favorable housing equations.

Top-tier affordability across Mississippi

Choctaw County ranks among the state's most affordable regions for renters, with its 16.4% rent-to-income ratio sitting 3.2 percentage points below Mississippi's average. This positions it as a genuine outlier in a state where many counties struggle with housing costs.

Cheapest rents in the local cluster

Choctaw's median rent of $661 undercuts Chickasaw ($702) and Covington ($639) by notable margins, making it the rental bargain among nearby counties. Homeowners here also benefit from the lowest monthly costs at $500, the best in this comparison group.

Renters and owners both win here

Rent consumes just 16.4% of the $48,321 median household income, while mortgage costs eat only 12.4%, giving both renters and homeowners breathing room. This dual affordability is rare among Mississippi counties.

Choctaw is a rare Mississippi bargain

If you're seeking genuinely affordable housing in Mississippi, Choctaw County delivers—with rents and ownership costs significantly below state averages. Test your budget here against similar-sized counties like Copiah and Covington to confirm the savings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Choctaw County

via IncomeByCounty

Choctaw earns below national standard

Choctaw County's median household income of $48,321 falls 35% short of the national median of $74,755. While higher than many rural Mississippi counties, it still reflects significant income disparity compared to U.S. benchmarks.

Slightly below state median income

Choctaw's $48,321 median household income nearly matches Mississippi's state average of $48,514, placing it near the middle ranking among the state's 82 counties. This positions Choctaw as relatively stable within Mississippi's economic landscape.

One of the stronger counties nearby

Choctaw ($48,321) outearns Chickasaw ($43,041) and Coahoma ($36,259), ranking among the better-performing neighbors in the region. Only Clarke ($46,054) and Covington ($47,001) come close in this local comparison.

Solid housing affordability for renters

Choctaw's rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% is the lowest among peer counties, meaning housing costs consume less of household income here. At $48,321 median household income, families have slightly more breathing room for other essential expenses and savings.

Position yourself for long-term growth

Choctaw residents with median income of $48,321 should capitalize on affordability to build savings and explore retirement accounts. Strategic financial planning now can compound into meaningful wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Choctaw County

via CrimeByCounty

Choctaw County Outpaces National Safety Trends

Choctaw County reports a total crime rate of 1,011.2 per 100K, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a strong safety score of 98.4.

Consistent with State Safety Averages

The county's safety score of 98.4 perfectly mirrors the Mississippi state average. Local data from three reporting agencies shows a stable environment for residents.

Regional Comparisons Show Moderate Risk

Choctaw's crime rate is higher than Chickasaw County’s low 82.2 but remains safer than Clay County’s 2,183.0. It occupies a middle ground for safety in this part of Mississippi.

Property Crime Drives Local Numbers

Property crimes account for 840.6 incidents per 100K, while violent crime sits at 170.6. Though violent crime is below the national average of 369.8, property theft remains the primary local concern.

Secure Your Property Today

Since property crime is the most frequent issue, installing smart doorbells can deter opportunistic theft. Simple habits like locking vehicles at night remain highly effective.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Choctaw County

via HealthByCounty

Best health outcomes among peer counties

Choctaw County's life expectancy of 73.8 years ranks highest in this county cohort and significantly exceeds Mississippi's average, though it still trails the U.S. average of 78.9 years by 5 years. Just 22% of adults report poor or fair health, suggesting better chronic disease management than many rural Mississippi counties.

Health leader within Mississippi

Choctaw County's 73.8-year life expectancy places it among the healthiest counties in Mississippi, exceeding the state average of 70.9 years by nearly 3 years. The county ranks in the top quartile of Mississippi's 82 counties for overall health metrics.

Stands apart with exceptional mental health capacity

Choctaw County boasts 161 mental health providers per 100,000 people—dramatically higher than Chickasaw County (30) and most neighboring counties. However, primary care access at just 12 per 100K is the lowest among peers, creating an imbalance in the county's healthcare infrastructure.

Strong coverage with room for improvement

Choctaw County's uninsured rate of 12.8% sits below the state average of 13.9%, meaning more residents have regular health insurance access. The county's exceptional mental health infrastructure supports behavioral health needs, though low primary care provider density may create challenges for routine medical care.

Maximize your health insurance benefits

With strong coverage rates in Choctaw County, most residents benefit from health insurance—but gaps remain. If you're uninsured or underinsured, visit the Mississippi Medicaid office or healthcare.gov to explore options that fit your family's needs and income.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Choctaw County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Streamlined Rural Education System

Choctaw County maintains a focused educational footprint with five public schools all under a single district. The system supports 1,230 students through three elementary schools and two high schools. This centralized structure simplifies administrative oversight for the entire county.

Investing Heavily in Student Success

Choctaw County invests $8,216 per pupil, significantly outspending the Mississippi average of $5,954. This investment yields a strong 54.6 school score, well above the state and national medians. The 87% graduation rate perfectly matches the national average, showing consistent performance.

Unified Under Choctaw County School District

All 1,230 public school students in the county are served by the Choctaw County School District. There are no charter schools in the area, meaning the local district remains the sole provider of public education. This unity allows for a cohesive curriculum and shared resources across all five campuses.

Cozy Campuses in a Rural Setting

Every school in the county is classified as rural, offering a quiet and focused learning environment. Choctaw County High School is the largest with 501 students, while French Camp Elementary serves just 112 students. The average school size of 308 students promotes close-knit relationships between teachers and families.

Settling Down in a High-Investment County

Homebuyers in Choctaw County benefit from a school system that spends more per student than most of its neighbors. The high school score of 54.6 makes this area an attractive choice for families prioritizing academic quality. Explore residential options in Ackerman or Weir to stay close to these rural campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Choctaw County

via RiskByCounty

Choctaw County: Mississippi's Safest

Choctaw County scores just 11.55 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and sitting dramatically below both Mississippi's average of 50.94 and the national average. This county faces fewer natural disaster threats than nearly anywhere in the state.

Ranked Among State's Lowest Risk

Choctaw County ranks in the safest tier of Mississippi's 82 counties, with a composite score 78% lower than the state average. Its risk profile stands out as exceptionally favorable across most hazard categories.

Significantly Safer Than Neighbors

Choctaw County's 11.55 score is substantially lower than adjacent Chickasaw County (43.92) and Clay County (42.53). Even compared to other low-risk neighbors like Claiborne County (24.75), Choctaw stands out as the safest area in its region.

Tornadoes and Earthquakes Pose Modest Threat

Tornado risk at 48.57 and earthquake risk at 50.10 represent Choctaw's highest exposure, though both remain below state averages. Flood risk is exceptionally low at 9.96, and wildfire threat minimal at 22.96, creating one of Mississippi's most benign risk environments.

Standard Coverage Typically Sufficient

While Choctaw County's low-risk profile means basic homeowners insurance provides solid protection, residents should still maintain tornado and severe storm preparedness. Earthquake risk, though modest, warrants a conversation with your insurance agent about coverage options.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Choctaw County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic southern humidity and high rainfall

Choctaw County receives 60.3 inches of rain annually, well above the national median for precipitation. While specific annual temperature data is unavailable, it follows the humid subtropical patterns typical of the Deep South.

Surpassing state averages for annual rain

The county's 60.3 inches of precipitation exceeds the Mississippi state average of 59.6 inches. This high rainfall supports the lush, forested landscape characteristic of the region.

Matching the moisture of nearby counties

Choctaw shares a 60.3-inch rainfall profile with Clarke County to the south. This consistency across the region makes it one of the wetter areas in central Mississippi.

A trace of snow amidst wet winters

Winter brings a negligible 0.7 inches of snow on average, keeping the landscape mostly green. While seasonal temperature averages are limited, high annual rainfall suggests consistently high humidity throughout the year.

Manage moisture and seasonal drainage

Homeowners should prioritize gutter maintenance and yard drainage to handle over 60 inches of rain. Even with limited temperature records, preparing for humid summers is essential in this part of the state.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Choctaw County

via SoilByCounty

High Acidity in Choctaw Soil

Choctaw County’s soil averages a pH of 5.13, making it more acidic than the state average of 5.30. This level is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5, often requiring lime for sensitive crops.

Silty Soils with Low Clay

The soil is a mix of 46.9% silt and 38.4% sand, offering high workability for gardeners. With only 14.7% clay, the earth is easy to till but may require amendments to improve its nutrient-holding capacity.

Excellent Water Storage Potential

Choctaw’s available water capacity of 0.183 in/in is higher than the state average of 0.174 in/in. Although organic matter is low at 1.54%, the soil acts as an efficient reservoir for rainfall.

Managing Sandy Silt Runoff

The county's soil score of 31.2 is slightly lower than the state average of 35.7, suggesting some natural limitations. Without specific hydrologic data, the significant sand content indicates that water will move through the profile relatively quickly.

Thriving in Zone 8a

Azaleas and heat-tolerant vegetables thrive in Choctaw's zone 8a climate. Consider adding compost to your soil to help boost its 1.54% organic matter and improve long-term garden health.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Choctaw County

via LawnByCounty

Choctaw's Manageable but Demanding Lawns

Choctaw County's lawn difficulty score of 43.5 makes it one of the more manageable areas in the state compared to the 30.9 average. However, it remains more work than the national median score of 50.0, requiring consistent attention in Zone 8a.

Navigating Wet Conditions and Growth

With 60.3 inches of annual rainfall, the county stays well-watered but faces higher risks of fungal issues and runoff. While specific heat data is limited, the high precipitation suggests a productive growing season that necessitates frequent mowing.

Balancing Sandy, Acidic Soil

The soil pH is notably acidic at 5.13, sitting well below the 6.0-7.0 ideal for healthy turf. Because the soil is 38.4% sand, it offers decent drainage, but you will need significant amendments to balance the acidity and retain nutrients.

Stable Moisture for Choctaw Lawns

The county enjoyed a stable year with only 2 weeks spent in drought conditions. Currently, 0% of the area faces abnormal dryness, allowing you to focus on routine maintenance rather than emergency water conservation.

The Best Grass for Choctaw

Heat-tolerant species like Zoysia or Centipedegrass are excellent choices for this 8a hardiness zone. Start your planting projects in mid-spring to take full advantage of the high annual rainfall during the critical establishment phase.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Choctaw County's county score?
Choctaw County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 62.7 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 Choctaw County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Choctaw County ranks #4 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 Choctaw County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Choctaw County is $472, with an effective tax rate of 0.45%. This earns Choctaw County a tax score of 90.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Choctaw County?
The median household income in Choctaw County, Mississippi is $48,321 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Choctaw County earns an income score of 11.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Choctaw County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Choctaw County scores 62.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Choctaw 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 Choctaw County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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