CountyScore

Claiborne County

Mississippi · MS

#12 in Mississippi
71
County Score

County Report Card

About Claiborne County, Mississippi

Claiborne Exceeds National Livability Standards

Claiborne County's composite score of 71.0 outperforms the national median of 50.0 by 21 points, placing it in the 71st percentile nationally. This indicates solid livability foundations by U.S. standards, despite being a rural Mississippi county.

Above-Average Performer Within Mississippi

Claiborne's score of 71.0 exceeds Mississippi's state average of 67.5, ranking it among the state's stronger counties for overall quality of life. This advantage stems primarily from exceptional housing affordability rather than income or employment growth.

Exceptional Housing Costs Attract Budget Seekers

Claiborne County offers some of the state's most affordable housing, with a median home value of $80,800 and median gross rent of $651/month, yielding a cost score of 89.1. The effective tax rate of 0.582% (tax score: 85.9) adds to the financial advantage for residents on fixed incomes.

Very Low Incomes and Modest Health Metrics

With a median household income of just $34,371, Claiborne has an income score of only 5.8—the lowest among these eight counties. Health outcomes (52.2) and risk management (75.3) are moderate, suggesting healthcare access and community services could both be strengthened.

Perfect for Retirees Seeking Maximum Affordability

Claiborne County suits retirees and fixed-income households who need the absolute lowest cost of living and can rely on external income sources. Younger families seeking economic opportunity and career advancement should explore counties with stronger income and employment indicators.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax85.9Cost89.1SafetyComing SoonHealth52.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome5.8Risk75.3WaterComing Soon
🏛85.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼5.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤52.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡75.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Claiborne County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Blount County
Alabama
71
Median income: $61,096
Clarke County
Alabama
71
Median income: $49,167
Dale County
Alabama
71
Median income: $53,955
Boone County
Arkansas
71
Median income: $54,195
Hempstead County
Arkansas
71
Median income: $47,654

Deep Dives

Claiborne County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Claiborne County

via TaxByCounty

Claiborne's rate: roughly two-thirds national median

Claiborne County's effective tax rate of 0.582% is notably lower than the national median of 0.88%, placing the county in the bottom third nationally for property tax burden. A median tax bill of $470 represents just 17% of the national median of $2,690, even though home values here are roughly 29% of the national average.

Below-average taxes for Mississippi

At 0.582%, Claiborne County's effective rate sits below Mississippi's state average of 0.743%, making it a relatively affordable county within the state. Its median property tax of $470 is the second-lowest among these eight counties and well below the state median of $931.

Claiborne competes with Choctaw for lowest rates

Claiborne's 0.582% rate rivals Choctaw County (0.452%) as the most tax-friendly in this regional cluster, both significantly undercutting Chickasaw (0.743%), Clarke (0.499%), and Coahoma (1.240%). This makes both counties standouts for affordability-focused homebuyers.

Median home: $80,800 costs $470 annually

A Claiborne County homeowner with a median-valued property of $80,800 pays approximately $470 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $517 via escrow; without a mortgage, the direct tax obligation is $447.

Appeal if your assessment seems too high

Claiborne homeowners, like those across Mississippi, should verify their property's assessed value matches comparable homes in the area. An assessment appeal is a free process that could further reduce your already-low tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Claiborne County

via CostByCounty

Claiborne faces Mississippi's affordability squeeze

Residents spend 22.7% of income on rent, substantially above Mississippi's 19.6% average and the national benchmark of most states. The median household income of just $34,371—46% below the national average—makes every housing dollar harder to find.

Among Mississippi's least affordable counties

Claiborne County's 22.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks it near the bottom of Mississippi's affordability scale, trailing the state average by over 3 percentage points. Only counties facing similar economic stress match these housing pressures.

Cheapest homes, tightest budgets

Claiborne's median home value of $80,800 is the lowest in the region, yet its 22.7% rent-to-income ratio is the highest, reflecting income constraints rather than bargain rents. A median rent of $651 is competitive, but insufficient income makes it feel unaffordable.

Rent consumes over one-fifth of income

Residents pay $651/month rent on a median $34,371 annual income, consuming 22.7% of earnings—leaving less than 77% for all other necessities. Homeowners fare slightly better at $509/month, but the underlying income challenge persists across both groups.

Claiborne needs targeted support, not shortcuts

Relocating to Claiborne requires realistic income prospects, as low home prices mask a deeper affordability crisis tied to median incomes well below state norms. Research employment opportunities carefully—affordable rent alone won't solve the economic equation here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Claiborne County

via IncomeByCounty

Claiborne faces severe income gap

Claiborne County's median household income of $34,371 is 54% below the national median of $74,755, among the lowest in the entire United States. This extreme gap signals deep economic distress and limited employment opportunities.

Poorest county in Mississippi

At $34,371, Claiborne's median household income ranks near the bottom of Mississippi's 82 counties, trailing the state average of $48,514 by nearly $14,000. The county faces the most severe income challenges in the state.

Significantly lower than surrounding peers

Claiborne ($34,371) earns substantially less than every neighboring county—Chickasaw ($43,041), Clarke ($46,054), and Coahoma ($36,259) all earn more. This isolation suggests unique economic barriers specific to Claiborne's labor market.

Housing costs strain tight budgets

Claiborne's rent-to-income ratio of 22.7% is among the worst in the region, consuming more than one-fifth of household income for rental housing. Combined with a median income of just $34,371, households face severe constraints on meeting other needs.

Seek support and build incrementally

Claiborne residents should explore local workforce development programs, microfinance options, and financial counseling to maximize limited incomes. Even small consistent savings and skill-building investments can create pathways to economic improvement.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Claiborne County

via HealthByCounty

Significant gap in life expectancy

Claiborne County residents live to just 68.6 years on average—10.3 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years and among the lowest in this county group. Nearly 3 in 10 adults (28%) report poor or fair health, indicating widespread chronic disease and health challenges.

Among the unhealthiest Mississippi counties

At 68.6 years, Claiborne County's life expectancy falls 2.3 years below Mississippi's state average of 70.9 years. The county ranks in the bottom third of Mississippi's 82 counties for health outcomes and life expectancy.

Facing health crisis worse than most peers

Claiborne County trails all neighboring counties in life expectancy, including Copiah County (70.7 years) and Covington County (68.9 years), though it outperforms only Coahoma County (65.3 years). Provider access is moderate at 45 primary care providers per 100K, but mental health support at 70 per 100K remains limited.

Below-average uninsured rate masks care barriers

Despite a relatively low uninsured rate of 12.0%—below the state average of 13.9%—Claiborne County's health outcomes suggest residents face barriers beyond insurance coverage. With 45 primary care providers per 100,000 people, access to consistent preventive and chronic disease management remains challenging for many.

Secure coverage and access to care

Even with lower uninsured rates, ensuring continuous health coverage is essential for managing the chronic diseases prevalent in Claiborne County. Contact the county health department or visit healthcare.gov to verify your coverage and explore care coordination programs that may help improve your health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Claiborne County

via RiskByCounty

Claiborne Sits Well Below National Average

Claiborne County's composite risk score of 24.75 earns a Very Low rating, placing it significantly safer than the national average. This central Mississippi county faces relatively modest natural disaster exposure compared to the typical American county.

Among Mississippi's Safest Counties

With a score of 24.75, Claiborne ranks in the safest quartile of Mississippi's 82 counties, well below the state average of 50.94. The county's risk profile reflects favorable positioning relative to most of its peers statewide.

Safer Than Most Regional Peers

Claiborne County's 24.75 score beats nearby Chickasaw (43.92) and Clarke (36.04) counties, though it sits slightly higher than champion Choctaw County (11.55). Its favorable risk position extends across its region relative to western and northern neighbors.

Tornado and Hurricane Risks Dominate

Claiborne residents face the highest exposure to tornadoes (66.63) and hurricanes (67.92), both above state averages. Flood risk at 25.76 remains moderate, while earthquake (38.99) and wildfire risks (29.20) pose minimal threats.

Prioritize Storm and Hurricane Coverage

Homeowners should ensure comprehensive protection against tornadoes and hurricanes through proper homeowners insurance and structural reinforcement. A reinforced safe room or shelter provides essential protection during severe storm seasons in this region.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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