countyscore

Claiborne County, Mississippi — County Report Card

MS

#24 in Mississippi

Explore on ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
55.3
County Score
Cost of Living 93Property Tax 76.3Disaster Risk 75.3

County Report Card

About Claiborne County, Mississippi

Solid Standing Above National Median

Claiborne County achieves a composite score of 55.3, which sits 10% higher than the national median of 50.0. This performance suggests a solid baseline for rural living compared to the rest of the country.

Surpassing the State Average

Its score easily clears the Mississippi state average of 48.4. This makes Claiborne a strong contender for those looking to stay within the state while maximizing their purchasing power.

Unmatched Housing Affordability

The county shines in housing affordability with a Cost Score of 93.0 and median rents of just $651. A Tax Score of 76.3 further supports residents, keeping the effective property tax rate at a low 0.582%.

Significant Economic Barriers

The Income Score is remarkably low at 0.8, reflecting a median household income of only $34,371. Health and school metrics also lag behind national standards, scoring 13.1 and 28.0 respectively.

The Verdict: Best for Fixed-Income Living

This county best suits individuals looking for some of the lowest housing costs in the nation. It is a practical choice for retirees on fixed incomes or remote workers who prioritize low overhead.

Score breakdown

Tax76.3Cost93Safety67.9Health13.1Schools28Income0.8Risk75.3Water44.2Weather37.4
🏛76.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠93
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼0.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡67.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤13.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓28
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡75.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧44.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤37.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨48.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱34.6
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Claiborne County?

Many homeowners in Claiborne County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Claiborne County with Lumpkin County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Lumpkin County
Georgia
Median income: $72,388
55.3
Christian County
Illinois
Median income: $59,253
55.3
Wabash County
Illinois
Median income: $53,650
55.3
Crawford County
Iowa
Median income: $65,039
55.3
Grant County
Kansas
Median income: $72,484
55.3
Emmet County
Michigan
Median income: $73,724
55.3
Tishomingo County
Mississippi
Median income: $46,257
55.3
Washington County
Nebraska
Median income: $90,188
55.3

Nearby counties

Tensas Parish
Louisiana
59.6
Jefferson County
Mississippi
52.3
Warren County
Mississippi
31.9
Madison Parish
Louisiana
56.6
Copiah County
Mississippi
55.1
Franklin County
Mississippi
60.2
Adams County
Mississippi
57.1
Lincoln County
Mississippi
41.6

Deep Dives

Claiborne County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Claiborne County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong National Safety Standing

Claiborne County achieves a safety score of 98.8, indicating it is safer than many U.S. jurisdictions. Its total crime rate of 751.9 per 100K is roughly one-third of the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding Mississippi Safety Norms

The county ranks above the Mississippi state average safety score of 98.4. Two reporting agencies provide the data that confirms this relatively secure environment.

Safer than Regional Peers

Claiborne’s rate of 751.9 is notably lower than Covington County’s 1,233.4. It offers a more secure profile than several neighboring areas in the region.

A Closer Look at the Numbers

The violent crime rate is 276.4, which is lower than the national 369.8 but higher than the state average of 149.2. Property crime accounts for 475.5 incidents per 100K residents.

Community Vigilance is Key

Residents should focus on securing home entry points to keep property crime rates low. Engaging with neighbors helps maintain the county's above-average safety standing.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Claiborne County

via SchoolsByCounty

Consolidated Schooling in Claiborne County

Claiborne County operates a lean educational system consisting of four public schools. Total enrollment stands at 1,188 students, distributed across one elementary, one middle, and two high schools. All schools operate within a single county-wide district.

Competitive Graduation Rates and Spending

The county matches the national graduation rate of 87% and maintains a school score of 50.5, which is slightly above the state average. Per-pupil expenditure is $6,346, exceeding the Mississippi state average of $5,954. These metrics reflect a district that is properly funded and meeting national benchmarks for student completion.

A Single District for All Students

The Claiborne County School District manages every public campus and student in the county. There are zero charter schools present, ensuring a traditional public school experience for all 1,188 enrollees. This centralized management ensures that resources are distributed across the primary and secondary levels.

A Rural Learning Environment

All four schools in Claiborne County are located in rural locales, providing a consistent environment for students. A.W. Watson Elementary is the largest campus with 533 students, significantly larger than Port Gibson Middle’s 280 students. With an average size of 396 students, the schools remain small enough for personalized attention.

Rural Living Near Steady Schools

Families looking for a rural lifestyle will find that Claiborne County offers steady academic performance and higher-than-average state spending. The proximity to Port Gibson allows for easy access to the county's primary educational hubs. Consider the local graduation success as you evaluate home options in the area.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Claiborne County

via WeatherByCounty

A hot, humid subtropical environment

Claiborne County's average temperature of 65.8°F is nearly 12 degrees warmer than the national median. It receives 56.3 inches of rain annually, making it both warm and consistently moist.

Warmer than the Mississippi state average

At 65.8°F, Claiborne is notably warmer than the state average of 63.9°F. It ranks among the warmer counties in the southwestern portion of Mississippi.

Hottest extreme heat in the region

The county experiences 80 days of extreme heat, far outpacing Chickasaw’s 54 days. However, it is slightly drier than the state average of 59.6 inches of rainfall.

Eighty days of intense summer heat

Summers are long, with 80 days topping 90°F and a July average of 82.3°F. Winters are very mild, with a January average of 47.6°F and only 0.5 inches of annual snow.

Beat the heat with efficient HVAC

High-efficiency air conditioning is vital for the 80 days of extreme heat residents face each year. Lightweight, breathable clothing is the standard for most of the long summer season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Claiborne County

via SoilByCounty

The Silty Loess of Claiborne

Claiborne County maintains an average pH of 5.49, which is less acidic than the state average of 5.30. While it is more alkaline than its neighbors, it remains below the national median of 6.5.

Dominated by Deep Silt

The soil composition is a massive 71.0% silt, creating a smooth and fine texture. With only 13.2% sand and 15.7% clay, this soil is exceptionally uniform but prone to compaction if handled while wet.

Elite Water Holding Capacity

Available water capacity stands at 0.217 in/in, far surpassing the state average of 0.174 in/in. This exceptional moisture retention contributes to a high soil score of 48.5, well above the state average of 35.7.

High Productivity and Slow Drainage

The extreme silt levels suggest the soil holds onto moisture for long periods, which is great for crops but requires careful drainage planning. Though specific classes are not listed, the low 13.2% sand fraction means water moves slowly through these deep layers.

Long Seasons in Zone 8b

Claiborne’s zone 8b climate and deep silts are ideal for high-yield vegetables and pecans. Your garden will stay hydrated longer here than in almost any other county in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Claiborne County

via LawnByCounty

Tackling Tough Conditions in Claiborne

Claiborne County has a difficulty score of 34.6, which is slightly easier than the state average but much harder than the national median of 50.0. This Zone 8b county presents significant climate and soil challenges for the average homeowner.

High Heat and Long Seasons

Residents face 80 extreme heat days per year, which is significantly higher than the state average of 73. Combined with 56.3 inches of rain and 6,266 growing degree days, your lawn will grow aggressively and require constant summer care.

Managing Low-Sand Soil Profiles

The local soil is acidic with a pH of 5.49, meaning regular lime applications are necessary for a lush yard. With only 13.2% sand, the soil structure may struggle with drainage during the heavy 56-inch annual rains.

Navigating Severe Current Drought

Drought is a major concern as 93.7% of the county is currently in severe drought (D2+). After 10 weeks of drought in the past year, homeowners should prioritize water conservation and only irrigate during the early morning.

Reliable Varieties for Intense Heat

Bermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass are the best options to survive the 80 annual days of temperatures exceeding 90°F. Plan your planting after the last frost on March 17th to maximize the long growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Claiborne County's county score?
Claiborne County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 55.3 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 Claiborne County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Claiborne County ranks #24 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 Claiborne County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Claiborne County is $470, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Claiborne County a tax score of 76.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Claiborne County?
The median household income in Claiborne County, Mississippi is $34,371 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Claiborne County earns an income score of 0.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Claiborne County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Claiborne County scores 55.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Claiborne 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 Claiborne 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.