countyscore
60.7
County Score
Safety 89.7Property Tax 86Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Clarke County, Mississippi

Competitive on a National Scale

Clarke County posts a strong composite score of 60.7, beating the national median of 50.0 by over 10 points. This puts the county in a favorable position relative to the average American community.

Leading the State Average

It is a standout performer in Mississippi, exceeding the state average of 48.4 by a wide margin. The county provides a higher level of security and infrastructure than many of its peers.

Superior Safety and Clean Water

Safety and water quality are premier features, scoring 89.7 and 86.0 respectively. Tax efficiency is equally high at 86.0, driven by a modest 0.499% effective property tax rate.

Focusing on Schools and Income

The Income Score of 8.4 indicates that local wage growth remains a challenge for residents. Additionally, the School Score of 27.8 suggests that educational investment is a key area for future development.

The Verdict: A Haven for Secure Living

Clarke County is perfect for families who value clean water, public safety, and a low tax burden. It offers a secure, traditional lifestyle with strong foundational services for those with established careers.

Score breakdown

Tax86Cost78.1Safety89.7Health21.2Schools27.8Income8.4Risk64Water86Weather43.8
🏛86
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼8.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡89.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤21.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓27.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡64
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤43.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨28.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱26.7
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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Nearby counties

Wayne County
Mississippi
41.9
Choctaw County
Alabama
54.7
Lauderdale County
Mississippi
46.8
Jasper County
Mississippi
53.9
Jones County
Mississippi
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Newton County
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56
Smith County
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Kemper County
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Deep Dives

Clarke County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Clarke County

via TaxByCounty

Clarke's rate falls below national median

Clarke County's effective tax rate of 0.499% is substantially lower than the national median of 0.88%, placing the county in the bottom quarter nationally. A median property tax bill of $570 is only 21% of the national median of $2,690, making Clarke a genuinely affordable option for homeowners.

Well below Mississippi's average

Clarke County's 0.499% effective rate undercuts the Mississippi state average of 0.743% by a meaningful margin, reflecting modest tax expectations for property owners. Its median tax of $570 falls well below the state median of $931, putting Clarke among the state's more affordable counties.

Clarke ranks lower-middle in the regional tax ladder

Clarke County's 0.499% rate trails only Choctaw (0.452%) and Claiborne (0.582%) in this northeast Mississippi area, beating Chickasaw (0.743%), Clay (0.689%), and Coahoma (1.240%). It represents a solid middle ground for those seeking tax predictability.

Median home: $114,300 costs $570 yearly

A Clarke County homeowner with the county's median property value of $114,300 pays approximately $570 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, escrow adds roughly $885 per year; without, the direct tax bill is $445.

Review your assessment for potential savings

Many Clarke County homeowners may be overassessing what they owe by not challenging their assessed values. A simple appeal to your county assessor could verify whether your property is fairly valued relative to comparable homes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clarke County

via CostByCounty

Clarke's rents run above state average

With a rent-to-income ratio of 20.9%, Clarke County exceeds Mississippi's state average by 1.3 percentage points, driven by above-state median rents of $803/month. The $46,054 household income falls short of national norms, amplifying the relative burden.

Mid-to-upper tier for housing costs

Clarke County's 20.9% rent-to-income ratio places it above the state median, ranking it among less affordable Mississippi counties. Its $803 median rent is the highest in this eight-county comparison, reflecting local demand or limited supply.

Steepest rents in the region

Clarke's $803 median rent towers over Choctaw ($661) and Covington ($639), costing $100+ more monthly than the cheapest nearby options. This premium reflects Clarke's comparatively robust median home value of $114,300, the second-highest in the group.

Renters bear the heaviest load

Renters in Clarke pay $803/month—20.9% of the $46,054 median income—while homeowners pay only $502/month (13.1%), creating a stark gap between the two groups. This disparity suggests a rental market under pressure.

Buy here, don't rent, if possible

Clarke County makes more sense for homebuyers than renters: mortgage costs sit well below state norms while rents remain stubbornly high. If you're relocating and can afford to purchase, Clarke's median home value of $114,300 may deliver better value than its rental market.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clarke County

via IncomeByCounty

Clarke trails but outpaces rural Mississippi

Clarke County's median household income of $46,054 sits 38% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting Mississippi's broader income challenges. Yet Clarke performs better than many rural peers, suggesting stronger local economic activity.

Mid-range earner within Mississippi

Clarke's $46,054 median household income falls modestly below Mississippi's state average of $48,514, placing it slightly below the median among the state's 82 counties. Clarke remains competitive regionally.

Strong performer in local comparison

Clarke ($46,054) outearns most surrounding counties including Chickasaw ($43,041), Coahoma ($36,259), and Claiborne ($34,371), ranking among the region's economic leaders. Only Choctaw ($48,321) and Copiah ($47,994) edge ahead.

Moderate housing pressure persists

Clarke's rent-to-income ratio of 20.9% sits slightly above the 20% comfort threshold, meaning renters allocate one-fifth of income to housing. With median household income of $46,054, families have limited cushion for savings and emergencies.

Leverage local strengths strategically

Clarke residents earning $46,054 should explore employer retirement plans and establish emergency funds before pursuing investment growth. Local economic stability provides a foundation for gradual wealth-building efforts.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clarke County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in Clarke County

Clarke County boasts a total crime rate of only 212.2 per 100K, which is nearly ten times lower than the national average. This performance earns the county a high safety score of 99.7.

A Leader in State Safety

With a safety score of 99.7, Clarke County far surpasses the Mississippi state average of 98.4. Three local agencies contribute to these impressively low crime statistics.

Outperforming Surrounding Counties

The county's crime rate is significantly lower than Choctaw County's 1,011.2. Clarke stands out as one of the safest jurisdictions in the local area.

Violent Crime is Extremely Rare

The violent crime rate is just 19.3 per 100K, far below the national 369.8. Property crime is also minimal at 192.9, compared to the national average of 2,015.7.

Keep Your Community Secure

Even in very safe areas, using timed lights when away can prevent property crimes. Continued cooperation with local law enforcement helps maintain these excellent numbers.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Clarke County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy gap persists despite state parity

Clarke County's life expectancy of 71.5 years exceeds Mississippi's average but lags the U.S. average of 78.9 years by more than 7 years. About 23% of adults report poor or fair health, slightly better than state average but reflecting ongoing chronic disease challenges.

Slightly outperforms state health averages

Clarke County's 71.5-year life expectancy edges above Mississippi's state average of 70.9 years, placing the county in the upper-middle tier of Mississippi's 82 counties. The county performs approximately at state median for overall health outcomes.

Mid-range performance in regional comparison

Clarke County's life expectancy falls between Copiah County (70.7 years) and Choctaw County (73.8 years) among nearby counties. Primary care access at 20 per 100K is limited, ranking among the lower tier in this group, while mental health providers at 53 per 100K provide moderate support.

Coverage rates near state average

Clarke County's uninsured rate of 13.3% closely mirrors the state average of 13.9%, meaning roughly 1 in 8 residents lack health insurance. With only 20 primary care providers per 100,000 people, residents may face geographic or availability challenges in accessing routine preventive care.

Bridge the insurance gap in Clarke County

If you're among Clarke County's uninsured residents, health coverage is within reach through Medicaid or ACA marketplace plans. Visit your local county health department or healthcare.gov to find affordable options and connect with enrollment assistance programs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Clarke County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Rural Education Infrastructure

Clarke County supports 2,548 students across nine public schools and two districts. The infrastructure is well-distributed with three elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools. One alternative school also serves the county to meet diverse student needs.

Leading the State in Graduation Rates

Clarke County achieves an impressive 89.2% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the state and national averages. While per-pupil spending of $5,787 is slightly below the state average, the school score of 50.5 indicates strong academic health. This suggests the county's educators are doing more with every dollar.

Quitman and Enterprise Districts

The Quitman School District is the larger of the two, serving 1,593 students across six schools. The Enterprise School District educates the remaining 955 students in three dedicated facilities. The county does not currently host any charter schools, maintaining a traditional district structure.

Consistent Rural Excellence

Every school in Clarke County is situated in a rural locale, offering a peaceful setting for its 2,548 students. Quitman High School is the largest at 491 students, followed closely by Quitman Lower Elementary at 464. The average school size is 364 students, which fosters a community-centric atmosphere.

Top-Tier Graduation Rates for Homebuyers

If you are searching for a home in a district with elite graduation stats, Clarke County stands out in Mississippi. The rural setting of every school makes any part of the county a good choice for those seeking a quiet lifestyle. High performance in both Quitman and Enterprise makes this a secure investment for families.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clarke County

via RiskByCounty

Clarke County Below National Risk Level

Clarke County's composite score of 36.04 earns a Very Low rating, sitting comfortably below the national average. This east-central Mississippi county presents a relatively benign natural hazard environment compared to typical American counties.

Lower Risk Than Most Mississippi

Clarke County ranks in the lower half of Mississippi's 82 counties for overall disaster risk, with a score 29% below the state average of 50.94. The county's positioning reflects safer-than-average exposure to most major hazard types.

More Dangerous Than Western Neighbors

Clarke County's 36.04 score exceeds nearby Claiborne County (24.75) but remains lower than Chickasaw County (43.92). To the north, Clay County (42.53) presents similar risk, while the county benefits from lower exposure than distant Coahoma County (62.50).

Hurricanes and Tornadoes Lead Threats

Clarke County faces elevated hurricane risk at 76.01 and tornado risk at 66.00, the county's two dominant hazards. Flood risk at 36.74 remains notable, while earthquake (48.41) and wildfire (31.23) exposures pose secondary concerns.

Bundle Storm and Flood Protection

Residents should maintain comprehensive homeowners insurance with particular attention to hurricane and tornado coverage. For properties in flood-prone areas, separate flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program provides critical protection not included in standard policies.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Clarke County

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical heat with significant rainfall

Clarke County averages 64.7°F annually, placing it well above the national median of 54°F. The area is also very wet, receiving 60.3 inches of annual precipitation.

A warm and wet Mississippi staple

The county is warmer than the state average of 63.9°F and wetter than the 59.6-inch state precipitation average. It represents the quintessential humid climate of the Deep South.

Sharing high rainfall with neighbors

Clarke matches Choctaw County with 60.3 inches of rain but experiences much more extreme heat than northern Chickasaw. Its 73 days of 90-degree heat mark it as a warmer regional outlier.

Mild winters and sweltering summers

July averages 81.1°F, while January stays comfortable at 46.7°F. Residents see 73 days of extreme heat and almost no snow, averaging only 0.4 inches annually.

Insulate for heat and heavy rain

With 73 days of extreme heat, home insulation and cooling are top priorities for residents. Prepare for heavy rainfall year-round, as the county exceeds state norms for precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clarke County

via SoilByCounty

Sandy Acids of Clarke County

The soil in Clarke County is quite acidic, with an average pH of 5.26. This falls just short of the state average of 5.30 and is notably lower than the national median of 6.5.

High Sand and Fast Drainage

Sand dominates the landscape at 57.3%, the highest fraction among its neighbors. Combined with 26.3% silt and 16.5% clay, this creates a coarse-textured soil that is very easy to dig.

Challenges in Water Retention

The available water capacity is 0.151 in/in, which trails the state average of 0.174 in/in. Organic matter is decent at 1.78%, nearly meeting the state average, but the sand makes it harder to keep the soil moist.

Quick-Drying Sandy Profiles

A soil score of 28.4 reflects the challenges of farming in such sandy earth compared to the state average of 35.7. Because sand makes up over half the soil, you can expect excellent drainage but may need to irrigate frequently.

Root Crops for Zone 8b

Zone 8b’s warm climate and sandy soil are perfect for root crops like sweet potatoes and carrots. Start a garden now and use thick mulch to help your soil hold onto every drop of water.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clarke County

via LawnByCounty

Hard-Mode Lawn Care in Clarke

Clarke County faces a very difficult lawn environment with a score of 26.7, falling below the Mississippi average of 30.9. This Zone 8b county is one of the most demanding locations in the country for maintaining a standard lawn.

Humidity and High Heat Days

The county records 60.3 inches of rain and 73 extreme heat days annually, creating a high-stress environment. With 5,893 growing degree days, warm-season grasses will grow very quickly, demanding a rigorous and frequent mowing schedule.

Sandy Soil and Acidic pH

The soil is predominantly sandy at 57.3%, which aids drainage but causes nutrients to leach away quickly. You will likely need to add lime to correct the acidic 5.26 pH and move it closer to the ideal 6.0 range.

Watching for Abnormally Dry Signs

While not in severe drought, 84.1% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry. Following 18 weeks of drought over the past year, residents should monitor their yards closely for signs of wilting and water deeply.

Optimizing Your Clarke County Yard

Centipedegrass is a great low-maintenance option for these sandy soils and the warm 8b climate. Aim to seed or sod after the March 18th frost to establish roots before the heavy summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clarke County's county score?
Clarke County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 60.7 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 Clarke County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Clarke County ranks #6 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 Clarke County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Clarke County is $570, with an effective tax rate of 0.50%. This earns Clarke County a tax score of 86/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clarke County?
The median household income in Clarke County, Mississippi is $46,054 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clarke County earns an income score of 8.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clarke County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Clarke County scores 60.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Clarke 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 Clarke 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.