countyscore
44.8
County Score
Safety 92.2Cost of Living 81.3Weather & Climate 53.4

County Report Card

About Coahoma County, Mississippi

Below the National Median

Coahoma County earns a 44.8 composite score, falling short of the national median of 50.0. Despite this, it shows specialized strengths in safety that distinguish it from other lower-scoring counties.

Near the Mississippi Average

The county sits just below the Mississippi state average of 48.4. It shares many economic characteristics with the Delta region while maintaining higher safety standards than many of its neighbors.

Surprising Safety and Low Costs

Safety is a major asset here, scoring an impressive 92.2. Housing affordability is also high at 81.3, with median monthly rents averaging a manageable $719 for local residents.

Health and Infrastructure Needs

Water quality and health scores are particularly low at 6.6 and 6.5 respectively. The Tax Score of 23.9 is also a challenge, as the effective rate of 1.240% is high relative to the regional average.

The Verdict: Safe and Affordable for Local Ties

Coahoma suits residents who value a safe community and affordable housing but have established solutions for health and water. It is best for those with strong local ties who prioritize community security.

Score breakdown

Tax23.9Cost81.3Safety92.2Health6.5Schools14.3Income1.2Risk37.5Water6.6Weather53.4
🏛23.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼1.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡92.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤6.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓14.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡37.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧6.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨43.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱34.2
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

Phillips County
Arkansas
37.8
Quitman County
Mississippi
58.2
Tunica County
Mississippi
36.4
Bolivar County
Mississippi
33.3
Lee County
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Tallahatchie County
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Desha County
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Panola County
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Deep Dives

Coahoma County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Coahoma County

via TaxByCounty

Coahoma's rate exceeds national and state averages

Coahoma County's effective tax rate of 1.240% is notably higher than both the national median of 0.88% and Mississippi's state average of 0.743%, placing it among the least affordable counties in both comparisons. Its median property tax of $1,071 is still less than 40% of the national median of $2,690, though it represents the highest burden among these eight counties.

Highest tax rate in this county cluster

Coahoma County's 1.240% effective rate significantly exceeds Mississippi's state average of 0.743%, making it the most heavily taxed county in this eight-county grouping. Its median tax bill of $1,071 is well above the state median of $931, signaling steeper costs for property owners here.

Coahoma stands out for higher tax burden

Coahoma's 1.240% rate is dramatically higher than every peer in the region—nearly triple Choctaw's 0.452% and significantly above Chickasaw (0.743%), Clay (0.689%), and Clarke (0.499%). For tax-conscious buyers, Coahoma represents the pricier end of this cluster.

Median home: $86,400 costs $1,071 yearly

A Coahoma County homeowner with the county's median property value of $86,400 pays approximately $1,071 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, escrow accounts for roughly $1,607 per year; without, the direct tax bill stands at $789.

Assessment appeals are especially worthwhile here

Given Coahoma's higher tax burden, homeowners should seriously consider challenging their assessed values if they believe they're inflated. An assessment appeal costs nothing and could recover hundreds of dollars annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Coahoma County

via CostByCounty

Coahoma faces Mississippi's severest strain

With a rent-to-income ratio of 23.8%, Coahoma County experiences the worst housing affordability burden in this eight-county cohort and well above Mississippi's 19.6% state average. The median household income of $36,259—just 49% of the national average—leaves minimal margin for other expenses.

Bottom tier for Mississippi affordability

Coahoma County's 23.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the poorest housing affordability metrics across Mississippi's 82 counties. Only counties in severe economic distress rival these pressures.

Highest rental burden in the region

At $719/month rent on a $36,259 income, Coahoma's affordability crisis exceeds even Claiborne County's struggles, despite only marginally higher rents. The root cause lies in incomes compressed to the region's lowest levels.

Housing dominates household budgets

Renters pay $719/month (23.8% of income) while homeowners pay $624/month (20.6%), with both groups allocating over one-fifth of earnings to housing alone. This leaves less than 80% of household income for food, utilities, healthcare, and all other needs.

Relocation here requires realistic planning

Coahoma County's low home values ($86,400) and rents cannot offset the severity of income constraints—relocate here only with guaranteed employment or substantial financial reserves. The affordability crisis here is structural, not just a matter of finding cheaper housing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Coahoma County

via IncomeByCounty

Coahoma faces acute income shortfall

Coahoma County's median household income of $36,259 is 51% below the national median of $74,755, indicating severe economic distress. The county ranks among the lowest-income areas in the United States.

Among Mississippi's poorest counties

Coahoma's $36,259 median household income ranks near the bottom of Mississippi's 82 counties, trailing the state average of $48,514 by $12,255. The county struggles with persistent income poverty.

Trailing across the regional map

Coahoma ($36,259) underperforms nearly all neighbors, including Chickasaw ($43,041), Choctaw ($48,321), Claiborne ($34,371), and Clarke ($46,054). Only Claiborne approaches Coahoma's low income levels in this area.

Housing burden constrains budgets

Coahoma's rent-to-income ratio of 23.8% is among the region's worst, consuming nearly one-quarter of household income for rent. At $36,259 median income, families face severe pressure meeting basic needs and building reserves.

Access support and plan together

Coahoma residents should seek nonprofit financial counseling, workforce training, and employer benefits to strengthen income foundations. Community organizations can provide tools and guidance for managing and gradually improving financial circumstances.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Coahoma County

via CrimeByCounty

Impressive Safety in Coahoma County

Coahoma County features a safety score of 99.8, making it much safer than the national average. Its total crime rate of 122.2 is far below the U.S. benchmark of 2,385.5.

Well Above State Averages

The county's 99.8 safety score easily beats the Mississippi state average of 98.4. Three reporting agencies confirm that crime remains relatively low throughout the jurisdiction.

A Regional Safe Haven

Coahoma's crime rate of 122.2 is much lower than the 2,183.0 seen in Clay County. It remains one of the more secure options for residents in this region.

Crime Levels Stay Low

Violent crime is minimal at 42.3 per 100K, while property crime is also low at 79.9. Both metrics are significantly better than the national violent and property crime averages.

Simple Steps for Continued Safety

Maintaining the county's safety requires basic precautions like locking doors and windows. Small deterrents go a long way in areas where crime is already infrequent.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Coahoma County

via HealthByCounty

Severe life expectancy crisis in county

Coahoma County's life expectancy of just 65.3 years ranks lowest in this county group and represents a shocking 13.6-year gap below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. One-third of adults (33%) report poor or fair health, signaling an acute public health crisis with widespread chronic disease.

Unhealthiest county in Mississippi

Coahoma County's 65.3-year life expectancy falls 5.6 years below Mississippi's state average of 70.9 years, ranking it among the absolute lowest in the state. The county faces the most severe health challenges in Mississippi's 82-county system.

Crisis conditions require urgent intervention

Coahoma County's life expectancy dramatically trails all neighboring counties, with the nearest peer (Claiborne County at 68.6 years) still 3.3 years ahead. Remarkably, the county has 568 mental health providers per 100,000 people—by far the highest in the group—but 33% poor/fair health rates suggest systemic failures beyond mental health capacity.

Insurance gaps amid health catastrophe

Coahoma County's uninsured rate of 14.4% exceeds the state average of 13.9%, leaving over 2,500 residents without regular healthcare access. With 43 primary care providers per 100K—moderate by state standards—systemic barriers beyond provider supply appear to be driving the county's health crisis.

Urgent: secure coverage and support

Coahoma County residents face a health emergency requiring immediate action. If you're uninsured, contact Mississippi Medicaid or visit healthcare.gov now to enroll, and ask your health provider about disease management programs for chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Coahoma County

via SchoolsByCounty

A High Number of School Choices

Coahoma County offers a diverse educational landscape with 14 public schools serving 3,617 students across three districts. The system includes eight elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools. This provides more specialized school options than many surrounding rural counties.

Facing Challenges in Performance and Funding

The county’s graduation rate of 85.1% and school score of 47.4 currently trail state and national averages. Per-pupil spending stands at $5,349, which is about $600 less than the Mississippi state average. These figures highlight an area with potential for growth and further investment.

Introducing Charter Options to Coahoma

Clarksdale Municipal is the largest district with 2,118 students, followed by the Coahoma County district with 988. Notably, Clarksdale Collegiate serves 511 students as a charter school, representing about 7% of total schools. This adds a unique choice for parents seeking an alternative to traditional districts.

A Mix of Town and Rural Schools

With ten schools in town and four in rural areas, the county offers varied environments for its students. While the average school size is a small 278, Coahoma County Jr/Sr High stands as the largest with 516 students. This smaller average size suggests a very personal and intimate learning atmosphere.

Exploring Homes in a Diverse District

Homebuyers in Coahoma County have the unique benefit of choosing between traditional and charter school paths. Most educational assets are concentrated in Clarksdale, making it the primary hub for families. Look for homes near the town center to be within reach of the county's largest schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Coahoma County

via RiskByCounty

Coahoma County Above National Average

Coahoma County scores 62.50 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating but sitting 23% above the national average. This northwestern Mississippi county faces notably elevated natural disaster exposure compared to typical American communities.

High-Risk County for Mississippi

Coahoma County ranks in the upper third of Mississippi's 82 counties for disaster risk, with a composite score 23% above the state average of 50.94. Only counties with the most extreme hazard exposure exceed Coahoma's overall risk profile.

Significantly Riskier Than All Neighbors

Coahoma County's 62.50 score substantially exceeds all adjacent counties, including Clay (42.53), Chickasaw (43.92), and Quitman to the south. The county's elevated risk stems primarily from exceptional earthquake exposure (90.71), the highest in its region.

Earthquakes and Tornadoes Dominate Risk

Coahoma residents face exceptional earthquake risk at 90.71—among Mississippi's highest—and elevated tornado risk at 86.61. Flood risk at 46.28 poses a secondary concern, while wildfire threat remains minimal at just 10.53.

Earthquake Insurance Is Essential Here

Coahoma County residents absolutely need earthquake insurance, as standard homeowners policies exclude seismic damage. Additionally, invest in tornado-resistant construction features and maintain strong homeowners coverage, as the county's elevated earthquake and tornado exposure makes comprehensive protection critical.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Coahoma County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical Delta heat and humidity

Coahoma County's average annual temperature of 62.4°F is significantly higher than the national median of 54°F. It receives 55.9 inches of rain annually in a humid subtropical climate.

Cooler than the southern state average

At 62.4°F, the county is cooler than the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. Its northern Delta location provides a slight reprieve from the more intense southern heat.

More extreme heat than its neighbors

Despite a lower average temp than the state, Coahoma sees 67 extreme heat days, more than Chickasaw’s 54. It is slightly drier than the state average of 59.6 inches of rain.

Cold winters and humid July peaks

January is quite cool for Mississippi at 41.2°F, while July peaks at 81.1°F. The county averages 67 days of 90-degree weather, but specific snowfall data is unavailable.

Prepare for sharp seasonal shifts

Residents need versatile HVAC systems to manage the 41.2°F January average and 67 days of extreme heat. Delta humidity requires consistent indoor moisture control.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Coahoma County

via SoilByCounty

Delta Soil Near Neutrality

Coahoma County boasts an average pH of 6.07, making it one of the least acidic counties in Mississippi. This measurement is significantly closer to the national median of 6.5 than the state average of 5.30.

Heavy Clay and Delta Silt

The soil contains a substantial 31.2% clay and 43.9% silt, creating a dense, nutrient-rich environment. While this 25.0% sand content is lower than some areas, the clay provides the structural 'heaviness' the Delta is known for.

High Score Despite Low Organic Matter

While organic matter is slightly lower than the state average at 1.50%, the county earns a high soil score of 43.4. The clay-rich profile compensates by holding onto essential minerals very effectively.

Slow Drainage and Rich Retention

With an available water capacity of 0.165 in/in, this soil holds a steady supply of moisture. The high clay content means water moves slowly, which is great for moisture-loving crops but can lead to muddy conditions after heavy rains.

Delta Staples in Zone 8a

This zone 8a environment is world-famous for cotton and soybeans. For your home garden, choose okra or roses that can thrive in these heavier, more neutral Delta soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Coahoma County

via LawnByCounty

Coahoma's Average State Difficulty Score

Coahoma County scores 34.2 on the difficulty scale, placing it near the Mississippi state average but well below the national median of 50.0. Maintaining a lawn here in Zone 8a is a moderate challenge for the region.

Lower Rain and High Heat

Annual precipitation of 55.9 inches is lower than the state average, which can help reduce fungal pressure if managed well. However, 67 extreme heat days and 5,457 growing degree days mean your turf will still require a lot of water and attention.

The Region's Most Balanced Soil

Coahoma features a soil pH of 6.07, which is the closest in this group to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. While the 31.2% clay content provides great nutrient retention, it can lead to drainage issues during heavy rainfall events.

Managing Severe Drought Conditions

The county is currently facing a crisis with 46.2% of the area in severe drought and 100% classified as abnormally dry. After 31 weeks of drought in the past year, strict water conservation is essential for lawn survival.

Success with Zoysia and Bermuda

Zoysia grass is an excellent choice for these clay-heavy soils and warm temperatures. Start your planting after the March 16th frost to give your grass the best chance to mature before the summer drought intensifies.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Coahoma County's county score?
Coahoma County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 44.8 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 Coahoma County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Coahoma County ranks #54 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 Coahoma County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Coahoma County is $1,071, with an effective tax rate of 1.24%. This earns Coahoma County a tax score of 23.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Coahoma County?
The median household income in Coahoma County, Mississippi is $36,259 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Coahoma County earns an income score of 1.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Coahoma County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Coahoma County scores 44.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #54 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Coahoma 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 Coahoma 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.