countyscore
55.1
County Score
Safety 97.5Cost of Living 91.7Property Tax 54.2

County Report Card

About Copiah County, Mississippi

Competitive National Standings

Copiah County scores 55.1, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that is competitive on a broad American scale for rural living.

Outperforming the State Baseline

The county outperforms the Mississippi state average of 48.4. It serves as a strong example of a high-safety, low-cost rural hub within the state's central region.

Exceptional Safety and Affordability

Safety is nearly unparalleled with a score of 97.5. Cost-efficiency is also a major driver, with a Cost Score of 91.7 and a median home value of $105,600.

Educational and Risk Factors

School quality scores low at 13.4, which may be a primary concern for growing families. The Risk Score of 38.7 also suggests that the county faces higher environmental vulnerabilities than some neighboring areas.

The Verdict: Top Pick for Personal Security

This county is a fantastic fit for retirees or couples who prioritize physical safety and low expenses. Its extremely high safety rating offers peace of mind that is difficult to find in most other counties.

2040608010054.291.797.517.713.41138.740.937.8Tax54.2Cost91.7Safety97.5Health17.7Schools13.4Income11Risk38.7Water40.9Weather37.855.1/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Copiah County DNA

Foverall

How Copiah County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Copiah County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (91.7/100) but notably weak in Schools (13.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
54.2
Cost
91.7+43.7
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
17.7-32.3
Schools
13.4-40.6
Income
11-40
Risk
38.7-8.299999999999997
Water
40.9-17.1
Weather
37.8-18.200000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$105,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$682/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$105,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $47,994/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

28.6

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Compare Copiah County with Glascock County →Share on X

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55

Nearby counties

Lincoln County
Mississippi
41.6
Lawrence County
Mississippi
56.8
Simpson County
Mississippi
55.8
Claiborne County
Mississippi
55.3
Hinds County
Mississippi
38.3
Franklin County
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60.2
Jefferson Davis County
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Jefferson County
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52.3

Deep Dives

Copiah County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Copiah County

via TaxByCounty

Copiah's rate: close to national average

Copiah County's effective tax rate of 0.789% sits just above the national median of 0.88%, making it nearly aligned with typical U.S. property tax burdens. A median property tax of $833 remains only 31% of the national median of $2,690, underscoring Mississippi's overall affordability despite Copiah's higher-than-state-average rates.

Above Mississippi's state average

At 0.789%, Copiah County's effective rate exceeds Mississippi's state average of 0.743%, placing it among the more heavily taxed counties within the state. Its median tax bill of $833 is above the state median of $931, indicating stronger-than-average tax expectations for homeowners.

Copiah ranks second-highest in regional taxes

Copiah's 0.789% rate trails only Coahoma (1.240%) among these eight counties, exceeding Chickasaw (0.743%), Clay (0.689%), Covington (0.693%), Claiborne (0.582%), Clarke (0.499%), and Choctaw (0.452%). It appeals to those willing to accept higher taxes for other county benefits.

Median home: $105,600 costs $833 yearly

A Copiah County homeowner with the county's median property value of $105,600 pays approximately $833 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, escrow adds roughly $1,168 per year; without, the tax obligation alone is $573.

Challenge your assessment if it seems steep

Copiah homeowners, especially those in higher-tax areas of the county, should verify that their assessed values match comparable properties. Filing an appeal is free and could reduce your above-average tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Copiah County

via CostByCounty

Copiah offers solid affordable-housing ground

With a rent-to-income ratio of 17.1%, Copiah County sits well below Mississippi's 19.6% state average and represents one of the region's better housing values. The $47,994 median household income combined with $682 median rent creates a genuinely workable equation for residents.

Upper tier for Mississippi affordability

Copiah County's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among the more affordable counties statewide, trailing only Choctaw and Covington in this comparison group. This positions it as a genuine bright spot for budget-conscious Mississippians.

Competitive rents, solid income levels

Copiah's $682 median rent is the second-lowest in the region (behind Covington's $639), yet its $47,994 median income exceeds most neighbors, creating favorable affordability dynamics. Homeowners also benefit from the low $502 monthly cost.

Balanced burden across renter and owner

Renters spend 17.1% of the $47,994 income on $682 rent, while homeowners spend just 12.6% on $502 monthly costs—both figures well below state and regional norms. This dual affordability creates flexibility for residents.

Copiah delivers affordable living stability

If you're relocating to Mississippi seeking genuine affordability without severe income constraints, Copiah County ranks among the safest bets. Compare its balanced renter-and-owner costs against similar Choctaw and Covington counties to finalize your decision.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Copiah County

via IncomeByCounty

Copiah below national but stable

Copiah County's median household income of $47,994 falls 36% short of the national median of $74,755, typical for rural Mississippi. The county's per capita income of $28,574 exceeds the state average, signaling more equitable wealth distribution.

Slightly below Mississippi median

Copiah's $47,994 median household income sits just below Mississippi's state average of $48,514, placing it near the middle of the state's 82 counties. The county maintains relative stability within state rankings.

Competitive within regional context

Copiah ($47,994) matches or exceeds most neighboring counties, including Chickasaw ($43,041), Clarke ($46,054), and Covington ($47,001). Only Choctaw ($48,321) slightly edges ahead in this comparison.

Affordable housing supports stability

Copiah's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% is among the region's best, keeping housing costs well below the 30% affordability threshold. At $47,994 median household income, residents have more flexibility for savings and planning.

Capitalize on affordability advantage

Copiah residents earning $47,994 should leverage low housing costs to build emergency funds and retirement savings. The region's affordability creates opportunity for intentional wealth-building through disciplined financial planning.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Copiah County

via CrimeByCounty

Copiah County Data Profile

Copiah County shows a perfect safety score of 100.0, though the reported crime rate is 0.0 per 100K. This likely indicates a period of limited reporting rather than a total absence of crime.

Leading the State Averages

The county's safety score of 100.0 sits above the state average of 98.4. Four agencies contribute to the reporting pool, though current data shows no recorded incidents for the period.

Comparing Reported Data Locally

Copiah’s reported zero rate is much lower than Covington County’s 1,233.4. While the data is low, residents should look to surrounding trends for a complete safety picture.

Limited Data in the Breakdown

Both violent and property crime rates are currently listed at 0.0 per 100K. This reflects the specific data provided by reporting agencies for the 2022 year.

Stay Vigilant Despite the Data

Always follow standard safety protocols even when reported crime is zero. Installing a basic alarm system ensures you are protected regardless of data reporting gaps.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Copiah County

via SchoolsByCounty

Large Campuses in Copiah County

Copiah County supports 3,573 students across seven public schools and two districts. The infrastructure includes two elementary, two middle, and two high schools, along with one specialized center. While the number of schools is lower than some neighbors, the enrollment per campus is higher.

Efficiency Despite Lower Expenditure

The county reports an 85.2% graduation rate and a school score of 46.7, both of which are slightly below state averages. Per-pupil expenditure is one of the lowest in the region at $5,030, compared to the $13,000 national average. This indicates a system that is managing a large student body with limited financial resources.

Two Districts Serving Major Hubs

The Copiah County School District is the larger entity, educating 2,205 students. The Hazlehurst City School District serves the remaining 1,368 students within its three schools. No charter schools are currently operating within the county.

Vibrant Town Schools with Large Enrollments

Five of the county’s seven schools are located in town settings, giving the area a more suburban feel. Wesson Attendance Center is the largest school by far, housing 877 students on a single campus. The average school size of 510 is the highest among the counties reviewed, suggesting a bustling student life.

Strategic Homebuying Near School Hubs

If you prefer schools with larger student bodies and more town-based activities, Copiah County is an excellent choice. Focus your home search in Wesson or Hazlehurst to be near the primary educational centers. These areas offer a classic town-school experience that many families find appealing.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Copiah County

via RiskByCounty

Copiah County Well Above National Risk

Copiah County scores 61.29 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating but sitting 20% above the national average. Central Mississippi residents face significantly elevated natural disaster exposure compared to typical American counties.

Among Mississippi's Higher-Risk Counties

Copiah County ranks in the upper third of Mississippi's 82 counties for overall disaster risk, with a composite score 20% above the state average of 50.94. Only the most hazard-prone counties in Mississippi exceed Copiah's exposure level.

Riskier Than Most Regional Counties

Copiah County's 61.29 score exceeds nearby Claiborne (24.75) and Clarke (36.04) counties substantially. It compares closely to Coahoma County (62.50), another high-risk area, and significantly exceeds Covington County (50.83) to the south, which sits near the state average.

Tornadoes, Hurricanes, and Floods Threaten

Copiah residents face extraordinary tornado risk at 89.47—among Mississippi's highest—plus elevated hurricane (78.06) and flood (46.69) risks. Wildfire exposure at 49.55 rounds out a notably comprehensive hazard profile well above state norms.

Multi-Hazard Insurance Coverage Critical

Homeowners need comprehensive coverage addressing tornadoes, hurricanes, and flooding, making this one of Mississippi's counties requiring the most robust insurance strategy. Separate flood insurance and tornado-resistant construction upgrades provide essential protection in this elevated-risk environment.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Copiah County

via WaterByCounty

Systemic Violations Drive Grade F Rating

Copiah County earns a Grade F for its drinking water, following 8 health violations over the past five years. While the violation rate of 30.9 per 100,000 is lower than the state average, the frequency of these incidents indicates ongoing safety risks. Local residents face higher-than-normal exposure to non-compliant water events.

Watershed Impairment Metrics Currently Missing

The EPA ATTAINS database contains no current assessment data for water bodies within Copiah County. No streams are presently listed as impaired because they have not been evaluated under the federal §303(d) reporting cycle. Local authorities have yet to establish the share of waterways failing to meet Clean Water Act standards.

Extensive Monitoring Coverage Across 16 Sites

Copiah County maintains 16 monitoring sites, the most of any county in this group, with 3,292 measurements recorded. These records emphasize physical and microbiological data alongside nutrient levels to track potential contamination. This footprint provides a wide-reaching view of the county's diverse water sources.

Pearl River Flow Moderate but Declining

The Pearl River at Rockport shows a current discharge of 4,830 cfs, which is 75% of its long-term mean. This gauge monitors a massive 4,556-square-mile drainage area, making it a key indicator of regional water availability. Current flow levels are lower than usual, which can impact both wildlife and source water replenishment.

Prioritize Microbiological Safety and Filtration

Given the Grade F compliance rating and heavy microbiological monitoring, residents should ensure their water is properly treated for pathogens. Use a NSF-certified filter to address the repeated health violations documented by the EPA. Monitor local Pearl River levels, as lower flows (75% typical) may affect the concentration of runoff pollutants.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Copiah County

via WeatherByCounty

Significant heat and extreme rainfall

Copiah County is much warmer than the national median, with an average of 65.6°F. It is also exceptionally wet, receiving 62.1 inches of rain annually compared to much lower national norms.

One of Mississippi's wettest counties

Copiah is warmer than the state average of 63.9°F and significantly wetter than the 59.6-inch state average. It ranks among the rainiest counties in the state.

High heat compared to nearby Clarke

With 81 days of extreme heat, Copiah is hotter than neighboring Clarke’s 73 days. It also receives nearly six more inches of rain annually than Claiborne County.

Over eighty days of extreme heat

The county endures 81 days of temperatures over 90°F and a mild winter average of 50.1°F. Snow is almost non-existent here, with an average of just 0.4 inches per year.

Moisture control is a top priority

Maintain high-efficiency cooling for over 80 days of heat and ensure home drainage can handle 62.1 inches of rain. Dehumidifiers are often necessary to combat the intense local humidity.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Copiah County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Silts of Copiah

Copiah County features a soil pH of 5.25, hovering just below the state average of 5.30. This acidity is quite high compared to the national median of 6.5, a common trait for Central Mississippi.

Silt-Heavy and Easy to Work

The soil is over half silt at 52.5%, with 34.1% sand providing additional aeration. This creates a fine-textured ground that is easy to till, though the low 13.4% clay content means it lacks some structural strength.

Surpassing State Water Averages

The soil’s available water capacity of 0.184 in/in is better than the state average of 0.174 in/in. Even with organic matter at a modest 1.43%, the high silt content ensures your plants have a reliable water supply.

Productive Soils for Truck Farming

A soil score of 32.1 indicates these soils are competitive with the state average of 35.7 for agricultural use. While specific hydrologic data is not available, the balanced sand and silt mix usually provides moderate drainage.

Vegetable Gardening in Zone 8b

As a historic hub for vegetable farming, Copiah’s zone 8b is perfect for tomatoes and peppers. Add some lime to your garden bed to help balance the acidity and unlock more nutrients for your plants.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Copiah County

via LawnByCounty

High Difficulty for Copiah Lawns

Copiah County is a very tough place for lawns, with a difficulty score of 26.9. This Zone 8b county is significantly harder to manage than both the state average of 30.9 and the national median of 50.0.

Extreme Heat and High Moisture

The county records 81 extreme heat days—one of the highest in the state—and 62.1 inches of annual rain. These conditions, paired with 6,177 growing degree days, create a high-pressure environment for weeds and lawn diseases.

Acidic and Sandy Soil Challenges

The soil pH of 5.25 is quite acidic and requires lime to reach the 6.0-7.0 range for optimal growth. With 34.1% sand and only 13.4% clay, your lawn will likely need frequent fertilization to replace nutrients that wash away.

Surviving Severe Drought Peaks

Currently, 74.2% of the county is in severe drought, and 100% of the area is abnormally dry. After 10 weeks of drought this year, you must prioritize efficient irrigation and avoid heavy fertilization until conditions improve.

Best Grasses for Copiah Heat

St. Augustinegrass is a hardy variety that can withstand the 81 days of intense heat common in this area. Start your lawn after the last frost on March 14th to take full advantage of the long eight-month growing window.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Copiah County's county score?
Copiah County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 55.1 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 Copiah County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Copiah County ranks #26 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 Copiah County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Copiah County is $833, with an effective tax rate of 0.79%. This earns Copiah County a tax score of 54.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Copiah County?
The median household income in Copiah County, Mississippi is $47,994 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Copiah County earns an income score of 11/100 on CountyScore.
Is Copiah County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Copiah County scores 55.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Copiah 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 Copiah County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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