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Covington County, Mississippi — County Report Card

MS

#44 in Mississippi

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
47.2
County Score
Cost of Living 90.7Property Tax 64Disaster Risk 49.2

County Report Card

About Covington County, Mississippi

Just Under National Midpoint

Covington County records a composite score of 47.2, slightly under the national median of 50.0. While it trails the national middle, it remains within reach of average performance across many categories.

Consistent with State Performance

The county is just below the Mississippi state average of 48.4. It offers a typical Mississippi lifestyle with very high marks in housing affordability.

Prime Affordability and Low Rents

Cost is the county's primary advantage, scoring 90.7 with median rents at only $639. The Tax Score of 64.0 also helps keep overall monthly overhead low for local property owners.

Economic and Safety Improvements

Income and health scores of 9.5 and 15.9 reflect regional struggles with development and medical access. The Safety Score of 44.7 suggests there is room for community security enhancements.

The Verdict: Practical Living for Commuters

Covington is best for those looking to minimize their monthly expenses. It appeals to workers in the region who want to maximize their take-home pay by living where housing and rent are most affordable.

Score breakdown

Tax64Cost90.7Safety44.7Health15.9Schools20.6Income9.5Risk49.2Water46.8Weather39.9
🏛64
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠90.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼9.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡44.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤15.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓20.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡49.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧46.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤39.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨26.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱32.1
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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Deep Dives

Covington County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Covington County

via TaxByCounty

Covington's rate: moderately below national median

Covington County's effective tax rate of 0.693% falls comfortably below the national median of 0.88%, placing the county in the bottom third nationally for tax burden. A median property tax of $683 represents just 25% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting Mississippi's continued affordability advantage.

Slightly below Mississippi's state average

At 0.693%, Covington County's effective rate sits just below Mississippi's state average of 0.743%, making it a modestly affordable option within the state. Its median tax bill of $683 falls well below the state median of $931, positioning Covington as a reasonable choice for budget-conscious homeowners.

Covington ranks middle-lower in the region

Covington's 0.693% rate beats Chickasaw (0.743%), Clay (0.689%), and Coahoma (1.240%) but trails Choctaw (0.452%), Clarke (0.499%), and Claiborne (0.582%). It represents a solid, middle-of-the-pack position for tax predictability in this eight-county area.

Median home: $98,500 costs $683 yearly

A Covington County homeowner with the county's median property value of $98,500 pays approximately $683 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, escrow accounts for roughly $1,178 per year; without, the direct tax bill is $389.

Review your assessment for potential overages

Covington homeowners should verify that their assessed values align with recent comparable sales in their neighborhoods. A free assessment appeal could confirm whether you're paying a fair share or overpaying relative to similar properties.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Covington County

via CostByCounty

Covington delivers rare Mississippi bargain

With a rent-to-income ratio of just 16.3%, Covington County beats Mississippi's 19.6% state average and compares favorably to many national housing markets. The $47,001 median household income paired with the region's lowest median rent of $639/month creates the strongest affordability profile in this eight-county cohort.

Top affordability tier statewide

Covington County ranks among Mississippi's most affordable counties for renters, with its 16.3% ratio besting the state average by 3.3 percentage points. Only Choctaw and Copiah match or exceed this favorable position.

Cheapest rents, competitive incomes

Covington's median rent of $639 is the lowest in the eight-county region, undercutting even Choctaw by $22/month while maintaining comparable household income levels. This combination of low cost and reasonable earnings makes it a clear winner.

Renters and owners both thrive

Renters pay just $639/month (16.3% of the $47,001 income) while homeowners pay $566/month (14.4%), among the most favorable splits in the comparison group. Both paths leave substantial room in household budgets for other essentials.

Covington is Mississippi's sweet spot

If affordability and stability drive your relocation decision, Covington County offers the region's best combination of low rents, reasonable incomes, and balanced homeownership costs. Test your budget here as a benchmark against all other Mississippi options.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Covington County

via IncomeByCounty

Covington earns below U.S. average

Covington County's median household income of $47,001 is 37% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting Mississippi's broader rural income challenges. Despite this gap, Covington performs better than many comparable rural counties nationwide.

Slightly below state average income

Covington's $47,001 median household income trails Mississippi's state average of $48,514 by $1,513, placing it just below the statewide midpoint. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier of Mississippi's 82 counties.

Competitive among nearby counties

Covington ($47,001) holds steady relative to peers, matching Copiah ($47,994) and Clarke ($46,054), while exceeding Chickasaw ($43,041), Coahoma ($36,259), and Claiborne ($34,371). Covington ranks near the region's economic middle.

Best housing affordability ratio

Covington's rent-to-income ratio of 16.3% ranks among the region's lowest, keeping housing affordable and freeing income for other priorities. At $47,001 median household income, residents enjoy relatively good financial breathing room.

Build on economic foundation

Covington residents earning $47,001 should take advantage of affordable housing to establish robust savings and retirement contributions. Financial stability here provides a solid platform for wealth accumulation and long-term planning.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Covington County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Standing in Covington County

Covington County holds a safety score of 98.1, which is quite strong nationally. Its total crime rate of 1,233.4 is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Near the Mississippi Average

The county's safety score of 98.1 is just slightly below the Mississippi state average of 98.4. Four reporting agencies provide a comprehensive look at local safety trends.

Comparing Rates to Neighbors

Covington’s crime rate of 1,233.4 is higher than Claiborne County’s 751.9. However, it remains safer than many other developed areas in the state.

Property Crime is the Main Factor

The property crime rate stands at 1,107.9, which is the primary driver of local statistics. The violent crime rate is much lower at 125.5, which is well below the national 369.8.

Protect Your Property

Since property crime is the most common issue, consider marking valuables and using deadbolt locks. Awareness of surroundings can prevent many common theft incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Covington County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy significantly below U.S. average

Covington County's life expectancy of 68.9 years falls 10 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years and ranks among the lowest in this county group. About 24% of adults report poor or fair health, indicating moderate but persistent chronic disease burden affecting the community.

Below-average health among Mississippi counties

At 68.9 years, Covington County's life expectancy falls 2 years below Mississippi's state average of 70.9 years, placing it in the bottom third of Mississippi's 82 counties. The county faces significant health challenges compared to state norms.

Similar struggles to nearby rural counties

Covington County's life expectancy closely mirrors Claiborne County (68.6 years) and exceeds only Coahoma County (65.3 years) among peers. Primary care access at 44 per 100K provides moderate provider density, while mental health support at 122 per 100K exceeds some neighbors but trails county leaders like Clay County.

Below-average insurance coverage rates

Covington County's uninsured rate of 12.9% matches Copiah County and falls slightly below the state average of 13.9%, indicating reasonable insurance penetration. With 44 primary care providers per 100,000 people, the county provides moderate access to routine healthcare services.

Secure and maintain health coverage

Covington County residents should prioritize health insurance enrollment to access preventive care and manage chronic diseases effectively. If you're uninsured or between plans, visit healthcare.gov or contact Mississippi Medicaid to explore affordable coverage options designed for your situation.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Covington County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Unified Rural School Network

Covington County operates 10 public schools under a single unified district, serving 2,609 students. The grade levels are balanced with three elementary, two middle, and three high schools, plus two other facilities. This single-district structure ensures consistent policy and resources across the entire county.

Strong Spending in a Rural Context

Covington County spends $6,284 per pupil, which is notably higher than the state average of $5,954. Despite this investment, the graduation rate currently sits at 84.0%, and the school score of 48.8 is just below the state median. These metrics suggest a system that is well-funded but working to improve student outcomes.

Covington County’s Single District Model

The Covington County School District manages every public school and all 2,609 students within the county. There are no charter schools available, making the local district the primary focus for all educational initiatives. This creates a streamlined experience for parents navigating the local school system.

Entirely Rural with Intimate Campus Sizes

All ten schools in the county are classified as rural, providing a quiet atmosphere for learning. Seminary Elementary is the largest school with 427 students, while the average school size across the county is 326. This allows for smaller class sizes and more individualized attention from faculty.

Rural Living with Robust School Funding

For families seeking a rural environment with per-pupil spending that exceeds the state average, Covington County is a strong contender. The unified district means that wherever you buy a home, you will have access to the same resources. Look for properties in the Seminary area for proximity to the county's largest and most active campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Covington County

via RiskByCounty

Covington County Near National Average

Covington County scores 50.83 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating and sitting virtually at the national average. This south-central Mississippi county faces natural disaster exposure typical of American communities.

Right at Mississippi State Average

Covington County's composite score of 50.83 sits nearly identical to Mississippi's state average of 50.94, placing it squarely in the middle of the 82-county distribution. The county represents a typical risk profile for the state.

Riskier Than Inland Neighbors

Covington County's 50.83 score exceeds inland counties like Claiborne (24.75) and Clarke (36.04) but trails Copiah County (61.29) to the north. The county's elevated risk stems from exceptional hurricane exposure (87.78), the highest in its region.

Hurricanes, Tornadoes, and Wildfires Lead

Covington residents face exceptional hurricane risk at 87.78—among Mississippi's highest—elevated tornado risk at 62.53, and notable wildfire exposure at 55.57. Flood risk at 42.24 adds to a diverse hazard profile reflecting coastal-influenced storms.

Hurricane and Wildfire Protection Essential

Homeowners should prioritize comprehensive hurricane coverage and consider wildfire insurance given Covington's elevated exposure to both hazards. Storm reinforcement—including roof straps and impact-resistant windows—provides critical protection against the county's dominant hurricane and tornado threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Covington County

via WeatherByCounty

Intense subtropical heat in the south

Covington County averages 66.0°F, placing it well above the national median temperature of 54°F. It receives 59.1 inches of rain annually, creating a humid and lush environment.

Among the state's warmest regions

Covington is notably warmer than the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. It ranks as one of the warmest counties in the southern part of the state.

Wetter and warmer than northern peers

Its 66.0°F average is warmer than Copiah's 65.6°F, though it faces fewer extreme heat days at 70. The rainfall of 59.1 inches is very close to the state average of 59.6 inches.

Sweltering summers and very mild winters

The July average is 82.3°F with 70 days of extreme heat, while January remains mild at 47.9°F. Snow is a rare event, with an annual average of only 0.2 inches.

Focus on cooling and light layers

Reliable air conditioning is essential to manage 70 days of 90-degree temperatures. Heavy winter gear is rarely needed as winter averages stay above 50°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Covington County

via SoilByCounty

Strongly Acidic Covington Soil

Covington County has a highly acidic soil pH of 5.04, which is lower than the Mississippi average of 5.30. This measurement is well below the national median of 6.5, suggesting a need for acid-tolerant plantings.

Sandy-Silt Mix with Low Clay

The soil is a mix of 47.8% sand and 40.0% silt, making for a light and loose texture. With only 12.2% clay, the soil is very easy to work but doesn't hold nutrients as well as heavier soils.

Trailing State Soil Averages

Organic matter content stands at 1.66%, slightly below the state's 1.81% average. The available water capacity of 0.166 in/in also trails the state average, meaning the soil dries out faster than in other counties.

Rapid Drainage and Low Retention

The soil score of 26.4 reflects the challenges of farming in this acidic, sandy profile compared to the state average of 35.7. Without specific drainage class data, the high sand percentage suggests water moves through the earth quickly.

Acid-Loving Plants in Zone 8b

In hardiness zone 8b, blueberries and blackberries love this county’s acidic, well-drained soil. Start your berry patch today and enjoy the benefits of this fast-draining earth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Covington County

via LawnByCounty

Covington's Southern Lawn Challenges

Covington County earns a lawn difficulty score of 32.1, making it slightly easier than the state average but still a challenge. Located in Zone 8b, your lawn must endure intense heat and humidity compared to the rest of the nation.

High Humidity and Growing Cycles

The county receives 59.1 inches of rain and 70 extreme heat days, typical of a high-stress Mississippi climate. With 6,289 growing degree days, the growing season is long and fast-paced, requiring diligent mowing and care.

The Need for Soil Amendments

The soil pH is very low at 5.04, which can severely lock up nutrients and stunt your lawn's growth. Because the soil is nearly 48% sand, you will need to add lime and organic matter to help the ground hold onto water and food.

Unusually Stable Moisture Conditions

Covington is currently free of any drought designations and recorded only one week of drought over the past year. This makes it one of the most moisture-stable counties in the state for the current season.

Getting Started in Covington

Centipedegrass and Bermudagrass are your best bets for these acidic, sandy soils. Plan your planting after the March 17th frost to give the grass plenty of time to establish before the first frost in mid-November.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Covington County's county score?
Covington County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 47.2 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 Covington County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Covington County ranks #44 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 Covington County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Covington County is $683, with an effective tax rate of 0.69%. This earns Covington County a tax score of 64/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Covington County?
The median household income in Covington County, Mississippi is $47,001 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Covington County earns an income score of 9.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Covington County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Covington County scores 47.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #44 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Covington 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 Covington County with other counties side by side.

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