countyscore
30.3
County Score
Water Quality 63.2Property Tax 49.7Cost of Living 45

County Report Card

About Forrest County, Mississippi

Livability Scores Sit Below National Norms

Forrest County posts a composite score of 30.3, trailing the national median of 50.0 by nearly 20 points. This ranking reflects broad challenges in economic and safety metrics when compared to the rest of the country.

Ranking Behind the Mississippi Average

The county's 30.3 composite score falls well short of the Mississippi state average of 48.4. Even within the state, Forrest County faces steeper climbs in health and safety outcomes than many of its neighbors.

Strong Water Quality and Fair Taxes

Water quality is a clear highlight for the area, earning a score of 63.2. Residents also enjoy a moderate tax burden with a score of 49.7, supported by an effective tax rate of 0.840%.

Safety and Income Present Persistent Hurdles

The county struggles with a very low safety score of 5.1 and an income score of 20.3. With a median household income of $52,821, economic mobility remains a primary area for potential improvement.

Suited for Students and Public Service Workers

Forrest County is best for individuals tied to local institutions like the university or medical hubs who prioritize water quality and moderate housing costs. It appeals to those focused on community engagement rather than high-income growth.

Score breakdown

Tax49.7Cost45Safety5.1Health25.9Schools27.8Income20.3Risk22Water63.2Weather32.5
🏛49.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠45
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡5.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤25.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓27.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡22
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧63.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤32.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨27.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱22
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

Compare mortgage rates in Forrest County

Whether buying or refinancing in Forrest County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

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 Forrest County with Duval County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Duval County
Florida
Median income: $68,447
30.3
Cook County
Illinois
Median income: $81,797
30.3
Navarro County
Texas
Median income: $59,310
30.3
Adams County
Colorado
Median income: $91,387
30.4
Miami-Dade County
Florida
Median income: $68,694
30.4
Cuyahoga County
Ohio
Median income: $62,823
30.4
Marion County
Oregon
Median income: $74,624
30.4
Collin County
Texas
Median income: $117,588
30.4

Nearby counties

Lamar County
Mississippi
47.6
Perry County
Mississippi
60.7
Stone County
Mississippi
38.6
Marion County
Mississippi
49.4
Covington County
Mississippi
47.2
Jones County
Mississippi
40.7
Pearl River County
Mississippi
42.5
Jefferson Davis County
Mississippi
56.2

Deep Dives

Forrest County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Forrest County

via TaxByCounty

Forrest's tax rate exceeds national median

Forrest County's effective tax rate of 0.840% ranks above the national median of 0.76%, placing it in approximately the 65th percentile nationally. Despite the higher rate, median annual taxes of $1,284 remain well below the national median of $2,690, thanks to lower home values.

Forrest County ranks in state's upper tier

At 0.840%, Forrest's effective tax rate exceeds Mississippi's state average of 0.743%, making it one of the higher-taxing counties in the state. Residents pay roughly 37% more in taxes than the state median of $931.

Forrest taxes higher than most neighbors

Forrest County's 0.840% rate surpasses most regional neighbors: DeSoto (0.641%), Franklin (0.645%), George (0.646%), and Harrison (0.647%). Only Grenada (1.010%) and Greene (0.814%) approach Forrest's tax burden.

Median Forrest home costs $1,284 yearly

The median Forrest home valued at $152,900 generates $1,284 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, taxes rise to $1,616; without one, they drop to $863.

Appeal your assessment if overvalued

Property assessments in Forrest County sometimes exceed true market value. Homeowners who believe their assessment is too high can request a formal appeal with evidence from comparable sales—a process that frequently results in tax reductions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Forrest County

via CostByCounty

Below-average income, above-average rent burden

Forrest County's median household income of $52,821 trails the national average by 29%, yet renters dedicate 21.8% of income to rent—well above the national comfort zone. This squeeze means housing costs consume more of household budgets here than they do nationally, leaving less for savings and other needs.

Among Mississippi's most strained renters

Forrest County ranks near the bottom of Mississippi for rental affordability, with a 21.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeding the state average of 19.6%. At $960 monthly rent, the county charges 23% more than the state average of $782, despite having below-state-average incomes.

Pricey for a lower-income area

Forrest's $960 rent sits between George County ($868) and Harrison County ($1,074), but Forrest's $52,821 income is lower than both neighbors. This mismatch—higher housing costs paired with lower wages—makes Forrest one of the region's tightest affordability pinches.

Renters stretch further than buyers

Renters in Forrest pay $960 monthly (21.8% of income) while homeowners pay just $784 (17.8% of income), a gap suggesting ownership offers more breathing room. For a household earning $52,821, that $176 monthly difference compounds into real financial relief over time.

Consider homeownership if you're relocating

Forrest County's steep rent-to-income ratio makes it a tougher market for renters, but homeownership becomes more attractive given the lower ownership costs. If you're considering a move here, prioritize finding a home purchase path—the $152,900 median home value and $784 monthly owner cost offer better long-term affordability than renting.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Forrest County

via IncomeByCounty

Forrest trails national average

Forrest County's median household income of $52,821 falls 29% short of the national median of $74,755, reflecting regional economic challenges. However, the county still represents a mid-tier earner within Mississippi's income spectrum.

Middle-income standing in state

Forrest County's $52,821 median household income sits 9% above Mississippi's statewide average of $48,514, placing it in the middle tier of state counties. Per capita income of $29,525 also exceeds the state average of $27,136, suggesting relatively balanced income distribution.

Forrest holds its own regionally

Forrest County earns $52,821 compared to Harrison County's $57,233 and Greene County's $55,838, positioning it solidly within the regional middle class. The county's income profile reflects its role as a modest economic hub in south-central Mississippi.

Housing requires careful budgeting

Forrest's rent-to-income ratio of 21.8% pushes toward the affordability ceiling, meaning renters allocate more than one-fifth of income to housing costs. Median home values of $152,900 remain within reach for median-income households, though homeownership requires disciplined saving.

Strategic planning pays dividends

Forrest County households can build wealth through intentional budgeting that prioritizes saving despite moderate incomes and housing pressures. Focus on reducing debt, automating retirement contributions, and taking advantage of employer matching programs to grow long-term assets.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Forrest County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Overview for Forrest County

Forrest County faces higher activity than many peers, with a total crime rate of 3,490.9 per 100,000 residents. This figure exceeds the national average of 2,385.5, resulting in a safety score of 94.5.

Forrest County vs. Mississippi Averages

The county ranks below the state safety average of 98.4, signaling a need for community vigilance. Eight different reporting agencies track these trends to manage public safety across the area.

How Forrest Compares Regionally

Compared to the state average of 978.4, Forrest County sees significantly more reported incidents. It tracks more closely with other high-activity hub counties in the southern part of the state.

Violent and Property Crime Analysis

Property crime represents the bulk of local issues at 3,197.0 incidents per 100,000 residents. Violent crime sits at 293.9, which is notably lower than the national average of 369.8.

Proactive Security for Homeowners

Because property crime accounts for most reported incidents, securing your perimeter is essential. Neighborhood watch programs and upgraded locks remain effective tools for local residents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Forrest County

via HealthByCounty

Forrest's Health Gap

At 71.4 years, Forrest County's life expectancy lags the U.S. average by 3.4 years, and 21.7% of residents report poor or fair health compared to the national rate of 21.3%. The county hovers near national averages but slightly behind.

Middle of Mississippi's Pack

Forrest's 71.4-year life expectancy is above Mississippi's 70.9-year state average, putting it in the state's healthier half. Its 11.9% uninsured rate beats the state average of 13.9%, suggesting reasonable access to coverage.

Forrest's Provider Strength

Forrest boasts 87 primary care providers per 100,000—the highest concentration among Mississippi counties in this analysis. Its 526 mental health providers per 100K far exceed neighboring counties, making Forrest a regional healthcare hub.

A Healthcare Hub for the Region

With 87 primary care and 526 mental health providers per 100K, Forrest County residents enjoy exceptional healthcare access compared to rural counterparts. This density reflects the presence of larger medical institutions and urban infrastructure that concentrate providers here.

Explore Coverage Options Now

Though 11.9% of Forrest residents remain uninsured, the county's robust provider network means affordable care is within reach. Check healthcare.gov or contact local Medicaid offices to find plans that fit your budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Forrest County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Learning Options Across Four Districts

Forrest County supports 10,799 students through a network of 21 public schools across 4 distinct districts. The landscape includes 12 elementary, 4 middle, and 4 high schools, offering a variety of institutional settings from city centers to rural towns.

Competitive Achievement and Focused Investment

The county's 87.7% graduation rate edges past the state average of 87.1% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. With a school score of 50.5 and per-pupil spending at $6,169, the county invests more per student than the state average of $5,954.

Spotlight on Petal and Hattiesburg Districts

The Petal School District is the largest by enrollment with 4,392 students, followed by the Hattiesburg Public School District which serves 3,667 students. No charter schools currently operate in the county, keeping the focus on traditional public district performance.

From City Centers to Suburban Classrooms

Students experience a mix of environments, with 10 schools in the city and 6 in suburban locales. The average school size is 540 students, ranging from the large Petal High School with 1,288 students to smaller primary campuses.

Find Your Home in a Pro-Education Community

Forrest County offers families a choice between urban Hattiesburg schools and the highly-regarded Petal district. High graduation rates and diverse school settings make this area a standout for prospective homebuyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Forrest County

via RiskByCounty

Forrest County carries moderate national risk

Forrest County's composite risk score of 78.05 and relatively low rating place it above the national average but still within moderate ranges. This profile reflects mixed hazard exposure, with particular strength in some disaster types and lower vulnerability in others.

Above-average risk for Mississippi

At 78.05, Forrest County scores notably higher than Mississippi's state average of 50.94, placing it in the upper half of the state's risk distribution. Residents face meaningfully greater disaster exposure than the typical Mississippi county.

Riskier than Franklin, comparable to regional peers

Forrest County's 78.05 score substantially exceeds Franklin County's 17.33 to the west, but closely matches George County's 57.95 nearby. The county represents a moderate-to-higher risk zone within its region.

Hurricanes and wildfires are top threats

Forrest County's hurricane risk score of 90.40 and wildfire risk of 81.71 represent its two dominant hazards, both significantly above regional norms. Tornado risk at 92.65 rounds out a trio of serious weather threats requiring proactive preparation.

Bundle hurricane and wildfire protections

Forrest County homeowners should prioritize comprehensive coverage for wind, fire, and water damage given the county's hurricane and wildfire exposure. Document your home's condition, maintain defensible landscaping space, and ensure your policy limits reflect local construction costs.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Forrest County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Subtropical Southern Hub

Forrest County maintains an average annual temperature of 66.5°F, placing it significantly higher than the national median. This humid subtropical climate stays consistently warmer than the broader United States average throughout the year.

Outpacing the Mississippi State Average

With an annual average of 66.5°F, Forrest County is warmer than the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. Its location in the southern part of the state contributes to this thermal gap of 2.6 degrees.

Comparing Regional Rainfall and Heat

The county receives 61.7 inches of rain annually, which exceeds the state average of 59.6 inches. While it shares a similar climate with neighboring Pearl River, it remains slightly cooler than coastal Harrison County.

Ninety Days of Extreme Summer Heat

Residents face 90 days per year with temperatures reaching 90°F or higher. Winters remain mild with a 51.0°F average and a negligible 0.9 inches of annual snowfall.

Prioritizing Cooling and Moisture Control

Homeowners should invest in high-efficiency HVAC systems to manage three full months of extreme heat. Given the 61.7 inches of annual rain, maintaining clear gutters and proper site drainage is essential.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Forrest County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Southern Soils

Forrest County features very acidic soil with an average pH of 4.62, much lower than the national median of 6.5. This level is also significantly below the state average of 5.30, requiring lime for most traditional gardening.

Sandy Texture and Easy Workability

The soil consists of 50.3% sand and 31.8% silt, making it light and easy to till. With clay at only 9.2%, the ground drains quickly but may struggle to hold onto essential plant nutrients.

Rich Organic Matter Content

At 2.54%, organic matter content is remarkably high, exceeding both state and national averages. Despite this richness, the available water capacity of 0.150 in/in is lower than the state average, meaning irrigation is often necessary.

Rapid Drainage Characteristics

While specific drainage class data is limited for this area, the high sand percentage ensures fast water movement. This physical makeup helps prevent root rot but requires careful management of water resources during dry spells.

Blueberries Love Zone 8b

The warm Zone 8b climate and acidic soil create perfect conditions for blueberries and azaleas. Local growers should focus on acid-loving plants to take full advantage of the county's natural soil chemistry.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Forrest County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Turf Conditions in Forrest County

Maintaining a lawn here is significantly harder than average, with a difficulty score of 22.0 compared to the national median of 50.0. This Zone 8b county requires more intensive management than many of its northern neighbors.

Coping with Intense Mississippi Heat

Forrest County endures 90 extreme heat days annually, far exceeding the state average of 73. With 61.7 inches of rain, you must balance high moisture with the stress of 6,389 growing degree days.

Correcting Extremely Acidic Soils

Your soil pH of 4.62 is remarkably low, sitting well below the 6.0-7.0 ideal for healthy lawns. Because the soil is 50.3% sand, nutrients leach away quickly, making regular soil testing and pH adjustment essential.

Strategic Watering for Sandy Ground

Despite 10 weeks of drought last year, nearly 87% of the county currently faces abnormally dry conditions. Sandy soils lose moisture fast, so prioritize organic matter amendments to help your lawn retain water during heat waves.

Best Bets for South Mississippi

Centipedegrass and St. Augustine are excellent choices for the 8b hardiness zone and acidic soil conditions. Aim to establish your lawn after the March 8 spring frost to take full advantage of the long, warm growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Forrest County's county score?
Forrest County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 30.3 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 Forrest County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Forrest County ranks #81 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 Forrest County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Forrest County is $1,284, with an effective tax rate of 0.84%. This earns Forrest County a tax score of 49.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Forrest County?
The median household income in Forrest County, Mississippi is $52,821 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Forrest County earns an income score of 20.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Forrest County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Forrest County scores 30.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #81 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Forrest 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 Forrest 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.