countyscore
40.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 69Cost of Living 57.7

County Report Card

About George County, Mississippi

Livability Lags Slightly Behind National Median

George County earns a composite score of 40.5, which is roughly 10 points below the national median of 50.0. While it offers regional benefits, it faces gaps in health and safety compared to the national average.

Narrowing the Gap with State Averages

The county's 40.5 score is approaching the Mississippi state average of 48.4. While it isn't the top performer in the state, it maintains a competitive position through its natural resources and tax structure.

Elite Water Quality and Tax Advantages

The county excels in water quality with a score of 86.0 and maintains a strong tax score of 69.0. An effective tax rate of 0.646% helps residents keep more of their $54,822 median household income.

Room to Improve Safety and Health

Safety and health are the primary challenges, with scores of 14.8 and 19.3 respectively. These figures suggest that public services and healthcare availability are currently lagging behind other dimensions.

Ideal for Outdoor Enthusiasts on a Budget

George County is a great fit for those who value clean water, low taxes, and a rural pace of life. It suits families who are comfortable with local service levels in exchange for significant tax savings.

Score breakdown

Tax69Cost57.7Safety14.8Health19.3Schools41.6Income24.6Risk42.1Water86Weather34.6
🏛69
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠57.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡14.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤19.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓41.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡42.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤34.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨24.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱18.8
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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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Stone County
Mississippi
38.6
Perry County
Mississippi
60.7
Greene County
Mississippi
55
Jackson County
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Mobile County
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Forrest County
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Washington County
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Deep Dives

George County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in George County

via TaxByCounty

George County taxes rank below national

George County's effective tax rate of 0.646% sits below the national median of 0.76%, placing it in approximately the 35th percentile nationally. Annual median taxes of $1,086 represent just 40% of the national median of $2,690.

George ranks low among Mississippi counties

At 0.646%, George County's effective tax rate is slightly below Mississippi's 0.743% state average, making it one of the state's more affordable counties. Residents pay roughly 17% less than the state's median tax of $931.

George among region's lowest-tax counties

George County ties DeSoto and Franklin for the region's lowest effective rates at approximately 0.646%. Grenada County residents pay nearly 57% more in tax rates, while Harrison residents pay slightly more.

Median George home costs $1,086 yearly

The median George County home valued at $168,100 generates $1,086 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, taxes reach $1,270; without one, they drop to $738.

Review your assessment for overvaluation

George County homeowners should compare their assessed value to recent sales of similar properties in the area. If your assessment appears high, you can file an appeal with the county assessor—many successful appeals result in significant annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in George County

via CostByCounty

Below-average income, reasonable rent burden

George County's median household income of $54,822 falls 27% short of the national average, but its 19.0% rent-to-income ratio stays remarkably close to national norms. This balance suggests George offers more affordable housing relative to earnings than many higher-income areas struggle to find.

Better affordability than state average

With a 19.0% rent-to-income ratio, George County outperforms the state average of 19.6%, despite median rent of $868 running 11% above the $782 state average. The county manages this feat through stable, modest incomes that align reasonably well with local housing costs.

Middle ground among peer counties

George's $868 rent and $54,822 income place it squarely between lower-cost Franklin ($706 rent) and higher-cost Harrison ($1,074 rent). The county offers a stable middle option for those seeking both accessibility and slightly more developed housing markets.

Ownership costs slightly exceed renting

Renters pay $868 monthly (19.0% of income) while homeowners pay $703 (15.4% of income), giving owner-occupants a meaningful affordability edge. At a median home value of $168,100, George's housing stock sits between Franklin's most affordable and Harrison's pricier markets.

Balanced affordability for relocators

George County splits the difference: not as cheap as Franklin, not as pricey as DeSoto or Harrison, with rent-to-income ratios that beat the state average. If you're moving to Mississippi and want moderate housing costs paired with reasonable income expectations, George's stability makes it worth serious consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in George County

via IncomeByCounty

George County income lags nationally

George County's median household income of $54,822 falls 27% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting a persistent earnings gap. The county's income profile typical of rural Mississippi counties facing structural economic challenges.

Slightly above Mississippi average

George County's $54,822 median household income exceeds Mississippi's statewide average of $48,514 by 13%, positioning it in the upper-middle tier of state counties. Per capita income of $26,798 runs slightly below the state average of $27,136.

George competitive within region

George County's $54,822 income sits between Greene County ($55,838) and Harrison County ($57,233), anchoring it in the regional middle tier. The county's proximity to coastal development provides modest economic advantages over more isolated counties.

Housing costs stay balanced

George County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.0% falls comfortably within the affordability range, with renters spending less than one-fifth of household income on housing. Median home values of $168,100 require discipline but remain achievable for median-income households.

Steady income enables compound growth

George County households benefit from stable, moderately affordable housing to direct surplus income toward investments and retirement accounts. Utilizing low-cost index funds and consistent contributions—even $100 monthly—builds substantial wealth over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in George County

via CrimeByCounty

National Safety Benchmarks for George

George County holds a safety score of 96.2, reflecting a total crime rate of 2,403.6 per 100,000 residents. This rate sits just slightly above the national average of 2,385.5.

George County's State Safety Rank

The county's safety score is currently lower than the Mississippi state average of 98.4. Two reporting agencies monitor local trends to address the needs of the community.

Comparing Rates to Neighbors

George County's crime rate of 2,403.6 is over double the state average of 978.4. Local residents experience more activity than many of their more rural neighbors.

Breaking Down Local Incidents

Property crime is the primary driver of local statistics at 2,024.7 per 100,000 people. Violent crime, at 378.9, is roughly on par with the national average of 369.8.

Home Security for George Residents

Securing outbuildings and vehicles is vital given the property crime figures in the area. Motion sensors and visible security cameras can help deter potential trespassers.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in George County

via HealthByCounty

George County Lags Nationally

At 70.4 years, George County's life expectancy falls 2.4 years short of the U.S. average of 68.0 years, and 22.0% report poor or fair health versus the national 21.3%. The county trails on both key health indicators.

Below Mississippi's Average

George's 70.4-year life expectancy falls below Mississippi's 70.9-year state average, and its 13.8% uninsured rate matches the state baseline. This is a struggling county by state standards.

George Among the Weakest

George's 70.4-year life expectancy ranks among the lowest in this analysis, trailing DeSoto (73.8), Hancock (74.3), and Greene (74.7) by 3-4 years. Its 22.0% poor/fair health rate reflects chronic disease burdens across the population.

Modest Healthcare Infrastructure

George County has 44 primary care and 55 mental health providers per 100,000—adequate but not robust compared to urban counties. Residents face moderate waits for appointments and limited specialty care options.

Take Action on Coverage

With 13.8% uninsured, George residents should prioritize securing coverage to manage preventive care and chronic conditions. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to explore options available in your county.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in George County

via SchoolsByCounty

Cohesive Schooling in a Rural Setting

George County supports 4,165 students within a nine-school system managed by one central district. The landscape features 5 elementary, 2 middle, and 2 high schools, providing a steady path for students from PK through grade 12.

Top-Tier Graduation Rates and High Scores

George County excels with a 93.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the state and national averages of approximately 87%. Its school score of 52.2 is also higher than the state average, despite spending slightly less than the state median at $5,664 per student.

One District, Unified Success

The George County School District serves as the sole educational authority for the county's 4,165 students. The county does not host any charter schools, relying on its high-performing traditional public schools to lead the way.

A Rural and Town Mix

Most students attend one of the six rural schools, though three schools are located within town centers. The average school size is 521 students, with George County High School being the largest at 1,104 students.

Move to a Leader in Student Success

With a 93% graduation rate, George County is a premier destination for families who value academic outcomes. Explore homes in the area to join a community where schools consistently outperform state standards.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in George County

via RiskByCounty

George County faces moderate disaster risk

George County's composite risk score of 57.95 and relatively low rating position it near national averages for natural hazard exposure. The county experiences mixed vulnerability across different disaster types, with some hazards presenting greater concern than others.

Slightly above Mississippi's average risk

George County's score of 57.95 exceeds Mississippi's state average of 50.94, placing it in the mid-to-upper range of the state's risk distribution. Residents face moderately elevated exposure compared to the typical Mississippi county.

Riskier than nearby Franklin County

George County's 57.95 score substantially exceeds Franklin County's 17.33 to the west but aligns closely with Grenada County's 55.41 to the northwest. The county occupies a moderate-risk zone within its broader region.

Hurricanes and wildfires lead the threats

George County faces exceptional hurricane risk at 92.66 and notable wildfire risk at 75.57, reflecting its southeastern location and landscape conditions. Tornado risk at 49.55 presents lower but still measurable concern for residents.

Hurricane protection is your priority

Given George County's dominant hurricane exposure, ensure your policy includes comprehensive wind and water damage coverage with adequate limits. Secure outdoor structures, trim vegetation near your home, and keep emergency supplies ready during hurricane season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in George County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and Sandy Profile

George County features a pH of 4.99, which is considerably more acidic than the national 6.5 median. This level falls below the state average of 5.30, defining the county's unique chemical landscape.

Sand-Dominant Composition

With a high sand content of 63.7%, the soil is gritty and offers excellent drainage. Silt contributes 25.3% while clay is very low at 9.2%, resulting in a soil that is easy to move but low in natural cohesion.

High Organic Matter, Low Water

Organic matter is impressive at 2.69%, far surpassing the national 2.0% average. However, the sandy nature keeps available water capacity at 0.130 in/in, which is below the state average and requires frequent watering.

Fast Water Movement

Limited data exists for taxonomic and drainage classifications in this region. Given the sand-heavy profile, water likely moves through the soil very quickly, making it ideal for structures but challenging for thirsty crops.

Coastal Plain Crops

George County sits in Hardiness Zone 8b, providing a warm climate for gardening. The well-drained, sandy soil is perfect for root vegetables and pines that thrive in the piney woods of south Mississippi.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in George County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Difficulty in George County

George County presents one of the toughest lawn environments in the state with a difficulty score of 18.8. This low score suggests that standard maintenance routines may not be enough to keep a lawn healthy in Zone 8b.

Managing High Moisture and Humidity

While specific temperature records are limited, the regional trend suggests high humidity and frequent summer storms. Successful growers must focus on humidity-tolerant grass species that can survive southern Mississippi's intense climate.

Sandy Soils Require Extra Care

The soil is 63.7% sand with a pH of 4.99, creating a fast-draining, acidic environment that struggles to hold nutrients. You will need to supplement your lawn with lime and frequent, light fertilization to support growth.

Surviving Long Seasonal Droughts

The county endured 30 weeks of drought over the past year, and the entire area is currently abnormally dry. To protect your lawn, avoid mowing too short during dry spells, as taller grass shades the soil and reduces evaporation.

Start Growing in Zone 8b

Bahiagrass is an excellent choice for George County because it tolerates sandy, acidic soils better than most species. Start your lawn projects in late spring once the soil warms up to ensure fast root establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is George County's county score?
George County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 40.5 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 George County rank among counties in Mississippi?
George County ranks #67 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 George County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in George County is $1,086, with an effective tax rate of 0.65%. This earns George County a tax score of 69/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in George County?
The median household income in George County, Mississippi is $54,822 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. George County earns an income score of 24.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is George County, Mississippi a good place to live?
George County scores 40.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #67 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate George 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 George 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.