countyscore
55
County Score
Safety 85Cost of Living 77.7Disaster Risk 57.8

County Report Card

About Greene County, Mississippi

Strong National Standing for Greene County

Greene County earns a composite score of 55.0, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a higher level of general livability than more than half of all counties in the United States.

Surpassing the Mississippi State Average

With a 55.0 score, the county performs better than the Mississippi state average of 48.4. It stands out in its region for balancing affordability with an impressive safety record.

Outstanding Safety and Low Housing Costs

The county is remarkably secure, evidenced by a safety score of 85.0. It is also highly affordable, with a cost score of 77.7 and a median home value of only $94,200.

School Quality and Income Barriers

Education metrics are a notable challenge, with a school score of 23.0. Additionally, the income score of 27.3 reflects a median household income of $55,838, which is modest compared to national figures.

Best for Budget-Conscious, Safety-First Living

Greene County is a top choice for individuals seeking a very safe environment with exceptionally low housing costs. It is particularly attractive for those who prioritize security and financial flexibility over local school rankings.

204060801005277.785352327.357.848.528.8Tax52Cost77.7Safety85Health35Schools23Income27.3Risk57.8Water48.5Weather28.855/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Greene County DNA

Foverall

How Greene County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Greene County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (85/100) but notably weak in Schools (23/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
52
Cost
77.7+29.700000000000003
Safety
85+30
Health
35-15
Schools
23-31
Income
27.3-23.7
Risk
57.8+10.799999999999997
Water
48.5-9.5
Weather
28.8-27.2
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$94,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$811/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$94,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $55,838/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

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
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54.9

Nearby counties

Perry County
Mississippi
60.7
George County
Mississippi
40.5
Washington County
Alabama
65.4
Wayne County
Mississippi
41.9
Forrest County
Mississippi
30.3
Stone County
Mississippi
38.6
Mobile County
Alabama
33
Jones County
Mississippi
40.7

Deep Dives

Greene County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Greene County

via TaxByCounty

Greene's tax rate exceeds national median

Greene County's effective tax rate of 0.814% exceeds the national median of 0.76%, placing it in approximately the 60th percentile nationally. Despite the higher rate, median annual taxes of just $767 remain far below the national median of $2,690 due to lower home values.

Greene ranks above Mississippi average

At 0.814%, Greene County's effective tax rate exceeds Mississippi's 0.743% state average by roughly 10%. However, median annual taxes of $767 fall below the state median of $931, reflecting the county's lower home values.

Greene taxes higher than most neighbors

Greene County's 0.814% rate exceeds most neighbors: DeSoto (0.641%), Franklin (0.645%), George (0.646%), and Harrison (0.647%). Only Grenada County (1.010%) and Forrest (0.840%) impose higher rates.

Median Greene home costs $767 yearly

The median Greene County home valued at $94,200 generates $767 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,088, while those without mortgages pay $682.

Challenge your assessment if overvalued

Greene County homeowners can request an assessment review if their property is valued above comparable sales in the area. The appeal process is straightforward and often results in lower tax bills without professional help.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Greene County

via CostByCounty

Lower income, but excellent rent ratios

Greene County's median household income of $55,838 trails the nation by 25%, yet its 17.4% rent-to-income ratio is the best in our sample and well below national expectations. At $811 monthly rent, Greene demonstrates that modest-income communities can still offer genuinely affordable housing.

Best rent-to-income ratio in the state

Greene County's 17.4% ratio tops all eight counties studied and substantially beats Mississippi's 19.6% state average, despite $811 rent running 4% above the state baseline. This is a county where housing costs remain truly manageable across income levels.

Lowest rent among peer counties

Greene's $811 monthly rent is lower than every other county in this analysis except Franklin ($706), and the county's 17.4% ratio suggests better balance than even Franklin's 18.6%. Greene proves that moderate rents pair well with moderate incomes to create genuine affordability.

Homeownership dramatically cheaper

Renters in Greene pay $811 monthly (17.4% of income) while homeowners pay just $482 (10.4% of income)—a $329 monthly gap that's the largest in the sample. For a $55,838 household, that difference unlocks real monthly savings and wealth-building potential.

Peak affordability for homebuyers

Greene County offers the best rent-to-income ratio and steepest ownership discount in our eight-county profile, making it ideal for relocators prioritizing homeownership. The $94,200 median home value and $482 monthly cost create a rare opportunity for below-median-income households to build equity affordably.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Greene County

via IncomeByCounty

Greene earns below national mark

Greene County's median household income of $55,838 trails the national median of $74,755 by 25%, illustrating the income challenge facing rural Mississippi counties. Despite this gap, the county performs comparatively better than many neighboring counties.

Stronger than state average

Greene County's $55,838 median household income exceeds Mississippi's statewide average of $48,514 by 15%, ranking it in the upper third of state counties. However, per capita income of $19,275 falls significantly below the state average of $27,136, suggesting income concentration.

Greene leads regional peers

Greene County's $55,838 income outpaces Franklin County ($45,618) and Grenada County ($47,998), making it one of the higher-earning counties in this analysis. Only Hancock and Harrison counties earn more in the regional comparison.

Lowest housing burden in group

Greene County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio at 17.4%, meaning renters spend well below the 30% affordability threshold. Median home values of just $94,200 make homeownership highly accessible for most households earning the county median.

Affordability unlocks savings potential

Greene County's exceptionally low housing costs create opportunities to prioritize retirement savings and investment accounts without household strain. Build an emergency fund covering 3-6 months of expenses, then direct housing savings toward long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Greene County

via CrimeByCounty

Greene County is Highly Safe

Greene County is exceptionally safe, posting a safety score of 99.4 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 351.1 per 100,000 is far lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Beating the Mississippi Average

With a score of 99.4, Greene County exceeds the Mississippi state average safety score of 98.4. Three reporting agencies contribute data that highlights the county's secure environment.

Greene Leads the Region

The local crime rate of 351.1 is less than half of the state average of 978.4. This makes Greene one of the most peaceful counties in the region for its residents.

Low Crime Across Categories

Violent crime is very low at 95.1 per 100,000, while property crime stands at 256.0. Both metrics are significantly better than national and state benchmarks.

Preserving Peace at Home

While risk is low, keeping your home secure helps maintain this high standard of safety. Simple habits like locking doors and windows remain the best defense in a quiet community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Greene County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Education Focused on Community

Greene County manages a small but vital education system with 6 public schools serving 1,640 students. The district infrastructure includes 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 2 high schools.

Meeting State Benchmarks for Excellence

The county's 87.0% graduation rate perfectly aligns with the national average and sits just a fraction below the state average. Spending is efficient at $5,923 per pupil, nearly matching the state average of $5,954 while maintaining a competitive school score of 49.6.

The Greene County School District Tradition

The Greene County School District is the sole provider for the region's 1,640 students across 6 campuses. Traditional public education is the standard here, as the county currently offers no charter school alternatives.

Small Schools in a Purely Rural Setting

Attending school in Greene County means a 100% rural experience with an average school size of only 328 students. Greene County High School is the largest campus with 440 students, while McLain Elementary is much smaller with 181 students.

Root Your Family in a Close-Knit District

Greene County offers a rare, intimate learning environment where every student is part of a small rural community. It is an ideal location for those seeking a personal touch in their children's public education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Greene County

via RiskByCounty

Greene County has low disaster risk overall

Greene County's composite risk score of 42.18 and very low rating place it well below the national average for natural hazard exposure. The county enjoys substantially reduced vulnerability across most major disaster types.

Below Mississippi's average risk level

At 42.18, Greene County scores below Mississippi's state average of 50.94, positioning it among the safer counties statewide. Residents experience meaningfully lower disaster exposure than the typical Mississippi county.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Greene County's 42.18 score exceeds only Franklin County's 17.33 in the immediate region but significantly trails Forrest County's 78.05 and George County's 57.95. The county occupies a safer zone compared to its neighbors.

Hurricane and wildfire pose modest risks

Greene County's highest-risk hazard is hurricane at 87.48, followed by wildfire at 73.28, both elevated but manageable threats. Flood, tornado, and earthquake risks all score well below state averages, limiting overall exposure.

Standard coverage with hurricane focus

Greene County's low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance provides solid baseline protection for most residents. Prioritize wind coverage given hurricane exposure, and periodically review policy limits to match current property values.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Greene County

via WaterByCounty

Compliance Lags with a D Grade

Greene County earns a D grade for drinking water quality after reporting two health violations. Its rate of 18.4 per 100K is lower than the state average of 92.1, but infrastructure gaps remain evident.

Local Watersheds Await EPA Assessment

Federal reporting under §303(d) of the Clean Water Act does not yet cover the water bodies in Greene County. As a result, no official impairment percentages or causes are available at this time.

High Monitoring Output for Inorganic Data

Seven monitoring sites recorded 2,876 measurements over the last five years. Most data collection targets physical attributes, nutrients, and inorganics to monitor the health of the Leaf River basin.

Leaf River Experience Significant High Flow

The Leaf River near McLain is flowing at 16,500 cfs, which is 305% of its long-term historical mean. This surge indicates heavy upstream rainfall impacting the 3,495-square-mile drainage area.

Monitor Well Safety During Surges

The Leaf River's flow at 305% of normal increases the risk of contamination from upstream runoff. Residents, especially those with private wells, should be vigilant about water clarity and consider testing for bacteria during these high-flow periods.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Greene County

via WeatherByCounty

High Rainfall in the Piney Woods

Greene County is defined by its 63.7 inches of annual precipitation, far exceeding the national average. While specific annual temperature data is limited, the region follows a classic humid subtropical pattern.

Surpassing State Precipitation Averages

The county's 63.7 inches of rain is notably higher than the Mississippi state average of 59.6 inches. This makes it one of the wetter counties in the southeastern corner of the state.

Wetter Than Coastal and Central Neighbors

Greene County receives more rain than Hinds County (55.7 inches) and nearly as much as coastal Hancock (65.0 inches). While temperature data is sparse, its proximity to Forrest suggests a similarly warm profile.

Minimal Snowfall and Damp Winters

Snow is a rarity here, with the county averaging only 0.2 inches per year. While summer heat data is currently unavailable, the high precipitation suggests humid conditions throughout the growing season.

Managing Water and Moisture Issues

With over 63 inches of rain, residents must focus on moisture barriers and dehumidification for their homes. Outdoor planning should account for frequent rainfall rather than winter weather gear.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Greene County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Soil of the Piney Woods

The soil in Greene County has an average pH of 5.10, which is more acidic than the 6.5 national median. This acidity is typical for the region's pine-dominated forests and sits slightly below the state average.

Coarse and Gritty Texture

The soil composition is 62.3% sand and 25.6% silt, creating a coarse texture that resists compaction. Clay is minimal at 10.7%, which allows for high permeability but limited nutrient storage.

Exceeding Organic Matter Benchmarks

Organic matter is high at 2.39%, beating both state and national averages. The available water capacity is 0.146 in/in, which is lower than the state's 0.174 average, signaling that moisture management is critical for success.

Well-Drained Sandy Landscape

While specific drainage classes are not recorded, the high sand percentage suggests the ground is very well-drained. This helps prevent standing water and root rot during the heavy rainstorms common in Mississippi.

Greene County's Zone 8b Potential

The Hardiness Zone 8b climate allows for a variety of southern staples and ornamentals. Gardeners should consider adding compost to improve the water capacity of these sandy, high-organic soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Greene County

via LawnByCounty

Greene County's Intense Lawn Challenges

With a score of 15.8, Greene County is one of the most difficult places in the nation to maintain a traditional lawn. This score is roughly half the Mississippi state average, signaling that nature works against easy turf management here.

High Rainfall in a Warm Climate

Greene County receives a heavy 63.7 inches of rain annually, well above the 30-50 inch ideal range for turf. This excessive moisture, combined with Zone 8b warmth, creates a high-pressure environment for weeds and disease.

Navigating Acidic and Sandy Soil

A soil pH of 5.10 and a sand content of 62.3% mean your lawn sits on a foundation that drains very quickly and lacks natural minerals. Regular soil amendments are necessary to keep the ground hospitable for standard grass varieties.

Battling Prolonged Dry Periods

The county suffered through 31 weeks of drought last year, and over half the area currently faces severe drought. Robust water management and the use of drought-resistant cultivars are essential for survival in these conditions.

Resilient Grass for Greene County

Centipedegrass is a strong candidate for this area because it handles acidic, sandy soils better than most. Despite the 15.8 difficulty score, choosing the right species for Zone 8b can still result in a successful green space.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Greene County's county score?
Greene County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 55 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 Greene County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Greene County ranks #28 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 Greene County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Greene County is $767, with an effective tax rate of 0.81%. This earns Greene County a tax score of 52/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Greene County?
The median household income in Greene County, Mississippi is $55,838 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Greene County earns an income score of 27.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Greene County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Greene County scores 55/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Greene 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 Greene 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.