Grenada County scores 63.7 on the composite index, exceeding the national median of 50.0 and placing it in approximately the 38th national percentile. This solid performance indicates livability that meets or exceeds the American average across multiple dimensions.
2 / 5
Slightly below Mississippi's county baseline
Grenada's score of 63.7 sits modestly below Mississippi's state average of 67.5, positioning it in the lower-middle tier of Mississippi counties. While competitive statewide, Grenada trails several peers in overall livability metrics.
3 / 5
Affordable housing and low-cost living
Grenada County offers strong affordability with a cost score of 82.2, featuring median home values of $123,400 and rent of $823/month—among the state's lowest. These metrics make homeownership and rental housing highly accessible to working families and retirees.
4 / 5
Income and health outcomes need improvement
The income score of 14.7 reflects median household earnings of just $47,998, the second-lowest in this cohort and a significant livability constraint. Health outcomes (51.7) also lag peer counties, suggesting limited healthcare infrastructure or preventive care capacity.
5 / 5
Best for extremely cost-conscious retirees
Grenada suits individuals and couples with fixed incomes—primarily retirees—seeking minimal housing and living costs without modern urban amenities. It works well for those with pensions or modest savings who can live independently of local job markets.
Grenada County scores 63.7 on the composite index, exceeding the national median of 50.0 and placing it in approximately the 38th national percentile. This solid performance indicates livability that meets or exceeds the American average across multiple dimensions.
Slightly below Mississippi's county baseline
Grenada's score of 63.7 sits modestly below Mississippi's state average of 67.5, positioning it in the lower-middle tier of Mississippi counties. While competitive statewide, Grenada trails several peers in overall livability metrics.
Affordable housing and low-cost living
Grenada County offers strong affordability with a cost score of 82.2, featuring median home values of $123,400 and rent of $823/month—among the state's lowest. These metrics make homeownership and rental housing highly accessible to working families and retirees.
Income and health outcomes need improvement
The income score of 14.7 reflects median household earnings of just $47,998, the second-lowest in this cohort and a significant livability constraint. Health outcomes (51.7) also lag peer counties, suggesting limited healthcare infrastructure or preventive care capacity.
Best for extremely cost-conscious retirees
Grenada suits individuals and couples with fixed incomes—primarily retirees—seeking minimal housing and living costs without modern urban amenities. It works well for those with pensions or modest savings who can live independently of local job markets.
Score breakdown
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🏛73.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Grenada County's effective tax rate of 1.010% significantly exceeds the national median of 0.76%, placing it in approximately the 85th percentile nationally. Annual median taxes of $1,247 remain below the national median of $2,690, but represent the heaviest burden among surveyed counties.
Grenada ranks among state's highest-tax
At 1.010%, Grenada County's effective tax rate is the highest among all surveyed counties and exceeds Mississippi's 0.743% state average by 36%. Residents pay roughly 34% more than the state's median tax of $931.
Grenada's taxes dwarf regional neighbors
Grenada County's 1.010% rate far exceeds every surveyed neighbor: DeSoto (0.641%), Franklin (0.645%), George (0.646%), Forrest (0.840%), Greene (0.814%), Hancock (0.719%), and Harrison (0.647%). Grenada residents pay 37% more than Forrest and 57% more than DeSoto.
Median Grenada home costs $1,247 yearly
The median Grenada County home valued at $123,400 generates $1,247 in annual property taxes—the highest among surveyed counties. With a mortgage, taxes rise to $1,467; without one, they drop to $955.
Grenada homeowners should appeal overvaluation
With Grenada's highest tax rate in the region, assessment accuracy is critical. Grenada homeowners should carefully compare their assessed value to recent comparable sales and file an appeal if overvalued—a process that can recover substantial annual savings.
Grenada County's median household income of $47,998 lags the nation by 36%, and its 20.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds comfortable affordability thresholds. At $823 monthly rent, the county asks residents to dedicate more of their already-modest earnings to housing than national averages suggest is healthy.
Above-average rent strain in Mississippi
Grenada's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio sits above the state average of 19.6%, making it one of Mississippi's tighter rental markets despite $823 rent being only 5% above the state median. Lower-income households here face genuine affordability pressure.
Higher stress than similar-income counties
Grenada's $823 rent and $47,998 income create a 20.6% ratio that exceeds nearby Franklin ($45,618 income, 18.6% ratio) and George ($54,822 income, 19.0% ratio). This suggests Grenada charges more while offering less income cushion than peer counties.
Renters face steeper burden than owners
Grenada renters pay $823 monthly (20.6% of income) compared to homeowners paying $752 (18.8% of income)—a narrower gap than some counties, but meaningful on modest wages. The $123,400 median home value sits mid-range, accessible but not as cheap as Franklin or Greene.
Consider stronger income prospects first
Grenada's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio makes it one of Mississippi's tighter markets for renters, particularly those with below-average earnings. If relocating here, prioritize finding stable employment that matches or exceeds $47,998—or explore lower-cost alternatives like Franklin, Greene, or George counties.
Grenada County's median household income of $47,998 falls 36% short of the national median of $74,755, reflecting limited economic opportunity and job diversity. This significant earnings gap positions the county among lower-income regions nationally.
Below Mississippi average
Grenada County's $47,998 median household income trails Mississippi's statewide average of $48,514 by less than 1%, placing it at the state median line. Per capita income of $27,886 slightly exceeds the state average of $27,136, suggesting relatively even income distribution.
Grenada struggles regionally
Grenada County's $47,998 income ranks among the lowest in this analysis, surpassed by Franklin County ($45,618) only and significantly trailing George County ($54,822) and Greene County ($55,838). The gap reflects Grenada's economic isolation in north-central Mississippi.
Rent burden requires attention
Grenada's rent-to-income ratio of 20.6% sits above the ideal threshold, consuming more than one-fifth of household income for renters. Median home values of $123,400 demand careful savings planning for households earning the county median.
Build resilience with patience
Grenada County residents can grow wealth by tracking expenses carefully and automating small contributions to savings accounts before considering investment vehicles. Starting with even $25-50 monthly builds financial discipline and emergency reserves essential for long-term security.
At 69.2 years, Grenada County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 68.0 years by just 1.2 years, but an alarming 27.5% of residents report poor or fair health—the worst rate in this analysis and far above the national 21.3%. Grenada faces a public health emergency.
Mississippi's Sickest County
Grenada's 27.5% poor/fair health rate is the highest among all Mississippi counties analyzed, and its 13.9% uninsured rate meets the state average. Despite adequate insurance coverage, residents suffer severe chronic disease burdens.
Grenada Stands Alone, Struggling
Grenada's 69.2-year life expectancy is the lowest in this analysis, and its 27.5% poor/fair health rate dwarfs every comparison county. Even economically stressed Franklin (24.8%) and George (22.0%) fare better.
Limited Resources for Major Need
Grenada has 37 primary care and 62 mental health providers per 100,000—insufficient for a population in crisis. Long wait times for appointments and limited specialty access mean residents delay care, worsening conditions.
Healthcare Is Your First Step
Grenada's health crisis demands action: 13.9% remain uninsured despite state-average rates. Visit healthcare.gov today or contact the Grenada County Health Department to secure coverage and begin managing chronic conditions before they worsen.
Grenada County's composite risk score of 55.41 and relatively low rating position it near the national average for natural hazard exposure. The county experiences mixed vulnerability, with notable risks in some hazard categories and lower exposure in others.
Slightly above Mississippi's state average
Grenada County's score of 55.41 modestly exceeds Mississippi's state average of 50.94, placing it just above the state median for risk. Residents face marginally elevated disaster exposure compared to the typical Mississippi county.
Mid-range risk for its region
Grenada County's 55.41 score falls between DeSoto County's 88.99 to the north and Greene County's 42.18 to the south. The county represents a moderate-risk area within its broader geographic context.
Earthquakes and tornadoes top the list
Grenada County faces significant earthquake risk at 82.51 and tornado risk at 74.81, reflecting its inland geography and tectonic setting. Flood risk at 58.65 rounds out the county's trio of notable hazards, while hurricane exposure remains comparatively lower at 60.74.
Earthquake and tornado readiness essential
Grenada County homeowners should ensure policies cover both earthquake damage (often excluded from standard homeowners insurance) and wind/hail from tornadoes. Develop a family emergency plan with safe room access, and consider earthquake-specific coverage given the county's elevated seismic risk.