34.8
County Score
Water Quality 65.6Cost of Living 59.1Weather & Climate 55.3

County Report Card

About Grenada County, Mississippi

Composite Scores Trail the National Median

Grenada County scores 34.8 on the composite index, well below the national median of 50.0. The county faces broad challenges across education, health, and income metrics compared to the rest of the country.

Below the Mississippi State Average

The county's 34.8 score falls short of the Mississippi average of 48.4. While it provides certain local advantages, its overall ranking suggests room for growth in public services and economic vitality.

Affordable Housing and Clean Water

Grenada County performs well in environmental and cost categories, with a water score of 65.6 and a cost score of 59.1. A median gross rent of $823 makes it an accessible option for many renters.

Steep Challenges in Schools and Health

The county faces significant hurdles in education and health, with scores of 5.5 and 10.2 respectively. Additionally, an effective tax rate of 1.010% results in a relatively low tax score of 37.4.

Suited for Those Seeking Low-Cost Essentials

Grenada County is best for people focused on affordable rent and good water quality in a smaller community setting. It appeals most to residents who are less dependent on local school and healthcare systems.

Score breakdown

Tax37.4Cost59.1Safety45.4Health10.2Schools5.5Income11Risk44.6Water65.6Weather55.3
🏛37.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠59.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼11
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡45.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
10.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓5.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
44.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧65.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤55.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨36
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱22.3
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

Grenada County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Grenada County

via TaxByCounty

Grenada has highest tax rate in region

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.

Cost of Living in Grenada County

via CostByCounty

Modest income, slightly strained rents

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.

Income & Jobs in Grenada County

via IncomeByCounty

Grenada falls short nationally

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.

Safety in Grenada County

via CrimeByCounty

Security Standards in Grenada County

Grenada County earns a safety score of 98.1, indicating a secure environment for its population. The total crime rate of 1,220.1 per 100,000 is roughly half the national average of 2,385.5.

Grenada Tracking with the State

The county's safety score is very close to the Mississippi average of 98.4. Three local reporting agencies track crime data to ensure the community stays well-informed.

Grenada's Relative Safety Rank

Grenada's crime rate of 1,220.1 is slightly higher than the state average of 978.4. However, it remains much safer than the larger urban centers in the state.

Property and Violent Crime Split

Property crimes occur at a rate of 982.6 per 100,000, which is well below the national level. Violent crime stays moderate at 237.5, also beating the national average of 369.8.

Everyday Protection in Grenada

Residents can improve their peace of mind by securing entry points and using outdoor lighting. These basic precautions are effective against the property crimes most common in the area.

Health in Grenada County

via HealthByCounty

Grenada's Health Crisis

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.

Schools in Grenada County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concentrated District Serving Grenada

Grenada County operates a focused educational system with 5 total public schools serving 3,864 students. The county infrastructure includes one large elementary school, one middle school, and three high schools.

Navigating Challenges and Focused Spending

The graduation rate currently stands at 76.0%, which is below the state average of 87.1%. The county spends $5,481 per pupil, working to improve its school score of 42.9 through dedicated local investment.

One District Leading the Way

The Grenada School District manages all 3,864 students in the county, providing a centralized approach to local education. There are no charter schools in the county, keeping all resources focused on the traditional public school system.

Large Campuses in a Town Environment

With an average school size of 1,288 students, the campuses here feel larger and more active than in neighboring counties. Grenada Elementary School is particularly massive, serving 1,967 students in a single primary setting.

Join a Town with Centralized Schooling

Grenada County is perfect for families who prefer a single, unified school district in a town setting. Explore local real estate options to find a home near these high-capacity central campuses.

Disaster Risk in Grenada County

via RiskByCounty

Grenada County carries moderate national risk

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.

Weather & Climate in Grenada County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Southern Climate Patterns

Grenada County averages 62.5°F annually, which is warmer than the national median but cooler than many southern peers. It experiences more distinct seasonal shifts than the coastal counties to the south.

A Cooler Pocket of Mississippi

Grenada's 62.5°F average sits below the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. This makes it a slightly cooler alternative to the high heat found in the state's southern tier.

Comparing Central and Northern Neighbors

The county's 59.9 inches of rain is almost exactly on par with the state average of 59.6 inches. It is notably cooler than Hinds County to the south, which averages 65.7°F.

Balanced Heat and Occasional Snow

The county sees 59 days of extreme heat above 90°F, which is lower than many neighboring regions. Winters bring an average of 44.7°F and a modest 1.1 inches of snowfall.

Preparing for Varied Seasonal Shifts

Residents should maintain both heating and cooling systems to handle the 40-degree swing between January and July averages. The 59.9 inches of rain requires reliable drainage for year-round storms.

Soil Quality in Grenada County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and Silty Interior

Grenada County's soil features an average pH of 5.16, which is lower than the national median of 6.5. This level is slightly more acidic than the state average of 5.30, influencing local vegetation and farming choices.

Silt-Rich and Finely Textured

Silt makes up 59.0% of the soil, with sand at 24.8% and clay at 16.2%. This creates a fine texture that holds shape well, though it can become dense and crusty if not managed carefully.

Superior Water Retention

The available water capacity of 0.199 in/in is higher than the Mississippi state average. Organic matter is currently 1.36%, suggesting that adding natural mulch can help bring the soil closer to the 2.0% national average.

Stable Hydrologic Properties

Official drainage class and taxonomic data are limited for this county. However, the high silt and clay content generally indicates a soil that holds onto moisture longer than the sandier counties to the south.

Gardening in Zone 8a

Grenada County is in Hardiness Zone 8a, which supports a wide range of summer vegetables. Use the high water capacity to your advantage by planting moisture-loving crops like melons and cucumbers.

Lawn Care in Grenada County

via LawnByCounty

Managing the Lawn in Grenada

Grenada County's lawn difficulty score of 22.3 sits below the state average of 30.9, indicating a challenging environment. Gardeners here must be proactive to keep turf healthy in this Zone 8a climate.

Temperate Winters and Wet Summers

The county sees 59.9 inches of annual rain, which is almost 10 inches more than the ideal maximum for lawns. However, with only 59 extreme heat days, your grass faces less temperature stress than much of the rest of Mississippi.

Correcting the Soil Base

Your soil is quite acidic with a pH of 5.16 and contains 24.8% sand. Without lime applications to raise the pH toward 6.5, your grass will likely struggle to absorb the nitrogen and phosphorus it needs.

Dealing with Persistent Drought

Grenada experienced 31 weeks of drought in the past year, and the entire county is currently abnormally dry. During these periods, allow your grass to grow slightly taller to protect the soil surface from the sun.

Grenada's Planting Timeline

Wait until after the last frost on March 28 to begin your spring seeding or sodding. Zoysia or Bermudagrass are excellent choices for this region, as they can handle the 5,453 growing degree days typical of central Mississippi.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grenada County's county score?
Grenada County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 34.8 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 Grenada County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Grenada County ranks #76 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 Grenada County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Grenada County is $1,247, with an effective tax rate of 1.01%. This earns Grenada County a tax score of 37.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Grenada County?
The median household income in Grenada County, Mississippi is $47,998 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Grenada County earns an income score of 11/100 on CountyScore.
Is Grenada County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Grenada County scores 34.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #76 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Grenada 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 Grenada County with other counties side by side.