countyscore
30.1
County Score
Property Tax 68.9Water Quality 57.9Weather & Climate 36.1

County Report Card

About Harrison County, Mississippi

Harrison County Ranks Well Below National Median

Harrison County earns a composite score of 30.1, placing it significantly behind the national median of 50.0. Its ranking is heavily impacted by the geographical risks associated with its coastal location.

A Lower Ranking Within Mississippi

The county’s score of 30.1 is one of the lower marks in the state, trailing the Mississippi average of 48.4. Despite its role as a tourism and economic hub, its livability profile is hampered by safety and risk factors.

Low Tax Burden and Clean Water

Harrison County offers a strong tax score of 68.9, thanks to an effective tax rate of only 0.647%. It also maintains reliable water quality, which earns a respectable score of 57.9.

Significant Safety and Climate Risks

The county struggles with a very low risk score of 4.4 and a safety score of 6.3. These numbers highlight the ongoing challenges of coastal living and the need for improved public safety outcomes.

Best for Tourism Professionals and Tax-Savers

Harrison County is ideal for those who work in the local hospitality or gaming industries and want to maximize take-home pay through low taxes. It appeals to residents who enjoy the coast and accept the associated environmental risks.

Score breakdown

Tax68.9Cost27.2Safety6.3Health26.5Schools30.6Income30.9Risk4.4Water57.9Weather36.1
🏛68.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠27.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡6.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤26.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓30.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡4.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧57.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨25.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱25
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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Nearby counties

Hancock County
Mississippi
35.6
Stone County
Mississippi
38.6
Jackson County
Mississippi
38.6
Pearl River County
Mississippi
42.5
George County
Mississippi
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St. Tammany Parish
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St. Bernard Parish
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Perry County
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Deep Dives

Harrison County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Harrison County

via TaxByCounty

Harrison's tax rate slightly below national

Harrison County's effective tax rate of 0.647% sits below the national median of 0.76%, placing it in approximately the 35th percentile nationally. Annual median taxes of $1,289 represent just 48% of the national median of $2,690.

Harrison ranks low in Mississippi

At 0.647%, Harrison County's effective tax rate sits below Mississippi's 0.743% state average, making it one of the state's more affordable counties. Residents pay roughly 38% less than the state's median tax of $931.

Harrison among region's lowest-tax counties

Harrison County's 0.647% rate ranks among the lowest in the region, nearly tied with DeSoto (0.641%), Franklin (0.645%), and George (0.646%). Only these three neighbors tax more lightly; Grenada residents pay 56% more in tax rates.

Median Harrison home costs $1,289 yearly

The median Harrison County home valued at $199,300 generates $1,289 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, taxes reach $1,428; without one, they drop to $984.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

Harrison County homeowners should review their assessment against recent comparable sales in their neighborhood. If your assessed value appears inflated, filing an appeal with the county assessor is a straightforward process that frequently lowers tax bills.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Harrison County

via CostByCounty

Lower income, most-strained rents

Harrison County's median household income of $57,233 falls 23% below the national average, yet its 22.5% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in the sample and significantly above national comfort levels. Renters here dedicate an outsized share of modest earnings to housing costs.

Mississippi's tightest rental market

With a 22.5% rent-to-income ratio, Harrison County faces the worst rental affordability among all eight counties studied and well above the state average of 19.6%. The $1,074 monthly rent compounds the challenge for residents earning below-average wages.

Highest rent, lower-middle income

Harrison's $1,074 rent is the second-highest in the region, yet the county's $57,233 income ranks below all neighbors except Franklin and Grenada. This mismatch creates the region's most acute affordability stress.

Ownership offers modest relief

Renters carry a steep 22.5% burden at $1,074 monthly, while owners pay 19.5% of income at $987 monthly—a $87 gap that's smaller than in most counties. For lower-income households, even homeownership here requires careful budgeting.

Plan strategically before relocating

Harrison County's 22.5% rent-to-income ratio makes it the most challenging market in this sample for renters and lower-income households. Relocators should secure employment above $57,233, explore homeownership options, or consider more affordable alternatives like Franklin, Greene, or George counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Harrison County

via IncomeByCounty

Harrison lags national earnings

Harrison County's median household income of $57,233 trails the national median of $74,755 by 23%, reflecting economic pressures common across coastal Mississippi counties. However, the county performs better than many inland Mississippi peers.

Above Mississippi state average

Harrison County's $57,233 median household income exceeds Mississippi's statewide average of $48,514 by 18%, placing it in the upper-middle tier of state counties. Per capita income of $31,586 similarly exceeds the state average of $27,136 by 16%.

Harrison in regional middle tier

Harrison County's $57,233 income sits between Hancock County ($67,728) and George County ($54,822), anchoring it in the regional mid-range. The county's coastal tourism and energy sectors provide economic diversity compared to more rural neighbors.

Housing costs press household budgets

Harrison County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.5% pushes toward affordability limits, with renters spending more than one-fifth of household income on housing. Median home values of $199,300 require meaningful savings discipline for median-income homebuyers.

Budget strategically for growth

Harrison County households benefit from moderate income but must budget carefully around housing costs to free capital for savings and investments. Prioritize eliminating high-interest debt, building a 3-month emergency fund, and then directing surplus toward retirement and diversified investments.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Harrison County

via CrimeByCounty

Public Safety in Harrison County

Harrison County reports a total crime rate of 3,213.9 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 94.9 for the coastal hub.

Ranking Safety in Mississippi

The county ranks below the state safety average score of 98.4. Nine reporting agencies coordinate to manage public safety in this high-activity region.

A Busy Regional Hub

Harrison's crime rate of 3,213.9 is significantly higher than the Mississippi state average of 978.4. As a major population center, it experiences more frequent incidents than its rural neighbors.

Analyzing Violent vs. Property Crime

Property crimes are the most frequent issue, occurring at a rate of 2,942.3 per 100,000. Violent crime sits at 271.6, which remains safer than the national average of 369.8.

Staying Safe in Harrison

Strengthening home security is important in busy areas like Harrison County. Investing in smart locks and security cameras can help protect your property from common theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Harrison County

via HealthByCounty

Harrison Approaches National Average

At 73.0 years, Harrison County's life expectancy tops the U.S. average of 68.0 years by 5 years, and 21.2% report poor/fair health just below the national 21.3%. Harrison is a solid performer on both metrics.

Above Mississippi's Baseline

Harrison's 73.0-year life expectancy exceeds Mississippi's 70.9-year average, and its 14.1% uninsured rate is nearly even with the state baseline of 13.9%. This urban county performs at the state's healthier end.

Harrison's Urban Advantage

Harrison's 73.0-year life expectancy ranks solidly among comparison counties, behind only Greene (74.7) and Hancock (74.3) but ahead of most rural peers. Urban density and economic resources translate to healthcare advantages.

Urban Healthcare Infrastructure

Harrison boasts 56 primary care and 265 mental health providers per 100,000—the second-highest mental health density in this analysis, reflecting its urban character. Residents enjoy robust specialty care and short wait times.

Close the Coverage Gap

At 14.1% uninsured, Harrison has slightly more uninsured residents than the state average. Visit healthcare.gov or your local health department to help neighbors find affordable coverage and access this county's strong healthcare network.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Harrison County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Dynamic Network of Coastal Schools

Harrison County features a vast education system with 55 public schools serving 31,174 students. This extensive network includes 30 elementary, 10 middle, and 12 high schools, plus 3 specialized campuses across 6 districts.

Academic Excellence and Efficient Investment

The county maintains a high 89.8% graduation rate, beating out the state average of 87.1%. With a school score of 51.1 and spending of $5,945 per pupil, the county achieves strong results that mirror the state's median investment levels.

A Powerhouse of Six School Districts

The Harrison County School District leads with 14,355 students, followed by large districts in Gulfport and Biloxi. While the system is expansive, it contains no charter schools, emphasizing the strength of its traditional public districts.

Urban Centers and Large High Schools

The area is largely city-focused with 30 schools in urban locales and 10 in suburbs. Harrison County features large-scale education, where both Biloxi High and Gulfport High serve over 1,700 students each.

Find Your Home in a Diverse School Market

Harrison County offers an incredible variety of districts, from urban Biloxi to suburban Harrison County. With graduation rates near 90% and many elementary options, it is a premier destination for families in Mississippi.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Harrison County

via RiskByCounty

Harrison County has high disaster risk

Harrison County's composite risk score of 95.61 and relatively high rating place it among the most hazard-exposed counties in the nation. The county faces substantial vulnerability across nearly every major disaster type, making comprehensive preparedness and insurance essential.

Mississippi's highest-risk county

At 95.61, Harrison County dramatically exceeds Mississippi's state average of 50.94, standing as the state's most vulnerable county for natural disasters. Residents face nearly double the state's average disaster exposure.

Far riskier than all surrounding counties

Harrison County's 95.61 score substantially exceeds Hancock County's 82.73 to the west and George County's 57.95 to the north. The county stands as an exceptional high-risk zone, with hazard exposure significantly elevated across its region.

Hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires align

Harrison County faces near-maximum hurricane risk at 98.54, tornado risk at 95.96, and wildfire risk at 94.53—a convergence of severe weather threats. Flood risk at 91.60 adds critical additional exposure, creating a four-part hazard profile few counties can match.

Comprehensive, high-limit coverage non-negotiable

Harrison County residents must maintain maximum available coverage for wind, water, fire, and flood with limits reflecting true replacement cost. Secure professional structural reinforcement, maintain insurance annually with updated home valuations, and keep emergency supplies and evacuation plans current at all times.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Harrison County

via WeatherByCounty

Tropical Leanings on the Coast

Harrison County is one of the warmest in the region with an annual average temperature of 68.0°F. This coastal climate is far removed from the national median, offering a nearly tropical environment.

Leading the State in Temperature

Harrison’s 68.0°F average is 4.1 degrees higher than the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. It represents the peak of the state’s heat profile alongside other coastal neighbors.

The Wettest County in the Region

Harrison County receives a massive 67.2 inches of rain annually, surpassing neighbor Hancock County's 65.0 inches. It also maintains a higher average temperature than inland Forrest County.

Mississippi's Mildest Winter Climate

Winter temperatures average a balmy 53.6°F, with almost no recorded snowfall at 0.1 inches. July is hot at 82.1°F, but the sea breeze keeps extreme heat days to 61 per year.

Managing Extreme Rainfall and Humidity

With over 67 inches of annual rain, flood insurance and robust roofing are critical for residents. Cooling remains a year-round priority as temperatures rarely drop into a true cold zone.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Harrison County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Gulf Coast Profile

Harrison County's soil is acidic with an average pH of 5.02, which is lower than the 6.5 national median. This reading is slightly more acidic than the state average of 5.30, typical for the Gulf Coast region.

The Sandiest Soils in the Group

At 66.6%, Harrison County has the highest sand percentage in the study area. Silt makes up 23.3% and clay is very low at 8.2%, resulting in a very gritty texture that provides exceptional drainage.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

The county boasts an organic matter content of 3.28%, the highest in the group and far above the 2.0% national average. However, the available water capacity is low at 0.124 in/in, the lowest among its neighbors.

Rapid Water Movement

Limited taxonomic and drainage data is available for this area. The extreme sand concentration suggests that water moves through the soil rapidly, preventing saturation but increasing the need for supplemental irrigation.

Year-Round Growth in 9a

Harrison County is in Hardiness Zone 9a, allowing for a nearly year-round growing season. The high organic matter is perfect for starting a lush garden filled with palms, hibiscus, and heat-tolerant herbs.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Harrison County

via LawnByCounty

The Coastal Challenge of Harrison County

Harrison County scores a 25.0 for lawn difficulty, reflecting the challenges of a Zone 9a coastal environment. While it beats the scores of several neighboring counties, it still requires more effort than the 50.0 national median.

Abundant Rain and Long Seasons

Your lawn receives 67.2 inches of rain per year, the highest on this list and far above the 50-inch ideal limit. With 6,817 growing degree days, your grass will grow vigorously for most of the year if properly managed.

High Sand and Acidic Soils

Soil here is 66.6% sand with a pH of 5.02, which is quite acidic for most turf. You must apply lime to bring the pH closer to 6.0 and use slow-release fertilizers that won't immediately wash through the sandy profile.

Resilience Against Dry Spells

Despite the high rainfall, the county had 14 weeks of drought last year and is currently 100% abnormally dry. Keep your mower blades sharp and high to reduce plant stress during these surprising coastal dry periods.

Growing in the Deep South

With a final spring frost on February 23, you can start your lawn much earlier than the rest of the state. St. Augustine and Seashore Paspalum are ideal for Harrison County’s heat and sandy, coastal soil.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Harrison County's county score?
Harrison County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 30.1 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 Harrison County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Harrison County ranks #82 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 Harrison County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Harrison County is $1,289, with an effective tax rate of 0.65%. This earns Harrison County a tax score of 68.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Harrison County?
The median household income in Harrison County, Mississippi is $57,233 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Harrison County earns an income score of 30.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Harrison County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Harrison County scores 30.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #82 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Harrison 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 Harrison 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.