countyscore
29.6
County Score
Property Tax 66.7Water 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.

2040608010066.725.66.326.530.632.44.457.936.1Tax66.7Cost25.6Safety6.3Health26.5Schools30.6Income32.4Risk4.4Water57.9Weather36.129.6/100
This county
National avg
1 above average7 below average

Harrison County DNA

Foverall

How Harrison County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Harrison County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (6.3/100), though Property Tax (66.7/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
66.7+14.700000000000003
Cost
25.6-22.4
Safety
6.3-48.7
Health
26.5-23.5
Schools
30.6-23.4
Income
32.4-18.6
Risk
4.4-42.6
Water
57.9
Weather
36.1-19.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$212,200

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,115/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$212,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$44,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $59,479/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

24.8

per 100K

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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Nearby counties

Hancock County
Mississippi
35.9
Stone County
Mississippi
36.2
Jackson County
Mississippi
38.6
Pearl River County
Mississippi
42.8
George County
Mississippi
41.7
St. Tammany Parish
Louisiana
44
St. Bernard Parish
Louisiana
41.6
Perry County
Mississippi
61

Deep Dives

Harrison County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 29.6 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 $1,370, with an effective tax rate of 0.65%. This earns Harrison County a tax score of 66.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Harrison County?
The median household income in Harrison County, Mississippi is $59,479 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Harrison County earns an income score of 32.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Harrison County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Harrison County scores 29.6/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.