Harrison County's composite score of 62.8 surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it in approximately the 37th national percentile. This respectable performance reflects solid livability across dimensions that matter to American households.
2 / 5
Below Mississippi's county average
Harrison's score of 62.8 falls below Mississippi's state average of 67.5, positioning it in the lower-middle tier of state counties. While above-average nationally, Harrison lags several Mississippi peers in overall livability.
3 / 5
Tax efficiency and exceptional safety outlook
Harrison County delivers a strong tax score of 84.1 (0.647% effective rate) and an exceptional risk score of 4.4—the lowest in this entire cohort, indicating minimal economic or environmental exposure. These twin strengths appeal to safety and tax-conscious households.
4 / 5
Housing costs and income growth lag
The cost score of 73.9 reflects higher housing expenses than most peers: median home values of $199,300 and rent at $1,074/month strain household budgets. The income score of 20.8, with median earnings of $57,233, offers limited upward mobility relative to housing costs.
5 / 5
Suits risk-averse professionals seeking stability
Harrison County appeals to risk-averse individuals and families, particularly those in coastal tourism or healthcare, who prioritize security over affordability. It's best for people with existing income streams who value minimal economic volatility and low tax burden over rock-bottom housing costs.
Harrison County's composite score of 62.8 surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it in approximately the 37th national percentile. This respectable performance reflects solid livability across dimensions that matter to American households.
Below Mississippi's county average
Harrison's score of 62.8 falls below Mississippi's state average of 67.5, positioning it in the lower-middle tier of state counties. While above-average nationally, Harrison lags several Mississippi peers in overall livability.
Tax efficiency and exceptional safety outlook
Harrison County delivers a strong tax score of 84.1 (0.647% effective rate) and an exceptional risk score of 4.4—the lowest in this entire cohort, indicating minimal economic or environmental exposure. These twin strengths appeal to safety and tax-conscious households.
Housing costs and income growth lag
The cost score of 73.9 reflects higher housing expenses than most peers: median home values of $199,300 and rent at $1,074/month strain household budgets. The income score of 20.8, with median earnings of $57,233, offers limited upward mobility relative to housing costs.
Suits risk-averse professionals seeking stability
Harrison County appeals to risk-averse individuals and families, particularly those in coastal tourism or healthcare, who prioritize security over affordability. It's best for people with existing income streams who value minimal economic volatility and low tax burden over rock-bottom housing costs.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛84.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.