38.3
County Score
Safety 89.3Soil Quality 45.4Property Tax 43.9

County Report Card

About Hinds County, Mississippi

Falling Below the National Median Score

Hinds County earns a composite score of 38.3, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects significant socioeconomic pressures compared to counties across the United States.

Trailing the Mississippi State Average

The county's overall score of 38.3 sits nearly 10 points lower than the Mississippi state average of 48.4. While it serves as a central hub, it faces tougher livability metrics than many of its state peers.

Top-Tier Safety and Tax Benefits

Safety stands out as a major asset with a high score of 89.3. Residents also benefit from a competitive tax score of 43.9 and an effective tax rate of just 0.919%.

Significant Environmental and Health Hurdles

The county struggles with a risk score of 5.7 and a health score of 14.7, indicating vulnerability to natural hazards and limited wellness outcomes. Educational performance also lags with a school score of 13.7.

Best for Renters Seeking Safety

Hinds County suits individuals who prioritize personal safety and moderate rental costs in an urban environment. However, those focused on long-term health infrastructure or high-performing schools may find it challenging.

Score breakdown

Tax43.9Cost33.6Safety89.3Health14.7Schools13.7Income14.4Risk5.7Water31Weather34.8
🏛43.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠33.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼14.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡89.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
14.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓13.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
5.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧31
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤34.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨45.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱32
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

Hinds County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hinds County

via TaxByCounty

Hinds taxes run lower than nation

Hinds County's effective tax rate of 0.919% sits well below the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the bottom third of U.S. counties. The median property tax here is $1,389, nearly half the national median of $2,690, reflecting both lower home values and a more modest tax burden.

Above average among Mississippi counties

Hinds County ranks near the top third in Mississippi for effective tax rates, at 0.919% compared to the state average of 0.743%. This means Hinds homeowners pay slightly more in taxes relative to property value than typical Mississippi residents do.

Higher rates than Jackson County neighbors

Hinds County's 0.919% rate exceeds Jackson County's 0.733%, though both are in the mid-range statewide. The median property tax in Hinds ($1,389) is about 4% higher than Jackson's ($1,332), despite Hinds having lower median home values.

Median homeowner pays $1,389 annually

On Hinds County's median home value of $151,200, an owner pays roughly $1,389 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, the figure rises to about $1,602 annually when factoring in escrow.

Many Hinds homeowners can appeal assessments

If your assessed value seems too high relative to recent sales, you have the right to challenge it through the county assessor's office. Homeowners who successfully appeal overassessments can reduce their annual tax bill by hundreds of dollars.

Cost of Living in Hinds County

via CostByCounty

Hinds rents strain local budgets

At 24.8%, Hinds County's rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds the national benchmark of roughly 30% affordability but still runs 5.2 percentage points above Mississippi's state average of 19.6%. With median rent at $1,032 monthly against a median income of $49,966 annually, renters here are spending a larger share of earnings on housing than most state peers.

Hinds ranks among state's pricier counties

Hinds County sits in the upper tier for housing costs statewide, with median rent of $1,032 running 32% above the Mississippi average of $782. This combination of high rent and moderate income—$49,966, still 33% below the national median—places affordability pressure on local renters and buyers alike.

Jackson County costs more, Holmes less

Hinds's $1,032 median rent falls between neighboring Jackson County ($1,087) and the more affordable Holmes County ($589). However, Hinds's median household income of $49,966 trails Jackson County ($64,756) by roughly $15,000, making relative affordability tighter despite slightly lower rents.

Housing eats 25% of Hinds income

Renters in Hinds spend $1,032 monthly while homeowners face $891 in mortgage payments, with median home value at $151,200. On a median household income of $49,966 annually, rent alone consumes nearly 25% of gross income—above the traditional 30% affordability threshold and well above state norms.

Weigh Hinds against Jackson, Holmes

If you're considering Hinds County, compare it strategically: Jackson County offers higher incomes and stronger job markets but significantly steeper housing costs, while Holmes County provides cheaper rents at the cost of lower wages. Your affordability sweet spot depends on whether higher earning potential or lower housing costs matters more to your household budget.

Income & Jobs in Hinds County

via IncomeByCounty

Hinds Falls Short of National Income

Hinds County's median household income of $49,966 sits 33% below the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting regional economic challenges. This gap means the typical household here earns roughly $25,000 less annually than their national counterpart.

Above Average Within Mississippi

At $49,966, Hinds County exceeds Mississippi's state median of $48,514 by 3%, ranking it in the upper-middle tier statewide. This modest edge reflects Hinds' position as home to Jackson, the state capital, which anchors professional and government employment.

Hinds Outpaces Regional Peers

Hinds County's median income substantially exceeds neighboring Holmes County ($29,434) and Humphreys County ($32,976), though it trails Itawamba County ($59,508) and Jackson County ($64,756). The disparity underscores economic divergence across Mississippi's regions.

Housing Costs Manageable Here

Hinds County's rent-to-income ratio of 24.8% sits at the threshold of affordability, meaning renters dedicate nearly a quarter of income to housing. With a median home value of $151,200, homeownership remains accessible compared to national medians but requires careful household budgeting.

Build Financial Resilience in Hinds

With median income of $49,966, establishing an emergency fund of 3–6 months' expenses should be a priority before investing. Consider employer-sponsored retirement plans and low-cost index funds to grow wealth steadily, even on a modest income.

Safety in Hinds County

via CrimeByCounty

Hinds County Outperforms National Safety Averages

Hinds County reports a total crime rate of 224.2 per 100,000 residents, which is dramatically lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This impressive performance earns the county a high safety score of 99.6 out of 100.

A Leader in Mississippi Safety Rankings

The county's crime rate stays well below the Mississippi state average of 978.4 per 100,000. With 14 reporting agencies, the data reflects a safety score that beats the state average of 98.4.

Comparing Hinds to Regional Neighbors

Hinds County maintains a significantly lower crime rate than Jackson County, which reports 1,393.0 crimes per 100,000. It offers a more secure environment than many of its urban counterparts in the region.

Understanding Violent vs Property Crimes

Violent crime is very low at 23.8 per 100,000, while property crime accounts for the bulk of activity at 200.4. This breakdown shows that physical safety is remarkably high, though minor theft remains the primary concern.

Securing Your Hinds County Property

Even with low crime rates, smart security measures help maintain community peace. Installing outdoor motion lighting is a simple, active step to keep your home and neighborhood safe.

Health in Hinds County

via HealthByCounty

Hinds County life expectancy trails nation

At 70.8 years, Hinds County residents live roughly 5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. Nearly 1 in 4 residents (27.1%) report poor or fair health, compared to 18% nationally, signaling persistent health challenges across the county.

Hinds ranks near state average on longevity

Hinds County's life expectancy of 70.8 years sits just below Mississippi's state average of 70.9 years, placing it squarely in the middle of Mississippi's health outcomes. The county's uninsured rate of 12.9% is notably better than the state average of 13.9%.

Hinds outperforms rural neighbors on access

Hinds County has 89 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—more than four times the rate in neighboring rural counties like Holmes (55 per 100K). Mental health provider access is also robust at 437 per 100K, reflecting Hinds's more urban character.

Healthcare access is strong but gaps persist

With 12.9% of residents uninsured and robust primary care availability, Hinds County has better immediate access than many Mississippi counterparts. However, the high share reporting fair or poor health (27.1%) suggests that access to care alone doesn't guarantee good outcomes—affordability, chronic disease management, and social factors matter too.

Check coverage options in your area

If you're among the 12.9% of Hinds County residents without insurance, marketplace plans and Medicaid expansion options may lower your costs. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local enrollment counselor to explore plans that fit your budget.

Schools in Hinds County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large Urban and Rural Education Infrastructure

Hinds County manages a massive network of 83 public schools serving over 31,500 students across 11 different districts. The infrastructure is diverse, featuring 42 elementary schools and 14 high schools to support its large population.

Evaluating Academic Outcomes and Investment

The county reports an 82.3% graduation rate, trailing both the state average of 87.1% and the national benchmark of 87%. While per-pupil spending of $5,888 aligns with the state average, the composite school score of 47.1 suggests room for growth compared to the national median of 50.

Jackson Public Schools Lead the District Mix

The Jackson Public School District dominates the local landscape, operating 54 schools with 18,710 students. Hinds County also embraces alternative models, with 6 charter schools making up about 7.2% of the total school count.

City Classrooms and Suburban Campuses

Education here is primarily urban, with 60 schools located in city settings and 19 in rural areas. Murrah High School is the county's largest campus with 1,326 students, significantly larger than the county-wide average school size of 432.

Find Your Home in Hinds County

With a wide variety of school sizes and settings, Hinds County offers options for every family. Explore homes near top-performing districts like Clinton Public Schools to secure a bright future for your students.

Disaster Risk in Hinds County

via RiskByCounty

Hinds County faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 94.31, Hinds County ranks as relatively moderate nationally—well above Mississippi's state average of 50.94. The county's elevated score reflects significant exposure across multiple hazard types, particularly tornadoes and flooding.

Among Mississippi's riskiest counties

Hinds County ranks in the top tier of Mississippi counties for overall disaster risk, trailing only Jackson County. This high ranking means residents face notably greater natural hazard exposure than most other Mississippians.

Significantly riskier than rural neighbors

Hinds County's risk score of 94.31 far exceeds nearby counties like Rankin and Madison, reflecting its more urbanized profile and concentrated infrastructure. Neighboring rural counties average composite scores below 50, making Hinds a notable risk outlier in central Mississippi.

Tornadoes and flooding pose greatest threats

Tornado risk stands at 98.16, the highest hazard facing Hinds residents, while flood risk of 95.13 creates secondary but serious danger, especially during severe weather seasons. Earthquake risk (90.94) and hurricane exposure (86.36) round out four significant hazards requiring preparedness attention.

Secure comprehensive coverage now

Standard homeowners insurance excludes flood and earthquake damage, leaving most Hinds County homes dangerously underinsured. Consider adding separate flood and earthquake policies immediately, and ensure your coverage is adequate for rebuilding, not just current market value.

Weather & Climate in Hinds County

via WeatherByCounty

High Heat in the Heartlands

Hinds County averages 65.7°F annually, placing it well above the national average for temperature. As the state’s central hub, it experiences the quintessential hot and humid Southern climate.

Hotter Than the Mississippi Average

Hinds County's annual temperature of 65.7°F exceeds the state average of 63.9°F by nearly two degrees. This elevation in temperature is especially felt during the intense summer months.

Drier and Hotter Than Neighbors

At 55.7 inches of annual rain, Hinds is drier than neighbors like Forrest (61.7) or Hancock (65.0). However, it faces more extreme heat than many of its surrounding counties.

Over Ninety Days of Intense Heat

The county endures a staggering 92 days per year of temperatures at or above 90°F. July is particularly punishing with an average of 82.4°F, while winters remain mild at 49.3°F.

Strategies for Surviving the Heat

With over three months of extreme heat, residents must prioritize energy-efficient cooling and hydration. While rainfall is lower than the state average, 55.7 inches still requires solid storm prep.

Soil Quality in Hinds County

via SoilByCounty

Moderately Acidic Soils in the State Capital

Hinds County soil averages a pH of 5.36, which sits slightly above the Mississippi average of 5.30. However, this remains significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data is limited, the acidic profile is a defining characteristic for local land management.

A Silt-Heavy Foundation for Hinds

The soil composition is dominated by silt at 69.2%, with sand at 17.7% and clay at 13.1%. This heavy silt concentration creates a fine texture that is generally easy to work but susceptible to compaction. The low clay content suggests moderate nutrient holding capacity.

Superior Water Retention Despite Lower Organic Matter

At 1.45%, the organic matter content falls below the state average of 1.81% and the national average of 2.0%. Despite this, the soil maintains an impressive available water capacity of 0.210 in/in. This exceeds the state average of 0.174, providing a resilient moisture reservoir for crops.

Managing Water Flow in Silt Landscapes

While specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are unavailable for this county, the high silt content typically dictates water behavior. These soils generally absorb water well but can become saturated quickly during heavy Mississippi rainstorms. Builders should verify local conditions before starting foundation work.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 8b

Hinds County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, providing a long and productive growing season. The acidic soil and high water capacity are ideal for blueberries, azaleas, and heat-tolerant vegetables. Start your backyard garden today to take advantage of these unique growing conditions.

Lawn Care in Hinds County

via LawnByCounty

Hinds County Faces Tough Lawn Conditions

Maintaining a lawn in Hinds County is quite difficult, reflected in a low lawn difficulty score of 32.0 out of 100. This score sits well below the national median of 50.0 and matches the challenging conditions found throughout most of Mississippi. In Hardiness Zone 8b, your turf must withstand mild winters but survive intense, long-lasting summer heat.

Sizzling Heat Challenges Local Grasses

With 92 extreme heat days over 90°F annually, your lawn endures significantly more stress than the state average of 73 days. The county receives 55.7 inches of annual precipitation, which exceeds the ideal upper limit of 50 inches for many grass types. This high moisture combined with 6,267 growing degree days means your mowing schedule will be frequent and relentless.

Acidic Soil Requires Strategic Balancing

The local soil pH of 5.36 is significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for healthy turf. With a composition of 13.1% clay and 17.7% sand, the ground may struggle with nutrient availability without regular lime applications. You will likely need to test your soil frequently to prevent nutrient lockout caused by this high acidity.

Managing Severe Drought and Dry Spells

Hinds County currently sees 100% of its area in abnormally dry conditions, with 30.1% facing severe drought. The county has weathered 10 weeks of drought over the past year, making supplemental irrigation essential despite the high annual rainfall. To conserve water during these periods, prioritize deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Start Your Lawn After March Frosts

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or St. Augustine thrive in Zone 8b and provide the best resilience against the 92 days of extreme heat. Plan to seed or sod after the last spring frost on March 16 to ensure the soil is warm enough for establishment. Strong root systems are your best defense before the first fall frost arrives around November 19.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hinds County's county score?
Hinds County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 38.3 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 Hinds County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Hinds County ranks #70 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 Hinds County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Hinds County is $1,389, with an effective tax rate of 0.92%. This earns Hinds County a tax score of 43.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hinds County?
The median household income in Hinds County, Mississippi is $49,966 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hinds County earns an income score of 14.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hinds County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Hinds County scores 38.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #70 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Hinds 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 Hinds County with other counties side by side.