countyscore
57
County Score
Safety 94.5Cost of Living 91.6Weather & Climate 54.6

County Report Card

About Holmes County, Mississippi

Outperforming the National Livability Median

With a composite score of 57.0, Holmes County ranks comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This puts the county in a strong position for overall value and security relative to the rest of the country.

A High Performer in Mississippi

Holmes County exceeds the Mississippi state average of 48.4 by nearly nine points. It represents one of the more favorable overall profiles for residents within the state.

Exceptional Safety and Housing Affordability

Safety is the county's crown jewel with a score of 94.5, paired with a stellar cost score of 91.6. Median gross rent sits at a very accessible $589 per month.

Deep Economic and Health Disparities

Economic mobility is a primary concern, as evidenced by an income score of only 0.2 and a median household income of $29,434. Health outcomes also remain low with a dimension score of 7.9.

Ideal for Cost-Conscious Retirees

This county is a strong match for retirees or those on fixed incomes who value high safety and extremely low living costs. Prospective residents must balance these perks against limited local economic opportunities.

Score breakdown

Tax44.6Cost91.6Safety94.5Health7.9Schools49.6Income0.2Risk50.2Water26Weather54.6
🏛44.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠91.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼0.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡94.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤7.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡50.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧26
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨49.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱37.9
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

Humphreys County
Mississippi
48.3
Carroll County
Mississippi
64.5
Leflore County
Mississippi
46.3
Attala County
Mississippi
49.3
Yazoo County
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Sunflower County
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Sharkey County
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Madison County
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Deep Dives

Holmes County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Holmes County

via TaxByCounty

Holmes taxes far below national norm

Holmes County's effective tax rate of 0.908% ranks in the nation's bottom quartile, well below the 1.1% national median. The median property tax of just $695 is about one-quarter the national median of $2,690.

Near the top in low Mississippi rates

Holmes County's 0.908% effective rate exceeds the Mississippi average of 0.743% by just 2.2 percentage points. This places it in the middle tier statewide, with roughly equal numbers of counties taxing more and less heavily.

Lower taxes than Humphreys and Issaquena

Holmes County's 0.908% rate sits below Humphreys County's 1.104% but above Issaquena County's exceptionally low 0.346%. The median tax here ($695) is competitive with other rural Delta counties in the region.

Median homeowner pays $695 annually

On Holmes County's median home value of $76,500, the typical homeowner pays about $695 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, this figure rises to roughly $822 when escrow is included.

Property assessment challenges are worth pursuing

Even in a low-tax county, overassessed properties can be challenged through the assessor's office or county board of equalization. A successful appeal could save Holmes County homeowners several hundred dollars annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Holmes County

via CostByCounty

Holmes offers remarkably affordable rents

Holmes County's 24.0% rent-to-income ratio reflects its standing as one of Mississippi's most affordable rental markets, with median rent of just $589 running 25% below the state average of $782. Against the national median income of $74,755, Holmes's median of $29,434 signals economic challenges, but housing costs remain genuinely accessible to local earners.

Holmes beats most counties on affordability

At 24.0%, Holmes County's rent-to-income ratio runs above the state average of 19.6%, but its extraordinarily low median rent of $589 places it among Mississippi's cheapest housing markets. This affordability advantage is driven by limited demand and modest home values, averaging $76,500—the lowest in this county cluster.

Holmes rents undercut Hinds and Humphreys

Holmes County's $589 median rent is the lowest in this region, undercutting Hinds County ($1,032) by 43% and Humphreys County ($643) by 8%. However, Holmes's median household income of $29,434 is also among the lowest, making the affordability advantage less impressive in absolute terms.

Cheapest rents, lowest incomes in region

Holmes renters spend $589 monthly while homeowners pay $580, with median home value at just $76,500. On a median income of only $29,434 annually, rent consumes 24% of gross income—affordable by standard metrics, but reflects an economy with limited earning opportunities.

Holmes: budget housing, limited wages

Holmes County delivers genuine affordability for renters and buyers on tight budgets, with some of Mississippi's lowest housing costs. However, a median household income of $29,434 signals limited job prospects; this county works best for remote workers or those with income sources outside the local job market.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Holmes County

via IncomeByCounty

Holmes Faces Significant Income Gap

Holmes County's median household income of $29,434 is 61% below the national median of $74,755, representing one of the steepest regional disparities in the nation. Households here earn roughly $45,000 less annually than the U.S. average.

Among Mississippi's Lowest Earners

Holmes County ranks near the bottom of Mississippi's income distribution at $29,434, well below the state median of $48,514—a shortfall of 39%. This signals chronic economic distress and limited wage-earning opportunities in the county.

Holmes Among Region's Poorest

Holmes County's median income trails most neighbors, matching only Issaquena County ($29,271) in the lower income range. Nearby Humphreys County ($32,976) and Jefferson County ($36,207) earn modestly more, while Jasper County ($47,157) and Hinds County ($49,966) represent significantly higher-earning alternatives.

Housing Affordable, Income Tight

Holmes County's rent-to-income ratio of 24.0% is manageable by national standards, and median home values of $76,500 are among the nation's lowest. However, with median household income of only $29,434, most families struggle to cover basic necessities beyond housing.

Start Small, Build Steady Wealth

In Holmes County, even modest savings of $25–50 monthly compounds into meaningful reserves over time. Seek out free financial literacy programs and employer benefits; a tax-advantaged savings plan or credit union membership can help transform limited income into long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Holmes County

via CrimeByCounty

Holmes County Achieves Perfect Safety Score

Holmes County displays a remarkable safety profile with a total crime rate of just 11.9 per 100,000 people. This is a tiny fraction of the national average of 2,385.5, resulting in a perfect safety score of 100.0.

Exceptional Ranking Among Mississippi Counties

The county ranks among the safest in the state, staying far below the Mississippi average total crime rate of 978.4. Its 100.0 safety score exceeds the state average of 98.4 by a clear margin.

Holmes County Leads Nearby Regions

While neighboring Hinds County reports a rate of 224.2, Holmes County maintains nearly negligible crime activity. This makes it a standout for safety in the central Mississippi landscape.

Zero Violent Crimes Reported Locally

Data shows zero reported violent crimes per 100,000 residents, leaving property crime at 11.9 to represent the entire crime profile. This breakdown indicates an exceptionally quiet and safe environment for all residents.

Maintaining Excellence in Home Safety

A perfect safety score is a fantastic asset for any homeowner. Keep your property secure with modern locks and cameras to help maintain this high standard of community security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Holmes County

via HealthByCounty

Holmes County faces severe health disparities

Life expectancy in Holmes County is just 65.8 years—nearly 11 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years. More than 1 in 3 residents (34.0%) report poor or fair health, nearly double the national rate of 18%.

Holmes ranks among Mississippi's poorest health

At 65.8 years, Holmes County's life expectancy ranks in the bottom tier of Mississippi counties, more than 5 years below the state average of 70.9 years. The 34% poor/fair health rate is one of the state's highest, indicating urgent population health challenges.

Holmes struggles with provider shortage

Holmes County has only 55 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—a severe shortage compared to statewide norms. Mental health provider access is critically low at 44 per 100K, leaving many residents without timely psychiatric care.

Limited providers strain daily healthcare

With 13.7% uninsured and fewer than 1 primary care doctor per 2,000 residents, Holmes County residents often delay care or travel to neighboring counties for treatment. The scarcity of mental health providers compounds the challenge, forcing those in crisis to seek help hours away.

Coverage helps when providers are scarce

Ensuring you have insurance is even more critical when local providers are limited—it helps you access care outside the county when needed. Explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, or community health center sliding scales at healthcare.gov.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Holmes County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concentrated Rural School Network

Holmes County operates a streamlined system of 9 public schools, including four elementary and three high schools. A single district manages the entire county enrollment of 2,544 students.

High Graduation Rates Outpace the Nation

The county boasts an impressive 97.0% graduation rate, significantly exceeding both the state average and the national benchmark of 87%. This performance comes despite a per-pupil expenditure of $5,213, which is lower than the state average of $5,954.

The Holmes County Consolidated District

The Holmes County Consolidated School District is the sole educational provider for the area, overseeing all 9 local schools. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county lines.

Small Schools in a Rural Setting

Life for students here is almost entirely rural, with 8 of the 9 schools situated in rural locales. Holmes County Central High School is the largest campus with 811 students, while the average school size is a modest 363.

Plant Roots in Holmes County

High graduation rates make this county an attractive option for families prioritizing academic completion. Look for homes in this quiet, rural region to join a community focused on student success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Holmes County

via RiskByCounty

Holmes County sits near average national risk

Holmes County's composite risk score of 49.81 places it as relatively low nationally, just slightly below Mississippi's state average of 50.94. The county's balanced exposure across hazard types keeps it from concentrating risk in any single category.

Middle-of-the-road risk for Mississippi

Holmes County ranks roughly in the middle of Mississippi's county risk distribution, neither significantly safer nor more exposed than typical state communities. Most Mississippi counties cluster near this risk level, making Holmes representative of average state exposure.

Comparable risk to surrounding counties

Holmes County's score of 49.81 aligns closely with neighboring Humphreys County (27.93) and Yazoo County, reflecting the central Mississippi Delta region's mixed hazard profile. The area faces moderate tornado and earthquake exposure balanced against lower flood risk.

Tornadoes demand priority attention

Tornado risk of 82.47 emerges as Holmes County's dominant hazard, roughly 60% higher than the county's overall composite score. Earthquake (69.72) and hurricane (66.46) risks follow, creating a diverse disaster threat landscape across seasons.

Build tornado preparedness into your plan

With tornado risk outpacing other hazards, Holmes County households should prioritize safe-room construction or access to community shelters as the foundation of disaster readiness. Pair this with flood insurance—often overlooked but essential in Delta communities—and your family becomes significantly more resilient.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Holmes County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Southern Delta Climate

Holmes County records an average annual temperature of 62.6°F, which is higher than the national median. The climate is defined by its seasonal transition from hot summers to cool, damp winters.

Slightly Cooler Than State Norms

The county’s 62.6°F average is slightly below the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. This makes it a marginally cooler part of the state compared to the sun-drenched southern counties.

A Drier Profile in Central Mississippi

Holmes County receives 56.5 inches of rain, which is less than the state average of 59.6 inches. It shares a similar precipitation profile with neighboring Hinds County (55.7 inches).

Hot Summers and Brisk Winters

Summer heat is significant with 60 days per year reaching 90°F or higher. Winter temperatures average 45.9°F, providing a more distinct cooling period than coastal Mississippi.

Focusing on Summer Cooling Needs

Residents should prepare for two full months of extreme heat by servicing air conditioning units early. Despite being drier than its neighbors, 56.5 inches of rain still necessitates good roof maintenance.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Holmes County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Acidic Mississippi Soil Profile

Holmes County features an average soil pH of 5.40, mirroring the typical acidic nature of the state's geography. This is notably lower than the national median of 6.5, though it is slightly less acidic than the state average of 5.30. This chemical profile influences which nutrients are most available to plants.

Silty Loam Characteristics Drive Workability

The soil is comprised of 60.1% silt, 22.0% sand, and 17.9% clay. This mix provides a balanced texture that offers better drainage than high-clay soils while retaining more nutrients than sandy ones. It is a versatile composition for diverse agricultural uses.

Strong Organic Matter Levels Boost Growth

Holmes County soil contains 2.05% organic matter, surpassing both the state average of 1.81% and the national average of 2.0%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.198 in/in, this soil provides a nutrient-rich environment for local farmers. The higher organic content helps buffer the soil against rapid pH changes.

Hydraulic Performance in Holmes County

Specific data on drainage classes and hydrologic groups is not currently available for this area. However, the high silt and moderate clay percentages generally suggest steady, if not rapid, water movement. Local land managers should monitor for erosion, as silty soils are particularly vulnerable.

Zone 8a Gardening Success

The 8a hardiness zone in Holmes County supports a wide variety of southern staples like pecans and sweet potatoes. With higher-than-average organic matter, your garden is already a step ahead for the spring planting season. It is a great time to test your soil and begin a vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Holmes County

via LawnByCounty

A Slightly Easier Path to Greenery

Holmes County earns a lawn difficulty score of 37.9, making it somewhat more manageable than the Mississippi state average of 30.9. While still below the national median of 50.0, the conditions in Hardiness Zone 8a are slightly more forgiving than the state's southern regions. Homeowners here face a moderate but steady climb to maintain a healthy backyard.

Steady Rains and High Growth Potential

The county receives 56.5 inches of annual rain, which provides ample moisture but can lead to fungal issues if drainage is poor. With 5,367 growing degree days, the environment supports a long growing season that keeps lawn care a year-round priority. Fortunately, Holmes only sees 60 extreme heat days, which is lower than the state average of 73.

Correcting pH for Optimal Turf Health

A soil pH of 5.40 means your lawn is growing in fairly acidic conditions that can limit grass vitality. The soil profile contains 17.9% clay and 22.0% sand, requiring a balance of organic matter to improve structure. Adding lime is a common necessity here to bring the pH closer to the ideal 6.0–7.0 range.

Consistent Moisture with Low Drought Risk

Holmes County is currently in a strong position regarding drought, with 0% of the area experiencing severe conditions. Over the past year, the county has only seen 11 weeks of drought, and currently, only 7.0% of the area is abnormally dry. Standard watering practices should suffice as long as you monitor for occasional dry spells.

Plant for Success in Zone 8a

Zoysia or Centipede grass are excellent choices for the 8a climate and local soil conditions. Wait until after the final spring frost on March 31 to begin your spring planting or fertilization routine. Ensure your lawn is well-established before the first frost of autumn typically hits around November 8.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Holmes County's county score?
Holmes County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 57 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 Holmes County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Holmes County ranks #15 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 Holmes County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Holmes County is $695, with an effective tax rate of 0.91%. This earns Holmes County a tax score of 44.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Holmes County?
The median household income in Holmes County, Mississippi is $29,434 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Holmes County earns an income score of 0.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Holmes County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Holmes County scores 57/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Holmes 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 Holmes 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.