Humphreys County, Mississippi — County Report Card

MS

#40 in Mississippi
48.3
County Score
Safety 97.5Cost of Living 82.3Disaster Risk 72.1

County Report Card

About Humphreys County, Mississippi

Staying Competitive with National Standards

Humphreys County earns a 48.3 composite score, placing it just slightly under the national median of 50.0. It maintains a respectable balance compared to rural counties across the nation.

Mirroring the Mississippi State Average

The county's score of 48.3 is nearly identical to the Mississippi state average of 48.4. It offers a standard quality-of-life profile for the region.

Reliable Safety and Low Risks

Humphreys County shines in safety with a 97.5 score and a robust risk score of 72.1. Housing is also highly affordable, reflected in a cost score of 82.3.

Struggles in Health and Education

Health and school scores are quite low at 5.2 and 10.6, respectively. Furthermore, an income score of 0.6 highlights a significant gap in local earning potential.

A Secure Choice for Minimalists

The county is best for people seeking a quiet, secure lifestyle with very low housing costs. It is less suitable for families who require high-performing public schools or advanced medical facilities.

Score breakdown

Tax30.8Cost82.3Safety97.5Health5.2Schools10.6Income0.6Risk72.1Water39.5Weather40.7
🏛30.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠82.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼0.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
5.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓10.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
72.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧39.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤40.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨36.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱30.1
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
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Humphreys County?

Many homeowners in Humphreys County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Deep Dives

Humphreys County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Humphreys County

via TaxByCounty

Humphreys has among highest tax rates

Humphreys County's effective tax rate of 1.104% ranks in the nation's top quartile, notably above the 1.1% national median. Though its median home value is lower than the national norm, the rate applied is considerably steeper than what most Americans pay.

Highest-taxing county in Mississippi

Humphreys County's 1.104% effective rate significantly exceeds Mississippi's 0.743% average, making it the most aggressive taxer in the state. This 48% premium over the state mean reflects Humphreys' funding priorities for schools and local services.

Taxes nearly triple nearby Issaquena

Humphreys County's 1.104% rate towers over Issaquena County's 0.346%—a more than 3-to-1 difference in the same region. Even Holmes County's 0.908% rate trails Humphreys significantly.

Median homeowner pays $980 annually

On Humphreys County's median home value of $88,800, homeowners pay approximately $980 per year in property taxes. This modest home value combined with the high rate creates a unique tax burden dynamic in the county.

Verify your assessment in Humphreys

High tax rates make assessment accuracy especially important—an overvalued property costs you proportionally more each year. Contact the Humphreys County assessor to review your property's assessed value and challenge it if warranted.

Cost of Living in Humphreys County

via CostByCounty

Humphreys rents stay below state average

Humphreys County's 23.4% rent-to-income ratio tracks slightly above Mississippi's 19.6% state average, though its median rent of $643 runs 18% below the state's $782 baseline. With median household income at $32,976, about 44% below the national median, Humphreys represents a low-cost corner of an already affordable state.

Humphreys ranks among state's affordable

Humphreys County's rent-to-income ratio of 23.4% sits above the Mississippi average of 19.6%, but its $643 median rent remains comfortably below the state's $782 norm. This positions Humphreys as a genuinely budget-friendly county, though income levels remain constrained.

Middle ground between Holmes and Hinds

Humphreys County's $643 median rent sits between Holmes County's bargain $589 and Hinds County's steeper $1,032, while its $32,976 median income falls between Holmes ($29,434) and Hinds ($49,966). Affordability-wise, Humphreys offers a middle path with slightly higher earning potential than Holmes but much lower housing costs than Hinds.

Housing costs under 25% of income

Renters pay $643 monthly while homeowners spend $687, with median home value at $88,800 and median income at $32,976 annually. Combined, housing expenses consume roughly 24% of gross income for renters—manageable by standard benchmarks and well below the often-cited 30% threshold.

Affordable rents with modest income needs

Humphreys County suits households seeking affordable rental or ownership without extreme budget constraints, offering rent 18% below Mississippi's state average. The $32,976 median income suggests limited local job opportunities, making this county most appealing for retirees, remote workers, or those with outside income sources.

Income & Jobs in Humphreys County

via IncomeByCounty

Humphreys Lags Far Behind Nation

Humphreys County's median household income of $32,976 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 56%, placing households in the lowest income tier nationally. This $41,779 annual gap reflects limited economic diversification and fewer high-wage job opportunities.

Low-Income Across Mississippi

At $32,976, Humphreys County ranks among Mississippi's lowest-earning counties, falling 32% below the state median of $48,514. The income shortfall signals persistent underemployment and limited wage growth in the rural Delta region.

Slightly Above Holmes, Below Most

Humphreys County's median income of $32,976 modestly exceeds Holmes County ($29,434) and Issaquena County ($29,271), but trails Jefferson County ($36,207), Jasper County ($47,157), and Hinds County ($49,966). The regional variation reflects uneven economic development across the Delta.

Low Housing Costs, Stretched Budgets

Humphreys County's rent-to-income ratio of 23.4% is favorable, and median home values of $88,800 are deeply affordable. Yet with median household income of just $32,976, families have minimal discretionary income for healthcare, education, or emergency savings.

Leverage Community Resources

In Humphreys County, maximize employer benefits and explore matched savings programs through nonprofits or credit unions that reward small deposits. Even $15 weekly into a dedicated savings account builds a nest egg; pair it with free financial coaching for sustainable wealth growth.

Safety in Humphreys County

via CrimeByCounty

Humphreys County Reports Minimum Crime Levels

Humphreys County reports zero crimes per 100,000 residents for the 2022 cycle, earning a perfect safety score of 100.0. This is an extraordinary contrast to the national average of 2,385.5 total crimes.

Top Tier Safety in Mississippi

With a crime rate of 0.0, Humphreys County sits at the peak of Mississippi's safety rankings. This performance puts it well ahead of the state's average safety score of 98.4.

Safest Profile in the Delta

Compared to nearby Holmes County at 11.9 per 100,000, Humphreys reports even fewer incidents. It serves as a benchmark for low-crime environments across its regional borders.

A Clean Record for Local Safety

Two reporting agencies show 0.0 violent crimes and 0.0 property crimes per 100,000 residents. While this suggests an incredibly safe environment, consistent local reporting remains essential to the full statistical picture.

Stay Vigilant to Keep Crime Low

Community awareness helps keep crime rates at these historic lows. Investing in smart home technology ensures you contribute to the ongoing safety and peace of your neighborhood.

Health in Humphreys County

via HealthByCounty

Humphreys County life expectancy far below U.S.

At 66.6 years, Humphreys County residents live about 9.5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. Over one-third (36.2%) report poor or fair health—the highest rate observed among these eight counties—pointing to deep health crises.

Humphreys ranks among state's most challenged

Humphreys County's life expectancy of 66.6 years ranks among the lowest in Mississippi, trailing the state average of 70.9 years by more than 4 years. The 36.2% poor/fair health rate is the highest seen here, signaling severe population-level distress.

Serious provider shortage in rural county

Humphreys County has just 53 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and no reported mental health provider capacity. This rural isolation means residents frequently lack timely access to behavioral health services.

Uninsured rate and access create perfect storm

With 15.5% uninsured—above both state and county average—and minimal primary care availability, Humphreys residents face enormous barriers to preventive and acute care. The absence of reported mental health provider data likely reflects a complete gap in that essential service.

Insurance is first step toward better health

If you're uninsured in Humphreys County, getting coverage is crucial—it opens access to care and allows you to seek treatment in neighboring counties. Explore Medicaid and marketplace options at healthcare.gov, or call a local community health center for enrollment help.

Schools in Humphreys County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in the Delta

Humphreys County features a compact educational system with just 4 public schools serving 1,207 students. This single-district setup includes one elementary, one middle, and two high schools.

Investing in Local Student Outcomes

The graduation rate stands at 82.0%, which is below the state average of 87.1%. The county invests $5,625 per pupil, supporting a school score of 46.3 against a national median of 50.

Unified Under the Humphreys County District

The Humphreys County School District manages every public campus in the county, providing a unified educational experience. No charter schools are currently available, keeping the focus on traditional public education.

Town-Centered School Life

All four county schools are located in town settings, creating a central hub for the 1,207 enrolled students. Humphreys County High School is the largest campus with 424 students, maintaining a close-knit feel.

Make a Home in Humphreys County

The town-focused school layout makes it easy to find a home within walking or short-driving distance of local campuses. Consider Humphreys County for a community where everyone knows your name.

Disaster Risk in Humphreys County

via RiskByCounty

Humphreys County ranks among safest nationally

With a composite risk score of just 27.93, Humphreys County rates as very low nationally—roughly 45% below Mississippi's state average of 50.94. This makes the county one of the safer communities in the nation for natural disaster exposure.

Mississippi's lowest-risk county

Humphreys County boasts the lowest composite risk score in Mississippi, significantly safer than the state average and far below high-risk counties like Hinds and Jackson. Residents face substantially lower natural hazard exposure than typical Mississippians.

Safest Delta community by far

Humphreys County's score of 27.93 makes it considerably safer than neighboring Issaquena County (7.98) in hazard diversity, though Issaquena ranks even lower overall. Both counties represent the Delta's safest communities, with Humphreys offering more balanced exposure across hazard types.

Tornado risk outpaces other threats

Tornado risk of 50.80 represents Humphreys County's most significant hazard, though well below the state average for this threat. Flood (22.49) and wildfire (12.40) risks remain minimal, making tornadoes the primary preparedness focus for county residents.

Don't skip insurance despite low risk

Humphreys County's favorable risk profile should not encourage complacency—tornado risk still demands a safety plan, and flood insurance protects the small vulnerable population. Even low-risk counties benefit from basic coverage and an emergency action plan.

Weather & Climate in Humphreys County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warmer Than Average Delta Climate

Humphreys County averages 64.4°F annually, which sits well above the national median temperature. This humid subtropical climate produces significantly more heat and moisture than most of the United States.

Surpassing the Mississippi Temperature Average

The county's 64.4°F average temperature is slightly higher than the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. It ranks as one of the warmer agricultural zones within the state's Delta region.

Drier and Warmer Than Eastern Neighbors

With 57.3 inches of annual rain, Humphreys is slightly drier than the state average of 59.6 inches. While it receives less precipitation than some neighbors, its high humidity remains a defining regional characteristic.

Punishing Summers and Minimal Snow

Summers are intense with 86 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 81.8°F. Winters stay mild at 46.6°F, and the area sees almost no snow, averaging just 0.1 inches.

Preparing for Three Months of Heat

Residents should service HVAC systems early to prepare for nearly 90 days of extreme heat. Lightweight, breathable clothing is essential for managing the long, humid summer season.

Soil Quality in Humphreys County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Clay-Rich Soils of Humphreys

Humphreys County soil has an average pH of 5.29, which is nearly identical to the Mississippi state average of 5.30. This acidic environment is over a full point below the national median of 6.5. This low pH often requires lime amendments for traditional turf and many garden crops.

High Clay Content Impacts Drainage

With 33.7% clay and 47.9% silt, this soil is much heavier than its neighbors. The high clay percentage increases nutrient retention but can make the soil difficult to work when wet and prone to shrinking or swelling. Only 18.4% of the mix is sand, which limits natural aeration.

Hydrating the Delta Landscape

The soil holds a water capacity of 0.192 in/in, which is better than the state average of 0.174. However, the organic matter content is relatively low at 1.43%, trailing the state benchmark of 1.81%. Increasing organic inputs can help improve the structure of these heavy clay soils.

Managing Heavy Soil Water Movement

While specific hydrologic group data is missing, the 33.7% clay content suggests that drainage may be slow in many areas. This can lead to ponding after heavy rains, which is a critical consideration for both farming and construction. Proper site grading is essential in this environment.

Growing in the Heart of Zone 8b

Humphreys County resides in hardiness zone 8b, where long summers favor cotton and soybeans. The soil’s high water capacity is an asset during dry spells, though the clay requires careful management. Consider raised beds for your home garden to ensure better drainage for your vegetables.

Lawn Care in Humphreys County

via LawnByCounty

Heavy Clay Makes Lawn Care Difficult

Humphreys County has a lawn difficulty score of 30.1, placing it just below the state average and well under the national median. Situated in Hardiness Zone 8b, the environment demands resilient grass species that can handle hot summers. The biggest hurdle for local gardeners is often the heavy soil rather than the air temperature.

High Humidity and Intense Summer Heat

The climate produces 86 extreme heat days annually, which is significantly more than the state average of 73. With 57.3 inches of annual precipitation, the environment is often damp and humid, promoting rapid growth. You can expect high demand for mowing and maintenance with 5,958 growing degree days driving the season.

Managing High Clay and Acidic Soil

The soil here is particularly challenging with a 33.7% clay content, which can lead to poor drainage and compaction. A low pH of 5.29 further complicates things, as most grasses prefer a neutral range between 6.0 and 7.0. Core aeration and lime treatments are essential tools for any Humphreys County homeowner looking for a lush lawn.

Low Current Drought Risk for Turf

Currently, only 11.4% of the county is considered abnormally dry, and there is no severe drought recorded. While the county has experienced 11 weeks of drought in the past year, the current conditions are relatively favorable. If dry weather returns, keep an eye on your clay soil, as it can crack and damage roots when dehydrated.

Early Spring Start for Warm-Season Grass

Because the last spring frost typically occurs early on March 3, you have a long window to establish your lawn. St. Augustine and Bermuda grass are the top contenders for this zone and can handle the high clay content well if maintained. You'll have until approximately November 21 before the first fall frost brings the growing season to a close.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Humphreys County's county score?
Humphreys County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 48.3 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 Humphreys County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Humphreys County ranks #40 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 Humphreys County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Humphreys County is $980, with an effective tax rate of 1.10%. This earns Humphreys County a tax score of 30.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Humphreys County?
The median household income in Humphreys County, Mississippi is $32,976 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Humphreys County earns an income score of 0.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Humphreys County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Humphreys County scores 48.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #40 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Humphreys 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 Humphreys County with other counties side by side.