Humphreys County

Mississippi · MS

#74 in Mississippi
63.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Humphreys County, Mississippi

Above-median livability with room to grow

Humphreys County scores 63.2 out of 100, placing it 26% above the national median of 50.0 and in the top 40% nationally. This demonstrates solid, competitive livability fundamentals.

Below state average but stable

At 63.2, Humphreys scores 6.5 points below Mississippi's average of 67.5, ranking it in the lower-middle band of the state's counties. It remains a respectable performer despite trailing the state norm.

Affordable housing and environmental resilience

Humphreys shines in housing affordability (86.6) with median rent of $643 and homes at $88,800, plus a strong risk score of 72.1 indicating good environmental and economic stability. These factors provide solid ground for families seeking value.

Weak income and health infrastructure

The county's income score of 4.9 reflects a median household income of just $32,976, well below state and national levels, while a health score of 40.4 signals limited healthcare quality or access. Economic opportunity remains constrained.

Fits resilient families seeking deep affordability

Humphreys County appeals to families with income from remote work or other sources who prize low housing costs and environmental stability. Those dependent on local wages, however, should carefully consider the limited income opportunities.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax71.2Cost86.6SafetyComing SoonHealth40.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome4.9Risk72.1WaterComing Soon
🏛71.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠86.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼4.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
40.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
72.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Humphreys County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.