countyscore
68.6
County Score
Safety 97.5Property Tax 96.4Cost of Living 95.3

County Report Card

About Issaquena County, Mississippi

An Elite National Livability Performer

Issaquena County boasts a high composite score of 68.6, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score suggests a unique set of regional advantages rarely found in the Delta.

One of Mississippi's Top-Ranked Counties

The county’s 68.6 score is significantly higher than the Mississippi average of 48.4. It stands out as a leader in the state for its specific combination of low taxes and high safety.

Unmatched Affordability and Low Risk

The county excels with a near-perfect safety score of 97.5 and a tax score of 96.4. Median rent is incredibly low at $253 per month, and the effective tax rate is just 0.346%.

Critical Gaps in Infrastructure

Water quality and health outcomes are major challenges, with scores of 0.9 and 1.9. School data is currently unavailable, leaving some questions about local educational resources.

Perfect for Remote Budget-Seekers

Issaquena is ideal for remote workers or individuals with independent incomes looking for the lowest possible cost of living. It offers a high degree of safety and tax relief, provided one can manage poor health infrastructure.

2040608010096.495.397.51.90.2920.942Tax96.4Cost95.3Safety97.5Health1.9Schools—Income0.2Risk92Water0.9Weather4268.6/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Issaquena County DNA

C-overall

How Issaquena County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Issaquena County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (95.3/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (0.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
96.4+44.400000000000006
Cost
95.3+47.3
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
1.9-48.1
Income
0.2-50.8
Risk
92+45
Water
0.9-57.1
Weather
42-14
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Compare mortgage rates in Issaquena County

Whether buying or refinancing in Issaquena County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$90,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$253/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$90,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$10,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $29,271/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Hamilton County
Illinois
Median income: $61,520
68.6
Spencer County
Indiana
Median income: $70,890
68.6
Garden County
Nebraska
Median income: $44,777
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Los Alamos County
New Mexico
Median income: $143,188
68.6
Braxton County
West Virginia
Median income: $44,449
68.6
Hancock County
Kentucky
Median income: $66,836
68.7
Allen Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $51,138
68.4
West Carroll Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $48,514
68.4

Nearby counties

East Carroll Parish
Louisiana
63.3
Sharkey County
Mississippi
57
Warren County
Mississippi
31.9
West Carroll Parish
Louisiana
68.4
Madison Parish
Louisiana
56.6
Yazoo County
Mississippi
45.4
Washington County
Mississippi
48.4
Humphreys County
Mississippi
48.3

Deep Dives

Issaquena County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Issaquena County

via TaxByCounty

Issaquena's tax rate is exceptionally low

Issaquena County's effective tax rate of just 0.346% ranks among the lowest in the entire nation, far below the 1.1% national median. The median property tax of $314 is roughly one-ninth the national median of $2,690.

Mississippi's most tax-friendly county

Issaquena County's 0.346% rate is less than half Mississippi's 0.743% state average, making it by far the lowest-taxing county in the state. This historic pattern reflects the county's fiscal structure and service-delivery model.

Less than third of nearby county rates

Issaquena County's 0.346% rate is less than one-third of Humphreys County's 1.104% just miles away. Even compared to Holmes County's 0.908%, Issaquena residents pay less than 40% of the tax burden.

Median homeowner pays just $314 yearly

On Issaquena County's median home value of $90,700, the typical homeowner pays only about $314 per year in property taxes. This extraordinarily low burden is unique even by Mississippi standards.

Even low assessments deserve review

Even though Issaquena's rates are exceptionally low, homeowners should still verify their assessments are accurate and fairly reflect property values. A successful challenge could provide modest savings while ensuring fairness in local tax administration.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Issaquena County

via CostByCounty

Issaquena's rents are strikingly low

Issaquena County's 10.4% rent-to-income ratio is exceptional—less than half Mississippi's 19.6% state average and one of the nation's most affordable housing ratios. Median rent of just $253 monthly, paired with median household income of $29,271, signals a sparsely populated rural county where housing is remarkably cheap but economic opportunity is limited.

Issaquena: cheapest rents in Mississippi

At $253 monthly median rent, Issaquena County undercuts every comparison county and runs 68% below Mississippi's $782 state average. The resulting 10.4% rent-to-income ratio is among the lowest in the state, making this tiny Delta county an outlier in affordability.

Holmes costs 2.3× more than Issaquena

Issaquena's $253 median rent is stunningly low compared to Holmes County ($589, 2.3× higher) and Humphreys County ($643, 2.5× higher). This extreme affordability reflects Issaquena's sparse population and limited housing demand rather than robust income—median earnings of $29,271 are comparable to Holmes.

Extraordinarily cheap housing, limited jobs

Renters spend just $253 monthly while homeowners pay $548, with median home value at $90,700 and median income at $29,271 annually. Rent consumes only 10.4% of gross income—well below any affordability standard—but this reflects an extremely limited and economically struggling local labor market.

Ultra-cheap housing for remote workers

Issaquena County offers extraordinary rental affordability at $253 monthly, among the lowest in America, making it ideal for remote workers or retirees unbothered by isolation. However, sparse population and minimal local job growth mean this county works only for those with income independent of local employment.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Issaquena County

via IncomeByCounty

Issaquena's Income Crisis

Issaquena County's median household income of $29,271 falls 61% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, among the nation's lowest. The $45,484 gap reflects deep poverty and severe economic constraints across the county.

Mississippi's Poorest County

Issaquena County ranks at the absolute bottom of Mississippi's income ladder at $29,271, 40% below the state median of $48,514. This extreme shortfall underscores the county's profound economic crisis and dependence on limited agricultural and public employment.

Tied for Lowest in Region

Issaquena County's median income of $29,271 essentially matches Holmes County ($29,434), the region's other lowest earner. All neighboring counties, including Humphreys County ($32,976) and Jefferson County ($36,207), earn noticeably more, highlighting Issaquena's isolated economic distress.

Housing Affordable, Survival Challenging

Issaquena County's rent-to-income ratio of 10.4% is the nation's lowest, reflecting extraordinarily cheap housing at median values of $90,700. However, per capita income of only $13,843 signals that most residents live far below the poverty line, making basic survival—not wealth building—the pressing concern.

Seek Immediate Financial Assistance

Issaquena County residents facing median household income of $29,271 should prioritize accessing SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid benefits before considering wealth-building strategies. Connect with local nonprofits and credit counseling services; even modest financial stability is a prerequisite for long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Issaquena County

via CrimeByCounty

Issaquena County Outperforms National Benchmarks

Issaquena County reports no crimes for 2022, resulting in a total crime rate of 0.0 and a perfect safety score of 100.0. This is significantly lower than the national benchmark of 2,385.5 per 100,000.

Interpreting Local Mississippi Safety Data

The county outperforms the state average safety score of 98.4. Because only one agency reports data here, these zero-crime figures represent a positive but focused snapshot of local activity.

Comparing Issaquena to Neighboring Jurisdictions

Issaquena's reported rate of 0.0 is lower than its regional neighbors, reflecting a very quiet rural landscape. It maintains a distinct statistical advantage over the state average crime rate of 978.4.

Zero Reported Incidents Across Categories

Both violent and property crime rates stand at 0.0 per 100,000 residents for the latest reporting year. This indicates an absence of reported criminal activity within the single reporting jurisdiction.

Proactive Security for Quiet Homes

Low reporting numbers should not lead to complacency in home security. Basic precautions like deadbolts and yard signs help ensure your home remains as safe as the data suggests.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Disaster Risk in Issaquena County

via RiskByCounty

Issaquena County faces minimal national disaster risk

Issaquena County's composite risk score of 7.98 ranks among the very safest communities in the nation for natural disasters—84% below Mississippi's state average of 50.94. The county's remote location and sparse development create exceptionally low exposure across all hazard categories.

Mississippi's safest community

Issaquena County ranks as the lowest-risk county in Mississippi by a substantial margin, with exposure far below every other state community. Residents face genuinely minimal natural disaster risk compared to virtually any other Mississippi location.

Safest in an already-safe region

Issaquena County's score of 7.98 makes it even safer than nearby Humphreys County (27.93) and Washington County, positioning it as the Delta's safest community. The region's low-elevation landscape and limited infrastructure mean residents face exceptionally limited hazard exposure.

Hurricane exposure dominates minimal risk profile

Even in Issaquena County's very-low-risk environment, hurricane risk (60.53) emerges as the largest hazard component, though still well below typical national exposure. Tornado (29.42), earthquake (37.21), and flood (10.18) risks all remain minimal for county residents.

Basic preparedness suffices for safety

Issaquena County's exceptional safety profile means residents can focus on straightforward preparedness: a basic emergency kit and awareness of hurricane season. Standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection in this community with minimal natural disaster exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Issaquena County

via WaterByCounty

Extremely High Violation Rate in Issaquena County

Issaquena County receives a grade of F with 40 health violations recorded in five years. Its violation rate of 2,894.4 per 100,000 residents is drastically higher than the state average of 92.1.

Local Watersheds Await Federal Assessment

Water bodies in this county are not currently covered by Clean Water Act section 303(d) reporting. No official data exists regarding impairment status or the presence of specific contaminants.

Minimal Water Quality Monitoring Footprint

Monitoring is extremely limited, with only one site recording seven measurements over the last five years. These few records primarily focused on organics, inorganics, and metals.

No Live Surface Water Data Available

Issaquena County lacks an active USGS streamgage for real-time flow tracking. This makes it challenging to evaluate current surface water conditions relative to historical norms.

Water Filtration Critical Amid High Violation Rates

Given the exceptionally high rate of health violations, residents should consider professional water testing and high-quality filtration. Limited monitoring data also means that households must be proactive in seeking information about local contaminants.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Issaquena County

via SoilByCounty

Issaquena's Rare Neutral Soil Profile

Issaquena County stands out with an average pH of 6.52, almost exactly matching the national median of 6.5. This is significantly higher and more neutral than the Mississippi average of 5.30. This unique chemistry makes it one of the most balanced soil profiles in the state.

A Substantial Clay and Silt Mix

The soil composition is a robust blend of 31.0% clay and 39.4% silt, balanced by 27.3% sand. This mix provides excellent nutrient-holding capacity thanks to the clay, while the sand helps with structural stability. It is a heavy but fertile soil profile.

Standard Fertility and Reliable Capacity

The organic matter content sits at 1.50%, which is lower than the state average of 1.81%. The available water capacity of 0.173 in/in perfectly aligns with the state average of 0.174. This indicates a reliable, predictable environment for crop production and moisture management.

Unique Hydrology of the Delta

Specific drainage class data is not available for this county in our current set. However, the high clay content (31.0%) generally points toward slower drainage and higher runoff potential during storms. Understanding local water tables is crucial for any new building projects.

Neutral Soils Ready for Zone 8b

In hardiness zone 8b, the near-perfect pH of 6.52 allows for a massive range of plants without much adjustment. From diverse vegetable gardens to fruit trees, this soil is exceptionally welcoming to new growth. It is a fantastic place to start a backyard orchard or vegetable plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Issaquena County

via LawnByCounty

Issaquena Offers Better Lawn Potential

With a lawn difficulty score of 48.4, Issaquena County is one of the most manageable areas for lawns in Mississippi. This score is nearly double the state average and sits just shy of the national median of 50.0. The Hardiness Zone 8b climate provides a long window for warm-season grasses to thrive if they are managed correctly.

Plenty of Rainfall for Thirsty Grass

The county receives 58.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is just slightly under the state average of 59.5. You will experience roughly 79 days of extreme heat over 90°F, requiring heat-tolerant turf choices. While specific growing season data is limited, the high average annual temperature of 64.6°F suggests a robust growth cycle.

Ideal Soil pH for Local Lawns

Issaquena stands out with a soil pH of 6.52, falling perfectly within the ideal range of 6.0 to 7.0 for most grass types. The soil is quite heavy with 31.0% clay, which helps with nutrient retention but can cause drainage issues. This balanced pH gives local homeowners a major head start compared to neighboring counties with acidic soil.

Navigating Prolonged Dry Periods

Despite having a high lawn score, Issaquena has endured 20 weeks of drought over the past year. Currently, 47.8% of the area is abnormally dry, so a smart irrigation plan is vital. Focus on soil health to help your lawn withstand these frequent dry stretches without losing its green color.

Choose Heat-Tolerant Varieties Now

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia are perfect for utilizing the ideal soil pH found here. While local frost dates aren't specifically tracked, generally aim to plant in late spring once the soil remains consistently warm. These varieties will capitalize on the 64.6°F average annual temperature to create a dense, resilient carpet.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Issaquena County's county score?
Issaquena County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 68.6 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 Issaquena County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Issaquena County ranks #1 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 Issaquena County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Issaquena County is $314, with an effective tax rate of 0.35%. This earns Issaquena County a tax score of 96.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Issaquena County?
The median household income in Issaquena County, Mississippi is $29,271 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Issaquena County earns an income score of 0.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Issaquena County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Issaquena County scores 68.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Issaquena 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 Issaquena County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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