countyscore
55.1
County Score
Safety 76.7Cost of Living 71.7Property Tax 70.2

County Report Card

About Itawamba County, Mississippi

Outpacing the National Median Score

Itawamba County earns a solid 55.1 composite score, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This indicates a quality of life that exceeds expectations for a rural Mississippi county.

Above the Mississippi State Baseline

With a score of 55.1, the county sits well above the state average of 48.4. It offers more stability and better economic metrics than many neighboring areas.

Strong Safety and Tax Profile

The county features a high safety score of 76.7 and a strong tax score of 70.2. Household incomes are also higher than many state peers, with a median of $59,508.

Room to Grow in Education

Educational performance is a weak point with a school score of 21.9. Health outcomes also lag the other dimensions, currently scoring at 27.2.

A Balanced County for Families

Itawamba County is a great fit for middle-income families who want a safe community with reasonable taxes. It provides a reliable standard of living for those who don't prioritize top-tier school rankings.

Score breakdown

Tax70.2Cost71.7Safety76.7Health27.2Schools21.9Income37.5Risk50.4Water57.2Weather62.6
🏛70.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡76.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤27.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓21.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡50.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧57.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤62.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨24.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱34.2
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

Lee County
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33.6
Prentiss County
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43.6
Franklin County
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55.5
Marion County
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Tishomingo County
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Monroe County
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Union County
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Deep Dives

Itawamba County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Itawamba County

via TaxByCounty

Itawamba taxes trail national average

Itawamba County's effective tax rate of 0.636% sits well below the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the bottom third nationwide. The median property tax of $779 is less than 30% of the national median of $2,690.

Below-average taxes for Mississippi

Itawamba County's 0.636% rate falls roughly 14% below Mississippi's state average of 0.743%. This makes it one of the more tax-friendly counties in the state for homeowners relative to property values.

Lower rates than Jasper and Itawamba

Itawamba County's 0.636% rate is modestly lower than Jasper County's 0.599%, though both rank among Mississippi's more affordable tax climates. The median tax burden here ($779) is roughly comparable to other northeast Mississippi counties.

Median homeowner pays $779 annually

On Itawamba County's median home value of $122,400, homeowners pay approximately $779 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, the figure rises to about $912 annually with escrow included.

Challenge inflated assessments in Itawamba

If your home's assessed value doesn't reflect recent market conditions in northeast Mississippi, you can appeal through the county assessor. Successful appeals could reduce your annual tax bill by $100 to $300 or more.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Itawamba County

via CostByCounty

Itawamba strikes solid affordability balance

Itawamba County's 16.8% rent-to-income ratio runs well below Mississippi's 19.6% state average and reflects one of the region's healthier housing-cost scenarios. With median household income at $59,508—79% of the national median—and median rent at $832, Itawamba offers more balanced affordability than most Mississippi counties.

Itawamba ranks high in state affordability

Itawamba County's 16.8% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among all comparison counties and well above Mississippi's 19.6% state average, signaling strong relative affordability. Median income of $59,508 is the second-highest in this cluster, providing real earning power alongside reasonable housing costs.

Higher income, lower rent burden

Itawamba's median income of $59,508 trails only Jackson County ($64,756) but its rent burden of 16.8% is the lightest in the region. At $832 monthly rent, Itawamba costs more than Holmes ($589) or Humphreys ($643) but far less than Hinds ($1,032) or Jackson ($1,087), while offering significantly stronger wages.

Incomes support moderate housing costs

Renters pay $832 monthly while homeowners face $565, with median home value at $122,400 and median household income at $59,508 annually. Housing costs consume just 16.8% of gross income for renters—well below the 30% affordability threshold—reflecting a county where wages keep pace with housing demand.

Best balance of income and affordability

Itawamba County offers one of Mississippi's strongest housing-affordability stories: respectable median income of $59,508 paired with a lean 16.8% rent-to-income ratio. This northeast Mississippi county suits households seeking real earning potential without extreme housing cost burdens.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Itawamba County

via IncomeByCounty

Itawamba Nears National Income Level

Itawamba County's median household income of $59,508 sits just 20% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it among Mississippi's stronger earners. The $15,247 gap is notably smaller than most state peers, signaling more robust local employment and wage opportunities.

Tops Most Mississippi Counties

At $59,508, Itawamba County exceeds Mississippi's state median of $48,514 by 23%, ranking in the state's upper quartile for household income. This strong performance reflects diversified employment, manufacturing presence, and skilled labor in the region.

Itawamba Leads Regional Income

Itawamba County's median income of $59,508 substantially outpaces most neighbors: Jasper County ($47,157), Hinds County ($49,966), and Humphreys County ($32,976). Only Jackson County ($64,756) earns notably more, making Itawamba a regional income leader.

Strong Income Supports Home Ownership

Itawamba County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% is well below the affordability threshold of 30%, indicating robust financial breathing room for renters. With median home values of $122,400 and median household income of $59,508, homeownership is highly accessible and sustainable.

Invest in Long-Term Growth

With median household income of $59,508, Itawamba County residents are well-positioned to save 10–15% for retirement and investment accounts. Maximize 401(k) matching, explore HSAs, and consider diversified index funds; building wealth at this income level creates compound returns over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Itawamba County

via CrimeByCounty

Itawamba County Maintains Strong Safety Score

Itawamba County features a total crime rate of 556.8 per 100,000, which is less than a quarter of the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a strong safety score of 99.1 out of 100.

Beating the Mississippi State Average

The county's crime rate is significantly better than the Mississippi average of 978.4 per 100,000. Itawamba also comfortably beats the state's average safety score of 98.4.

A Secure Alternative to Neighbors

Itawamba maintains a safer profile than Jackson County, which has a much higher rate of 1,393.0. This makes it one of the more secure options in its corner of the state.

Property Incidents Outnumber Violent Crime

Property crime dominates the local data at 548.4 per 100,000, while violent crime is very low at 8.4. This means the vast majority of incidents involve theft rather than physical harm.

Focusing on Theft Prevention

Since property crime is the primary concern here, focus on securing entry points and garages. Motion-activated lights are an effective and affordable way to deter potential intruders.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Itawamba County

via HealthByCounty

Itawamba County leads region in life expectancy

At 72.9 years, Itawamba County residents live nearly 3 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years—wait, no—actually about 3.2 years shorter. Yet Itawamba outperforms most Mississippi peers: just 21.6% report poor or fair health, well below the national average of 18% for many similar counties.

Itawamba ranks among Mississippi's healthiest

At 72.9 years, Itawamba County's life expectancy exceeds Mississippi's state average of 70.9 years by 2 years, making it one of the state's strongest performers. The 21.6% poor/fair health rate is the lowest among these eight counties.

Rural county punches above its health weight

While Itawamba has just 17 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—a rural norm—the county's overall health outcomes suggest effective care use or strong community health factors. Mental health access at 33 per 100K is thin but adequate for a rural area.

Strong health with modest insurance coverage

Just 13.4% of Itawamba residents are uninsured, barely below the state average, yet the county achieves better-than-average life expectancy and health status. This suggests effective community health interventions or strong informal support networks beyond formal healthcare.

Build on your county's health momentum

Itawamba County's strong health outcomes show what's possible—and maintaining coverage is key to keeping that advantage. If uninsured, explore marketplace and Medicaid options at healthcare.gov to stay protected.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Itawamba County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Attendance Centers for Rural Families

Itawamba County hosts 8 public schools, including several attendance centers that serve students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The single county district supports a total enrollment of 3,375 students.

Meeting National Graduation Benchmarks

Itawamba County hits the 87.0% national graduation rate exactly, nearly matching the Mississippi state average. The county spends $5,806 per pupil to maintain a school score of 49.4, just shy of the national median.

One District Serving the Entire County

The Itawamba County School District is the exclusive provider for the region, managing all 8 campuses. Traditional public education remains the standard here, as there are no charter schools in the area.

Rural Roots and Larger Campuses

The vast majority of schools are in rural settings, with the Itawamba Attendance Center being the largest at 1,163 students. Average school enrollment is 563, which is significantly higher than many neighboring rural counties.

Home Buying Near Itawamba Schools

Families looking for a rural lifestyle with well-established attendance centers should explore this county. School quality is a central pillar of the community, making it a stable choice for homebuyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Itawamba County

via RiskByCounty

Itawamba County holds near-average national risk

Itawamba County's composite risk score of 49.62 places it as relatively low nationally, nearly identical to Mississippi's state average of 50.94. The county's exposure is typical for rural Mississippi, with moderate hazard diversity across regions.

Average risk across Mississippi

Itawamba County ranks squarely in the middle of Mississippi's disaster risk distribution, representing a typical county-level exposure profile for the state. Neither significantly safer nor more threatened than the average Mississippi community, the county embodies statewide hazard patterns.

Slightly riskier than most neighbors

Itawamba County's score of 49.62 edges slightly above many neighboring rural counties in northeast Mississippi, reflecting its moderate exposure across multiple hazard types. The county sits between the state's safest (Issaquena at 7.98) and riskiest (Jackson at 92.33) extremes.

Earthquakes and tornadoes pose dual threat

Earthquake risk (76.97) and tornado risk (66.41) both exceed the county composite score, making these the dominant hazards for Itawamba residents. These geological and weather-driven threats require distinct preparedness strategies, from structural reinforcement to storm shelters.

Prepare for earthquakes and severe weather

Itawamba County residents should prioritize earthquake-resistant home improvements—securing water heaters, securing heavy furniture, and reinforcing foundations—alongside tornado safety measures. Standard homeowners insurance covers most earthquake damage in Mississippi, but verify your policy explicitly includes this protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Itawamba County

via WeatherByCounty

A Temperate Pocket in the Southeast

Itawamba County averages 60.6°F annually, placing it above the national median but cooler than much of the deep South. This region experiences a distinct humid subtropical climate with four clear seasons.

Cooler Than the Mississippi Average

At 60.6°F, the county is notably cooler than the state average of 63.9°F. It represents the more temperate northern climate of Mississippi, providing a break from coastal heat.

Wetter Conditions with More Winter Snow

The county receives 61.5 inches of rain, exceeding the state average of 59.6 inches. It also records 1.6 inches of annual snowfall, which is significantly higher than its southern neighbors.

Mild Summers and Refreshing Winters

The area experiences only 56 extreme heat days, far fewer than the state's southern counties. Winter temperatures average 42.6°F, often bringing the state's highest local snowfall totals.

Planning for Heavy Rain and Ice

Homeowners should maintain clear gutters to handle the 61.5 inches of annual rainfall. Winter preparation includes checking tire treads for the occasional 1.6 inches of snow and ice.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Itawamba County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Soils in Itawamba

Itawamba County soil is quite acidic, with an average pH of 5.12. This is lower than the Mississippi average of 5.30 and well below the national median of 6.5. This high acidity is a primary factor in the county's relatively low overall soil score of 24.5.

Sandy Foundations and Light Texture

The soil is notably sandy at 45.4%, with 37.4% silt and 17.2% clay. This high sand content ensures good aeration and easy workability, but it can struggle to hold onto nutrients. It is a much lighter soil than the clay-heavy regions of the Delta.

Lower Retention and Organic Matter

The soil’s available water capacity is 0.163 in/in, falling below the state average of 0.174. Organic matter content is also lower than average at 1.50%. This means the soil may require more frequent irrigation and organic amendments to reach its full growing potential.

Naturally Well-Draining Sandy Terrains

Specific drainage classes are not listed, but the 45.4% sand content typically indicates rapid drainage. This is beneficial for preventing root rot but can lead to quick drying during hot Mississippi summers. Developers will likely find this soil easier for drainage planning than clay-heavy counties.

Acid-Loving Plants for Zone 8a

Itawamba County sits in hardiness zone 8a, a region perfect for blackberries and blueberries that thrive in acidic conditions. With its sandy texture, this soil is also great for root vegetables like carrots if given enough water. Now is the perfect time to prep your garden beds for spring.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Itawamba County

via LawnByCounty

A Northern Mississippi Challenge

Itawamba County’s lawn difficulty score of 34.2 is slightly above the state average but remains below the national median. Located in Hardiness Zone 8a, this county experiences cooler winters and a shorter growing season than its southern neighbors. Success here requires picking grass that can handle a mix of heavy rain and temperate winters.

Extreme Rainfall Impacts Maintenance

With 61.5 inches of annual precipitation, Itawamba is wetter than both the state and national averages. This high moisture can lead to soil erosion and nutrient leaching, especially given the 4,950 growing degree days. On the bright side, the county only experiences 56 extreme heat days, significantly fewer than the state average of 73.

Sandy Soil Needs Nutrient Support

The soil in Itawamba is quite sandy at 45.4%, paired with a low pH of 5.12. This combination means water and nutrients may drain away too quickly, making the soil more acidic and less fertile. Homeowners should focus on adding organic matter and lime to help the soil hold onto the nutrients your grass needs.

Currently Avoiding Major Drought Stress

Itawamba is currently in good shape, with only 9.6% of the county considered abnormally dry. Over the past year, the county only experienced 8 weeks of drought, which is low for the region. Regular rainfall often does the heavy lifting, but keep a sprinkler ready for those rare dry weeks to maintain root health.

Plant for a Mid-Spring Start

Because of the northern location, the last spring frost doesn't arrive until April 1, later than much of the state. Centipede grass is a strong choice here as it tolerates the sandy, acidic soil better than other varieties. Make sure your lawn is established well before the first fall frost, which typically arrives by October 31.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Itawamba County's county score?
Itawamba County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 55.1 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 Itawamba County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Itawamba County ranks #27 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 Itawamba County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Itawamba County is $779, with an effective tax rate of 0.64%. This earns Itawamba County a tax score of 70.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Itawamba County?
The median household income in Itawamba County, Mississippi is $59,508 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Itawamba County earns an income score of 37.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Itawamba County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Itawamba County scores 55.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Itawamba 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 Itawamba 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.