53.9
County Score
Cost of Living 78.8Property Tax 74.7Safety 66.4

County Report Card

About Jasper County, Mississippi

Performing Above the National Median

Jasper County achieves a composite score of 53.9, which is four points higher than the national median. This indicates a competitive overall quality of life.

Leading the Mississippi State Average

At 53.9, Jasper County outperforms the Mississippi state average of 48.4. It is one of the more reliable counties for consistent value in the region.

Affordable Living and Low Taxes

Cost of living is a major draw with a score of 78.8, complemented by a strong tax score of 74.7. Median gross rent is an affordable $809 per month.

Water Infrastructure and Income Gaps

The county faces significant issues with water quality, scoring 19.0. Income potential also remains a hurdle, with an income score of only 9.6.

Ideal for Budget-Minded Households

Jasper County is a smart choice for those who prioritize housing affordability and a low tax burden. It is a solid middle-of-the-road option for state residents seeking stability.

Score breakdown

Tax74.7Cost78.8Safety66.4Health17.8Schools42.3Income9.6Risk61.2Water19Weather37.1
🏛74.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠78.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼9.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡66.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
17.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓42.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
61.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧19
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤37.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨36.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱58.3
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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Deep Dives

Jasper County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Jasper County

via TaxByCounty

Jasper's tax rate is quite competitive

Jasper County's effective tax rate of 0.599% sits in the nation's bottom quartile, well below the 1.1% national median. The median property tax of just $710 represents only one-quarter of the national median of $2,690.

Among Mississippi's lowest-taxing counties

Jasper County's 0.599% rate falls about 19% below Mississippi's state average of 0.743%, making it one of the state's most tax-friendly counties. This puts Jasper in the lower quartile statewide.

Lower taxes than most regional peers

Jasper County's 0.599% rate edges out Itawamba County's 0.636% for some of the lowest rates in east Mississippi. Both counties offer considerably gentler tax burdens than Humphreys County's 1.104%.

Median homeowner pays $710 annually

On Jasper County's median home value of $118,600, homeowners pay approximately $710 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, this rises to roughly $1,071 annually with escrow included.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

Even in a low-tax county like Jasper, overassessed properties should be challenged—every dollar off your assessment saves you money indefinitely. The county assessor's office can explain the assessment process and your appeal rights.

Cost of Living in Jasper County

via CostByCounty

Jasper balances modest income and rents

Jasper County's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio runs slightly above Mississippi's 19.6% state average, though its median rent of $809 remains 3% below the state's $782 norm. With median household income at $47,157—63% of the national median—Jasper offers modest affordability in an otherwise stretched economic landscape.

Jasper ranks midway on state affordability

Jasper County's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio sits marginally above Mississippi's 19.6% average, placing it in the state's middle tier for housing affordability. Median rent of $809 runs 3% below state norms, offering slightly better value than typical Mississippi counties.

Mid-range rents, moderate income

Jasper's $809 median rent falls between Itawamba ($832) and Humphreys ($643), while its $47,157 median income sits between Hinds ($49,966) and Humphreys ($32,976). This middle positioning makes Jasper a reasonable compromise for households seeking balanced costs without extreme affordability or earning power.

Rents consume one-fifth of income

Renters pay $809 monthly while homeowners spend $455, with median home value at $118,600 and median household income at $47,157 annually. Rent alone consumes 20.6% of gross income—manageable by standard metrics and tracking close to state norms—while homeownership costs run well below regional medians.

Stable housing costs, average wages

Jasper County offers reliable affordability with a 20.6% rent-to-income ratio just above state average and median income of $47,157. This east-central Mississippi county suits households comfortable with modest regional economic conditions who prioritize stable, predictable housing costs over maximal earning potential.

Income & Jobs in Jasper County

via IncomeByCounty

Jasper Below National, Near State Average

Jasper County's median household income of $47,157 falls 37% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, though it sits slightly below Mississippi's state median of $48,514. This near-average position reflects moderate economic conditions typical of rural Mississippi counties.

Just Below State Median

At $47,157, Jasper County trails Mississippi's state median of $48,514 by just 3%, ranking near the state average. The near-alignment reflects modest but stable employment tied to agriculture, small manufacturing, and local services.

Jasper in Middle of Regional Range

Jasper County's median income of $47,157 sits between lower-income neighbors like Holmes County ($29,434) and Humphreys County ($32,976), and higher earners like Itawamba County ($59,508) and Jackson County ($64,756). This middle position reflects Jasper's moderate economic standing within the region.

Housing Manageable, Limited Savings

Jasper County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.6% is healthy, and median home values of $118,600 are affordable on $47,157 income. However, after housing and basic expenses, families have limited discretionary income for emergencies or significant investments.

Discipline and Incremental Growth

Jasper County's median income of $47,157 supports modest but meaningful wealth building through consistent, disciplined saving. Prioritize employer retirement plans and automatic transfers to savings; over 30 years, even 5–8% annual contributions compound into substantial retirement assets.

Safety in Jasper County

via CrimeByCounty

Jasper County Shows Positive Safety Trends

Jasper County maintains a total crime rate of 790.4 per 100,000, significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 98.8, indicating it is safer than many national peers.

Better Than the Mississippi Average

The county's crime rate stays below the Mississippi average of 978.4 per 100,000. Its safety score of 98.8 also ranks above the state average score of 98.4.

Regional Comparisons in Eastern Mississippi

Jasper County's crime rate of 790.4 is slightly lower than Jefferson County's rate of 860.2. It offers a middle-ground safety profile compared to the ultra-low rates found in the Delta.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime

Property crime makes up 582.1 incidents per 100,000, while violent crime is 208.3. This violent crime rate exceeds the state average of 149.2, suggesting a need for increased personal awareness.

Smart Security for Jasper Residents

Given the local violent crime rate, integrated security systems that include panic buttons are a wise choice. Stay proactive about neighborhood watch programs and residential lighting.

Health in Jasper County

via HealthByCounty

Jasper County life expectancy below national norm

At 69.6 years, Jasper County residents live roughly 6.5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. Yet only 24.6% report poor or fair health, a rate better than the national average seen in many similarly resourced areas.

Jasper trails state average on longevity

At 69.6 years, Jasper County's life expectancy falls 1.3 years below Mississippi's 70.9-year average. The 11.8% uninsured rate is the second-lowest among these eight counties, suggesting better-than-average coverage access.

Rural county with tight provider capacity

Jasper County has just 18 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—a severe shortage—and only 19 mental health providers per 100,000. This lean infrastructure means residents often delay care or seek it elsewhere.

Strong coverage can't fully offset provider gaps

With 11.8% uninsured, Jasper County has good insurance penetration, yet the scarcity of primary and mental health providers limits what insurance can achieve. Rural residents may hold coverage but still struggle to find nearby care.

Insurance opens doors beyond county lines

In Jasper County, having coverage is especially valuable—it enables you to access providers in neighboring areas when local capacity is tight. Explore Medicaid and marketplace plans at healthcare.gov.

Schools in Jasper County

via SchoolsByCounty

Two Districts Serving a Rural Population

Jasper County maintains 7 public schools that serve a total of 2,166 students. The landscape includes two districts providing a mix of elementary, middle, and high school options.

Exceptional Graduation and School Scores

The county's 92.0% graduation rate far exceeds the state average of 87.1%. Education is well-funded at $6,153 per pupil, resulting in a school score of 52.8, which sits comfortably above the national median.

A Choice Between Two Main Districts

West Jasper Consolidated Schools is the larger district, serving 1,411 students across 4 schools. There are no charter schools in Jasper County, focusing all resources on the two traditional consolidated districts.

Small, Rural Learning Environments

All seven schools in the county are classified as rural, offering a quiet learning environment. Stringer Attendance Center is the largest school with 584 students, while the average school size countywide is just 309.

Find Your Rural Retreat with Great Schools

With graduation rates hitting 92%, Jasper County is a hidden gem for educational quality. Explore homes in the West Jasper area to benefit from strong local investment and small class sizes.

Disaster Risk in Jasper County

via RiskByCounty

Jasper County maintains below-average national risk

Jasper County's composite risk score of 38.87 rates as very low nationally—24% below Mississippi's state average of 50.94. The county's exposure reflects a diverse hazard mix without dominance from any single catastrophic threat.

Among Mississippi's safest counties

Jasper County ranks in the lower tier of Mississippi's risk distribution, considerably safer than state average and among the county's protected communities. Residents face roughly half the disaster exposure of high-risk counties like Jackson and Hinds.

Safer than most surrounding areas

Jasper County's score of 38.87 makes it noticeably safer than neighboring Clarke and Neshoba counties to the east, reflecting its interior location away from extreme hazard corridors. The county occupies a favorable position within Mississippi's natural hazard geography.

Tornadoes lead moderate hazard exposure

Tornado risk of 72.26 represents Jasper County's most significant hazard, though below state average for this threat type. Hurricane (80.98) and wildfire (46.50) risks follow, creating seasonal and weather-driven exposure requiring attention but not emergency-level concern.

Focus on tornado and hurricane readiness

Jasper County residents should establish a family tornado safety plan and identify shelter options as priority preparedness steps. Standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection here, but verify coverage includes hurricane-force winds and update policies if home values have increased.

Soil Quality in Jasper County

via SoilByCounty

Typical Southern Acidic Soil Profile

Jasper County has an average pH of 5.20, which is slightly more acidic than the state average of 5.30. It remains well below the national median of 6.5, a common trait for this region of the Deep South. This acidity level dictates the types of fertilizers and amendments required for local agriculture.

Sandy Loam Balance in Jasper

The soil is predominantly sand at 54.0%, supported by 28.9% silt and 15.0% clay. This high sand percentage allows for excellent drainage and easy root penetration. It is a manageable soil that resists the heavy compaction seen in higher-clay counties.

High Organic Matter and Moderate Capacity

With 2.79% organic matter, Jasper County significantly outperforms the state average of 1.81%. However, the available water capacity is 0.156 in/in, which is lower than the state benchmark of 0.174. The soil is fertile and rich but requires attentive watering during dry periods.

Managing Water in Sandy Terrain

While specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not provided, the 54% sand content suggests that water moves through the profile relatively quickly. This is ideal for avoiding standing water but can lead to nutrient leaching. Local land use should account for this rapid permeability.

Long Growing Seasons in Zone 8b

Jasper County resides in hardiness zone 8b, offering a long window for both warm-season and cool-season crops. The high organic matter makes this an excellent place for organic gardening of tomatoes, peppers, and beans. Your soil is ready to support a vibrant home garden this year.

Lawn Care in Jasper County

via LawnByCounty

Jasper Leads the State in Ease

Jasper County is a rare bright spot for Mississippi lawn care, with a difficulty score of 58.3. This is significantly better than the state average and even beats the national median of 50.0. Homeowners in this Hardiness Zone 8b region generally find it much easier to maintain a lush, healthy lawn than their neighbors.

Temperate Conditions Support Healthy Growth

While specific annual climate averages are limited for Jasper, the high difficulty score suggests a more balanced environment. The county avoids the extreme rainfall and heat fluctuations that plague much of the Gulf Coast. This stability allows for a more predictable mowing and maintenance routine throughout the year.

Sand-Heavy Soil Requires Acid Management

With 54.0% sand, the soil in Jasper County drains very quickly, which can be a benefit during heavy rains. However, a pH of 5.20 is still quite acidic, meaning regular lime treatments will help unlock essential nutrients. Adding organic compost can help the sandy base retain the moisture needed for peak summer performance.

Minimal Drought Stress This Year

Jasper County has experienced only one week of drought over the past year, far less than most of the state. Currently, 21.8% of the area is abnormally dry, but there are no severe drought conditions reported. This consistent moisture access is a primary reason why the county's lawn difficulty score remains so favorable.

Success with Centipede and Zoysia

The sandy, slightly acidic soil is a great match for Centipede grass, which is often called 'Lazy Man's Grass' for its low maintenance. Because specific frost dates are not available, watching local weather patterns in March is key for spring planting. Once established, your lawn will likely thrive with far less effort than in other parts of Mississippi.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jasper County's county score?
Jasper County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 53.9 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 Jasper County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Jasper County ranks #30 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 Jasper County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Jasper County is $710, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Jasper County a tax score of 74.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jasper County?
The median household income in Jasper County, Mississippi is $47,157 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jasper County earns an income score of 9.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jasper County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Jasper County scores 53.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #30 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Jasper 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 Jasper County with other counties side by side.