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Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi — County Report Card

MS

#19 in Mississippi

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
56.2
County Score
Safety 97.5Cost of Living 84.8Disaster Risk 76.9

County Report Card

About Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi

Above the National Average

Jefferson Davis County earns a 56.2 composite score, which comfortably exceeds the national median of 50.0. This strong performance indicates a higher overall quality of life than many rural counterparts across the country.

A Mississippi Leader in Livability

The county outperforms the Mississippi state average composite score of 48.4 by nearly 8 points. It stands as a top-tier choice for residents within the state seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Exceptional Safety and Affordability

The county boasts a remarkable Safety Score of 97.5, making it one of the safest areas in the region. Housing is highly accessible with a Cost Score of 84.8 and a median home value of only $87,100.

Economic and Health Hurdles

The Income Score is a low 1.7, reflecting a median household income of $37,183. Health outcomes also lag with a score of 14.3, suggesting a need for better access to medical infrastructure.

Ideal for Peace and Quiet

This county is perfect for retirees or remote workers who prioritize safety and low living costs above local job markets. It offers a secure, budget-friendly environment for those with independent income sources.

Score breakdown

Tax50.2Cost84.8Safety97.5Health14.3Schools26.1Income1.7Risk76.9Water59.1Weather39.5
🏛50.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼1.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤14.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓26.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡76.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧59.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤39.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨24.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱38.3
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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Nearby counties

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Deep Dives

Jefferson Davis County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Jefferson Davis County

via TaxByCounty

Jefferson Davis taxes far below US average

Homeowners in Jefferson Davis County pay an effective tax rate of 0.836%, nearly one-third the national median of 2.6%. At $728 annually on a median home value of $87,100, residents pay far less than the national median property tax of $2,690.

Above average within Mississippi

Jefferson Davis County ranks higher than Mississippi's state average effective rate of 0.743%, with its 0.836% rate placing it in the upper tier statewide. The median property tax of $728 slightly underperforms the state median of $931.

Mid-range among regional peers

Jefferson Davis County's effective rate sits between Kemper County's 0.598% and Jones County's 0.880%. The median annual tax of $728 reflects lower property values typical across this rural region.

Median home: roughly $728 yearly

A homeowner with the county's median-valued property of $87,100 pays approximately $728 annually in property taxes. Those with mortgages pay slightly more at $762, while owners without mortgages pay $686.

Check if your assessment is fair

Many Mississippi homeowners overpay because their properties are assessed above market value. If your county appraisal seems high compared to recent sales prices, you may qualify for a tax appeal that could lower your bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jefferson Davis County

via CostByCounty

Rents affordable, but income lags far behind

Jefferson Davis County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.4% exceeds the national sweet spot, where housing shouldn't consume more than 30% of earnings. With a median household income of $37,183—barely half the national average of $74,755—renters here spend proportionally more of their paychecks on housing than most Americans do.

Among Mississippi's least affordable counties

Jefferson Davis County ranks as one of the state's least affordable housing markets, with a rent-to-income ratio of 22.4% compared to Mississippi's 19.6% average. The median rent of $695 undercuts the state average by $87, but local incomes are so compressed that affordability still strains household budgets.

Cheaper rents than nearby Lauderdale

Jefferson Davis County renters pay $695 monthly, significantly less than Lauderdale County's $897 and Lawrence County's $835. This affordability advantage matters most to lower-income families, though neighboring Kemper County offers even cheaper housing at $470 per month.

Renters and owners face tight budgets

The typical renter spends $695 monthly while earning $3,099 per month, consuming 22.4% of income for housing. Homeowners with $600 monthly costs and the same income fare slightly better at 19.4%, but all Jefferson Davis County residents earn well below state and national standards.

Consider affordability versus opportunity

Jefferson Davis County offers some of Mississippi's lowest rents, making it attractive for budget-conscious relocators. However, the low median income suggests limited job growth—compare housing costs here against opportunities in neighboring Jones or Lauderdale counties before deciding.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jefferson Davis County

via IncomeByCounty

Household income lags far behind national average

Jefferson Davis County's median household income of $37,183 sits well below the national median of $74,755—just 50% of what typical American households earn. This places the county among the lowest-income counties nationally, where earning power significantly constrains household financial stability.

Below state average, among bottom tier

At $37,183, Jefferson Davis County's median income trails Mississippi's state average of $48,514 by $11,331. The county ranks near the bottom of Mississippi's 82 counties by household income, indicating it faces economic headwinds within its state peer group.

Lowest income among regional peers

Jefferson Davis County earns less than nearly all neighboring counties in the region. Lawrence County ($43,368) and Kemper County ($43,595) both exceed Jefferson Davis by thousands, while Leake County ($48,418) and Lauderdale County ($50,033) pull further ahead, suggesting concentrated economic challenge.

Affordable housing, modest living costs

The median home value of $87,100 and rent-to-income ratio of 22.4% indicate housing remains relatively accessible despite low wages. However, the gap between income and national cost-of-living benchmarks means households struggle with healthcare, transportation, and savings even when housing is affordable.

Build emergency savings, explore growth paths

With tight household budgets, prioritize establishing a small emergency fund—even $500–$1,000 absorbs unexpected costs. Explore workforce development programs, credential training, and career mentorship within your community to increase earning potential over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jefferson Davis County

via CrimeByCounty

Outstanding Safety Score in Jefferson Davis

Jefferson Davis County reports a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents, far below the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a perfect safety score of 100.0. However, since only one agency reported data, these numbers may represent a partial view of local activity.

Top Tier Safety Ranking

The county's safety score of 100.0 stands high above the Mississippi state average of 98.4. This data places it among the highest-ranked counties for safety in the region. Reporting gaps in single-agency counties often inflate these rankings compared to neighbors with more agencies.

A Regional Outlier in Reporting

Jefferson Davis reports no crimes, while neighboring Jones County sees a much higher rate of 1,475.8 per 100,000. This stark contrast highlights the impact of individual agency reporting on local statistics. Compared to nearby Lamar County's 988.7 rate, Jefferson Davis appears significantly quieter.

Breaking Down the Zero Rate

Both violent and property crime rates sit at 0.0 per 100,000 residents according to the 2022 data. Nationally, property crime usually averages 2,015.7, suggesting this county is exceptionally peaceful or under-reported. These figures mean no specific categories show significant criminal trends.

Vigilance Maintains Peace

Even in areas with zero reported crimes, local vigilance remains the first line of defense. Simple measures like deadbolts and exterior lighting keep these numbers low. Maintain awareness of your surroundings to preserve this safe environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Jefferson Davis County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy slightly above state average

Jefferson Davis County residents live to 71.0 years on average, slightly outpacing Mississippi's state average of 70.9 years but falling short of the U.S. average of 76.1 years. About 26% of residents report poor or fair health, compared to the national average of 18%, signaling persistent health challenges in the county.

Mid-tier health outcomes within Mississippi

Among Mississippi's 82 counties, Jefferson Davis ranks in the middle on life expectancy but faces above-average rates of poor health reports. The county's uninsured rate of 13.7% closely mirrors the state average of 13.9%, indicating comparable insurance coverage challenges across the region.

Healthier than Lawrence, behind Lamar

Jefferson Davis residents outlive neighbors in Lawrence County (70.3 years) but fall behind Lamar County (77.2 years) by more than six years. Primary care availability at 27 per 100,000 residents is better than Kemper (11 per 100K) but substantially lower than Jones County (49 per 100K).

Limited primary care access challenges care

With only 27 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Jefferson Davis has fewer doctors per capita than many neighboring counties, potentially delaying routine care and preventive services. The 13.7% uninsured rate means roughly 1 in 7 residents lack health coverage, creating barriers to regular check-ups and treatment.

Explore your health insurance options today

If you're among the uninsured or underinsured in Jefferson Davis County, now is the time to check your eligibility for Medicaid, the Mississippi Health Insurance Market, or employer-sponsored plans. A healthcare navigator in your county can help identify affordable coverage that works for your family.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Jefferson Davis County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Schools for a Rural Community

Jefferson Davis County features 5 public schools serving a total of 1,235 students. The system includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools under one district.

Consistent Performance and Above-Average Spending

The county's 87.0% graduation rate perfectly matches the national average and sits just behind the state. Per-pupil spending is healthy at $6,200, which supports a competitive school score of 50.2.

Centralized Learning in One District

The Jefferson Davis County School District manages every student and campus in the county. There are no charter schools, ensuring that all 1,235 students benefit from the same local educational standards.

Small Rural Schools and Close Ties

Every school in the county operates in a rural locale, with an average enrollment of 309 students. JDC High School is the largest campus with 387 students, while Carver Elementary serves 260.

Relocate Near Jefferson Davis Schools

With a school score that beats the national median, this county is a strong contender for value-conscious families. Browse homes in this rural area where local schools serve as the heart of the community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jefferson Davis County

via RiskByCounty

Jefferson Davis sits well below national risk

With a composite risk score of 23.09, Jefferson Davis County ranks as Very Low—significantly safer than the national average composite risk. The county's risk profile is shaped most heavily by hurricane exposure, which scores 78.43, though even this falls below catastrophic thresholds for inland Mississippi communities.

Among Mississippi's safest counties

Jefferson Davis ranks as one of the state's lowest-risk counties, with its 23.09 composite score well below Mississippi's average of 50.94. Only a handful of Mississippi counties maintain comparably low overall natural disaster risk profiles.

Safer than surrounding counties

Jefferson Davis County's very low risk stands in sharp contrast to neighboring Lamar County (64.98) and Lawrence County (25.00). Your county benefits from lower flood, wildfire, and tornado exposure compared to most regional peers.

Hurricane and wildfire pose the most concern

Hurricane risk scores 78.43 in Jefferson Davis, making tropical storms the county's most significant natural hazard, while wildfire risk at 56.74 remains a secondary concern. Tornado risk (53.88) and earthquake risk (38.17) are both relatively modest for the region.

Prioritize wind and flood coverage now

Even in a very low-risk county, homeowners should secure comprehensive wind coverage for hurricane season and evaluate flood insurance, particularly in mapped flood zones. Standard homeowners policies often exclude both, leaving gaps that one major storm can expose.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jefferson Davis County

via WeatherByCounty

Abundant Rainfall in the Pine Belt

Jefferson Davis County receives 61.5 inches of rain annually, far exceeding the median precipitation for the United States. This moisture drives the county's lush vegetation and humid climate.

Surpassing the State Rainfall Average

The county’s 61.5 inches of rain is higher than the Mississippi average of 59.6 inches. This makes the area slightly wetter than the central and northern parts of the state.

Matching Rainfall with Northern Counties

Interestingly, this county matches Itawamba County's 61.5 inches of rain exactly, despite being further south. It sees slightly more snow than Jefferson County, averaging 0.6 inches per year.

Short Winters and Subtropical Humidity

Winter weather is generally mild, as evidenced by the low 0.6-inch annual snowfall average. Although temperature data is limited, the high rainfall indicates a climate dominated by summer humidity.

Prioritizing Rain Gear and Ventilation

Residents should prepare for heavy rain events with reliable waterproof gear and well-maintained roofs. The 61.5 inches of annual rain requires homes to have excellent ventilation to combat mold and humidity.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jefferson Davis County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic soils define the landscape

Jefferson Davis County soils are notably acidic, with an average pH of 5.01. This is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5 and falls below the Mississippi state average of 5.30.

A sandy and workable mix

The local soil consists of 53.1% sand, 36.0% silt, and 10.9% clay. This high sand content suggests easy workability but may require frequent watering to maintain moisture for crops.

Moderate fertility levels

Organic matter sits at 1.70%, slightly below the state average of 1.81%. The available water capacity of 0.159 in/in indicates that these soils hold slightly less water for plants compared to the 0.174 in/in state benchmark.

Naturally fast-draining characteristics

While specific drainage class data is unavailable for this area, the high sand percentage generally promotes rapid water movement. Local growers should focus on soil amendments to improve water retention for thirsty garden vegetables.

Perfect for heat-tolerant crops

Situated in Hardiness Zone 8b, the county is ideal for heat-tolerant favorites like blueberries and okra. With some lime to balance the acidity, your garden can thrive during the long Mississippi growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jefferson Davis County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Lawn Challenges in Jefferson Davis County

Jefferson Davis County earns a lawn difficulty score of 38.3, making it tougher than the national median of 50.0 but significantly easier than the Mississippi state average of 30.9. Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, your lawn must withstand mild winters and humid, subtropical summers.

High Precipitation Drives Grass Growth

This county receives a generous 61.5 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the ideal range of 30-50 inches. While specific heat data is unavailable, this high rainfall means you may need to mow more frequently to keep up with rapid growth. Efficient drainage is key to preventing root rot during wet Mississippi seasons.

Neutralize Highly Acidic Soil for Success

With a soil pH of 5.01, the ground here is far more acidic than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for most grasses. The soil composition is 53.1% sand and 10.9% clay, creating a texture that likely loses nutrients quickly. You should apply lime to raise the pH and improve nutrient uptake for a greener lawn.

Stable Moisture Levels Maintain Turf Health

The county experienced only one week of drought over the past year, and currently, 0% of the area faces even abnormally dry conditions. This stability provides a great foundation for consistent growth without heavy irrigation needs. Continue monitoring soil moisture during summer peaks to maintain this healthy resilience.

Choose Heat-Tolerant Turf for Zone 8b

Warm-season grasses like Centipede or St. Augustine thrive in this climate and tolerate the local acidity better than most. Aim to plant your sod or seed in the late spring once the threat of frost passes to take advantage of the long growing season. Your efforts will pay off with a lush, resilient Mississippi lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jefferson Davis County's county score?
Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 56.2 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 Jefferson Davis County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Jefferson Davis County ranks #19 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 Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Jefferson Davis County is $728, with an effective tax rate of 0.84%. This earns Jefferson Davis County a tax score of 50.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jefferson Davis County?
The median household income in Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi is $37,183 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jefferson Davis County earns an income score of 1.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Jefferson Davis County scores 56.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Jefferson Davis 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 Jefferson Davis County with other counties side by side.

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