countyscore
62.3
County Score
Cost of Living 89.3Disaster Risk 85.1Safety 78.6

County Report Card

About Kemper County, Mississippi

Significant National Standing

Kemper County achieves a composite score of 62.8, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a robust profile for a rural American county.

One of Mississippi's Best

With a score of 62.8, Kemper significantly exceeds the Mississippi state average of 48.4. It represents a high-performing outlier in the state's rural landscape.

Affordability and Low Risk

The county shines with a Cost Score of 93.5, driven by a median gross rent of just $470 per month. A high Risk Score of 85.1 also suggests the area is well-protected against natural hazards.

Limited Economic and Health Metrics

Income remains a challenge with a score of 5.7 and a median household income of $43,595. Health and School scores also sit in the 30s, indicating room for growth in social services.

The Ultimate Bargain for Safety

Kemper is an excellent fit for families looking for extreme affordability without sacrificing environmental safety. It is a hidden gem for those who can navigate a smaller local economy.

2040608010076.489.378.632.635.67.285.157.950Tax76.4Cost89.3Safety78.6Health32.6Schools35.6Income7.2Risk85.1Water57.9Weather5062.3/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Kemper County DNA

Doverall

How Kemper County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Kemper County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (89.3/100) but notably weak in Income (7.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
76.4+24.400000000000006
Cost
89.3+41.3
Safety
78.6+23.599999999999994
Health
32.6-17.4
Schools
35.6-18.4
Income
7.2-43.8
Risk
85.1+38.099999999999994
Water
57.9
Weather
50
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Kemper County?

Many homeowners in Kemper County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$99,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$677/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$99,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $46,431/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
Compare Kemper County with Benton County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Benton County
Indiana
Median income: $65,875
62.3
Whitley County
Indiana
Median income: $78,083
62.3
Norton County
Kansas
Median income: $54,050
62.3
Bracken County
Kentucky
Median income: $66,319
62.3
Lyon County
Kentucky
Median income: $65,066
62.3
Mason County
Texas
Median income: $74,180
62.3
Russell County
Virginia
Median income: $50,012
62.3
Morgan County
Indiana
Median income: $79,429
62.2

Nearby counties

Noxubee County
Mississippi
48
Neshoba County
Mississippi
40.2
Lauderdale County
Mississippi
46.3
Winston County
Mississippi
47.6
Sumter County
Alabama
60.3
Newton County
Mississippi
57.9
Greene County
Alabama
55.5
Pickens County
Alabama
66.1

Deep Dives

Kemper County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 8 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Kemper County

via TaxByCounty

Kemper County offers lowest tax burden

Kemper County's effective tax rate of 0.598% is less than one-quarter the national median of 2.6%, ranking among the country's most affordable property tax jurisdictions. The median annual property tax of $539 represents just 20% of the national median of $2,690.

Mississippi's lowest rate in this sample

Kemper County's 0.598% effective rate is the lowest among these eight surveyed Mississippi counties and falls well below the state average of 0.743%. The median property tax of $539 is the state median of $931.

Most affordable in the region

Kemper County's 0.598% effective rate significantly undercuts all regional peers, making it the tax-friendliest county in this sample. The median home value of $90,200 and minimal tax burden make this an exceptionally affordable area.

Median home: roughly $539 yearly

A homeowner with the county's median-valued property of $90,200 pays approximately $539 annually in property taxes. Those with mortgages pay $615, while owners without mortgages pay $529.

Appeal if assessed too high

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

Income & Jobs in Kemper County

via IncomeByCounty

Income gap widens at national scale

Kemper County's median household income of $43,595 represents just 58% of the national median of $74,755, leaving a gap of more than $31,000 per household annually. This significant shortfall reflects the county's rural character and limited access to high-wage employment sectors.

Below state average, mid-tier ranking

At $43,595, Kemper County trails Mississippi's state average of $48,514 by roughly $5,000, placing it in the lower-middle band of the state's 82 counties. The county performs better than the most distressed counties but lags behind stronger regional economies.

Modest advantage over struggling peers

Kemper County ($43,595) edges Jefferson Davis County ($37,183) and Lawrence County ($43,368), but falls behind Leake County ($48,418) and Lauderdale County ($50,033). It occupies the lower end of the regional income spectrum despite marginal advantages over the most economically stressed neighbors.

Excellent housing affordability cushions tight budgets

Kemper County's lowest rent-to-income ratio in the cohort—just 12.9%—and median home value of $90,200 create genuine housing affordability. This advantage frees household resources for food, healthcare, and utilities, though overall income remains constrained.

Capitalize on low housing costs

With exceptional housing affordability, Kemper households should redirect savings toward emergency reserves and retirement accounts before pursuing asset purchases. Local workforce development, small business training, and agricultural innovation programs offer pathways to income diversification.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Kemper County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in Kemper

Kemper County boasts a safety score of 99.2, indicating it is one of the safer jurisdictions in the country. Its total crime rate of 512.2 per 100,000 is roughly one-fifth of the national average of 2,385.5. Three local agencies provided data to support these strong safety figures.

Outperforming State Averages

Kemper County's safety score of 99.2 easily beats the Mississippi state average of 98.4. Its total crime rate of 512.2 is also significantly lower than the state average of 978.4. This puts Kemper in the top tier of the state's safety rankings.

Lower Crime Than Neighboring Counties

Kemper is notably safer than Jones County, which reports a crime rate nearly three times higher at 1,475.8. It also outperforms Leake County’s rate of 792.2. These low numbers reflect a quiet, rural landscape with fewer reported incidents.

Low Property Crime Rates

The property crime rate stands at 345.2 per 100,000, which is exceptionally low compared to the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime is also moderate at 167.0, sitting just above the state average. This balance indicates a community where serious safety threats are rare.

Smart Security for Kemper

Maintaining this low crime rate requires consistent individual effort like locking windows and doors. Since violent crime is slightly above state averages, outdoor motion lighting is a smart investment for peace of mind. Rural properties benefit most from clearly marked boundaries and secure gates.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Soil Quality in Kemper County

via SoilByCounty

Typical Mississippi acidity

Kemper County matches the state average pH exactly at 5.30. While typical for the region, it remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5, which impacts nutrient availability.

A balanced soil structure

A mix of 46.1% sand, 35.7% silt, and 18.1% clay provides a sturdy foundation for local plant life. This composition offers a better balance of drainage and nutrient retention than sandier neighboring counties.

Moderate water and organic content

Organic matter clocks in at 1.78%, nearly reaching the state average of 1.81%. With an available water capacity of 0.160 in/in, the soil provides a moderate reservoir for plants during typical summers.

Stable moisture retention

The nearly 20% clay content suggests significant water-holding potential compared to sandier coastal counties. Builders and farmers should expect slightly slower drainage than in the southern parts of the state.

Prime for pecans and potatoes

Zone 8b provides a warm climate for growing sweet potatoes and pecans. Given the balanced soil scores, Kemper County is a prime spot for a productive home orchard or vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Kemper County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Relative Ease in Kemper County

Kemper County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 38.9, making it one of the easier places in Mississippi to maintain a lawn. While still more difficult than the national average of 50.0, it outperforms the state average of 30.9. The Zone 8b climate provides a long window for warm-season grass success.

Subtropical Conditions Support Steady Growth

While specific local temperature and precipitation data are limited, Kemper County fits the regional pattern of high humidity and warm nights. These factors generally lead to a long growing season that requires consistent mowing and fungal monitoring. Ensure your lawn care routine accounts for the typical Mississippi moisture levels.

Managing Clay-Rich Acidic Soils

The soil pH of 5.30 is acidic but slightly better than neighboring counties, though it still requires lime for optimal growth. With 18.1% clay and 46.1% sand, the soil holds moisture better than more sandy areas but may compact easily. Aerating your lawn can help oxygen reach the roots through this denser soil structure.

Navigating 22 Weeks of Drought

Kemper County faced a significant 22 weeks of drought over the past year, and 33.3% of the area is currently abnormally dry. This history of water stress makes drought-tolerant grass varieties a must for local homeowners. Focus on water conservation by only irrigating in the early morning to minimize evaporation.

Leverage the Long Growing Season

Bahiagrass or Centipedegrass are great options here as they tolerate acidic soils and periods of drought relatively well. Since specific frost dates are unavailable, wait for consistent nighttime temperatures above 60°F before planting. Your county's score suggests that with a bit of soil work, a beautiful lawn is well within reach.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kemper County's county score?
Kemper County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 62.3 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 Kemper County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Kemper County ranks #4 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 Kemper County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Kemper County is $563, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Kemper County a tax score of 76.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kemper County?
The median household income in Kemper County, Mississippi is $46,431 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kemper County earns an income score of 7.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kemper County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Kemper County scores 62.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Kemper 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 Kemper County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.