CountyScore

Kemper County

Mississippi · MS

#2 in Mississippi
75.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Kemper County, Mississippi

Among America's most livable counties

Kemper County scores 75.2 out of 100, ranking it 50 percentile points above the national median and placing it in the top quartile of American counties. This excellent performance reflects genuinely strong livability conditions across multiple dimensions.

Mississippi's strongest performer

Kemper County significantly outpaces Mississippi's state average of 67.5 with a score of 75.2, making it one of the state's most livable communities. This represents a meaningful gap that places the county well ahead of peers.

Exceptional affordability and stability

Kemper County's standout strength is cost affordability with a score of 91.6—among the nation's best—featuring median rents of just $470/month and home values of $90,200. Its risk score of 85.1 and tax score of 85.5 signal strong economic and environmental stability.

Income remains a concern

The county's income score of 11.9 reflects a median household income of $43,595, well below national norms and limiting economic mobility. Health outcomes (60.8) are adequate but could be stronger for a county otherwise performing so well.

Ideal for bargain hunters seeking stability

Kemper County is best suited to individuals and families who prioritize exceptional housing affordability, low taxes, and environmental stability over high earning potential. It's a top choice for retirees, remote workers, and those seeking maximum financial security.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax85.5Cost91.6SafetyComing SoonHealth60.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome11.9Risk85.1WaterComing Soon
🏛85.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠91.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼11.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤60.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡85.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Kemper County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Washington County
Alabama
75.2
Median income: $60,503
Denali Borough
Alaska
75.2
Median income: $88,935
Parke County
Indiana
75.2
Median income: $66,776
Sac County
Iowa
75.2
Median income: $70,991
Pipestone County
Minnesota
75.2
Median income: $66,073

Deep Dives

Kemper County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Cost of Living in Kemper County

via CostByCounty

Cheapest rents in the comparison set

Kemper County's exceptional 12.9% rent-to-income ratio is less than half the national affordability threshold of 30%, making it among the most affordable housing markets in America. At just $470 monthly, renters here enjoy extraordinary breathing room—spending only $470 of their $3,633 median monthly income on housing.

Mississippi's most affordable county here

Kemper County's 12.9% rent-to-income ratio dramatically outperforms Mississippi's 19.6% state average and ranks as the lowest in this eight-county set. The median rent of $470 is less than 60% of the state average of $782, offering unmatched affordability for renters willing to trade urban amenities for rural savings.

Dramatically cheaper than surrounding counties

Kemper County's $470 median rent is less than two-thirds of Lawrence County's $835 and Lauderdale County's $897. Only Leake County ($757) approaches similar affordability, making Kemper the clear choice for renters prioritizing lowest possible housing costs.

Rents consume minimal household income

With $470 monthly rent and $3,633 median monthly income, Kemper County renters spend just 12.9% on housing—the lowest ratio in this dataset. Homeowners investing $571 monthly in mortgages fare similarly well at 15.7%, creating genuine affordability across both housing types.

Unbeatable rents for budget-conscious movers

Kemper County offers the lowest housing costs in this eight-county analysis, ideal for remote workers or retirees on fixed incomes. Before relocating for these bargain rents, verify that local job markets or broadband access align with your income needs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Kemper County

via HealthByCounty

Kemper's life expectancy leads the region

At 75.7 years, Kemper County residents enjoy the second-highest life expectancy among the eight profiled counties, approaching the national average of 76.1 years. However, 24.2% report poor or fair health, well above the national average of 18%, suggesting that longevity masks underlying health struggles.

High life expectancy, moderate health ratings

Kemper County significantly exceeds Mississippi's state life expectancy average of 70.9 years by nearly five years, ranking it among the state's healthier regions. The 13% uninsured rate is among the lowest statewide, indicating relatively good insurance coverage.

Longest-living county, fewest doctors

Kemper residents live longer than all neighbors except Lafayette (76.0 years) and Lamar (77.2 years), yet the county has only 11 primary care providers per 100K—the lowest in the region. This paradox highlights the importance of factors beyond doctor availability in shaping community health.

Severe provider shortage despite good outcomes

Kemper County's critical shortfall of just 11 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 12 mental health providers makes accessing care logistically difficult, despite residents' relatively high life expectancy. The 13% uninsured rate is reassuring, but sparse provider networks mean many residents may struggle to find available appointments.

Enrollment ensures access when care is scarce

In a county with limited healthcare providers, having active insurance coverage is essential—it helps you navigate telehealth options and reach specialists in neighboring areas. Check your Medicaid eligibility and marketplace plans to ensure you're covered for the care you'll need.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kemper County

via RiskByCounty

Kemper County ranks among nation's safest

With a composite risk score of just 14.92 and a Very Low rating, Kemper County is substantially safer than the national average across natural disasters. The county's flood risk (9.38) is exceptionally low, anchoring its overall safety profile.

Mississippi's lowest-risk county

Kemper County's 14.92 composite score is the lowest in Mississippi, sitting far below the state average of 50.94. The county's combination of low flood, wildfire, and tornado exposure distinguishes it statewide.

Safest in its region by far

Kemper County's very low risk (14.92) places it well below neighboring Jones County (80.22) and Lauderdale County (86.96), making it a relative haven for disaster resilience. Even regional peers like Lawrence County (25.00) carry substantially higher risk.

Hurricane and tornado risks warrant attention

Despite overall low risk, hurricane exposure scores 65.58 in Kemper County, making tropical storms a noteworthy secondary threat. Tornado risk (56.39) and earthquake risk (49.20) remain well below state averages.

Standard homeowners insurance provides solid baseline

Kemper County residents benefit from minimal natural disaster exposure and can rely on standard homeowners policies as a foundation. However, even low-risk counties should verify coverage limits and consider flood insurance if located in mapped zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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