countyscore
62.8
County Score
Cost of Living 93.5Disaster 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.

Score breakdown

Tax74.8Cost93.5Safety78.6Health32.6Schools35.6Income5.7Risk85.1Water57.9Weather50
🏛74.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠93.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼5.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡78.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤32.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓35.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡85.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧57.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨31.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱38.9
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 →
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

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 Johnson County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Johnson County
Georgia
Median income: $54,183
62.8
Mercer County
Missouri
Median income: $60,357
62.8
Edmunds County
South Dakota
Median income: $77,266
62.8
Barbour County
West Virginia
Median income: $48,347
62.8
Randolph County
West Virginia
Median income: $55,057
62.8
Jackson County
Kentucky
Median income: $41,410
62.7
Garrett County
Maryland
Median income: $69,031
62.7
Choctaw County
Mississippi
Median income: $48,321
62.7

Nearby counties

Noxubee County
Mississippi
48.6
Neshoba County
Mississippi
42
Lauderdale County
Mississippi
46.8
Winston County
Mississippi
48.5
Sumter County
Alabama
59.1
Newton County
Mississippi
56
Greene County
Alabama
56.6
Pickens County
Alabama
66.6

Deep Dives

Kemper County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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

Schools in Kemper County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Rural Education Across Five Schools

Kemper County operates a single consolidated school district serving 884 students. The landscape consists of one elementary, two middle, and two high schools.

High Investment per Student in Kemper

The county invests $7,706 per pupil, which significantly exceeds the state average of $5,954. While the graduation rate of 82.0% trails the national average, the school score of 50.8 sits just above the state mean.

Single District Governance for All Students

The Kemper County School District manages all five public schools in the county. There are no charter schools, ensuring a unified educational approach for the entire student body.

Small, Entirely Rural School Settings

Every school in the county is classified as rural, creating a close-knit learning environment with an average of only 221 students per school. Kemper County High School is the largest facility, yet it only enrolls 323 students.

Discover Quiet Living Near Local Schools

For those seeking a rural lifestyle with high per-pupil investment, Kemper County offers a unique opportunity. Consider local school proximity as you search for your next home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

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 62.8 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 #3 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 $539, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Kemper County a tax score of 74.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kemper County?
The median household income in Kemper County, Mississippi is $43,595 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kemper County earns an income score of 5.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kemper County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Kemper County scores 62.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 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.

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.