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Lauderdale County, Mississippi — County Report Card

MS

#48 in Mississippi

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
46.3
County Score
Safety 97.5Water Quality 69.3Cost of Living 51.6

County Report Card

About Lauderdale County, Mississippi

Trailing the National Median

Lauderdale County posts a composite score of 46.7, slightly behind the national median of 50.0. High risk factors and lower tax scores weigh down its national standing.

Mirroring Mississippi Averages

At 46.7, the county sits just below the state average of 48.4. It provides a standard level of Mississippi livability with specific local trade-offs.

Peak Safety and Clean Water

The county achieves a near-perfect Safety Score of 97.5, ensuring high security for residents. It also features a strong Water Score of 69.3, indicating excellent utility infrastructure.

Environmental Risk and High Taxes

The Risk Score is a low 13.0, suggesting vulnerability to natural disasters. A Tax Score of 39.3 reflects a high effective tax rate of 0.982% compared to neighbors.

A Secure Urban-Rural Mix

This county is best for those who value personal safety and reliable utilities above all else. Residents must be prepared for higher tax obligations and environmental risk management.

2040608010041.651.697.517.422.413.31369.335.4Tax41.6Cost51.6Safety97.5Health17.4Schools22.4Income13.3Risk13Water69.3Weather35.446.3/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

Lauderdale County DNA

Foverall

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

Lauderdale County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (97.5/100) but notably weak in Income (13.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
41.6-10.399999999999999
Cost
51.6
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
17.4-32.6
Schools
22.4-31.6
Income
13.3-37.7
Risk
13-34
Water
69.3+11.299999999999997
Weather
35.4-20.6
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$133,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$953/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$133,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $50,817/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

11.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Counties with similar scores

Rockdale County
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Nassau County
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McDowell County
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Cochran County
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Wood County
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Nearby counties

Clarke County
Mississippi
59.7
Kemper County
Mississippi
62.3
Newton County
Mississippi
57.9
Choctaw County
Alabama
55.7
Sumter County
Alabama
60.3
Jasper County
Mississippi
54.2
Neshoba County
Mississippi
40.2
Wayne County
Mississippi
44.6

Deep Dives

Lauderdale County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lauderdale County

via TaxByCounty

Lauderdale taxes below national median

Lauderdale County's effective tax rate of 0.982% is less than two-fifths the national median of 2.6%, keeping tax burdens manageable. The median annual property tax of $1,223 is still well below the national median of $2,690.

Highest state rate in this sample

Lauderdale County's 0.982% effective rate is the highest among these eight surveyed Mississippi counties and significantly exceeds the state average of 0.743%. The median property tax of $1,223 is just above the state median of $931.

Steepest taxes in the region

Lauderdale County's 0.982% effective rate substantially exceeds all regional peers in this sample, making it the highest-taxing jurisdiction here. The median home value of $124,500 is moderate, but the elevated rate pushes the median tax bill higher.

Median home: roughly $1,223 yearly

A homeowner with the county's median-valued property of $124,500 pays approximately $1,223 annually in property taxes. Those with mortgages pay $1,437, while owners without mortgages pay $931.

Challenge assessments in higher-rate county

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 Lauderdale County

via IncomeByCounty

Income reaches only two-thirds of US median

Lauderdale County's median household income of $50,033 captures just 67% of the national median of $74,755, a gap of $24,722 per household. This reflects regional economic constraints typical of rural Mississippi, where wage structures lag national employment centers.

Slightly above state average

At $50,033, Lauderdale County modestly exceeds Mississippi's state average of $48,514 by $1,519, placing it in the middle range of the state's 82 counties. The county performs marginally better than state baseline but lacks the stronger performance of top-tier peers.

Mid-tier within regional network

Lauderdale County's $50,033 trails Lamar County ($69,106) and Lafayette County ($64,334) significantly, while topping Leake County ($48,418), Jones County ($51,143), and underperforming counties. The county occupies the center of this cohort by income metrics.

Tight but workable housing affordability

The median home value of $124,500 and rent-to-income ratio of 21.5% indicate housing costs consume a notable share of household income. While 21.5% remains within acceptable ranges, limited margin exists for households facing unexpected expenses or income disruption.

Protect savings, explore income diversification

Lauderdale households should prioritize emergency savings to buffer tight budgets against unexpected costs or job loss. Seek skill development, side income opportunities, and financial literacy programs to gradually increase household earning power and accelerate wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lauderdale County

via CrimeByCounty

Lauderdale Reports Zero Crime

Lauderdale County currently shows a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000, resulting in a perfect safety score of 100.0. This is a dramatic contrast to the national average of 2,385.5. Although three agencies are listed, the lack of reported incidents may indicate a reporting delay.

High Rank Among Mississippi Counties

The county's safety score of 100.0 is significantly higher than the state average of 98.4. While the data suggests perfect safety, residents should note that this is rare for a county with multiple agencies. These figures place it at the top of state safety rankings for the 2022 year.

Significant Contrast to Neighbors

Lauderdale’s zero-crime report stands in sharp contrast to neighboring Jones County's rate of 1,475.8. Nearby Kemper County also reports more activity with a rate of 512.2. This data gap suggests Lauderdale may have incomplete reporting for the current cycle.

Understanding the Missing Data

With both violent and property crime rates at 0.0, there is no specific trend to analyze in the current data. Historically, property crime is the most frequent issue in this region of Mississippi. Residents should continue to follow standard safety protocols despite the lack of reported incidents.

Security Beyond the Numbers

Personal security measures are vital when official data is incomplete or missing. Installing smart cameras and ensuring home entry points are secure provides a necessary layer of protection. Vigilance and communication with neighbors remain your best defense.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lauderdale County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than the national average

Lauderdale County maintains an average annual temperature of 65.9°F, placing it significantly higher than the national median. This humid subtropical climate experiences a full two degrees more heat than the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F.

A warm pocket in East Mississippi

The county ranks among the warmer regions of the state with its 65.9°F annual average. It consistently outpaces the statewide average of 63.9°F, reflecting the intense southern heat characteristic of this region.

Matching the heat of its neighbors

Lauderdale's climate mirrors nearby Lowndes County, which stays slightly cooler at 65.4°F. While both regions face high humidity, Lauderdale receives a slightly higher 58.7 inches of annual precipitation compared to Lowndes.

Sizzling summers and mild winters

Residents face 86 extreme heat days per year where temperatures reach or exceed 90°F. Winters remain gentle with a January average of 47.6°F and a dusting of just 0.6 inches of annual snow.

Preparing for rain and humidity

The heavy 58.7 inches of annual rainfall requires robust drainage and reliable rain gear. High-efficiency HVAC systems are essential here to manage the nearly three months of extreme heat each year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lauderdale County

via SoilByCounty

Very acidic and sandy soils

Lauderdale County's soil reflects its very acidic nature, with a pH of 4.95. This is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5 and trails the Mississippi average of 5.30.

Dominance of sand particles

The composition is heavily skewed toward sand at 64.0%, with only 11.2% clay. This makes for very porous soil that drains rapidly but may struggle to hold onto fertilizers without frequent applications.

Limited water and nutrients

Organic matter stands at 1.42%, falling below the state average of 1.81%. An available water capacity of 0.147 in/in is also lower than the state benchmark, signaling a frequent need for supplemental irrigation.

Excellent drainage for building

The high sand percentage implies a fast-draining landscape across the county. This is often an advantage for construction and foundations, though it requires careful organic amendments for successful farming.

Vibrant southern harvests

In Zone 8b, the warm climate and sandy soil are excellent for southern peas and watermelon. With some soil conditioning, local gardeners can produce impressive yields throughout the long summer.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lauderdale County

via LawnByCounty

Demanding Conditions in Lauderdale County

Lauderdale County's lawn difficulty score of 25.5 reflects a challenging environment for turf. This score is lower than the Mississippi state average of 30.9 and nearly half the national median score. Being in Zone 8b, you must manage both intense heat and specific soil deficiencies.

Heat and High Humidity Impact Care

Lawns here face 86 days of extreme heat over 90°F annually, requiring heat-hardy grass selections. With 58.7 inches of rain and 6,281 growing degree days, the environment supports a very long and active growing season. This necessitates a rigorous mowing schedule to prevent the lawn from becoming overgrown and prone to pests.

Sandy Foundations Require Frequent Feeding

The soil is predominantly sand at 64.0%, which is the highest in this group, paired with a low pH of 4.95. This high sand content means water and nutrients move through the soil profile very quickly. You will need to supplement with lime and use slow-release fertilizers to keep your lawn nourished throughout the year.

Navigating Seasonal Dryness

The county experienced 12 weeks of drought over the last year, and 30.3% of the area is currently abnormally dry. Because sand retains very little moisture, your lawn will require supplemental irrigation during these 12-week stretches. Use mulch-mowing techniques to help keep some moisture in the soil surface.

Start Your Lawn in Mid-March

St. Augustine and Bermuda are excellent for Lauderdale County as they can handle the 86 days of extreme heat. Plan to establish your lawn after the last spring frost on March 16 for the best results. A proactive approach to soil pH and irrigation will overcome the local difficulty.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lauderdale County's county score?
Lauderdale County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 46.3 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 Lauderdale County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Lauderdale County ranks #48 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 Lauderdale County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Lauderdale County is $1,228, with an effective tax rate of 0.92%. This earns Lauderdale County a tax score of 41.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lauderdale County?
The median household income in Lauderdale County, Mississippi is $50,817 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lauderdale County earns an income score of 13.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lauderdale County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Lauderdale County scores 46.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #48 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Lauderdale 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 Lauderdale 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.