CountyScore

Lauderdale County

Mississippi · MS

#79 in Mississippi
62.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Lauderdale County, Mississippi

Moderate livability, room to grow

Lauderdale County scores 62.4 out of 100, placing it 24 percentile points above the national median but below most of its peer counties. This mid-range score indicates solid living conditions with some notable constraints.

Below Mississippi's state average

Lauderdale County scores 62.4, noticeably below Mississippi's state average of 67.5, placing it in the lower-middle tier of the state's counties. This gap suggests room for improvement across multiple dimensions.

Affordability offers the best value

The county's cost score of 81.5 reflects housing affordability with a median home value of $124,500 and rent at $897/month. Its effective tax rate of 0.982% is competitive, though slightly higher than peer counties.

Risk and income drag performance

Lauderdale County's risk score of just 13.0 is the lowest among these eight counties, signaling substantial exposure to environmental or economic hazards. Income levels (50,033 median, 16.1 score) and health outcomes (56.5) also lag behind state norms.

Consider carefully if risk-averse

Lauderdale County appeals primarily to budget-conscious renters and those unconcerned about environmental or economic risk factors. Prospective residents should investigate the risk score thoroughly before relocating.

Score breakdown

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

Tax74.6Cost81.5SafetyComing SoonHealth56.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome16.1Risk13WaterComing Soon
🏛74.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼16.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤56.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡13
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 Lauderdale County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Lake County
California
62.4
Median income: $58,738
Jefferson County
Colorado
62.4
Median income: $107,800
Charlotte County
Florida
62.4
Median income: $66,154
Pasco County
Florida
62.4
Median income: $67,384
St. Johns County
Florida
62.4
Median income: $106,169

Deep Dives

Lauderdale County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Cost of Living in Lauderdale County

via CostByCounty

Above-average costs strain below-average incomes

Lauderdale County's 21.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Mississippi's 19.6% state average, driven by $897 monthly rents on a median household income of just $50,033. Renters here spend a larger share of their paychecks on housing than typical Americans, creating affordability pressure despite prices that appear modest nationally.

Less affordable than state average

Lauderdale County's 21.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Mississippi's less affordable counties, exceeding the state's 19.6% average. The $897 median rent runs 14.7% above the state average, pricing out lower-income households despite representing just 1.2% of the national median income.

Expensive rents for a rural county

Lauderdale County renters pay $897 monthly—higher than all neighbors except Lafayette County ($1,091) and Lamar County ($1,061). The median home value of $124,500 also exceeds most rural peers, suggesting Lauderdale County anchors a higher-cost regional corridor.

Housing consumes fifth of household income

The typical Lauderdale County renter allocates $897 of a $4,169 monthly income to housing, consuming 21.5%—approaching the stress threshold. Homeowners with $707 monthly costs face a more manageable 17%, but renters here carry above-average housing burden relative to earnings.

Compare costs before committing

Lauderdale County's higher rents relative to local incomes make it less attractive than neighboring Kemper or Leake counties if affordability is paramount. However, stronger housing prices suggest economic activity; investigate job opportunities and wage levels in your specific industry before relocating.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Lauderdale County

via HealthByCounty

Lauderdale slightly above state average

Lauderdale County residents live to 71.3 years, modestly exceeding Mississippi's state average of 70.9 years but lagging far behind the U.S. average of 76.1 years. About 24.8% report poor or fair health, one of the highest rates in this profile and well above the national average of 18%.

Mid-tier health rankings within Mississippi

Lauderdale County's life expectancy is slightly above the state mean, but its high poor health rate and relatively low uninsured rate of 13.2% (better than state average of 13.9%) suggest that coverage alone doesn't guarantee good health outcomes. The county has substantial healthcare infrastructure but faces underlying health challenges.

Outpaces Lawrence, lags Lamar by six years

Lauderdale residents outlive Lawrence (70.3 years) but fall significantly behind Lamar (77.2 years) and Kemper (75.7 years). The county's 101 primary care providers per 100K and 360 mental health providers place it among the region's better-resourced areas, though health outcomes don't fully reflect this capacity.

Strong provider access, but health challenges persist

Lauderdale County has solid healthcare infrastructure with 101 primary care and 360 mental health providers per 100K, yet 24.8% of residents report poor or fair health. The 13.2% uninsured rate is good, but suggests that gaps in health outcomes reflect lifestyle, social, or environmental factors beyond access alone.

Ensure coverage to maximize available care

With good doctor availability in Lauderdale County, having active health insurance is your key to using these resources effectively and addressing the health challenges facing your community. Check your Medicaid eligibility and marketplace plans today to stay covered and connected to care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lauderdale County

via RiskByCounty

Lauderdale faces Mississippi's highest risk

With a composite risk score of 86.96 and a Relatively Moderate rating, Lauderdale County ranks among the nation's higher-risk counties for natural disasters. The county's tornado risk (94.43) is among the highest nationally, while flood (80.06) and hurricane (83.31) risks compound the threat picture.

Highest-risk county in Mississippi

Lauderdale County's 86.96 composite score is the highest in the state, far exceeding Mississippi's 50.94 average. The county's tornado exposure (94.43) is unmatched statewide and ranks in the national top tier.

Dramatically riskier than surrounding areas

Lauderdale County's 86.96 risk profile far exceeds neighboring Jones County (80.22), Kemper County (14.92), and Leake County (55.69), making it the region's most hazard-prone area. The county's tornado risk is particularly pronounced in comparison.

Tornadoes pose acute, life-threatening threat

Tornado risk scores an exceptional 94.43 in Lauderdale County, placing it in the nation's highest tier and demanding serious structural resilience investment. Flood risk (80.06), hurricane risk (83.31), and earthquake risk (81.71) create a multi-hazard environment requiring comprehensive preparedness.

Install shelters and upgrade all coverage

Given tornado risk of 94.43, safe rooms or reinforced storm shelters are not optional—they're essential protective infrastructure for every household. Ensure homeowners insurance includes flood and wind riders, and consider additional earthquake coverage given the county's 81.71 seismic risk score.

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.