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Lauderdale County, Mississippi — County Report Card

MS

#46 in Mississippi

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
46.8
County Score
Safety 97.5Water Quality 69.3Cost of Living 55.1

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.

2040608010039.355.197.517.422.414.51369.335.4Tax39.3Cost55.1Safety97.5Health17.4Schools22.4Income14.5Risk13Water69.3Weather35.446.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

Lauderdale County DNA

Foverall

How Lauderdale County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Lauderdale County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (97.5/100) but notably weak in Income (14.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
39.3-12.700000000000003
Cost
55.1
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
17.4-32.6
Schools
22.4-31.6
Income
14.5-36.5
Risk
13-34
Water
69.3+11.299999999999997
Weather
35.4-20.6
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Many homeowners in Lauderdale County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$124,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$897/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$124,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $50,033/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.

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Compare Lauderdale County with Dillingham Census Area →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Clarke County
Mississippi
60.7
Kemper County
Mississippi
62.8
Newton County
Mississippi
56
Choctaw County
Alabama
54.7
Sumter County
Alabama
59.1
Jasper County
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53.9
Neshoba County
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42
Wayne County
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41.9

Deep Dives

Lauderdale County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

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

Schools in Lauderdale County

via SchoolsByCounty

Twenty-Two Schools Across Two Districts

Lauderdale County manages 10,524 students through a network of 22 public schools. The infrastructure is well-distributed with 10 elementary, five middle, and six high schools.

Competitive Spending and Steady Results

The county spends $6,082 per student, exceeding the state average of $5,954. The graduation rate of 86.1% is just under the state and national benchmarks of roughly 87%.

Lauderdale County and Meridian Public Districts

The Lauderdale County School District serves 5,910 students, while Meridian Public Schools educates 4,614. No charter schools are active, though one alternative school provides specialized support.

A Mix of Town and Rural Campuses

The county features 12 town-based schools and 10 rural schools, with an average enrollment of 526. Meridian High School is the largest facility, housing 1,301 students.

Find Your Place in a Diverse School System

From rural settings to town-based campuses, Lauderdale County offers variety for every family. High per-pupil spending makes this an attractive area for those monitoring educational investment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Lauderdale County

via WaterByCounty

Superior Water Compliance in Lauderdale

Lauderdale County maintains a B grade for drinking water, with only 1 health violation reported in five years. Its violation rate of 1.3 per 100,000 residents is among the lowest in Mississippi, far below the state average of 92.1. This indicates a high level of consistency in the county's public water systems.

Federal Assessment of Local Watersheds

Water bodies in Lauderdale County have not been formally assessed in the most recent federal §303(d) cycle. Consequently, there are no official impairment statistics or pollutant causes currently listed in the ATTAINS database. This identifies a need for future federal assessment to characterize the health of the county's streams.

Extensive Environmental Monitoring Network

With 12 monitoring sites, Lauderdale County has one of the most extensive networks in the region, totaling 2,890 measurements over five years. The monitoring focuses on physical properties, nutrients, and metals. This diverse array of data points provides a strong scientific foundation for managing local water resources.

Steady Flow on the Chunky River

The Chunky River near Chunky is currently flowing at 386 cubic feet per second, representing 75% of its long-term mean. This suggests relatively stable hydrological conditions, though slightly lower than historical averages. Steady river flow supports consistent source water quality for the surrounding communities.

Leveraging Local Data for Safety

Lauderdale County's low violation rate and extensive monitoring network provide a high degree of confidence in local water safety. With the Chunky River flowing at 75% of its typical volume, source water remains relatively stable. Support for official watershed assessments could further strengthen the county’s long-term environmental planning.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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 46.8 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 Lauderdale County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Lauderdale County ranks #46 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 $1,223, with an effective tax rate of 0.98%. This earns Lauderdale County a tax score of 39.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lauderdale County?
The median household income in Lauderdale County, Mississippi is $50,033 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lauderdale County earns an income score of 14.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lauderdale County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Lauderdale County scores 46.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #46 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.