countyscore
56.8
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 75Cost of Living 72.2

County Report Card

About Lawrence County, Mississippi

Outperforming National Benchmarks

Lawrence County's composite score of 56.8 is notably higher than the national median of 50.0. This makes it a very attractive option on the national rural stage.

Exceeding State Expectations

The county's score of 56.8 easily beats the Mississippi state average of 48.4. It is one of the more desirable counties in the state for overall quality of life.

Top-Tier Safety and Low Costs

With a Safety Score of 97.5, this is one of the safest places to live in the state. Affordability is also high, with a Cost Score of 72.2 and homes averaging $104,600.

Lower Earnings and Health Access

The Income Score of 5.4 indicates a workforce with lower median earnings of $43,368. Additionally, the Health Score of 12.7 is the lowest in the immediate region.

Secure and Affordable Rural Living

Lawrence is a fantastic fit for families or individuals who prioritize physical security and low monthly bills. It offers a high quality of life for those not focused on climbing a corporate ladder.

Score breakdown

Tax63.4Cost72.2Safety97.5Health12.7Schools37.5Income5.4Risk75Water57.5Weather27.9
🏛63.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼5.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤12.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓37.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡75
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧57.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤27.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨26.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱28.2
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 →
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Nearby counties

Jefferson Davis County
Mississippi
56.2
Walthall County
Mississippi
48.5
Lincoln County
Mississippi
41.6
Marion County
Mississippi
49.4
Simpson County
Mississippi
55.8
Copiah County
Mississippi
55.1
Covington County
Mississippi
47.2
Pike County
Mississippi
37.9

Deep Dives

Lawrence County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lawrence County

via TaxByCounty

Lawrence taxes remain minimal nationally

Lawrence County's effective tax rate of 0.700% is less than one-third the national median of 2.6%, ensuring modest tax obligations. The median annual property tax of $732 represents just 27% of the national median of $2,690.

Slightly below state average

Lawrence County's 0.700% effective rate sits just below Mississippi's 0.743% state average, making it tax-competitive statewide. The median property tax of $732 falls below the state median of $931.

Affordable rate in mid-range sample

Lawrence County's 0.700% effective rate places it in the affordable tier regionally, below the sample average. The median home value of $104,600 and moderate tax rate combine to keep annual bills around $732.

Median home: roughly $732 yearly

A homeowner with the county's median-valued property of $104,600 pays approximately $732 annually in property taxes. Those with mortgages pay $1,172, while owners without mortgages pay $556.

Assess your property's tax assessment

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 Lawrence County

via CostByCounty

Tight affordability despite low rent prices

Lawrence County's 23.1% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in this eight-county set, driven by $835 monthly rents on a compressed median household income of $43,368. Though rents appear modest nationally, local earning power makes housing consume a larger share of income here than in most American counties.

Among state's least affordable counties

Lawrence County ranks as one of Mississippi's least affordable housing markets, with a 23.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeding the state's 19.6% average. The median rent of $835 runs 6.8% above the state average, but the median income of $43,368 is so depressed that affordability becomes acute.

High rents on low incomes create strain

Lawrence County renters pay $835 monthly—more than Jefferson Davis ($695) and Kemper ($470), but less than Lauderdale ($897). The burden, however, is steeper because Lawrence County's $43,368 median income ranks among the lowest in this dataset, making relative affordability worse than the nominal prices suggest.

Housing crisis for lowest-income county

The typical Lawrence County renter spends $835 of a $3,614 monthly income on housing, consuming 23.1%—exceeding comfortable affordability. Even homeowners with $552 monthly mortgages spend 15.3% of income on housing, indicating that Lawrence County residents across both groups face significant affordability strain.

Affordability concerns despite low nominal costs

Lawrence County's low rents ($835) appeal to budget-conscious movers, but the depressed median income ($43,368) signals limited economic opportunity. Unless you bring remote income, consider whether local job prospects can sustain your household before relocating to Lawrence County.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lawrence County

via IncomeByCounty

Income gap widens significantly nationally

Lawrence County's median household income of $43,368 represents just 58% of the national median of $74,755, a shortfall of $31,387 per household annually. This substantial gap underscores the county's position at the lower end of the national income distribution, typical of economically stressed rural areas.

Below state average, lower-tier ranking

At $43,368, Lawrence County trails Mississippi's state average of $48,514 by $5,146, placing it in the lower third of the state's 82 counties. The county faces economic challenges reflected in below-average earning capacity across its workforce.

Among the lowest in regional cohort

Lawrence County's $43,368 edges marginally above Jefferson Davis County ($37,183) and matches closely with Kemper County ($43,595), but trails Leake County ($48,418), Lauderdale County ($50,033), and all stronger performers. The county sits in the bottom tier of this peer group.

High rent burden strains tight budgets

Lawrence County's rent-to-income ratio of 23.1%—the second-highest in this cohort—signals housing costs consume substantial household resources. Combined with modest median home value of $104,600, the high ratio indicates limited surplus income for savings, healthcare, or essential services.

Focus on stability, skill-building first

Lawrence County households facing housing cost pressure should prioritize modest emergency reserves and resist debt accumulation. Invest in workforce training, certifications, and job-seeking support to increase earning potential and create breathing room for long-term wealth strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lawrence County

via CrimeByCounty

Flawless Safety Score in Lawrence

Lawrence County reports a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000, earning it a perfect safety score of 100.0. This is vastly different from the national crime rate of 2,385.5. Because only one agency reported data, these figures should be interpreted with caution.

Leading the State in Safety

The county's safety score of 100.0 puts it ahead of the Mississippi state average of 98.4. This ranking makes Lawrence appear as one of the safest places in the state. However, single-agency reporting often results in lower reported crime totals than multi-agency counties.

Quieter Than Surrounding Counties

Lawrence reports much less activity than neighboring Lamar County, which has a rate of 988.7. It also shows far fewer incidents than Jones County’s 1,475.8. This suggests a very peaceful local environment, though reporting coverage plays a role.

Minimal Reported Incidents

Both property and violent crime rates are currently listed as 0.0 per 100,000 residents. In a typical county, property crime usually accounts for the vast majority of police reports. The absence of these numbers indicates either an exceptionally quiet year or limited data entry.

Maintain a Safe Home

Don't let a zero-crime rate lead to complacency in your home security. Ensure all doors and windows have working locks and consider basic motion-sensing lights. Keeping your property well-maintained and lit is a proven way to deter any potential crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lawrence County

via HealthByCounty

Lawrence faces significant health challenges

Lawrence County residents live to just 70.3 years, the lowest in this eight-county profile and below Mississippi's state average of 70.9 years by half a year. A striking 27.4% report poor or fair health, the highest rate among all counties analyzed and half again the national average of 18%.

Lowest life expectancy in the region

Lawrence County ranks among Mississippi's least healthy regions, with life expectancy below the state average and the highest poor health rate in this analysis. The 13.3% uninsured rate is nearly at the state average of 13.9%, but insurance coverage has not translated into better health outcomes.

Shortest lifespan, fewest providers nearby

Lawrence residents live significantly shorter lives than all regional neighbors, with a gap of nearly seven years compared to Lamar (77.2 years). The county's critical shortfall of just 17 primary care providers per 100K and 34 mental health providers leaves residents with limited access to preventive and mental health services.

Severe provider shortage compounds health struggles

Lawrence County's scarcity of primary care providers at just 17 per 100K and mental health providers at 34 per 100K means residents struggle to access even basic preventive care. Combined with a 13.3% uninsured rate, these access barriers likely contribute to the county's alarmingly high poor health report rate.

Coverage is critical in underserved Lawrence

In a county with acute provider shortages, having active insurance is essential—it enables you to access care in neighboring areas and ensures you're not turned away due to lack of coverage. Check your Medicaid and marketplace eligibility immediately to maximize your access to available care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lawrence County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in a Rural Setting

Lawrence County operates six public schools serving a total of 1,696 students. This focused network includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools.

Excellent Outcomes with Efficient Spending

The county achieves a standout 92.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87.0%. This success comes with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,687 and a solid school score of 51.7.

Centralized Governance in One District

The Lawrence County School District manages all six schools and 1,696 students in the county. Charter schools are not present, allowing the district to maintain a consistent educational standard.

Entirely Rural and Intimate School Sizes

All six schools are located in rural areas, fostering a small-town feel with an average of 339 students per school. Lawrence County High School is the largest campus, enrolling 535 students.

High Graduation Rates in a Quiet Setting

For families seeking high academic performance in a rural environment, Lawrence County is a top contender. Check out homes near these high-achieving local schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lawrence County

via RiskByCounty

Lawrence County ranks among nation's safest

With a composite risk score of 25.00 and a Very Low rating, Lawrence County is substantially safer than the national average for natural disasters. The county's low flood risk (28.34) helps anchor an overall profile that's protective for residents.

Among Mississippi's safest counties

Lawrence County's 25.00 composite score is well below Mississippi's 50.94 average, placing it in the state's lowest-risk tier. Only Kemper County (14.92) registers lower overall natural disaster exposure statewide.

Safer than most regional peers

Lawrence County's 25.00 risk score places it well below Leake County (55.69), Lafayette County (64.44), and Lamar County (64.98), though it ranks slightly higher than Kemper County (14.92). The county benefits from a relatively balanced hazard profile without any single dominant threat.

Hurricane exposure is noteworthy secondary threat

Hurricane risk scores 78.18 in Lawrence County, marking it as the most significant natural hazard despite the county's overall very low composite risk. Wildfire (54.13), tornado (56.27), and earthquake (41.28) risks all remain modest by national standards.

Standard insurance sufficient with attention to wind

Lawrence County residents can rely on standard homeowners policies as a solid foundation for most hazards given the county's very low overall risk. Consider adding wind and flood riders as supplemental coverage, particularly in mapped flood zones or areas exposed to tropical systems.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lawrence County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep South warmth defines Lawrence

With an average annual temperature of 67.2°F, Lawrence County is much warmer than most of the United States. Its humid subtropical profile contributes to an environment significantly hotter than the 53°F national median.

Hotter than the state average

The county’s 67.2°F average temperature sits well above the Mississippi statewide mean of 63.9°F. This makes it one of the warmer territories in the state's southern interior.

Leading neighbors in temperature

Lawrence is considerably warmer than its neighbor Lincoln County, which averages 64.4°F. It also receives 60.4 inches of rain, slightly less than Lincoln's 61.6 inches but still well above national levels.

An abundance of extreme heat

Summer dominates the calendar with a staggering 105 days per year reaching 90°F or higher. Winters are barely felt, with a mild January average of 48.9°F and negligible snowfall of only 0.2 inches.

Prioritize cooling and hydration

With over 100 days of extreme heat, residents should prioritize indoor cooling and heat-safety plans. The 60.4 inches of annual precipitation also suggests investing in high-quality roofing and moisture control for homes.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lawrence County

via SoilByCounty

Strongly acidic soil conditions

Lawrence County soils have an average pH of 5.10, making them quite acidic. This falls between the state average of 5.30 and the more extreme acidity found in neighboring southern counties.

Balanced sand and silt

The soil is a fairly balanced mix of 44.9% sand and 42.7% silt. This combination offers a good middle ground for drainage and workability, making it versatile for various types of land use.

Solid moisture retention

Organic matter is 1.61%, slightly below the state average of 1.81%. The available water capacity of 0.164 in/in is also just under the state average of 0.174 in/in, indicating moderate drought resistance.

Reliable hydrology for farming

The high silt content suggests better moisture retention than the sandier soils found near the coast. This provides a stable environment for both residential landscaping and small-scale agriculture.

Perfect for summer squash

Zone 8b allows for a wide range of planting options, including figs and summer squash. The balanced soil texture makes it a great place to start your first vegetable garden this year.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lawrence County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Turf Care in Lawrence County

Lawrence County has a lawn difficulty score of 28.2, making it slightly more difficult than the state average. This Zone 8b county requires a dedicated approach to maintain green space against high heat and acidic soil. Compared to the national median of 50.0, your lawn demands extra attention.

Enduring 105 Days of Extreme Heat

Lawrence County experiences a staggering 105 days of extreme heat above 90°F, the most in this region. Combined with 60.4 inches of rain and 6,663 growing degree days, the climate is essentially a powerhouse for tropical growth and heat stress. You must select turf that can survive months of intense Mississippi sun.

Acidic Ground Needs Careful Prep

The soil pH of 5.10 is well below the ideal range, requiring lime to unlock nutrients for your grass. With 44.9% sand and 12.4% clay, the soil is somewhat balanced but still leans toward fast drainage. Improving the soil's organic content will help it hold onto water during those 105 days of high heat.

High Heat Increases Water Demand

While only 3 weeks were spent in drought last year, 18.7% of the area is currently abnormally dry. The extreme heat of 105 days means that even a short dry spell can lead to rapid turf browning. Prioritize early morning watering to ensure your lawn is hydrated before the midday heat peaks.

Plant for Maximum Heat Tolerance

Bermuda grass is the gold standard for Lawrence County because it thrives in extreme heat and recovers quickly from stress. The best time to start is after the average last frost on March 12 to take full advantage of the massive growing window. Stay vigilant with hydration and you can beat the heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lawrence County's county score?
Lawrence County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 56.8 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 Lawrence County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Lawrence County ranks #17 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 Lawrence County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Lawrence County is $732, with an effective tax rate of 0.70%. This earns Lawrence County a tax score of 63.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lawrence County?
The median household income in Lawrence County, Mississippi is $43,368 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lawrence County earns an income score of 5.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lawrence County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Lawrence County scores 56.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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.