countyscore
49
County Score
Cost of Living 79.6Safety 66.3Property Tax 65.9

County Report Card

About Leake County, Mississippi

Competitive with National Norms

Leake County earns a 49.0 composite score, nearly reaching the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced profile that rivals many counties across the heartland.

Above the State Average

The county's score of 49.0 puts it slightly ahead of the Mississippi state average of 48.4. It serves as a strong example of a stable, affordable Mississippi community.

Accessible Housing and Low Taxes

Leake shines with a Cost Score of 79.6 and a median home value of $114,600. Its Tax Score of 65.9 is supported by a moderate effective tax rate of 0.676%.

Social and Health Infrastructure

Education and health remain primary areas for improvement, with scores of 18.1 and 10.8 respectively. These metrics suggest limited local resources for schooling and medical care.

Practical and Budget-Friendly

Leake is an excellent choice for budget-conscious residents who want a quiet, low-tax lifestyle. It is best for those who are willing to travel to nearby hubs for advanced healthcare or specialized education.

Score breakdown

Tax65.9Cost79.6Safety66.3Health10.8Schools18.1Income11.7Risk44.3Water62.6Weather45.5
🏛65.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼11.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡66.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤10.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓18.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡44.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧62.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤45.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨26.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30.3
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

Scott County
Mississippi
42.8
Attala County
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49.3
Neshoba County
Mississippi
42
Newton County
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Madison County
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Rankin County
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Winston County
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Choctaw County
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Deep Dives

Leake County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Leake County

via TaxByCounty

Leake County taxes well below US average

Leake County's effective tax rate of 0.676% is roughly one-quarter the national median of 2.6%, ranking as a low-tax jurisdiction nationally. The median annual property tax of $775 is just 29% of the national median of $2,690.

Below state average with low bills

Leake County's 0.676% effective rate falls below Mississippi's 0.743% state average, positioning it favorably for tax relief. The median property tax of $775 significantly underperforms the state median of $931.

Lower-tax area in regional context

Leake County's 0.676% effective rate is below the regional sample average, making it an affordable option. The median home value of $114,600 and modest rate produce the region's lower tax bills at $775.

Median home: roughly $775 yearly

A homeowner with the county's median-valued property of $114,600 pays approximately $775 annually in property taxes. Those with mortgages pay $1,225, while owners without mortgages pay $621.

Even low taxes deserve review

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 Leake County

via CostByCounty

Balanced affordability on modest income

Leake County's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio sits just below Mississippi's 19.6% state average, offering solid affordability to renters earning $48,418 annually. The $757 median monthly rent consumes less than one-fifth of household income, keeping Leake County competitive with national affordability standards despite below-average earnings.

Near-average affordability for rural county

Leake County ranks slightly above Mississippi's state average for housing affordability, with an 18.8% rent-to-income ratio compared to 19.6% statewide. The $757 median rent nearly matches the state average of $782, creating balanced housing costs relative to the modest local income of $48,418.

Middle-ground rents among peer counties

Leake County renters pay $757 monthly—more affordable than Lauderdale ($897) and Lawrence ($835), but pricier than Kemper ($470) and Jefferson Davis ($695). This middle positioning reflects Leake County's moderate economic profile, sitting between the region's poorest and most prosperous counties.

Renters and owners share light burden

The typical Leake County renter allocates $757 of a $4,035 monthly income to housing, consuming 18.8% of earnings and leaving healthy spending power for other needs. Homeowners with $585 monthly mortgages face an even lighter burden at 14.5%, making Leake County accessible to both renters and modest-income buyers.

Solid affordability without extreme tradeoffs

Leake County offers a practical middle ground for relocators—better affordability than Lafayette or Lamar counties without sacrificing all economic opportunity. If you seek rural Mississippi affordability without the income constraints of Lawrence County, Leake County merits serious comparison with neighboring alternatives.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Leake County

via IncomeByCounty

Income approaches state baseline, trails nation

Leake County's median household income of $48,418 represents 65% of the national median of $74,755, reflecting the income constraints typical of rural Mississippi counties. The $26,337 gap underscores limited access to high-wage employment sectors relative to national economic hubs.

Close to state average, middle-tier rank

At $48,418, Leake County nearly matches Mississippi's state average of $48,514, performing slightly below baseline by just $96. This alignment places the county in the middle band of the state's 82 counties by household income.

Solid middle-ground position regionally

Leake County's $48,418 exceeds lower-income peers like Lawrence County ($43,368), Kemper County ($43,595), and Jefferson Davis County ($37,183), while trailing Jones County ($51,143) and stronger performers Lafayette and Lamar counties. The county occupies solid regional middle ground.

Balanced housing affordability supports stability

The median home value of $114,600 and rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% indicate manageable housing costs that leave reasonable income for other essentials. The favorable ratio suggests Leake households enjoy better housing affordability relative to their earnings compared to many state peers.

Build on affordability advantage

Leake County's balanced housing costs create opportunity for households to save and invest beyond basic survival expenses. Focus on automated retirement contributions, education savings, and gradual asset accumulation while seeking professional financial advice to maximize long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Leake County

via CrimeByCounty

High Safety Standards in Leake

Leake County earns a safety score of 98.7, which is excellent compared to the national average. Its total crime rate is 792.2 per 100,000, roughly one-third of the national average of 2,385.5. Two agencies provide the data that forms this safety profile.

Above Average for Mississippi

Leake County’s safety score of 98.7 is higher than the Mississippi average of 98.4. Its total crime rate of 792.2 is also lower than the state average of 978.4. This indicates that Leake is safer than many of its peers across the state.

Comparing Leake to Nearby Counties

Leake County is significantly safer than Jones County, which reports a crime rate of 1,475.8. It is also slightly safer than Lamar County, which sits at 988.7. These figures show Leake is a relatively quiet area within the regional landscape.

Property Crime vs Violent Crime

Violent crime in Leake County is 154.7 per 100,000, very close to the state average of 149.2. Property crime is much lower at 637.5, which is well below the national property crime rate of 2,015.7. Residents deal mostly with minor property issues rather than serious violence.

Practical Home Safety Tips

Since violent crime is near the state average, investing in a home security system is a wise move for Leake residents. Visible security cameras can act as a strong deterrent for both property and violent offenders. Regular community interaction also helps keep the neighborhood safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Leake County

via HealthByCounty

Leake faces double uninsured challenge

Leake County residents live to 71.2 years, slightly above Mississippi's state average of 70.9 years but well below the U.S. average of 76.1 years. At 27.4% reporting poor or fair health and 15.8% uninsured—the highest uninsured rate in this entire profile—the county faces compounding health and access barriers.

Highest uninsured rate in eight-county profile

Leake County's 15.8% uninsured rate substantially exceeds Mississippi's state average of 13.9%, meaning roughly 1 in 6 residents lack health coverage. Combined with the highest poor health report rate tied at 27.4%, Leake residents face acute dual challenges of poor health and limited insurance access.

Tied for worst health, fewest mental providers

Leake's 27.4% poor health rate ties Lawrence for the worst in the region, while its life expectancy of 71.2 years ranks near the bottom. The county's severe shortage of mental health providers at just 9 per 100K is the lowest in the region, potentially contributing to untreated mental health crises.

Uninsured crisis drives healthcare barriers

Leake County's 15.8% uninsured rate—highest in this analysis—leaves roughly 6,000+ residents without coverage to access the county's 24 primary care and 9 mental health providers per 100K. The combination of high uninsured rates and severe mental health provider shortages creates a crisis for residents in mental health distress.

Enrollment is urgent in Leake County

With nearly 1 in 6 Leake residents uninsured and mental health resources critically scarce, immediate enrollment in Medicaid or marketplace coverage is essential for your family's health and wellbeing. Apply for coverage today—don't let cost or paperwork delay getting the protection your family deserves.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Leake County

via SchoolsByCounty

Balanced Schooling for 2,500 Students

Leake County maintains six public schools serving 2,532 total students. The system includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools.

Meeting National Graduation Benchmarks

Leake County matches the national graduation rate of 87.0% exactly. Educational investment stands at $5,259 per pupil, while the county school score is currently 48.2.

Leake County District Serves All Families

The Leake County School District oversees all 2,532 students across its six campuses. There are zero charter schools, providing a traditional public education landscape for all residents.

Town-Based Schools with Moderate Enrollment

Four schools are in town settings with two in rural areas, averaging 506 students per campus. Leake Central Elementary is the busiest school in the county, serving 860 students.

A Community with Strong Local Schools

Leake County offers a steady educational environment that meets national graduation standards. Search for your next home in a town where the school is the heart of the community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Leake County

via RiskByCounty

Leake County faces moderate national risk

With a composite risk score of 55.69 and a Relatively Low rating, Leake County ranks slightly above the national average for natural disaster exposure. The county's tornado (77.89) and hurricane (81.77) risks drive its overall profile into the moderate range.

Slightly above Mississippi's average risk

Leake County's 55.69 composite score sits just above Mississippi's 50.94 average, placing it in the state's moderate-risk tier. Tornado and hurricane exposure particularly distinguish Leake from lower-risk counties statewide.

Moderate risk in balanced regional context

Leake County's 55.69 score falls between safer peers like Lawrence County (25.00) and Kemper County (14.92) and higher-risk areas like Lafayette County (64.44) and Lamar County (64.98). The county represents a middle ground for natural disaster exposure in central Mississippi.

Tornadoes and hurricanes pose primary threats

Tornado risk dominates at 77.89, followed by hurricane risk at 81.77—both well above state averages and reflecting Leake County's position in a severe weather corridor. Earthquake risk (63.20) and flood risk (45.29) provide secondary hazard concerns.

Invest in storm preparedness and coverage

Leake County residents should develop household tornado plans and maintain emergency supplies year-round given the 77.89 tornado risk. Pair comprehensive wind and flood insurance with periodic property inspections to address vulnerabilities before severe weather strikes.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Leake County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate warmth for the South

Leake County averages 63.8°F annually, which is roughly 10 degrees warmer than the national median. This typical humid subtropical climate stays consistent with the broader Southern region.

Aligning with the state average

The county's 63.8°F annual temperature almost perfectly matches the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. This makes Leake a benchmark for typical weather patterns within the state.

Consistent with central neighbors

Leake is slightly warmer than neighboring Madison County, which averages 63.4°F. It receives more precipitation than Madison, tallying 60.1 inches of rain compared to Madison's 57.0 inches.

Predictable heat and wet winters

The county endures 77 days of extreme heat annually where temperatures top 90°F. Winter averages stay around 46.9°F, and while snow is rare at 0.2 inches, the seasonal rainfall is significant.

Prepare for wet, hot conditions

A heavy annual rainfall of 60.1 inches means residents should prepare for frequent storms and potential localized flooding. Ensure home insulation handles both the 81.4°F July average and the 77 days of intense heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Leake County

via SoilByCounty

Classic southern acidic soil

Leake County soils are acidic with a pH of 5.06. This is below the state average of 5.30 and well under the national median of 6.5, which is common for this part of the state.

Silty and sandy mixture

The profile consists of 50.7% sand and 35.4% silt, with a modest 13.9% clay. This texture is relatively easy to till while still providing enough silt to assist with nutrient management for crops.

Competitive water capacity

Organic matter measures 1.57%, trailing the state average of 1.81%. However, the available water capacity of 0.170 in/in is very close to the state benchmark, suggesting reliable water storage for plants.

Functional for many uses

The balanced sand and silt levels indicate moderate drainage characteristics across the county. It is a functional soil for most general purposes, provided the high acidity is managed with lime.

Ideal for berries and greens

Zone 8b is perfect for growing blackberries and southern greens. With a little soil amendment to raise the pH, Leake County land can become a powerhouse for home food production.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Leake County

via LawnByCounty

Average Mississippi Difficulty in Leake County

Leake County's lawn difficulty score of 30.3 is nearly identical to the Mississippi state average of 30.9. Located in Hardiness Zone 8b, it presents a typical Deep South environment for lawn care. While challenging compared to the national median of 50.0, it offers a predictable growth cycle.

Subtropical Climate Drives Maintenance Needs

The county receives 60.1 inches of rain annually and faces 77 days of temperatures reaching 90°F or higher. These factors, alongside 5,731 growing degree days, mean your grass will grow rapidly for most of the year. Regular mowing and disease prevention are the most frequent tasks for local homeowners.

Addressing pH in Sandy Loam Soils

Leake County soil has a pH of 5.06, which is significantly more acidic than the preferred 6.0 to 7.0 range. The soil is 50.7% sand and 13.9% clay, creating a texture that allows for decent drainage but needs help retaining nutrients. Testing your soil and adding lime is the first step toward a healthy, vibrant lawn.

Extensive Dry Conditions Present Challenges

Currently, a high 89.2% of Leake County is abnormally dry, even though there were only 3 weeks of official drought last year. This widespread dryness means most lawns are currently under stress and require supplemental watering. Focus on deep, infrequent irrigation to build the root resilience needed for these dry periods.

Sod Your Lawn After Late March

Zoysia and Bermuda grasses are highly recommended for their ability to withstand the 77 days of intense heat. Schedule your planting for late March, following the average last frost on March 19, to ensure the soil is warm. With proper acidity management, your Leake County lawn will flourish.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Leake County's county score?
Leake County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 49 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 Leake County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Leake County ranks #35 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 Leake County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Leake County is $775, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Leake County a tax score of 65.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Leake County?
The median household income in Leake County, Mississippi is $48,418 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Leake County earns an income score of 11.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Leake County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Leake County scores 49/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #35 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Leake 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 Leake 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.