46.3
County Score
Safety 97.5Cost of Living 75.8Water Quality 65.6

County Report Card

About Leflore County, Mississippi

Leflore County nears the national median

Leflore County posts a composite score of 46.3, placing it just under the national median of 50.0. This ranking reflects a balance between exceptional community safety and economic constraints.

Competitive within the state of Mississippi

The county’s 46.3 score is close to the Mississippi state average of 48.4. It stands out in the Delta region for specific community strengths despite statewide economic trends.

Exceptional safety and housing affordability

Leflore County boasts a remarkable safety score of 97.5 and a cost score of 75.8. Homebuyers find value here with a median home price of just $98,200 and median rents of $701.

Economic and educational growth opportunities

Income and school scores are significant challenges, sitting at 0.7 and 4.1 respectively. The median household income of $33,188 highlights a need for broader economic development and investment in local classrooms.

A sanctuary for budget-conscious safety

This county is perfect for retirees or remote workers who prioritize personal security and ultra-low housing costs. It offers one of the safest environments in the state for those not reliant on the local job market.

Score breakdown

Tax34.1Cost75.8Safety97.5Health10.5Schools4.1Income0.7Risk26.5Water65.6Weather42.6
🏛34.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠75.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼0.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
10.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓4.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
26.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧65.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤42.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨27.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱22
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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Deep Dives

Leflore County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Leflore County

via TaxByCounty

Leflore's tax rate ranks high for Mississippi

At 1.056%, Leflore County's effective property tax rate is notably higher than the national median of 2.1%, though this still reflects the broader affordability of Mississippi's tax system. Despite lower home values, Leflore residents pay $1,037 annually in property tax—less than the national median of $2,690 but significantly more than most Mississippi neighbors.

Leflore tops most Mississippi counties in rate

Leflore County's 1.056% effective rate substantially exceeds Mississippi's statewide average of 0.743%, making it one of the state's higher-taxed counties. The median property tax of $1,037 also surpasses the state median of $931, despite Leflore's lower median home value of $98,200.

Leflore taxes significantly higher than region

Leflore's 1.056% rate stands well above comparable counties like Lee (0.722%), Lincoln (0.717%), and Lowndes (0.640%). This means Leflore residents face the steepest tax burden among the region's eight counties, even accounting for lower property values.

Median home tax runs $1,037 annually

On a median Leflore County home valued at $98,200, property taxes amount to roughly $1,037 per year. With a mortgage, taxes climb to $1,490; without, they drop to $821.

Assessment appeal could lower your burden

Given Leflore's higher-than-average effective rate, reassessing your home's value is especially worthwhile. Many properties are overvalued on tax rolls, and filing an appeal with the county assessor can return meaningful savings to your household budget.

Cost of Living in Leflore County

via CostByCounty

Leflore County faces affordability crisis

Leflore County renters spend 25.4% of their income on rent—far exceeding the 16% national benchmark and well above Mississippi's 19.6% state average. With median household income at just $33,188, housing costs consume roughly a quarter of annual earnings, leaving little for food, healthcare, or savings.

Among Mississippi's least affordable counties

Leflore County's 25.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the worst in Mississippi, driven by the state's lowest median household income in this eight-county region. The affordability squeeze here is acute: wages lag while housing demands outpace regional and national norms.

Lowest income, highest housing burden

Leflore's $33,188 median income is dramatically lower than Lee County's $67,144 and even undercuts Marion County's $42,320. Although rent is relatively cheap at $701 monthly, the wage gap means housing consumes a far larger share of household budgets here than anywhere else in this peer group.

Housing dominates household budgets

At $701 monthly, Leflore rent is among the region's cheapest, yet it still claims 25.4% of a resident's $33,188 annual income. Homeowners fare slightly better at $724 monthly, but that figure still represents 26.2% of income—unsustainable by housing-affordability standards.

Leflore demands higher wages elsewhere

Housing here is cheap but incomes are too low to make that advantage matter; renters spend far too much of limited earnings on shelter. If you're considering relocation, seek counties like Lee or Madison where wages are stronger and housing costs represent a smaller portion of total income.

Income & Jobs in Leflore County

via IncomeByCounty

Leflore County faces significant income challenge

Leflore County's median household income of $33,188 falls dramatically short of the national median of $74,755—a shortfall of $41,567. This gap reflects economic headwinds that require targeted intervention and workforce development to narrow.

Leflore County ranks lowest statewide

Leflore County's median household income of $33,188 sits 31% below Mississippi's already-low state average of $48,514, making it one of the state's lowest-earning counties. Per capita income of $22,303 also trails the state average of $27,136, indicating widespread economic stress.

Economic gap widens toward stronger counties

Leflore County's $33,188 median household income lags significantly behind neighboring Lowndes County ($54,460) and Marshall County ($51,875), a gap of $18,000–$21,000 per household. This disparity suggests unequal access to employment, education, and economic opportunity across the region.

Housing costs strain household budgets

Leflore County's rent-to-income ratio of 25.4% approaches the national affordability threshold, meaning housing consumes a disproportionate share of limited household earnings. At a median home value of $98,200 relative to median income, homeownership becomes difficult for many families already stretched thin.

Prioritize financial stability and skill-building

Leflore County residents face tight budget constraints, making foundational financial habits—emergency savings, debt reduction, and protective insurance—essential starting points. Community programs focused on financial literacy and job training can help households build pathways to higher-wage employment and long-term wealth accumulation.

Safety in Leflore County

via CrimeByCounty

Leflore County Reporting and National Context

Leflore County reports a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100K, resulting in a theoretical safety score of 100.0. This figure is unusual compared to the national average of 2,385.5, suggesting limited data reporting.

Leflore's Ranking Within the State

While the state average safety score is 98.4, Leflore’s perfect ranking likely reflects incomplete data from its 4 reporting agencies. This lack of data makes direct state comparisons difficult for the 2022 cycle.

How Leflore Compares to Neighbors

Nearby counties typically report rates closer to the state average of 978.4, suggesting Leflore's current statistics are outliers. Local residents should rely on neighborhood-level reports until more comprehensive data becomes available.

Understanding the Reporting Gap

Both violent and property crime rates are currently listed as 0.0 due to reporting inconsistencies. In practical terms, this means local safety trends are not fully captured by these specific figures.

Prioritizing Personal Home Security

Data gaps underscore the importance of personal awareness and local community watch programs. Keeping homes secure remains a best practice even when official statistics are temporarily unavailable.

Health in Leflore County

via HealthByCounty

Leflore faces severe health crisis

At 65.6 years, Leflore County's life expectancy is among the lowest in Mississippi and trails the U.S. average of 76.5 years by over a decade. The county's 34.5% rate of poor or fair health is nearly double the national average of 18%, indicating a population grappling with chronic disease and limited wellness resources.

Ranks lowest in state health

Leflore County's 65.6-year life expectancy ranks significantly below Mississippi's 70.9-year average, placing it among the state's most vulnerable counties. At 34.5% poor/fair health, residents here report the highest health burden across the surveyed counties, reflecting deep structural inequities.

Provider shortage compounds crisis

Leflore County has just 80 primary care providers per 100K residents—far below Lee County's 118—and mental health capacity of 538 per 100K ranks lowest among peer counties. This scarcity means residents often travel long distances for basic healthcare or delay seeking care altogether.

Navigating healthcare access

Leflore County's 12.4% uninsured rate is slightly below the state average, yet provider shortages remain the primary barrier to care—finding an available appointment often requires waiting weeks. The combination of few doctors, high disease burden, and limited mental health support creates a healthcare emergency for many residents.

Ensure you're covered and connected

Check your insurance status today at Healthcare.gov or contact Mississippi Medicaid for enrollment; 12% of Leflore residents remain uninsured. If you're covered, connect with available providers now rather than waiting for a crisis—waiting lists in this county are long.

Schools in Leflore County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Snapshot of Leflore's Public School Infrastructure

Leflore County operates 16 public schools including seven elementary, three middle, and four high schools. Two school districts serve a total enrollment of 4,271 students across the county. The infrastructure balances traditional classroom settings with two alternative learning centers.

Investment and Academic Performance in Leflore

The county reports a 75.0% graduation rate, which sits below the Mississippi state average of 87.1%. Local per-pupil expenditure is $5,375, trailing both the state average of $5,954 and the national benchmark of $13,000. These metrics contribute to an overall school score of 42.1 against a state average of 49.8.

Greenwood-Leflore Leads the Local Districts

The Greenwood-Leflore Consolidated School District dominates the area with 15 schools serving 4,030 students. The county also hosts Leflore Legacy Academy, a charter school that represents approximately 6.3% of the total school count. This charter school provides an alternative educational path for 241 local students.

Exploring School Sizes and Local Settings

Schools here are primarily located in town settings, with 12 campuses in towns and four in rural areas. The average school size is 329 students, ranging from smaller specialized centers to Greenwood High School with 637 students. Large primary schools like Davis Elementary serve as central hubs for the community's younger learners.

Relocating Near Leflore County Schools

Families considering a move to the Delta should explore homes near the consolidated district's top-performing campuses. Proximity to specialized schools like Leflore Legacy Academy offers unique options for residents seeking diverse educational environments. Evaluating local school performance is a vital step in finding the right neighborhood for your family.

Disaster Risk in Leflore County

via RiskByCounty

Leflore County carries moderate national risk

Leflore County's composite risk score of 73.51 places it in the relatively low category nationally, though notably driven by specific hazards rather than widespread exposure. The score reflects concentrated vulnerability to tornadoes and earthquakes rather than broad multi-hazard risk.

Above-average risk within Mississippi

At 73.51, Leflore County's score exceeds Mississippi's state average of 50.94 by a substantial margin. This elevated ranking reflects the county's particular susceptibility to strong tornadoes and seismic activity, placing it in the middle-upper range statewide.

Riskier than most neighboring counties

Leflore County's 73.51 score surpasses Lincoln County (48.44) and Monroe County (68.54), making it one of the region's more vulnerable areas. The key differentiator is Leflore's tornado risk of 88.71, among the highest in the state.

Tornadoes and earthquakes dominate your profile

Leflore County faces a tornado risk of 88.71 and earthquake risk of 88.01, representing the dual hazards that drive the county's composite score. Both pose significant threats annually, with tornadoes appearing during severe weather season and earthquakes presenting long-term structural concerns.

Prioritize tornado and earthquake preparation

Strengthen your home's structural integrity and ensure your homeowners policy covers wind damage from tornadoes—critical protection for Leflore County. Add earthquake coverage separately, as standard policies don't include seismic damage, and verify your home meets current building codes.

Soil Quality in Leflore County

via SoilByCounty

Strong Acidity in Leflore Ground

Leflore County has a notably acidic soil profile with an average pH of 5.17. This value is lower than both the Mississippi average of 5.30 and the national median of 6.5. Despite the acidity, the land represents a classic Delta environment where specific taxonomic classifications are awaiting further survey data.

Silty Soils with Substantial Clay

The soil is comprised of 41.3% silt and 21.3% clay, balanced by 28.8% sand. This relatively high clay content for the region creates a dense texture that can hold onto nutrients effectively. However, the higher silt and clay ratios may make the soil slower to warm up in the early spring.

Fertility Trends Below State Levels

The organic matter content stands at 1.72%, which is below the state average of 1.81%. Furthermore, the available water capacity of 0.156 in/in is lower than the statewide average of 0.174 in/in. These metrics contribute to a total soil score of 27.1, indicating that soil amendments are necessary for high-yield farming.

Navigating Water Retention Challenges

With silt and clay making up over 60% of the soil, water tends to move slowly through the profile. Although specific drainage classes are not currently cataloged, the low available water capacity suggests that the soil may dry out quickly after the top layer settles. Irrigation planning is critical for maintaining consistent moisture for local crops.

Cultivating Success in Zone 8b

Leflore County is located in USDA Zone 8b, which supports a wide variety of southern staples like okra, peppers, and sweet potatoes. The acidic soil is particularly well-suited for azaleas and gardenias if moisture is managed. Local gardeners can overcome the low soil score through consistent mulching and organic additions.

Lawn Care in Leflore County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Difficult Delta Conditions

With a lawn difficulty score of 22.0, Leflore County presents a significant challenge compared to the national average of 50.0. Positioned in Hardiness Zone 8b, the environment is harsher for turf than the typical Mississippi county. Success here requires a dedicated approach to heat management and soil health.

Extreme Heat Defines the Season

Leflore County endures 85 extreme heat days annually, which is significantly higher than the state average of 73 days. This intense heat, paired with 55.5 inches of rain, creates a humid environment where turf can quickly become stressed. Proper irrigation timing is critical to prevent heat scorch during the peak summer months.

Addressing Highly Acidic Soil

The soil pH in Leflore County is 5.17, which is quite far from the ideal 6.0-7.0 lawn range. The soil composition includes 21.3% clay and 28.8% sand, which can lead to drainage issues and nutrient lockout if not managed correctly. Heavy lime applications and organic matter are standard requirements for establishing a healthy green carpet here.

Critical Water Conservation Needs

The county has spent 31 weeks in drought over the past year, and 99.0% of the area currently remains abnormally dry. With severe drought impacting parts of the county, water conservation is a necessity rather than an option. Residents should prioritize drought-hardy grass varieties and mulching to retain every drop of moisture.

Heat-Hardy Grasses for the Delta

Centipede or St. Augustine grasses are well-suited for the heat of Zone 8b. While local frost date data is limited, planting should generally occur in late spring once the soil is consistently warm. Focus on establishing a deep root base to withstand the 85 days of triple-digit temperatures common in this region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Leflore County's county score?
Leflore 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 Leflore County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Leflore 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 Leflore County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Leflore County is $1,037, with an effective tax rate of 1.06%. This earns Leflore County a tax score of 34.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Leflore County?
The median household income in Leflore County, Mississippi is $33,188 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Leflore County earns an income score of 0.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Leflore County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Leflore County scores 46.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #48 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Leflore 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 Leflore County with other counties side by side.