countyscore
41.6
County Score
Cost of Living 82.3Water Quality 66Property Tax 61.3

County Report Card

About Lincoln County, Mississippi

Lincoln County sits below national benchmarks

With a composite score of 41.6, Lincoln County ranks below the national median of 50.0. While it offers high affordability, it trails in several national quality-of-life indicators.

Lagging the Mississippi state average

Lincoln County’s 41.6 score sits below the Mississippi average of 48.4. It competes well on affordability but struggles to match the state's average health and income outcomes.

Housing affordability is a primary draw

The county shines with a cost score of 82.3 and a tax score of 61.3. A low effective tax rate of 0.717% makes the median home value of $131,800 even more attractive to local buyers.

Income and health scores need attention

The county faces hurdles in income (11.5) and safety (17.7). With a health score of 19.4, there is a clear opportunity to improve local medical access and household earning potential.

Best for budget-minded homeowners

Lincoln County is an excellent fit for families looking to maximize their purchasing power in a low-tax environment. It rewards those who value land and home ownership over proximity to high-scoring schools.

Score breakdown

Tax61.3Cost82.3Safety17.7Health19.4Schools23.3Income11.5Risk51.6Water66Weather46
🏛61.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼11.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡17.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤19.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓23.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡51.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧66
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤46
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨28.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱27
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

Copiah County
Mississippi
55.1
Lawrence County
Mississippi
56.8
Pike County
Mississippi
37.9
Franklin County
Mississippi
60.2
Amite County
Mississippi
59.3
Walthall County
Mississippi
48.5
Claiborne County
Mississippi
55.3
Simpson County
Mississippi
55.8

Deep Dives

Lincoln County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lincoln County

via TaxByCounty

Lincoln County offers low national tax burden

Lincoln County's effective tax rate of 0.717% is roughly one-third the national median of 2.1%, placing residents among the lowest-taxed in America. At $945 annually, the median property tax bill remains well below the national median of $2,690.

Lincoln ranks below Mississippi average

Lincoln County's 0.717% effective rate falls slightly below Mississippi's 0.743% average, making it a relatively affordable county for property owners within the state. The median tax of $945 closely tracks the statewide median of $931.

Lincoln holds lowest rate in region

At 0.717%, Lincoln County ties with Lee County for the region's lowest effective property tax rate, slightly outpacing Lowndes (0.640%) and trailing Marion (0.744%). This consistency across the region's core counties suggests stable, affordable tax environments.

Median tax totals $945 per year

On a median Lincoln County home worth $131,800, homeowners owe approximately $945 in annual property tax. With a mortgage, the figure rises to $1,221; without, it drops to $818.

Still worth checking your assessment

Even in lower-tax counties, assessments sometimes overvalue properties and can be challenged. Filing an appeal with Lincoln County's assessor costs nothing and could identify hundreds in annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lincoln County

via CostByCounty

Lincoln County leans toward affordability

Lincoln County renters spend 18.7% of income on rent, slightly above the national 16% benchmark but just below Mississippi's 19.6% state average. This narrow gap means housing here is reasonably accessible, though not quite as comfortable as the national standard.

Solid performer among Mississippi counties

Lincoln County's 18.7% rent-to-income ratio places it in the middle tier of Mississippi affordability, beating seven of the eight counties in this region. The county's moderate median household income of $48,316 pairs with conservative rents to yield stable housing accessibility.

Competitive rents with mixed wages

Lincoln's $754 rent is among the lowest in this peer group, cheaper than Lee, Lowndes, and Marshall counties. However, Lincoln's $48,316 income lags Lee ($67,144) and Madison ($78,794), so relative affordability improves thanks to restraint on the rent side, not wage strength.

Renters win; homeowners win bigger

Renters pay $754 monthly (18.7% of income), but homeowners here get exceptional value: $549 monthly owner costs represent just 13.6% of income. Lincoln County offers the cheapest home ownership among all eight counties, making it attractive for those ready to buy.

Strong option for budget-conscious buyers

If homeownership is your goal, Lincoln County delivers: median home values of $131,800 with monthly costs of just $549 is hard to beat. Renters will find reasonable affordability too, making this county a solid middle-ground choice for those prioritizing stability over urban amenities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lincoln County

via IncomeByCounty

Lincoln County trails national income benchmarks

Lincoln County's median household income of $48,316 falls $26,439 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it well below the national standard. However, the county matches Mississippi's statewide average of $48,514, suggesting fairly typical economic conditions for the state.

Lincoln County sits at Mississippi's midpoint

At $48,316 in median household income, Lincoln County essentially mirrors Mississippi's statewide average of $48,514, placing it in the middle tier of the state's counties. Per capita income of $26,925 tracks closely with the state average of $27,136, indicating a household income distribution typical for Mississippi.

Lincoln County anchors the regional middle

Lincoln County's median household income of $48,316 sits between lower-earning Marion County ($42,320) and higher-earning Lowndes County ($54,460), positioning it as a regional median earner. The county's $26,925 per capita income also falls in the middle of regional comparables.

Housing costs at moderate threshold

Lincoln County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.7% comfortably sits below the 28% affordability threshold, meaning housing expenses remain reasonable relative to household earnings. At a median home value of $131,800, the county offers an accessible homeownership market for working families.

Stabilize income while exploring growth paths

Lincoln County's middle-tier income position leaves households with modest room to save after essentials, making targeted investment in skills and career advancement particularly valuable. Building professional networks, pursuing certifications, and seeking higher-wage employment can help households move above state and county averages.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lincoln County

via CrimeByCounty

Lincoln County’s National Safety Profile

Lincoln County maintains a solid safety score of 96.5, though its total crime rate of 2,191.9 per 100K approaches the national average of 2,385.5. This indicates a moderate risk level compared to the rest of the country.

Lincoln County vs. the Mississippi Average

The county’s safety score falls just below the Mississippi average of 98.4. Its total crime rate of 2,191.9 is significantly higher than the statewide average of 978.4.

Comparing Lincoln and Neighboring Counties

Lincoln County reports more activity than nearby Marion County, which has a much lower total crime rate of 730.7. This makes Lincoln a busier area for local law enforcement compared to its southern neighbors.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crimes

Property crime accounts for 1,913.6 incidents per 100K, while violent crime is much rarer at 278.3. This pattern mirrors national trends where theft is more frequent than interpersonal violence.

Strategic Home Security in Lincoln

Since property crime is the primary concern, residents should focus on securing entry points. Reliable locks and well-lit driveways provide effective defense against the most common local incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lincoln County

via HealthByCounty

Lincoln County above national baseline

Lincoln County residents live 71.7 years on average, falling 4.8 years short of the U.S. life expectancy of 76.5 years. The county's 23.3% rate of poor or fair health exceeds the national average of 18%, suggesting chronic disease and limited preventive care reach many residents.

Slightly better than state average

At 71.7 years, Lincoln County's life expectancy edges above Mississippi's 70.9-year average by less than a year. The county's 23.3% poor/fair health rate sits in the middle range statewide, indicating moderate health challenges within the state context.

Primary care access is limited

Lincoln County offers 40 primary care providers per 100K residents, half the rate in Lee County and substantially below the state's healthier counties. Mental health capacity stands at just 147 per 100K, leaving many residents without adequate behavioral health support.

Insurance matches state average

Lincoln County's 13.9% uninsured rate matches the Mississippi state average exactly, affecting roughly 1 in 7 residents. Limited primary care access compounds coverage gaps—even insured residents struggle to find nearby providers for routine checkups.

Secure coverage before you need it

With 14% of Lincoln County residents uninsured, now is the time to explore marketplace plans at Healthcare.gov or apply for Medicaid. Establishing care with a provider now ensures you won't face delays when illness strikes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lincoln County

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Infrastructure in Lincoln County

Lincoln County maintains 12 public schools supported by three distinct school districts. The system serves 5,467 students through a mix of two elementary, two middle, and three high schools. Notably, five campuses are classified as 'other,' offering specialized or comprehensive grade ranges to the community.

Strong Graduation Rates and Performance Scores

Lincoln County achieves an 88.4% graduation rate, surpassing both the state average of 87.1% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $5,490 is lower than the state average, the county maintains a solid school score of 49.4. This indicates efficient resource management to reach performance levels nearly identical to the state median.

Brookhaven and Lincoln County District Focus

The Lincoln County School District is the largest by enrollment, educating 2,795 students across four schools. The Brookhaven School District follows closely with seven schools and 2,586 students. Specialized options also exist at the Mississippi School for the Arts, which serves a selective group of 86 students.

Town and Rural Campus Diversity

Education in Lincoln County occurs in a mix of eight town-based schools and four rural campuses. Schools are moderately sized with an average enrollment of 547 students, though Brookhaven High School reaches 769 students. Families can choose between large high schools and comprehensive K-12 campuses like Loyd Star and Bogue Chitto.

Finding a Home in Lincoln's Top Districts

Lincoln County's high graduation rates make it an attractive destination for families prioritizing secondary education. Homebuyers often target areas near the Brookhaven or Lincoln County districts to ensure access to established public schools. Consider the diverse locale options, from rural estates to town-center residences, when planning your move.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lincoln County

via RiskByCounty

Lincoln County is Mississippi's lower-risk outlier

With a composite risk score of 48.44, Lincoln County rates in the relatively low category and actually sits below the national average. This makes it one of Mississippi's safest counties despite still facing meaningful exposure to hurricanes and wildfires.

Among Mississippi's safer counties

Lincoln County's score of 48.44 falls just below Mississippi's state average of 50.94, placing it among the lower-risk areas statewide. This below-average standing is relatively unusual in Mississippi and reflects more balanced, moderate hazard exposure across multiple categories.

Significantly safer than surrounding areas

Lincoln County's 48.44 score is substantially lower than Marion County (59.96), Monroe County (68.54), and Marshall County (71.18), making it clearly the safest in its region. This advantage stems from notably lower earthquake risk and more moderate flood and tornado exposure.

Hurricanes and wildfires are your key concerns

Lincoln County's hurricane risk reaches 79.64 and wildfire risk sits at 62.21, representing the two most significant hazards residents face. While tornado risk remains moderate at 78.50, hurricanes pose the greatest annual threat, particularly during late summer and fall.

Focus on wind and wildfire protection

Ensure your homeowners policy includes comprehensive wind coverage for hurricane protection, and review your property's defensible space around structures to mitigate wildfire risk. Flood insurance may also be wise depending on your specific property location within the county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lincoln County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and exceptionally wet

Lincoln County's 64.4°F average annual temperature is much higher than the national median. It is also one of the rainier spots in the country, receiving 61.6 inches of precipitation every year.

Typical Mississippi warmth

The county's 64.4°F average is slightly higher than the state mean of 63.9°F. This aligns Lincoln with the warmer climate profiles of central and southern Mississippi.

Cooler than its eastern neighbor

Lincoln is nearly three degrees cooler than neighboring Lawrence County, which averages 67.2°F. However, Lincoln is much wetter, receiving 61.6 inches of rain compared to Lawrence's 60.4 inches.

Moderate extremes and no snow

While hot, the county records only 69 days of extreme heat, the lowest in this group. Snow is non-existent at 0.0 inches annually, and winters stay mild with a 48.7°F average.

Manage moisture and mild heat

With over 61 inches of annual rain, moisture control and dehumidification are critical for home health. Outdoor planning should account for the 69 days of heat above 90°F during the long summer.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lincoln County

via SoilByCounty

Lincoln's Acidic and Silt-Rich Soil

Lincoln County soil is characterized by a high acidity level, featuring an average pH of 5.14. This is well below the national median of 6.5 and also trails the Mississippi average of 5.30. These acidic conditions are typical for the southern Mississippi pine belt region.

A Half-Silt Soil Structure

The county's soil is exactly 50% silt, providing a smooth and floury texture that is highly workable. Sand makes up 38.9% of the mix, while clay is low at just 11.1%. This combination suggests a soil that is less likely to become sticky or heavy when wet.

Excellent Water Storage Potential

Lincoln County excels in available water capacity at 0.177 in/in, which is higher than the state average of 0.174 in/in. However, organic matter is low at 1.44% compared to the 1.81% state benchmark. This leads to an overall soil score of 28.1, suggesting that water retention is the soil's greatest natural strength.

Predicting Flow with Low Clay

Because clay only accounts for 11.1% of the soil, drainage is likely rapid across much of the county. While specific hydrologic groups are not listed, the high silt and sand content indicates that water will move through the profile without much resistance. This makes it an ideal environment for plants that dislike 'wet feet.'

What to Plant in Zone 8b

Located in Zone 8b, Lincoln County provides an excellent climate for long-season crops like melons and tomatoes. The high water capacity supports these thirsty plants, though the low pH may require lime applications for most garden vegetables. Start a garden today to take advantage of this well-draining, silty ground.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lincoln County

via LawnByCounty

Managing the Zone 8b Landscape

Lincoln County scores a 27.0 on the lawn difficulty scale, placing it below the state average of 30.9. Located in Hardiness Zone 8b, the climate is characterized by mild winters and long, humid summers. Keeping a lawn green here requires navigating high acidity and significant rainfall totals.

Abundant Rainfall and High Energy

The county receives 61.6 inches of precipitation annually, which is over 10 inches more than the upper limit of the ideal lawn range. This moisture, combined with 5,828 growing degree days, fuels rapid vegetation growth that demands a rigorous mowing schedule. Extreme heat is slightly lower than the state average at 69 days per year.

Sandy Loam Challenges

With a soil pH of 5.14, Lincoln County's ground is highly acidic and needs significant amendment to reach the 6.0-7.0 ideal. The soil contains 38.9% sand and 11.1% clay, which often allows for better drainage than the heavier clay soils found elsewhere. Regular soil testing is vital to ensure that nutrients aren't washing away in the heavy rains.

Navigating Severe Dry Spells

Over the past year, the county experienced 10 weeks of drought, but currently, 18.3% of the area faces severe conditions. This volatile moisture cycle makes it difficult to maintain consistent turf health without a smart irrigation system. Focus on morning watering to minimize evaporation and fungal growth in the humid air.

Spring Planting for Southern Success

The growing season kicks off after the last spring frost on March 17. Warm-season grasses like Bermuda perform best here and have plenty of time to establish before the first fall frost on November 12. Use the long, 5,828 GDD season to your advantage by feeding the lawn during its peak summer growth.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lincoln County's county score?
Lincoln County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 41.6 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 Lincoln County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Lincoln County ranks #64 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 Lincoln County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Lincoln County is $945, with an effective tax rate of 0.72%. This earns Lincoln County a tax score of 61.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lincoln County?
The median household income in Lincoln County, Mississippi is $48,316 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lincoln County earns an income score of 11.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lincoln County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Lincoln County scores 41.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #64 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Lincoln 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 Lincoln 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.