countyscore
46.2
County Score
Property Tax 69.6Safety 66.7Water Quality 63.2

County Report Card

About Lowndes County, Mississippi

Lowndes County approaches national median levels

Lowndes County earns a 46.2 composite score, positioning it near the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced profile that combines safety with very competitive tax rates.

Meeting the Mississippi state standard

The county's 46.2 score is just shy of the Mississippi state average of 48.4. It remains a solid performer in the state, particularly regarding its fiscal environment and public safety.

Low tax burden and solid safety

A tax score of 69.6 and a safety score of 66.7 represent the county's greatest assets. Residents enjoy an effective tax rate of 0.640%, which is among the more favorable rates in the region.

Environmental risks and economic growth

The county’s lowest marks come from natural risk (19.1) and income (23.9). Improving the school score of 24.8 could help bolster the local economy and long-term household wealth.

Ideal for tax-sensitive professionals

Lowndes County is a great match for individuals who want to keep more of their paycheck while living in a relatively safe community. It offers a practical middle ground for Mississippi residents.

Score breakdown

Tax69.6Cost45.3Safety66.7Health30.8Schools24.8Income23.9Risk19.1Water63.2Weather37.8
🏛69.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠45.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡66.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤30.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓24.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡19.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧63.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤37.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨34.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱31.2
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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Deep Dives

Lowndes County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lowndes County

via TaxByCounty

Lowndes offers among lowest U.S. tax rates

Lowndes County's effective property tax rate of 0.640% ranks among the nation's most affordable, roughly one-third the national median of 2.1%. At $1,008 annually, the median property tax stays well under the national median of $2,690.

Lowndes taxes below state average

Lowndes County's 0.640% effective rate sits noticeably below Mississippi's 0.743% average, making it one of the state's more tax-friendly counties. The median property tax of $1,008 exceeds the state median of $931, reflecting stronger median home values of $157,400.

Lowndes leads region with lowest rate

Lowndes County's 0.640% effective rate is the lowest among all eight counties in this group, edging out Lee (0.722%) and Lincoln (0.717%). This advantage underscores Lowndes's position as a particularly affordable jurisdiction within the region.

Median homeowner pays $1,008 yearly

On the median Lowndes County home valued at $157,400, property taxes amount to approximately $1,008 per year. With a mortgage, this climbs to $1,083; without, it falls to $779.

Appeal your assessment for potential savings

Even the lowest-taxed counties contain overassessed properties on the rolls. Requesting a reassessment from Lowndes County's assessor is straightforward and often yields refunds on overpaid taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lowndes County

via CostByCounty

Lowndes County edges above national standard

Lowndes County renters spend 20.0% of income on rent, exceeding the national 16% benchmark and slightly above Mississippi's 19.6% state average. At $909 monthly, rents here run higher than state median but remain manageable for the county's $54,460 median income.

Middle-to-tight ranking statewide

Lowndes County's 20.0% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above the state average, ranking it in the mid-tier of Mississippi affordability. The county performs better than Leflore and Marshall on this metric, but trails Lee, Lincoln, Monroe, and Marion.

Higher rents, middling incomes

Lowndes's $909 rent is among the priciest in this eight-county region—second only to Madison—yet local incomes of $54,460 are moderate at best. This mismatch pushes housing costs higher as a percentage of income compared to neighbors with lower rents or stronger wages.

Balanced burden on renters and owners

Renters dedicate 20.0% of their $54,460 income to $909 monthly rent, while homeowners spend $834 on properties valued at $157,400. Both households commit roughly one-fifth of income to housing, leaving reasonable room for other necessities.

Lowndes works for stable middle-income households

Lowndes County suits renters and owners earning around $50,000–$60,000 who want accessible urban amenities without extreme affordability pressure. Compare your current housing-cost burden: if you're paying more than 20% in a high-cost area, Lowndes may offer real relief.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lowndes County

via IncomeByCounty

Lowndes County approaches national income parity

Lowndes County's median household income of $54,460 falls $20,295 short of the national median of $74,755, but exceeds Mississippi's statewide average of $48,514 by $5,946. The county represents a bridge between state-level poverty and national norms.

Lowndes County ranks in upper-middle tier

Lowndes County's median household income of $54,460 ranks above Mississippi's statewide average of $48,514, placing it solidly in the state's upper-middle tier of earners. Per capita income of $30,771 also exceeds the state average of $27,136, reflecting greater wealth distribution.

Lowndes County leads neighboring counties

Lowndes County's median household income of $54,460 outpaces Marion County ($42,320) by $12,140 and trails Lee County ($67,144) by $12,684, establishing it as a strong regional performer. The county's per capita income of $30,771 also ranks above most immediate neighbors.

Housing costs remain well-managed

Lowndes County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.0% sits comfortably below the 28% affordability threshold, indicating housing expenses remain sustainable relative to earnings. With median home values at $157,400, the homeownership market remains accessible to moderate-income households.

Leverage stability to build long-term wealth

Lowndes County's above-average income position and reasonable housing costs create space for households to prioritize retirement savings and investment diversification. Families earning above state averages should consider tax-advantaged retirement accounts and portfolio strategies to capitalize on their economic advantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lowndes County

via CrimeByCounty

Lowndes County Beats National Averages

Lowndes County is notably safer than much of the U.S., boasting a safety score of 98.8. Its total crime rate of 784.0 per 100K is less than a third of the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the State in Safety

The county is highly competitive within Mississippi, beating the state average safety score of 98.4. Its total crime rate also sits comfortably below the statewide average of 978.4.

Lowndes vs. Nearby Monroe County

Lowndes performs well against neighboring Monroe County, which sees a higher crime rate of 1,147.2. This suggests a relatively calm environment for residents in the Columbus area.

Breakdown of Local Crime Stats

Violent crime is low at 134.9 per 100K, well below the national mark of 369.8. Property crime stands at 649.1, indicating that most reported incidents involve non-violent theft.

Maintaining Lowndes County Security

With low crime rates overall, basic home security provides strong peace of mind. Standard alarms and neighborly coordination help maintain the county's high safety standards.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lowndes County

via HealthByCounty

Lowndes County outpaces nation

At 72.5 years, Lowndes County's life expectancy exceeds Mississippi's average but remains 4 years below the U.S. average of 76.5 years. The county's 21.3% poor/fair health rate is above the national average of 18%, indicating room for improvement in chronic disease management.

Among Mississippi's healthier counties

Lowndes County's 72.5-year life expectancy ranks above Mississippi's 70.9-year state average, placing it solidly in the healthier half of the state. The 21.3% poor/fair health rate is below the state median, reflecting relatively stronger population health outcomes.

Moderate provider availability

Lowndes County has 48 primary care providers per 100K residents, matching Lincoln County but falling well short of Lee County's 118 per 100K. Mental health capacity at 295 per 100K ranks midway among peer counties, suggesting adequate but not robust behavioral health access.

Lowest uninsured rate in region

At 11.3% uninsured, Lowndes County has the lowest rate among the surveyed counties and beats the state average of 13.9%, meaning most residents have insurance coverage. However, provider scarcity means having insurance doesn't guarantee quick access to care.

Maintain your coverage advantage

Lowndes County's strong insurance enrollment sets it apart—protect this by reviewing your plan annually and updating information with your insurer. If you're among the 11% without coverage, visit Healthcare.gov to explore affordable marketplace options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lowndes County

via SchoolsByCounty

Mapping the Schools of Lowndes County

Lowndes County features a robust network of 20 public schools serving a total of 8,582 students. The infrastructure includes eight elementary schools, three middle schools, and seven high schools across three districts. This system provides a comprehensive educational framework for one of the region's larger student populations.

Academic Success and Competitive Spending

With a school score of 50.0, Lowndes County performs slightly above the state average of 49.8. The graduation rate of 87.9% exceeds both the Mississippi and national averages of 87.1% and 87.0%, respectively. The county invests $5,860 per pupil, placing its spending nearly in line with the state average of $5,954.

Lowndes County and Columbus Municipal Districts

The Lowndes County School District is the area's largest, serving 5,261 students across 10 schools. The Columbus Municipal School District also plays a major role, managing nine schools and 3,090 students. Additionally, the Mississippi School for Math and Science provides an elite environment for 231 high-achieving students.

A Blend of Large Elementary and Town Schools

The area's schools are primarily located in town settings, though six campuses serve rural parts of the county. Large campuses define the local experience, with New Hope Elementary and Caledonia Elementary each enrolling over 1,000 students. The average school size is 536 students, ensuring a social and diverse learning environment.

Investing in Homes Near Lowndes Schools

Lowndes County offers a variety of housing options near top-rated elementary schools and specialized secondary academies. Families often prefer the New Hope or Caledonia areas to be close to the county's largest and most prominent campuses. Quality local schools remain a primary driver for property values and residential growth in the Columbus area.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lowndes County

via RiskByCounty

Lowndes County faces elevated composite risk

Lowndes County's composite risk score of 80.92 places it in the relatively low national category, yet this number masks significant exposure to specific high-impact hazards. The score represents considerable vulnerability concentrated in tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods.

Among Mississippi's highest-risk counties

At 80.92, Lowndes County's score substantially exceeds Mississippi's state average of 50.94, placing it firmly in the upper tier of statewide risk. This elevated standing reflects the county's distinctive profile of strong tornado exposure and significant seismic vulnerability.

Riskier than all adjacent counties

Lowndes County's 80.92 score far exceeds Monroe County (68.54), Lee County (81.27 is slightly higher), and Marshall County (71.18), positioning it as the region's most hazardous location. The critical difference lies in Lowndes' exceptionally high tornado risk of 90.97, among the state's worst.

Tornadoes and earthquakes pose extreme threats

Lowndes County experiences a tornado risk of 90.97 and earthquake risk of 88.64, representing the two hazards most likely to cause significant damage. Additionally, flood risk reaches 78.15, making the county vulnerable during heavy rainfall and severe weather events.

Secure comprehensive hazard coverage today

Lowndes County residents must ensure homeowners policies include robust wind coverage for tornado protection and purchase separate earthquake insurance immediately. Verify flood insurance eligibility, particularly if your property lies in or near a flood zone, to protect against the county's serious water-related risks.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lowndes County

via WeatherByCounty

High heat in the Magnolia State

Lowndes County maintains an average temperature of 65.4°F, significantly exceeding the national median. Its humid subtropical climate creates a year-round warmth characteristic of the Deep South.

Warmer than the Mississippi average

The county averages 65.4°F, placing it above the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. It is one of the more consistently warm counties in the eastern part of the state.

Warmer and drier than Lee

Lowndes is significantly warmer than its northern neighbor Lee County, which averages 63.0°F. It is also drier than most regional peers, receiving only 56.6 inches of annual precipitation.

Intense summers, brief winters

The area experiences 83 days of extreme heat annually with July temperatures averaging a hot 83.2°F. Winters are manageable with an average of 48.0°F and only 0.4 inches of snow.

Cooling is the top priority

The 83 days of extreme heat require a heavy reliance on air conditioning during the summer months. While drier than some neighbors, the 56.6 inches of rain still necessitates good storm preparation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lowndes County

via SoilByCounty

Lowndes County's Typical Mississippi pH

Lowndes County features an average soil pH of 5.41, making it slightly less acidic than the state average of 5.30. It remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5, which is common for the region. The county maintains a soil score of 34.6, very close to the state average of 35.7.

Balanced Texture for Reliable Workability

The soil is comprised of 40.7% silt and 35.4% sand, with clay making up the remaining 20.4%. This balance creates a versatile medium that avoids the extremes of heavy clay or overly loose sand. It offers enough structure for building while remaining soft enough for traditional farming.

Solid Organic Matter and Moisture

Organic matter in Lowndes stands at 1.80%, almost exactly matching the state average of 1.81%. The available water capacity is 0.161 in/in, slightly below the Mississippi norm of 0.174 in/in. These numbers suggest a stable, if not exceptional, foundation for agricultural pursuits.

Managing Moderate Soil Moisture

While specific drainage classes are not officially provided, the 20.4% clay content provides moderate moisture retention. The combination of sand and silt ensures that water doesn't pool excessively, facilitating steady drainage. For construction or gardening, this suggests manageable water behavior during typical rainfall.

Productive Gardening in Zone 8b

Lowndes County thrives in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, where mild winters allow for nearly year-round gardening. The soil and climate are perfect for pecans and southern peas, which tolerate the moderate acidity. With a soil score near the state average, this is a great place to start your backyard farm.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lowndes County

via LawnByCounty

A Standard Mississippi Lawn Experience

Lowndes County has a lawn difficulty score of 31.2, which mirrors the state average of 30.9. It sits in Hardiness Zone 8b, where the primary challenge is balancing heat tolerance with nutrient management. While easier than some neighboring counties, it still requires more effort than the national median.

High Heat and Ample Water

The area experiences 83 extreme heat days, which is 10 days more than the state average. Combined with 56.6 inches of annual rainfall, this creates a high-intensity environment for grass growth. Expect to mow often as the 6,198 growing degree days provide plenty of energy for southern turf varieties.

The Need for Soil Amendments

The soil pH of 5.41 is below the ideal range of 6.0-7.0, making it difficult for grass to access essential minerals. A composition of 20.4% clay and 35.4% sand provides a solid foundation, but lime is necessary to raise the pH. Improving soil quality now will pay off with a more resilient lawn during the hot summer months.

Preparing for Abnormal Dryness

Lowndes County saw 14 weeks of drought last year, and 41.4% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry. While severe drought is not an immediate threat, the high number of extreme heat days can quickly deplete soil moisture. Regular mulching can help protect the root zone from these frequent temperature spikes.

Capitalizing on a Long Season

With the last spring frost occurring early on March 13, the growing season starts sooner than in many other counties. Zoysia or Bermuda grass will thrive if planted in early spring and established before the first fall frost on November 12. This long window gives homeowners ample time to develop a thick, healthy turf canopy.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lowndes County's county score?
Lowndes County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 46.2 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 Lowndes County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Lowndes County ranks #49 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 Lowndes County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Lowndes County is $1,008, with an effective tax rate of 0.64%. This earns Lowndes County a tax score of 69.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lowndes County?
The median household income in Lowndes County, Mississippi is $54,460 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lowndes County earns an income score of 23.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lowndes County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Lowndes County scores 46.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #49 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Lowndes 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 Lowndes County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.