countyscore
38.3
County Score
Property Tax 79.6Cost of Living 65.9Weather & Climate 58.8

County Report Card

About Mississippi County, Arkansas

Mississippi significantly underperforms nationally

Mississippi County scores 38.3, placing it well below the national median of 50.0 at approximately the 38th percentile. This county faces notable livability constraints across multiple dimensions that prospective residents should carefully evaluate.

Below-average livability within Arkansas

Mississippi's score of 38.3 falls below the Arkansas state average of 47.9, ranking in the lower portion of the state's 75 counties. The county reflects broader challenges common to economically strained rural areas across the region.

Tax efficiency provides limited respite

Mississippi's tax score of 79.6 and effective tax rate of 0.558% offer modest financial relief, while cost score of 65.9 reflects median home values of $115,800 and rent of $797/month—reasonably accessible. These affordability factors represent the county's primary livability strength.

Safety crisis and health system collapse

Mississippi's safety score of 4.6 indicates a severe crime problem that poses genuine risks to residents, while health score of 21.2 suggests critically inadequate healthcare access. Risk score of just 10.8 also signals extreme environmental or other hazards that further undermine livability.

Extreme caution warranted for potential residents

Mississippi County's combination of public safety crises and healthcare gaps make it unsuitable for most families without exceptional circumstances. Those with employment anchors here or family ties should prioritize personal security measures and seek private healthcare and education options elsewhere.

Score breakdown

Tax79.6Cost65.9Safety4.6Health21.2Schools33.8Income21.5Risk10.8Water23.5Weather58.8
🏛79.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡4.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤21.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓33.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡10.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧23.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨50.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱47.4
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Mississippi County

Whether buying or refinancing in Mississippi County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Mississippi County with Sacramento County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Sacramento County
California
Median income: $88,724
38.3
Western Connecticut Planning Region
Connecticut
Median income: $124,553
38.3
Baltimore County
Maryland
Median income: $90,904
38.3
Van Buren County
Michigan
Median income: $66,902
38.3
Hinds County
Mississippi
Median income: $49,966
38.3
Belknap County
New Hampshire
Median income: $87,983
38.3
Lexington County
South Carolina
Median income: $75,014
38.3
Kings County
California
Median income: $68,750
38.2

Nearby counties

Lauderdale County
Tennessee
45.3
Tipton County
Tennessee
46.7
Dyer County
Tennessee
44.8
Haywood County
Tennessee
41.8
Shelby County
Tennessee
22.3
Pemiscot County
Missouri
34.6
Dunklin County
Missouri
40.9
Greene County
Arkansas
41.3

Deep Dives

Mississippi County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Mississippi County

via TaxByCounty

Mississippi rates trail national median

Mississippi County's 0.558% effective tax rate falls below the national median of 0.90%, positioning it in the lower half of U.S. counties nationally. The median property tax of $646 annually is just one-quarter of the nation's median of $2,690.

Slightly above Arkansas state average

Mississippi County's 0.558% effective rate edges above Arkansas's state average of 0.532%, placing it in the upper-middle range of state counties. Homeowners pay a median of $646 in property taxes compared to $705 statewide—slightly below the state baseline despite the higher rate.

Higher-taxed than most nearby counties

Mississippi County's 0.558% rate exceeds Madison (0.445%), Little River (0.484%), Monroe (0.493%), and Marion County (0.513%), making it one of the region's pricier options. Only Miller (0.618%) and Lonoke County (0.640%) surpass it regionally.

Median annual tax: $646 per household

Mississippi County's median home value of $115,800 combined with its 0.558% rate produces a median property tax of $646 per year. With mortgage escrow factored in, homeowners typically pay $781 annually.

Reassessment appeals can reduce your bill

Mississippi County property owners should verify their assessed valuations—overassessments are common across the county. A free appeal to the county assessor is an easy first step toward potentially lowering your annual tax obligation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mississippi County

via CostByCounty

Mississippi County meets national standard

Mississippi County renters spend 17.9% of income on housing, just below the national average of roughly 18%, indicating solid affordability for renting. With median household income of $53,428 and median rent of $797, the county offers balanced housing costs relative to national benchmarks.

Mississippi performs near state average

Mississippi County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.9% sits just below Arkansas's state average of 18.1%, placing it near the middle tier of state affordability. The median rent of $797 slightly exceeds the state median of $760, offset by incomes near state norms.

Mississippi ranks in middle tier

Mississippi County's $797 median rent and 17.9% ratio sit between affordable peers like Madison ($727, 16.2%) and stressed counties like Miller ($882, 21.2%). The county offers moderate housing costs that reflect regional variation but remain manageable for most households.

Owners enjoy clear advantage

Renters pay $797 monthly (17.9% of the $53,428 household income), while homeowners pay $704—a relatively modest difference in absolute terms. Owner costs represent 13.2% of income, providing meaningful savings compared to renting.

Mississippi County offers balance

Mississippi County delivers middle-of-the-road affordability; renters find reasonable costs near national standards, while homebuyers enjoy solid value at a median of $115,800. If stability and balance matter to you, Mississippi County ranks among the safer affordability bets in this group.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mississippi County

via IncomeByCounty

Mississippi County below national mark

Mississippi County's median household income of $53,428 lags the national median of $74,755 by 29%, though it exceeds the Arkansas state average of $51,156 by roughly $2,300. The county sits in the lower-middle range nationally, typical of rural Delta communities.

Middle income tier for Arkansas

Mississippi County ranks near the median among Arkansas counties, reflecting a stable but modest economic base tied to agriculture, retail, and services. The county's performance is consistent with many rural Arkansas communities.

Comparable to Logan, above Marion

Mississippi County's $53,428 sits between Logan County ($54,237) and Marion County ($46,953), positioning it as a mid-tier earner. The $800 difference from Logan is negligible, suggesting similar economic structures across these counties.

Moderate housing affordability

Mississippi County's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio is healthy, sitting comfortably below the 30% threshold and allowing reasonable housing budgets. Median home values of $115,800 align well with local household incomes, supporting accessible homeownership.

Leverage stability for long-term gains

Mississippi County's reasonable housing affordability creates space for households to save and invest in retirement and education accounts. Consider automatic transfers to savings accounts, employer 401(k) matching programs, and low-cost investment options suitable for steady income earners.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mississippi County

via CrimeByCounty

Mississippi County Safety Challenges

Mississippi County reports a total crime rate of 3,617.3 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. The county currently holds a safety score of 94.3.

Safety Scores Below State Norms

With a safety score of 94.3, the county sits below the Arkansas average of 96.3. Twelve reporting agencies contribute data to manage and respond to these local safety figures.

Elevated Crime Relative to Arkansas

The county's total crime rate of 3,617.3 per 100K is significantly higher than the state average of 2,326.8. It experiences more public safety incidents than many comparable rural counties.

High Violent and Property Crime Rates

The violent crime rate is 830.0 per 100K, which is more than double the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also high, accounting for 2,787.3 incidents per 100K.

Enhanced Vigilance for Homeowners

Due to higher property crime rates, homeowners should prioritize robust security measures. Using smart locks and security lighting can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a statistic.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Mississippi County

via HealthByCounty

Mississippi faces critical health crisis

Mississippi County's life expectancy of 67.9 years ranks among the lowest in America, trailing the U.S. average by over 10 years. Nearly one in three residents—29.0%—report poor or fair health, the highest rate across all eight counties analyzed.

Worst outcomes in Arkansas, likely statewide

At 67.9 years, Mississippi County's life expectancy is 4.4 years below the Arkansas average of 72.3 years. This gap is among the starkest in the state and reflects decades of economic hardship and healthcare underinvestment.

Far behind every peer county

Mississippi County's 67.9-year life expectancy trails every other county in this analysis, with the next-lowest being Monroe County at 68.8 years. The 29.0% poor/fair health rate dwarfs even the second-worst county, signaling a distinct crisis.

Providers present, but access remains blocked

Mississippi County has 35 primary care providers and 145 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—respectable numbers—yet the uninsured rate is just 8.4%. The disconnect between provider availability and poor outcomes suggests barriers beyond simple insurance coverage.

Healthcare starts with coverage

Mississippi County residents must ensure insurance coverage as a foundation for accessing the providers available. Visit healthcare.gov or your local health department to enroll in Medicaid or marketplace plans immediately.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Mississippi County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust System of 21 Public Schools

Mississippi County operates a comprehensive network of 21 schools serving 7,130 students across eight different districts. The landscape is rich with options, including 10 elementary schools and 8 high schools. This high number of districts provides a very local feel to school governance.

Above-Average Investment in Student Success

The county invests $6,564 per pupil, notably higher than the state average of $6,160. This investment supports an 88.2% graduation rate and a school score of 51.6, both of which align closely with national and state performance levels. The data shows a county that prioritizes funding for its classrooms.

Diverse District and Charter Options

The Blytheville School District is the largest with 1,581 students, while Rivercrest and Gosnell also serve significant student bodies. Mississippi County stands out with three charter schools, accounting for over 14% of the local educational options. This variety gives parents more choice in their child's learning environment.

Rural and Town Locales with Mid-Sized Schools

Schools here are divided between 13 rural and 8 town settings, averaging 357 students per campus. Gosnell High School and Manila Elementary are the largest schools, each enrolling over 600 students. This mix offers families a choice between small-town hubs and more secluded rural schoolhouses.

Choose From Eight Unique School Districts

Mississippi County is ideal for families who want local control and a variety of district styles, including charter options. Higher-than-average per-pupil spending makes this an attractive area for those focused on educational resources. Look for your next home in Blytheville, Manila, or Gosnell to be part of these active school communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mississippi County

via RiskByCounty

Mississippi County's Exceptional Risk

Mississippi County's composite risk score of 89.22 places it in the Relatively Moderate risk category and far above the U.S. average. The county's earthquake risk (97.96) is among the nation's highest, while its tornado risk (69.59) also ranks significantly above average.

Arkansas's Highest Composite Risk

At 89.22, Mississippi County carries the highest composite risk score of any Arkansas county, 60% above the state average of 55.51. The county's exceptional seismic exposure reflects its proximity to the New Madrid Seismic Zone.

Dramatically Higher Risk Profile

Mississippi County (89.22) faces substantially greater risk than nearby counties like Miller (70.83) and Lonoke (75.10). Its earthquake score of 97.96 stands as a singular regional hazard, driven by seismic proximity.

Seismic Risk Dominates

Earthquakes (97.96) are Mississippi County's defining hazard—among the nation's highest risks—reflecting the county's position near the New Madrid Seismic Zone. Tornadoes (69.59) present a secondary but still significant threat.

Earthquake Insurance Is Essential

Mississippi County homeowners cannot afford to skip earthquake insurance; the county's seismic risk ranks among America's highest. Tornado and flood coverage are equally critical to protect against the county's multiple severe hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mississippi County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and rainy Delta weather

Mississippi County averages 61.1°F annually, placing it firmly in the warm, humid subtropical zone. Its 48.9 inches of rain is slightly lower than the state average but still supports the local agriculture.

Right at the Arkansas state average

The county sits right at the state average of 61.0°F, making it a perfect representative of Arkansas weather. It experiences a typical balance of Delta heat and Mississippi River humidity.

Similar to its Delta neighbors

It shares a similar temperature profile with Lonoke at 61.1°F, though it is slightly drier with 48.9 inches of rain. It records 64 days of extreme heat, keeping it on par with the eastern Arkansas region.

Steamy summers and brisk winters

Summer peaks with a July average of 81.6°F and 64 days above 90°F. Winter is brisk at 41.1°F, featuring a light 2.4 inches of snow that usually melts quickly.

Hydrate for the 64-day heatwave

Residents must plan for 64 days of extreme heat, necessitating hydration and cooling strategies. The 38.6°F January average means pipes should be protected against occasional deep freezes despite the mild winter norm.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mississippi County

via SoilByCounty

Near-Neutral Soil in the Delta

Mississippi County boasts a pH of 6.31, coming remarkably close to the national median of 6.5. This is much more neutral than the typical Arkansas soil average of 5.56, making it highly versatile for various agricultural crops.

High Clay Content for Nutrient Retention

A sturdy mix of 34.0% sand, 39.3% silt, and 26.6% clay defines the ground here. This higher clay percentage provides excellent nutrient retention, though it can make the soil heavy to work when it is wet.

Superior Water Holding Capacity

The available water capacity of 0.159 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.148, ensuring plants have access to moisture. However, the organic matter content of 1.74% is lower than the state's 4.15% average, suggesting a benefit from compost.

Managing Delta Water Needs

Detailed drainage classes are not recorded, but the high clay content suggests slower natural drainage. Farmers here focus on precise water management to leverage the soil's natural ability to store nutrients and moisture over time.

A Prolific Harvest in Zone 8a

The county thrives in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, providing a robust window for cotton and soybeans. With such a neutral pH and high water capacity, your backyard garden is primed for a successful harvest of summer squash.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mississippi County

via LawnByCounty

Promising conditions in Mississippi County

The lawn difficulty score of 47.4 is much higher than the state average, suggesting relatively favorable conditions for Zone 8a. It sits just below the national median, offering a fair environment for dedicated homeowners.

Ideal rainfall supports consistent growth

The county receives 48.9 inches of rain annually, which is perfectly situated within the 30-50 inch ideal range. With 64 extreme heat days, the weather matches the state average exactly, providing a predictable rhythm for lawn care.

Excellent soil pH for nutrient uptake

The soil pH is 6.31, falling directly within the ideal range of 6.0 to 7.0. While the clay content is higher at 26.6%, the balanced sand and favorable pH create a strong foundation for most turf varieties.

Moderate drought concerns in the Delta

About 31% of the county is in severe drought, and the region has faced 24 weeks of drought over the last year. Regular aeration can help water reach the roots through the clay-heavy soil during these dry stretches.

Planting success in the fertile Delta

The growing season is robust, beginning after the last frost on March 23. You have until early November to establish a healthy lawn, with Bermuda grass being a top performer in these local soils.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mississippi County's county score?
Mississippi County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 38.3 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 Mississippi County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Mississippi County ranks #66 among all counties in Arkansas 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 Mississippi County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Mississippi County is $646, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Mississippi County a tax score of 79.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mississippi County?
The median household income in Mississippi County, Arkansas is $53,428 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mississippi County earns an income score of 21.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mississippi County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Mississippi County scores 38.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #66 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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.