CountyScore

Mississippi County

Missouri · MO

#106 in Missouri
65.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Mississippi County, Missouri

Notably more livable than average

Mississippi County scores 73.7 on the composite index, nearly 48% higher than the national median of 50.0. This indicates meaningful advantages in the areas currently measured, though a fuller assessment awaits additional data.

Slightly below state baseline

The county's 73.7 score sits just under Missouri's 74.8 average, placing it in the middle band of the state's counties. It's a solid performer without standout distinction at the state level.

Exceptional housing affordability

Mississippi County shines with a Cost Score of 85.8, supporting truly affordable housing with a median home value of $100,300 and rent at $782 monthly. Its Tax Score of 77.6 adds another layer of financial accessibility for residents.

Income significantly lags

The Income Score of 13.6 is the lowest among these counties, reflecting median household income of just $46,258. Critical data on safety, schools, and health remains unavailable, hampering a full livability assessment.

Ideal for minimum-budget movers

Mississippi County is best suited for retirees, fixed-income households, and anyone seeking the absolute lowest cost of living in the region. It prioritizes affordability above all other factors, making it compelling for those with constrained budgets.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax77.6Cost85.8SafetyComing SoonHealth50.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome13.6Risk42.8WaterComing Soon
🏛77.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼13.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤50.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡42.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Mississippi County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Garfield County
Colorado
65.2
Median income: $86,172
Effingham County
Georgia
65.2
Median income: $85,465
Kauai County
Hawaii
65.2
Median income: $93,612
Alexander County
Illinois
65.2
Median income: $43,523
Christian County
Illinois
65.2
Median income: $59,253

Deep Dives

Mississippi County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Mississippi County

via TaxByCounty

Mississippi County taxes exceed national norms

Mississippi County's effective tax rate of 0.877% surpasses the national median of roughly 0.82%, placing it in the upper third of American counties for tax burden. Despite a median home value of just $100,300—well below the national median of $281,900—residents pay a relatively high percentage of home value in taxes.

Above Missouri's statewide average

At 0.877%, Mississippi County's effective rate runs 20% higher than Missouri's average of 0.733%, making it one of the state's pricier taxing jurisdictions. The median tax bill of $880 falls below the state median of $1,199, mainly because homes are worth considerably less here.

Second-highest rate in the region

Mississippi County's 0.877% rate ranks only behind Mercer County's 0.950% among local competitors, significantly outpacing Morgan (0.610%), Miller (0.627%), and Monroe (0.737%). This makes it one of the steeper-taxing areas in rural northeast Missouri.

Median tax runs $880 per year

Owners of a median-value home in Mississippi County worth $100,300 pay approximately $880 annually in property taxes, or $954 with mortgage escrow. At roughly $74 per month, this reflects a high rate applied to modest home values.

Appeal opportunities exist here

Mississippi County's above-average tax rate makes it especially worthwhile to challenge your assessed value if you believe it's too high. Many overassessed homeowners find success appealing, potentially saving hundreds each year with minimal effort.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mississippi County

via CostByCounty

Mississippi faces serious rent burden

Mississippi County renters spend 20.3% of their income on rent—far exceeding the comfortable 12-15% national range. This leaves households with less money for food, transportation, healthcare, and savings.

Worst affordability in Missouri

With a rent-to-income ratio of 20.3%, Mississippi County ranks among Missouri's least affordable regions, dramatically worse than the state average of 15.6%. The 4.7-percentage-point gap reflects a significant affordability crisis for renters.

High rents, low incomes compound

Mississippi's median rent of $782/month exceeds the state average of $768, while the county's median income of $46,258 is the lowest among surrounding counties. This combination creates the region's affordability squeeze.

Mississippi's tight housing squeeze

Mississippi County residents earn just $46,258 annually but pay $782/month in rent or $567/month for mortgages on homes valued at $100,300. For renters, housing alone consumes one-fifth of gross income, leaving minimal budget for other essentials.

Mississippi challenges budget-conscious movers

If you're relocating to Mississippi County, plan carefully: the 20.3% rent-to-income ratio means housing is less affordable here than in neighboring counties. Consider nearby Mercer or Monroe if rental affordability is your priority.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mississippi County

via IncomeByCounty

Mississippi County faces income gap

Mississippi County's median household income of $46,258 falls nearly $28,500 below the national median of $74,755, ranking among the lowest-earning counties in the dataset. This substantial gap reflects significant economic hardship compared to the broader U.S.

Lowest in Missouri's peer group

At $46,258, Mississippi County's median household income runs about $13,200 short of Missouri's state average of $59,503. Among the eight surveyed counties, Mississippi ranks last, indicating pronounced economic stress relative to neighboring areas.

Struggling hardest in its cluster

Mississippi County's $46,258 income is the lowest among all nearby peers, with the next-lowest being Monroe at $48,299. The gap to higher-earning neighbors like Moniteau ($65,161) exceeds $18,900, highlighting stark disparities within the region.

Housing crisis pressures families

Mississippi County's 20.3% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among surveyed counties, signaling severe affordability strain. Combined with median household income of $46,258, many residents allocate nearly one-fifth of earnings to housing alone, limiting funds for food, healthcare, and saving.

Explore community resources first

Mississippi households face real constraints, making professional financial counseling especially valuable. Local nonprofits and credit counseling services often offer free guidance on budgeting, debt reduction, and accessing earned income tax credits that boost take-home income.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Mississippi County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy crisis in Mississippi

At just 70.0 years, Mississippi County residents face a devastating 4.4-year gap compared to the U.S. average of 74.4 years. The county's 28.8% poor or fair health rate—among America's highest—reflects an acute public health crisis driven by chronic disease, poverty, and limited healthcare access.

Missouri's poorest health outcomes

Mississippi County ranks among Missouri's lowest on life expectancy, trailing the state average of 74.3 years by 4.3 years. The county's 28.8% poor or fair health rate far exceeds Missouri's typical performance, signaling a community in health distress.

Disparities dwarf surrounding counties

Mississippi's 70.0-year life expectancy is 6.1 years shorter than neighboring Monroe County (76.1 years) and 4.9 years below New Madrid County (69.0 years), a striking regional gap. With only 16 primary care providers per 100K, Mississippi faces a severe physician shortage compared to most neighboring counties.

High uninsurance fuels health crisis

Mississippi's 15.0% uninsured rate combines with just 16 primary care providers per 100K—creating a barrier where many residents lack both coverage and physician access. Mental health support is available at 59 per 100K, yet behavioral health alone cannot address the structural health disparities driving early mortality.

Health insurance can save your life

In Mississippi County, coverage means access to the preventive care and treatment that can add years to your life expectancy. Apply for Medicaid or marketplace coverage immediately at healthcare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE—every month without insurance puts your health at risk.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mississippi County

via RiskByCounty

Mississippi County faces above-average risk

Mississippi County's composite risk score of 57.19 places it in the "Relatively Low" category with exposure above the national median. Earthquake risk drives much of this score, creating a distinctive hazard profile for the region.

Upper-middle risk tier in Missouri

Mississippi's score of 57.19 exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56, positioning it as a higher-risk county. Its unique earthquake exposure—scoring 93.51—distinguishes it sharply from typical Missouri hazard profiles.

Earthquake risk sets it apart regionally

Mississippi's 93.51 earthquake score far exceeds neighboring New Madrid (96.12) and most surrounding counties, reflecting proximity to seismic zones. Its tornado risk of 67.97 aligns with regional patterns, but earthquake threatens this county distinctly.

Earthquake dominates Mississippi's hazards

Earthquake risk scores an exceptional 93.51, making it Mississippi's primary natural disaster threat by far. Tornado risk at 67.97 poses secondary concern, while wildfire and flood risks remain minimal at 1.59 and 25.51 respectively.

Earthquake insurance is essential here

Mississippi County's extreme earthquake risk makes dedicated earthquake coverage non-negotiable for homeowners seeking comprehensive protection. Securing furniture, bracing water heaters, and anchoring cabinets provide critical structural safeguards against seismic events.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.