countyscore
47.5
County Score
Cost of Living 80.3Water Quality 58.7Weather & Climate 58.3

County Report Card

About Monroe County, Mississippi

Monroe County nears national median scores

Monroe County posts a composite score of 47.5, coming close to the national median of 50.0. It balances exceptional housing value against lower healthcare and income scores.

A solid performer in Mississippi

The county’s 47.5 score is nearly identical to the Mississippi state average of 48.4. It represents a typical but high-value experience for residents in the northern part of the state.

Excellent affordability and water quality

Monroe shines with a cost score of 80.3 and a water score of 58.7. With median home values at $115,200, it remains one of the more affordable places to build a life in the state.

Economic and health infrastructure gaps

Income (17.2) and health (18.3) are the primary areas for improvement. Increasing the median household income from $51,231 would likely help boost other quality-of-life metrics.

Perfect for small-town value seekers

Monroe County is best for families and individuals looking for affordable homeownership and reliable utilities. It offers a stable, low-cost lifestyle for those who value community over high-speed urban growth.

Score breakdown

Tax58.2Cost80.3Safety48.8Health18.3Schools30.5Income17.2Risk31.5Water58.7Weather58.3
🏛58.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼17.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡48.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤18.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓30.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡31.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧58.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨35.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱40.6
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

Clay County
Mississippi
41.3
Lowndes County
Mississippi
46.2
Lamar County
Alabama
66.3
Chickasaw County
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Oktibbeha County
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Marion County
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Itawamba County
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Lee County
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Deep Dives

Monroe County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Monroe County

via TaxByCounty

Monroe taxes rank low in America

Monroe County's effective property tax rate of 0.746% is roughly one-third the national median of 2.1%, providing residents exceptionally affordable property taxation. At $859 annually, the median property tax stands far below the national median of $2,690.

Monroe matches Mississippi state average

Monroe County's 0.746% effective rate is virtually identical to Mississippi's 0.743% statewide average, exemplifying the state's typical tax burden. The median property tax of $859 slightly trails the state median of $931, reflecting the county's lower median home value of $115,200.

Monroe rate aligns with regional peers

Monroe County's 0.746% effective rate sits near the top of the region, matched closely by Marshall (0.747%) and Marion (0.744%), and substantially above Lowndes (0.640%). This positions Monroe among the region's higher-taxed jurisdictions, though still tax-competitive.

Median tax totals $859 annually

On a median Monroe County home valued at $115,200, property taxes amount to approximately $859 per year. With a mortgage, homeowners owe $1,009; without, $599.

Check your assessment for potential refunds

Many Monroe County homeowners overpay taxes due to inflated assessments that go unchallenged. Requesting a reassessment from the county assessor is simple and often recovers hundreds in annual taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Monroe County

via CostByCounty

Monroe County hits affordability sweet spot

Monroe County renters spend 16.9% of income on rent, just above the national 16% benchmark and well below Mississippi's 19.6% state average. At $721 monthly on a $51,231 median income, Monroe delivers solid affordability without sacrifice.

Top tier of Mississippi affordability

Monroe County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Mississippi's most affordable, beaten only by Lee ($16.6%) and Madison ($16.7%). This performance is remarkable given that Monroe's median income trails both those counties, showing that conservative rents here do real work.

Lowest rents, solid wage foundation

Monroe's $721 rent ranks among the region's cheapest, yet the $51,231 median income is respectable—higher than Marion ($42,320) and Leflore ($33,188). This combination delivers the region's best bang-for-buck housing.

Renters prosper; homeowners thrive

Renters pay $721 monthly (16.9% of income), while homeowners commit just $637 monthly on properties valued at $115,200—representing only 14.9% of income. Monroe offers the region's best homeownership value relative to wages, beating even Lincoln County.

Monroe delivers real affordability gains

If you're relocating and prioritize keeping housing costs below 17% of income, Monroe County excels: cheap rents, affordable homes, and modest wages that still stretch your dollar. Compare your current burden—if you're paying more than 18%, Monroe offers measurable relief.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Monroe County

via IncomeByCounty

Monroe County earns near state baseline

Monroe County's median household income of $51,231 lags the national median of $74,755 by $23,524, falling below national income benchmarks. The county slightly exceeds Mississippi's statewide average of $48,514, indicating performance just above state-level norms.

Monroe County ranks above Mississippi average

Monroe County's median household income of $51,231 exceeds Mississippi's statewide average of $48,514 by $2,717, placing it slightly above the state median. Per capita income of $28,411 also surpasses the state average of $27,136, suggesting moderately healthy household earnings.

Monroe County matches regional midpoint

Monroe County's median household income of $51,231 sits between lower-earning Marion County ($42,320) and higher-earning Lowndes County ($54,460), establishing it as a regional middle performer. Per capita income of $28,411 similarly tracks with nearby county averages.

Housing costs at comfortable threshold

Monroe County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% sits well below the 28% affordability threshold, with housing costs consuming a modest portion of household earnings. At median home values of $115,200 relative to household income, homeownership remains accessible for working families.

Build savings while seeking advancement

Monroe County's moderate income position provides households with reasonable room to establish emergency savings and retirement contributions after core expenses. Families should focus on building professional skills and pursuing wage growth to accelerate long-term wealth accumulation above current county and state averages.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Monroe County

via CrimeByCounty

Monroe County's Safety Profile

Monroe County maintains a safety score of 98.2, keeping it in line with positive national safety trends. The total crime rate of 1,147.2 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Monroe vs. Mississippi Safety Trends

The county’s safety score is just slightly below the Mississippi average of 98.4. Its total crime rate of 1,147.2 is marginally higher than the statewide average of 978.4.

Neighbor Comparison: Lee and Lowndes

Monroe sees less crime than neighboring Lee County, which has a rate of 2,750.1. However, it is busier than nearby Lowndes County, which sits lower at 784.0.

The Local Crime Breakdown

Property crime is the main concern at 1,021.4 per 100K, while violent crime is very low at 125.8. Residents are much more likely to encounter theft than any form of violent offense.

Home Security Tips for Monroe

Since property crime accounts for nearly 90% of local incidents, securing your home's exterior is vital. Simple deterrents like motion-activated lights and visible security signs are highly effective.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Monroe County

via HealthByCounty

Monroe County near national baseline

At 71.8 years, Monroe County's life expectancy falls 4.7 years short of the U.S. average of 76.5 years. The county's 24.4% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average of 18%, reflecting a population managing considerable chronic disease.

Slightly above state average

Monroe County's 71.8-year life expectancy ranks just above Mississippi's 70.9-year average, placing it in the middle of the state's health distribution. The 24.4% poor/fair health rate sits slightly below the state median, suggesting moderate population health status.

Limited mental health support

Monroe County offers 50 primary care providers per 100K residents, matching Lincoln County but trailing stronger counties like Lee. Mental health capacity at just 27 per 100K ranks lowest statewide—far below the regional average—creating a critical gap in behavioral health access.

Insurance and provider gaps

Monroe County's 13.7% uninsured rate sits just below the state average of 13.9%, yet severe mental health provider shortages mean coverage alone doesn't ensure access to needed care. Residents seeking mental health treatment face particularly acute barriers.

Secure insurance and plan care

If you're uninsured in Monroe County, apply at Healthcare.gov today to avoid gaps in coverage. Once covered, prioritize establishing relationships with available providers now—Monroe County's mental health shortage means waiting lists are long.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Monroe County

via SchoolsByCounty

School Facilities and Districts in Monroe

Monroe County hosts 13 public schools across three school districts, serving 4,635 students. The grade structure includes three elementary schools, two middle schools, and five high schools, plus three campuses with unique grade configurations. This multi-district approach ensures localized education for the county's various communities.

High Graduation Success in Monroe County

Monroe County achieves a standout 89.9% graduation rate, nearly three percentage points higher than the national average. The county's school score of 51.2 also beats the Mississippi state average of 49.8. Per-pupil spending is competitive at $5,927, staying very close to the state's average investment levels.

Districts Serving Amory, Aberdeen, and Beyond

The Monroe County School District leads with 2,119 students, followed by the Amory School District with 1,518 and Aberdeen with 998. These three districts offer distinct community identities and specialized programs for their respective areas. No charter schools are active in the county, emphasizing a commitment to local public district success.

Rural Focus and Integrated Grade Schools

Seven schools are situated in rural areas and six in town settings, with several 'Other' schools like Hatley High serving grades PK-12. The average school size is 464 students, though Hatley High stands out as the largest with 972 students. This mix allows many students to stay on the same campus for their entire academic career.

Locating a Home in Top Monroe Districts

Strong graduation rates and solid academic scores make Monroe County a top choice for regional homebuyers. Areas served by the Amory and Monroe County districts are particularly popular for their established school reputations. Prospective residents can choose between small-town living and expansive rural properties while maintaining access to quality public education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Monroe County

via RiskByCounty

Monroe County faces above-average hazard exposure

Monroe County's composite risk score of 68.54 places it in the relatively low national category, though this reflects meaningful vulnerability to earthquakes and tornadoes. The score indicates the county experiences more than average exposure to specific high-impact hazards.

Above-average risk within Mississippi

Monroe County's score of 68.54 exceeds Mississippi's state average of 50.94, positioning it in the upper-middle range of statewide risk. This standing reflects the county's particular vulnerability to seismic activity and strong tornadoes, despite lower exposure to some other hazards.

Mid-range risk in the northeast region

Monroe County's 68.54 score sits between Lincoln County (48.44) and the higher-risk areas of Lee County (81.27) and Lowndes County (80.92). While the county faces serious tornado and earthquake threats, it avoids some of the extreme concentrations of risk seen in neighboring Lowndes County.

Tornadoes and earthquakes dominate hazard profile

Monroe County faces a tornado risk of 86.42 and earthquake risk of 86.70, representing the two most significant threats residents face. These dual hazards create the need for comprehensive preparedness strategies addressing both sudden severe weather and long-term seismic vulnerability.

Secure tornado and earthquake insurance

Monroe County homeowners should ensure comprehensive wind coverage in their policies to address tornado risk, and must purchase separate earthquake insurance immediately. Consider structural improvements like roof reinforcement and secure attachment systems to enhance resilience against the county's primary hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Monroe County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild winters and southern warmth

Monroe County averages 61.4°F annually, showcasing the warmth typical of the American South compared to the national median. The county receives 55.9 inches of rain, slightly less than the Mississippi state average.

Below the Mississippi state average

The county's 61.4°F average temperature remains lower than the statewide benchmark of 63.9°F. This makes Monroe slightly more temperate than the counties located further south toward the Gulf Coast.

Comparable to nearby Noxubee County

Monroe is slightly cooler than Noxubee County, which averages 62.7°F. However, it experiences 63 extreme heat days, roughly ten more than its northern neighbor, Marshall County.

Hot summers with trace snow

July temperatures average nearly 80°F, contributing to 63 days of heat exceeding 90°F annually. Snow is almost non-existent here, with a yearly average of just 0.1 inches.

Plan for consistent summer heat

Residents must plan for over two months of extreme heat by maintaining cooling systems and staying hydrated. The low snowfall means winter weather gear is rarely needed for local commutes.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Monroe County

via SoilByCounty

Monroe's Balanced Acidic Soil Profile

Monroe County soil has a pH of 5.39, making it slightly more alkaline than the state average of 5.30. However, it remains acidic compared to the national median of 6.5. The overall soil score of 35.4 is nearly identical to the Mississippi state average of 35.7.

A Sandy-Silt Blend for Stability

The composition is a mix of 42.2% sand and 38.7% silt, with 19.1% clay. This balanced blend provides both the drainage of sand and the nutrient-holding capacity of silt and clay. This texture is generally stable for construction and versatile for many types of farming.

Steady Fertility and Water Metrics

The organic matter content is 1.76%, sitting just below the state benchmark of 1.81%. Available water capacity measures 0.168 in/in, which is also close to the Mississippi average of 0.174 in/in. These middle-of-the-road numbers suggest a reliable soil that responds well to standard fertilization.

Predictable Drainage and Moderate Hold

With sand as the largest component, Monroe County soils typically enjoy good drainage and aeration. While specific drainage classes aren't recorded, the 19.1% clay content ensures the soil doesn't dry out instantly. This creates a predictable environment for both landscape irrigation and stormwater management.

Cultivating Crops in Zone 8a

Located in Zone 8a, Monroe County provides a great climate for southern favorites like peaches and sweet potatoes. The soil's balanced texture supports a wide variety of plant life with minimal specialized care. It is an approachable environment for first-time gardeners looking to start a backyard plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Monroe County

via LawnByCounty

A Top-Performing Mississippi County

Monroe County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 40.6, making it the easiest county in this group to maintain. While this is still below the national average of 50.0, it is nearly 10 points better than the state average. Its location in Zone 8a provides a relatively stable environment for southern turf.

Moderate Heat and Balanced Growth

With 63 extreme heat days, Monroe County is cooler than the state average of 73 days. It receives 55.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is manageable for most established lawns. The 5,086 growing degree days provide a healthy energy level for grass without the hyper-active growth seen in the far south.

Sandy Loam Needs Neutralizing

The soil pH of 5.39 is acidic and should be raised with lime to improve nutrient uptake. A composition of 19.1% clay and 42.2% sand provides good natural drainage for the 55.9 inches of rain the county receives. This physical structure is ideal for building a deep root system if the acidity is properly managed.

Stable Moisture Conditions

Monroe County only faced 8 weeks in drought over the last year, and currently, just 8.3% of the area is abnormally dry. This relative stability makes it easier to keep a lawn green without constant intervention. Even so, maintaining a proper watering schedule during the 63 heat days will prevent summer dormancy.

Optimal Planting for Monroe

Plan to establish your lawn after the last spring frost on March 29 to take full advantage of the growing season. You have until the first fall frost on November 5 to ensure your grass is well-rooted and healthy. Zoysia or Bermuda grasses are highly recommended for this climate and soil profile.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Monroe County's county score?
Monroe County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 47.5 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 Monroe County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Monroe County ranks #42 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 Monroe County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Monroe County is $859, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns Monroe County a tax score of 58.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Monroe County?
The median household income in Monroe County, Mississippi is $51,231 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Monroe County earns an income score of 17.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Monroe County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Monroe County scores 47.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #42 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Monroe 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 Monroe 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.