countyscore
40.2
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 74.8Safety 47.7

County Report Card

About Neshoba County, Mississippi

Below the National Benchmark

Neshoba County scores a 42.0 on the composite index, trailing the national median of 50.0. This score reflects the infrastructure and economic challenges often found in the Deep South.

Trailing the Mississippi Average

The county’s score of 42.0 sits below the Mississippi state average of 48.4. It ranks in the bottom half of the state, indicating room for growth in public services.

Strong Infrastructure and Affordability

Neshoba shines with a water quality score of 86.0 and an impressive cost score of 83.2. Median home values are exceptionally low at $96,600, making entry-level ownership highly accessible.

Addressing Education and Health Needs

The county struggles with a school score of 8.5 and a health score of 7.3, both of which are significantly below national norms. Economic mobility is also constrained by an income score of 20.9.

Best for Low-Cost Rural Living

Neshoba suits individuals who prioritize high housing value and reliable utilities above local school rankings. It is a practical choice for those with established careers or fixed incomes.

2040608010043.774.847.77.38.525.941.78642.9Tax43.7Cost74.8Safety47.7Health7.3Schools8.5Income25.9Risk41.7Water86Weather42.940.2/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Neshoba County DNA

Foverall

How Neshoba County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Neshoba County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Schools (8.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
43.7-8.299999999999997
Cost
74.8+26.799999999999997
Safety
47.7
Health
7.3-42.7
Schools
8.5-45.5
Income
25.9-25.1
Risk
41.7
Water
86+28
Weather
42.9-13.100000000000001
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Think property taxes are too high in Neshoba County?

Many homeowners in Neshoba County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$100,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$839/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$100,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $57,013/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

17.3

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Neshoba County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Neshoba County

via TaxByCounty

Neshoba stays below national average

Neshoba County's effective tax rate of 0.886% ranks in the lower half nationally, where the typical homeowner pays closer to 0.95% of property value. This Mississippi county offers a lighter tax burden compared to most of the nation.

Above state average, close second

Neshoba's 0.886% rate sits about 19% above Mississippi's 0.743% state average, though the county's median tax of just $856 remains reasonable for the region. It ranks among the higher-tax counties statewide, but falls short of the steepest burdens.

Mid-range for the region

Neshoba's rate of 0.886% sits between Newton County (0.799%) and Montgomery County (0.896%), placing it squarely in the regional middle. Nearby Panola County (0.769%) and Pearl River County (0.677%) tax at notably lower rates.

Median tax under $900 annually

On a median home value of $96,600, Neshoba residents pay approximately $856 per year in property taxes—or roughly $71 monthly. Those with mortgages typically see annual escrow payments closer to $949.

Appeal if your home is overvalued

Property assessment errors are common across Mississippi, and Neshoba County homeowners should verify their assessments match current market conditions. Filing an appeal is free and can substantially lower your bill if your property's assessed value exceeds its true market worth.

Income & Jobs in Neshoba County

via IncomeByCounty

Neshoba earns 29% below national median

Neshoba County's median household income of $53,087 lags the national median of $74,755 by nearly $22,000 per year. Yet the county performs better than most rural Mississippi counties, ranking above both state and national income percentiles for its region.

Mid-tier income for Mississippi

Neshoba County's $53,087 median household income exceeds Mississippi's state average of $48,514 by $4,573, placing it in the upper-middle range among the state's 82 counties. This positioning reflects a more diversified local economy than many peers.

Among the highest in this region

Neshoba County leads nearby Montgomery County ($45,057) and Newton County ($50,426), but trails Pearl River County ($56,535) in median household income. The county's $53,087 median positions it as a local income leader.

Housing costs are manageable

A rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% means Neshoba County residents spend just over one-sixth of earnings on housing—comfortably within the 30% affordability guideline. The median home value of $96,600 makes homeownership achievable for many working families.

Leverage stability to invest

Neshoba County's above-average income and low housing burden create space for wealth-building strategies like home equity and investment accounts. Local banks and credit unions offer financial planning services; start with an emergency fund covering 3–6 months of expenses.

Safety in Neshoba County

via CrimeByCounty

Neshoba County Remains Safer Than National Average

Neshoba County maintains a high safety score of 98.1, well above many metropolitan areas nationwide. Its total crime rate of 1,173.7 per 100K remains less than half of the national average of 2,385.5.

Neshoba County Safety Near State Average

The county’s safety score sits just below the Mississippi state average of 98.4. Despite this slight gap, Neshoba remains a secure environment relative to more urban Mississippi regions.

Comparing Neshoba County to Nearby Peers

Neshoba's crime rate of 1,173.7 per 100K is higher than Panola County's 699.7. However, it still offers a safer profile than Oktibbeha County to the north.

Breakdown of Property and Violent Crime in Neshoba

Property crimes account for the majority of incidents at 942.4 per 100K, while violent crimes are lower at 231.3. These figures suggest that local law enforcement efforts focus heavily on theft and residential security.

Protecting Your Neshoba County Property

Since property crime is the primary concern here, residents should prioritize locking all entry points. Motion-activated sensors provide an effective deterrent for a county with these specific crime trends.

Weather & Climate in Neshoba County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep South heat levels

Neshoba County is significantly warmer than the national median with an annual average of 64.2°F. It typicalizes the humid subtropical climate of the central Deep South.

Warmer than the state average

At 64.2°F, Neshoba is warmer than the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. This marks it as one of the state's hotter central counties.

Hotter than neighboring Newton County

Neshoba’s average temperature outpaces Newton County’s 63.6°F. It also records 81 days of extreme heat, which is significantly higher than Noxubee’s 75 days.

Extreme summers and mild winters

The county endures 81 days above 90°F, with July averages hitting 81.1°F. Winters are very mild, staying at an average of 47.6°F during the coldest months.

Prioritize cooling and shade

Eighty-one days of extreme heat require robust HVAC systems and heat-safety planning for outdoor workers. While precipitation and snow data are limited, neighboring trends suggest prepping for heavy spring rains.

Soil Quality in Neshoba County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Coastal Plain Soils

Neshoba’s soil is quite acidic with a 5.01 pH, falling well below both the national 6.5 median and the state average of 5.30. This acidity defines the chemical profile, despite a lack of formal taxonomic classification in recent data.

Sandy Texture Dominates the Landscape

Sand dominates the soil at 51.7%, while silt (36.4%) and clay (11.9%) provide the remaining structure. This sandy mix ensures fast drainage but may require more frequent watering during dry Mississippi summers.

Average Organic Content, Lower Moisture

The soil contains 1.77% organic matter, nearly matching the state average of 1.81%. With an available water capacity of 0.166 in/in, the soil holds slightly less moisture than the state benchmark of 0.174 in/in.

Permeable Soils Prevent Waterlogging

While specific drainage classes aren't recorded here, the 51.7% sand content typically indicates high permeability. This likely helps prevent waterlogging but means nutrients may leach out more quickly than in silty soils.

Perfect for Acid-Loving Plants

Zone 8b temperatures allow for long growing seasons perfect for blueberries and camellias, which thrive in acidic environments. Residents should focus on adding compost to improve the water-holding capacity of this sandy ground.

Lawn Care in Neshoba County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Maintenance Needs in Neshoba

Neshoba County earns a lawn difficulty score of 32.5, placing it right in line with the state average but trailing the national median by nearly 18 points. Located in Zone 8b, the county offers a warm environment that favors heat-tolerant grass varieties. Maintaining a pristine lawn here requires a focus on soil chemistry and heat management.

High Heat and Long Growing Cycles

Neshoba faces 81 days of extreme heat annually, surpassing the state average of 73 and putting significant stress on cool-season grasses. The 5,807 growing degree days indicate a very long and productive growing season. While specific local precipitation data is limited, regional trends suggest ample rainfall to support vigorous growth.

Sandy Ground with High Acidity

With a high sand content of 51.7%, the soil here offers fast drainage but may struggle to hold nutrients. The pH of 5.01 is significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, making lime a mandatory amendment for most lawns. Gardeners must balance rapid drainage with consistent fertilization.

Monitoring Increasing Dryness

Though the county only spent two weeks in drought last year, currently 76.9% of the area is classified as abnormally dry. Focus on increasing the organic matter in your sandy soil to help retain moisture during dry spells. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn can provide a natural barrier against water loss.

Early Starts for Neshoba Lawns

Bermuda and Zoysia are excellent choices for the warm 8b climate and sandy soil profile. With the last spring frost typically occurring by March 20th, you can begin your lawn projects earlier than many of your northern neighbors. Start prep work in late February to be ready for the spring surge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Neshoba County's county score?
Neshoba County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 40.2 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 Neshoba County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Neshoba County ranks #66 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 Neshoba County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Neshoba County is $893, with an effective tax rate of 0.89%. This earns Neshoba County a tax score of 43.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Neshoba County?
The median household income in Neshoba County, Mississippi is $57,013 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Neshoba County earns an income score of 25.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Neshoba County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Neshoba County scores 40.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #66 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Neshoba 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 Neshoba County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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