countyscore
42
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 83.2Safety 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.

Score breakdown

Tax46Cost83.2Safety47.7Health7.3Schools8.5Income20.9Risk41.7Water86Weather42.9
🏛46
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡47.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤7.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓8.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡41.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤42.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨27.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱32.5
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

Winston County
Mississippi
48.5
Kemper County
Mississippi
62.8
Newton County
Mississippi
56
Leake County
Mississippi
49
Choctaw County
Mississippi
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Attala County
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Noxubee County
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48.6
Lauderdale County
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46.8

Deep Dives

Neshoba County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Neshoba County

via CostByCounty

Neshoba renters well below national burden

Neshoba County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% is significantly better than the national average, meaning housing absorbs a smaller portion of household budgets here. With a median income of $53,087—still 29% below the U.S. median—residents benefit from rents that scale proportionally lower.

Among Mississippi's most affordable counties

At 17.2%, Neshoba's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the best in Mississippi, beating the state average of 19.6% by a meaningful margin. The county's median rent of $759 sits just slightly below the state median of $782, but stronger local incomes make it more sustainable.

Moderately priced in the east-central cluster

Neshoba's $759 rent falls in the middle of neighboring counties: Montgomery offers cheaper housing at $682, while Newton and Oktibbeha are comparable or higher. Among this regional peer group, Neshoba balances affordability with access to services typical of its size.

Neshoba's housing math works well

Households here earn $53,087 annually and pay $759 in median rent—just 17.2% of income—leaving ample room for other necessities. Homeowners pay even less, with a median monthly owner cost of $518, making Neshoba attractive for both renters and buyers.

Neshoba balances affordability and income

If you're comparing Mississippi counties, Neshoba offers better income-to-rent ratios than most: its 17.2% burden beats the state average of 19.6% while maintaining comparable rental prices. For families seeking stability, Neshoba's stronger median income ($53,087) paired with reasonable rents creates a sustainable housing landscape.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Neshoba County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy lags far behind nation

Neshoba County's 66.5-year life expectancy ranks among the lowest nationally, falling 9.6 years behind the U.S. average of 76.1 years. More than one in four residents (27.6%) report fair or poor health, a rate 53% higher than the national benchmark.

Shortest lifespan in Mississippi analysis

Neshoba residents experience the lowest life expectancy of all eight counties examined, at 66.5 years versus Mississippi's 70.9-year average. The county's 15.2% uninsured rate marginally exceeds the state's 13.9%, adding financial strain to an already vulnerable population.

Health outcomes trail nearby counties

At 66.5 years, Neshoba's life expectancy falls well below neighboring Newton (69.9 years) and Panola (70.5 years). However, the county boasts exceptional mental health capacity at 139 providers per 100,000—nearly double its primary care strength—suggesting targeted mental health investment.

Limited primary care, mental health bright spot

Neshoba has 55 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, yet 15.2% of the population remains uninsured, creating gaps in routine care and disease management. The county's 139 mental health providers per 100,000 is an exceptional strength that reflects significant mental health resources for those with insurance or ability to pay.

Insurance enrollment can extend your life

With one in six residents uninsured, accessing coverage through Mississippi's health marketplace or Medicaid is critical to breaking cycles of delayed care. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore plans—many offer free or low-cost preventive visits that catch disease early.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Neshoba County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concise Network of Five Public Schools

Neshoba County operates a focused education infrastructure consisting of two elementary, one middle, and two high schools. Approximately 3,867 students enroll across these five campuses, which are split between two local school districts.

Performance and Spending Below State Averages

The county reports a 79.6% graduation rate, trailing both the Mississippi average of 87.1% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. With a school score of 45.1 and per-pupil spending at $5,649, the county invests significantly less than the national average of $13,000 per student.

Neshoba County School District Leads Enrollment

The Neshoba County School District serves as the primary provider with 3,038 students, while the Philadelphia Public School District manages the remaining 829 students. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county, keeping all students in traditional public settings.

Large Town Schools with Significant Enrollment

All five schools are located in town settings, with a relatively high average school size of 773 students. Neshoba Central Elementary is the largest campus with 1,388 students, while Philadelphia High School is the smallest with 373 attendees.

Education Access in the Heart of Neshoba

Families looking for a community-centered school system should explore homes near the Neshoba Central campus. School quality remains a vital consideration for local homebuyers seeking long-term value in the Mississippi interior.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Neshoba County

via RiskByCounty

Neshoba faces above-average U.S. disaster risk

Your composite risk score of 58.27 places Neshoba in the Relatively Low category nationally, but above typical American counties. The county experiences moderate natural hazard exposure compared to the broader U.S.

Moderate risk among Mississippi counties

Neshoba's 58.27 score ranks it above Mississippi's 50.94 state average, placing it in the higher-risk tier statewide. You live in one of the state's more hazard-exposed communities.

Riskier than most surrounding counties

Neshoba (58.27) exceeds neighbors like Montgomery (10.91) and Noxubee (29.04), matching Newton (52.45) in exposure. Your county carries elevated risk compared to much of central Mississippi.

Tornado, hurricane, earthquake dominate threats

Tornado (86.01), hurricane (81.06), and earthquake (74.05) risks all rank in the high category, with tornado being your most acute threat. Flooding at 41.38 presents additional but secondary concern.

Prioritize tornado and windstorm protection

Given tornado risk of 86.01, ensure your homeowners policy covers wind and hail damage—critical for tornado recovery. Consider a safe room, reinforced garage, or community shelter plan as physical backup to insurance.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Neshoba County's county score?
Neshoba County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 42 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 #62 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 $856, with an effective tax rate of 0.89%. This earns Neshoba County a tax score of 46/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Neshoba County?
The median household income in Neshoba County, Mississippi is $53,087 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Neshoba County earns an income score of 20.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Neshoba County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Neshoba County scores 42/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #62 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.

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