countyscore
56
County Score
Safety 97.5Cost of Living 85.8Water Quality 63

County Report Card

About Newton County, Mississippi

Surpassing the National Median

Newton County achieves a composite score of 56.0, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This ranking places it in a competitive position relative to the rest of the country.

Leading the Mississippi Average

At 56.0, the county outperforms the Mississippi state average of 48.4 by a significant margin. It is one of the more balanced counties in the region.

Superior Safety and Low Costs

Safety is a premier feature here with a score of 97.5, one of the highest in the state. Housing remains affordable with a cost score of 85.8 and a median gross rent of only $722.

Focusing on Health and Income

The health score of 13.2 and income score of 15.4 highlight the primary areas for local improvement. Despite low costs, the median household income of $50,426 sits below many national peers.

A High-Value Choice for Families

Newton is perfect for families seeking a secure, low-crime environment with a very manageable cost of living. It offers a stable, high-value alternative to more expensive suburban areas.

Score breakdown

Tax53.4Cost85.8Safety97.5Health13.2Schools22.4Income15.4Risk47.6Water63Weather47.6
🏛53.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤13.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓22.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡47.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧63
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨26.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱32.7
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

Neshoba County
Mississippi
42
Scott County
Mississippi
42.8
Leake County
Mississippi
49
Jasper County
Mississippi
53.9
Lauderdale County
Mississippi
46.8
Smith County
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Kemper County
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62.8
Clarke County
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60.7

Deep Dives

Newton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Newton County

via TaxByCounty

Newton taxes well below national norm

Newton County's effective rate of 0.799% ranks among the lowest in the nation, where homeowners typically pay 0.95% of property value. Residents here enjoy a meaningful tax advantage compared to most U.S. counties.

Lowest burden in Mississippi

At 0.799%, Newton County's effective rate is the lowest among Mississippi's 82 counties, sitting 7.5% below the state average of 0.743%. The county's median tax of $821 represents exceptional affordability for property owners statewide.

Clear tax advantage locally

Newton's 0.799% rate undercuts nearly all regional neighbors: Montgomery County (0.896%), Neshoba County (0.886%), Noxubee County (1.011%), and Panola County (0.769%). Only Pearl River County (0.677%) taxes at a lower rate in the broader area.

Median home costs $821 yearly

On Newton's median home value of $102,700, homeowners pay approximately $821 per year—or about $68 monthly. With a mortgage, escrow payments typically amount to around $992 annually.

Verify your assessment is correct

Even in low-tax counties, some homeowners are assessed above fair market value, and Newton County is no exception. Request a reassessment review if you believe your property value doesn't match recent comparable sales in your area.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Newton County

via CostByCounty

Newton keeps housing costs manageable

Newton County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% is well below the national average, reflecting housing that remains proportional to local earning power. The median household income of $50,426 lags the U.S. average by one-third, but Newton's $722 median rent scales appropriately.

Among Mississippi's most affordable options

Newton's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio matches the state's better performers and beats the Mississippi average of 19.6% by a solid margin. The county's median rent of $722 is about $60 below the state median, offering genuine savings for area renters.

The middle ground in east-central Mississippi

Newton's $722 rent sits between affordable Montgomery ($682) and pricier Neshoba ($759), positioning it squarely in the middle of its regional peer group. The county offers a balance of moderate costs without sacrificing proximity to neighboring employment or services.

Newton's housing burden is light

Residents earn a median of $50,426 annually and dedicate just $722 monthly to rent—17.2% of income, well below the 30% affordability standard. Homeowners shoulder an even lighter load at $555 monthly, making Newton accessible across both rental and ownership paths.

Newton delivers solid value for movers

Comparing Mississippi counties, Newton's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio and $722 median rent offer competitive affordability without the lowest income levels. If you want reasonable housing costs paired with moderate household earnings, Newton provides a balanced alternative to cheaper but lower-wage counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Newton County

via IncomeByCounty

Newton falls 33% short of national median

Newton County's median household income of $50,426 reaches about 67% of the national median of $74,755, a gap typical of rural counties in the Deep South. The shortfall reflects limited access to high-wage industries common in metropolitan areas.

Slightly above Mississippi average

At $50,426, Newton County earns roughly 4% more than Mississippi's state median of $48,514, ranking in the middle tier among the state's 82 counties. The county's per capita income of $29,039 also exceeds the state average of $27,136.

Mid-range earner in the cluster

Newton County's $50,426 median sits between Noxubee County's $38,814 and Neshoba County's $53,087, making it a solidly middle-income county in this region. It outpaces Montgomery County ($45,057) and tracks closely with Perry County ($50,435).

Housing costs align with income

Newton County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio indicates housing affordability, with residents spending roughly one-sixth of earnings on rent or mortgage. The median home value of $102,700 is within reach for households earning the county median.

Invest in your financial future

Newton County's modest-but-stable incomes and manageable housing costs support retirement and savings goals. Consider automating contributions to employer plans and exploring low-cost index funds through services that cater to working-class savers.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Newton County

via CrimeByCounty

Newton County Reports Exceptional Safety Score

Newton County reports a safety score of 100.0, reflecting a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100K in 2022. This contrasts sharply with the national average of 2,385.5 crimes per 100,000 residents.

Newton County Ranks Among State's Safest

This perfect score places Newton County at the top of Mississippi’s safety rankings, surpassing the state average score of 98.4. Three reporting agencies contribute to these remarkably low figures.

Newton County Compared to Surrounding Areas

Neighboring Neshoba County reports a crime rate of 1,173.7, highlighting Newton's exceptionally low recorded activity. The county presents a highly safe profile compared to many of its Central Mississippi neighbors.

Newton County’s Statistical Profile Shows No Crimes

Both violent and property crime rates sit at 0.0 per 100K, significantly lower than the national property crime rate of 2,015.7. While data reporting may be limited, the current figures suggest a very secure environment.

Ensuring Long-Term Safety in Newton County

Maintaining a safe community starts with personal vigilance and neighborhood watch efforts. Simple upgrades like reinforced door locks can help ensure these low crime rates continue for years.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Newton County

via HealthByCounty

Close to national life expectancy norm

Newton County's 69.9-year life expectancy sits closer to national averages than most Mississippi counties, though still 6.2 years below the U.S. median of 76.1 years. A quarter of residents (26.3%) report fair or poor health, better than Montgomery or Neshoba but still significantly above the national 18% baseline.

Slightly below state health average

Newton's 69.9-year life expectancy edges below Mississippi's 70.9-year state mean, placing it in the middle tier of county outcomes. Its 13.2% uninsured rate nearly matches the state average of 13.9%, suggesting more equitable insurance access than neighboring Montgomery County.

Outperforming Montgomery and Neshoba

Newton's 69.9-year life expectancy bests both Montgomery (68.8 years) and Neshoba (66.5 years), yet trails Oktibbeha's exceptional 75.2 years. However, Newton's primary care shortage—just 14 providers per 100,000 residents—is among the region's most severe, limiting preventive care capacity.

Provider shortage creates care gaps

Newton's critical shortage of primary care physicians—just 14 per 100,000 residents, roughly a quarter of recommended levels—forces many to delay preventive visits or travel for routine care. Though 13.2% uninsured is relatively low, those with insurance struggle to find available appointments, creating a double bottleneck.

Coverage is your first step forward

Newton County's low uninsured rate shows many have coverage, but if you're among the 13.2% without a plan, enrollment through Mississippi's marketplace can connect you to available providers. Visit healthcare.gov or your county health department to find plans and learn about free preventive services covered at no cost.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Newton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Eleven Schools Across Three Distinct Districts

Newton County maintains a diverse educational landscape with 11 schools, including three elementary and four high school campuses. These facilities support 3,431 students across three separate school districts.

Strong Graduation Rates Meet State Benchmarks

The county's graduation rate of 86.4% nearly matches the state average of 87.1%. Education spending stands at $6,029 per pupil, which exceeds the state average of $5,954 and supports a solid composite school score of 49.5.

A Trio of Local School Districts

The Newton County School District is the largest, serving 1,688 students, followed by Union Public School District with 927 and Newton Municipal with 816. The county operates exclusively through traditional public schools, with no charter options currently available.

A Blend of Rural and Town Learning

Education here spans seven rural and four town locations, reflecting the county's varied geography. Newton County Elementary is the largest school with 877 students, while Union High School offers a more intimate setting with 289 students.

Discover Homes in Newton's Educational Hubs

Prospective residents often prioritize proximity to the high-performing Newton County and Union districts. Local real estate offers diverse options for families looking to settle near these established school communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Newton County

via RiskByCounty

Newton sits slightly above typical U.S. risk

Newton's composite score of 52.45 earns a Relatively Low national rating but exceeds average American county exposure. Your county faces moderate natural hazard pressure compared to nationwide trends.

Slightly above-average for Mississippi

At 52.45, Newton ranks just above Mississippi's 50.94 state average, placing it in the middle tier of statewide risk. Your county's hazard exposure mirrors the typical Mississippi experience.

Similar risk to Neshoba, higher than others

Newton (52.45) closely matches Neshoba (58.27) while exceeding Montgomery (10.91) and Noxubee (29.04). Your risk profile aligns with the northeastern Mississippi corridor.

Tornado and hurricane top your hazard list

Tornado risk of 83.49 and hurricane risk of 80.06 represent Newton's primary threats, with earthquake at 57.60 posing moderate secondary danger. Flood (36.61) and wildfire (38.74) risks remain manageable.

Storm coverage is your insurance priority

Your tornado score of 83.49 demands robust homeowners coverage for wind and hail damage. Document your home's condition and assets now, and develop a family tornado response plan with designated shelter locations.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Newton County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and humid southern climate

Newton County averages 63.6°F annually, which is much warmer than the average U.S. county. The region is characterized by high humidity and 58.8 inches of annual rainfall.

Reflecting the state average

Newton County's 63.6°F average nearly mirrors the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. Its precipitation level of 58.8 inches also sits close to the state benchmark of 59.6 inches.

Similar to Oktibbeha County

Newton County shares an identical 63.6°F annual average with Oktibbeha County. However, it experiences 73 extreme heat days, slightly fewer than Oktibbeha's 78 days.

Long summers and negligible snow

The summer heat lasts through 73 days above 90°F, peaking in July at 80.4°F. Winter remains very mild with only 0.4 inches of average annual snowfall.

Prepare for wet, hot conditions

With nearly 59 inches of rain, residents should invest in high-quality rain protection and home waterproofing. The persistent summer heat makes air conditioning maintenance a top priority.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Newton County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and Sandy Earth

Newton County soils are notably acidic at a 5.16 pH, which is lower than the 6.5 national median. This characteristic follows the state-wide trend of acidic earth, sitting just below Mississippi's 5.30 average.

A Gritty, Workable Mix

A gritty composition of 56.6% sand and 28.2% silt makes for a very workable but porous soil. The relatively low 15.2% clay content means the soil feels light in the hand but requires careful nutrient management.

Quick-Drying Fertility Profile

With 1.69% organic matter, Newton falls slightly behind the state average of 1.81%. The available water capacity of 0.159 in/in also trails the state average, suggesting the ground dries out faster than in surrounding counties.

Rapid Drainage for Wet Seasons

Formal hydrologic groups are not listed, yet the high sand percentage generally translates to rapid drainage. This prevents root rot in wet years but demands consistent irrigation for thirsty garden crops.

Ideal for Root Crops

Located in hardiness zone 8b, this area is ideal for growing sweet potatoes and watermelons that favor sandy textures. Start your garden with organic mulch to help keep the soil moist during the peak of summer heat.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Newton County

via LawnByCounty

Standard Mississippi Lawn Challenges in Newton

Newton County’s lawn difficulty score of 32.7 makes it slightly easier to manage than the state average, though it remains tougher than 67% of the nation. The 8b hardiness zone is hospitable to many southern turf varieties. Consistent care is required to navigate the combination of acidic soil and summer heat.

Consistent Rain Meets 73 Days of Heat

The county receives 58.8 inches of annual precipitation, providing plenty of water for thirsty summer lawns. However, the 73 days of heat over 90°F can quickly scorch turf that isn't properly established. The 5,624 growing degree days support a robust, long-lasting mowing season.

Sandy Soil Needs Nutrient Support

The soil in Newton County is 56.6% sand, which helps prevent waterlogging but leads to faster nutrient leaching. A low pH of 5.16 means your lawn will likely need regular lime applications to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. Adding compost can help the sandy base retain moisture more effectively.

Current Conditions Favor New Growth

Newton County spent only three weeks in drought over the last year, and currently, just 1.4% of the area is abnormally dry. This provides an excellent window for establishing new sod or seeding without immediate moisture stress. Maintain a regular watering schedule to keep the sandy soil from drying out too quickly.

Target Late March for Best Results

The last spring frost usually passes by March 25th, signaling the start of the primary growing season. Warm-season grasses like St. Augustine or Bermuda thrive in these 8b conditions and should be established as soon as temperatures stabilize. Aim for a healthy root system before the peak heat of July arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Newton County's county score?
Newton County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 56 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 Newton County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Newton County ranks #20 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 Newton County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Newton County is $821, with an effective tax rate of 0.80%. This earns Newton County a tax score of 53.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Newton County?
The median household income in Newton County, Mississippi is $50,426 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Newton County earns an income score of 15.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Newton County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Newton County scores 56/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Newton 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 Newton 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.