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Oktibbeha County, Mississippi — County Report Card

MS

#77 in Mississippi

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
33.7
County Score
Property Tax 55.9Water Quality 55.4Weather & Climate 46

County Report Card

About Oktibbeha County, Mississippi

Falling Short of National Medians

Oktibbeha County's composite score of 33.7 is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. This indicates considerable challenges across several key livability dimensions.

Below the State Average

The county's score of 33.7 trails the Mississippi average of 48.4 by nearly 15 points. Despite being home to a major university, the broader county metrics face headwinds.

Low Taxes and Stable Utilities

The county offers a competitive tax score of 55.9, thanks to an effective property tax rate of 0.768%. Water infrastructure is also reliable, earning a respectable score of 55.4.

Struggling with Income and Safety

A low income score of 5.5 and a safety score of 20.5 are the primary drivers of the low composite ranking. Additionally, home values are relatively high at $219,500, which lowers the cost score to 45.3.

A Choice for Tax-Sensitive Residents

Oktibbeha is most appealing to those who benefit from the local university presence and value lower property taxes. It requires a specific lifestyle fit to overlook the lower safety and income scores.

Score breakdown

Tax55.9Cost45.3Safety20.5Health32.7Schools16.6Income5.5Risk37.2Water55.4Weather46
🏛55.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠45.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼5.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡20.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤32.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓16.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡37.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧55.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤46
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨43
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱35.4
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

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Webster County
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Choctaw County
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Winston County
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Deep Dives

Oktibbeha County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Oktibbeha County

via TaxByCounty

Oktibbeha taxes moderate to low

Oktibbeha County's effective rate of 0.768% sits comfortably below the national median of roughly 0.95%, placing it in the lower-tax half nationally. Its higher median tax of $1,685 reflects a higher median home value, not steeper rates.

Below state average by design

At 0.768%, Oktibbeha's effective rate falls 3.4% below Mississippi's 0.743% average, making it a moderate-tax county statewide. The county's median home value of $219,500 is substantially higher than the state norm, explaining the elevated median tax.

Competitive rate in region

Oktibbeha's 0.768% rate matches Panola County and undercuts Montgomery (0.896%) and Neshoba (0.886%), placing it in the middle-to-lower tier regionally. Newton (0.799%) and Pearl River (0.677%) tax slightly lower, while Noxubee (1.011%) taxes considerably higher.

Higher values mean higher bills

Oktibbeha's median home value of $219,500 is the highest in the region, resulting in an estimated annual property tax of $1,685—about $140 monthly. Homeowners with mortgages typically face escrow payments closer to $2,205 per year.

Protect your investment with review

With Oktibbeha's higher home values and property taxes, verifying your assessment accuracy is especially important—errors compound into larger dollar losses. If your assessed value significantly exceeds comparable recent sales, filing an appeal could recover hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Oktibbeha County

via CostByCounty

Oktibbeha's rental costs stand out

Oktibbeha County's rent-to-income ratio of 24.1% significantly exceeds the national average, with renters paying a notably larger share of income toward housing. The median household income of $43,482 is well below the U.S. median, yet rents at $873 monthly are the highest in this eight-county comparison.

Highest rent burden in Mississippi comparison

At 24.1%, Oktibbeha's rent-to-income ratio substantially exceeds Mississippi's state average of 19.6%, making it the least affordable for renters in this group. The median rent of $873 towers $91 above the state median of $782, driven partly by the presence of Mississippi State University.

Starkville campus effect raises rents

Oktibbeha's $873 median rent far exceeds all neighboring counties: Montgomery ($682), Newton ($722), and Neshoba ($759) are all substantially cheaper. The university presence drives rental demand and prices upward, creating affordability challenges for non-student residents with modest incomes.

College town premium erodes affordability

Households earn just $43,482 annually but pay $873 in median rent—24.1% of income, well above the 30% threshold and among the worst ratios here. Homeowners face similar pressure at $872 monthly, and the median home value of $219,500 is more than double neighboring counties, reflecting university-driven demand.

Oktibbeha: university draw, affordability trade-off

Oktibbeha offers Mississippi State's economic ecosystem and cultural amenities, but renters pay the price: $873 monthly rents consume 24.1% of the median income of $43,482. If university proximity matters, Oktibbeha is worth the cost; otherwise, nearby Montgomery, Newton, or Neshoba offer significantly better affordability ratios.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Oktibbeha County

via IncomeByCounty

Oktibbeha income lags nation by 42%

Oktibbeha County's median household income of $43,482 trails the national median of $74,755 by nearly $31,000, a gap widened by the county's large student and retirement-age populations. The income figure reflects the economic character of a college-anchored community.

Below average for Mississippi

Oktibbeha County's $43,482 median falls about 10% short of Mississippi's state average of $48,514, placing it in the lower half of the state's 82 counties. The lower median reflects significant student-population effects from Mississippi State University.

Middle-to-lower income locally

Oktibbeha County's $43,482 ranks below Neshoba County ($53,087) and Pearl River County ($56,535), but above Noxubee County ($38,814) and trails Montgomery County ($45,057) slightly. The county's substantial student body depresses median income metrics.

Housing burden climbs here

Oktibbeha County's 24.1% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in this county cluster, reflecting a mismatch between local incomes and housing costs. The median home value of $219,500—driven by college-town demand—strains working families earning near the county median.

Plan around student-life cycles

Oktibbeha County residents should account for income variability tied to academic calendars and post-graduation migration. Build flexible savings plans and take advantage of employer benefits; families benefiting from university employment often access retirement and education benefits.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Oktibbeha County

via CrimeByCounty

Oktibbeha County Safety Trends and National Benchmarks

Oktibbeha County reports a safety score of 96.7, which is lower than the national average safety profile. Its total crime rate of 2,062.8 per 100K approaches the national average of 2,385.5.

Oktibbeha County Safety vs Mississippi Average

The county falls below the Mississippi state average safety score of 98.4 and the average crime rate of 978.4. Four reporting agencies track these incidents, providing a clear picture of local challenges.

Oktibbeha County Crime Rates Compared Locally

Oktibbeha's crime rate of 2,062.8 per 100K is significantly higher than Noxubee's rate of 526.3. This disparity suggests more concentrated activity in the county's more populated areas.

Analyzing Oktibbeha’s Property and Violent Crime

Property crime dominates the local landscape at 1,852.6 per 100K, while violent crime remains lower at 210.2. This means theft and burglary are much more common concerns for residents than physical violence.

Strengthening Home Security in Oktibbeha County

Given the high property crime rate, homeowners should invest in robust security systems and alarm monitoring. Keeping valuables out of sight and securing vehicles can significantly reduce the risk of theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Oktibbeha County

via HealthByCounty

Health outcomes lead the entire region

Oktibbeha County's 75.2-year life expectancy stands just 0.9 years below the national average of 76.1 years—the strongest outcome among all eight counties examined. Only 22.9% report fair or poor health, well below the national 18% baseline, signaling consistent access to preventive care and health management.

Mississippi's healthiest county in this set

At 75.2 years, Oktibbeha exceeds Mississippi's 70.9-year state average by 4.3 years—a dramatic gap that reflects better insurance access, provider density, and economic stability. Its 13.1% uninsured rate nearly matches the state average, suggesting equitable coverage in a county with stronger overall health.

Outperforms every regional peer

Oktibbeha's 75.2-year life expectancy towers over all neighbors: Panola (70.5 years), Pearl River (70.7 years), Newton (69.9 years), and far exceeds Neshoba (66.5 years). Its 41 primary care providers and 252 mental health providers per 100,000 represent the region's strongest provider density and explain its superior health trajectory.

Strong providers, robust insurance coverage

Oktibbeha combines 41 primary care physicians per 100,000 with 252 mental health specialists—the highest mental health capacity in this analysis—and a 13.1% uninsured rate that approaches best-practice levels. These factors align to create a county where most residents can access preventive care, manage chronic disease, and address mental health without delay.

Maintain momentum with continuous coverage

Oktibbeha's success rests partly on strong insurance enrollment; if you're among the 13.1% uninsured, visit healthcare.gov to secure coverage and join neighbors who benefit from the county's robust provider network. Continuous coverage ensures you keep preventive appointments that maintain Oktibbeha's regional health leadership.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Oktibbeha County

via SchoolsByCounty

Starkville Schools Drive Educational Growth

Oktibbeha County features nine public schools serving a total of 4,894 students. This infrastructure includes a mix of three elementary, two middle, and three high schools, all operating under a single consolidated district.

Robust Funding Supports Comprehensive Learning

The county invests $6,079 per pupil, surpassing the Mississippi state average of $5,954. While the graduation rate of 83.0% is below the state mark, the composite school score remains competitive at 47.9.

Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated District

The Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated District manages all nine schools and 4,894 students in the area. There are no charter schools, meaning all local public education is concentrated within this single, unified system.

A Modern Town-Based School System

The majority of schools are located in town settings, reflecting the influence of Starkville's urban core. Starkville High School is the largest campus with 1,076 students, while the SOCSD/MSU Partnership Middle School highlights local university collaborations.

Education-Focused Real Estate in Starkville

The presence of Mississippi State University and a unified school district makes Oktibbeha County a top choice for academic-minded families. Researching homes near the high-capacity Starkville High can provide long-term residential stability.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Oktibbeha County

via RiskByCounty

Oktibbeha faces above-average U.S. risk

Oktibbeha's 62.79 composite score places it in the Relatively Low category nationally but exceeds typical American county exposure. Your county experiences measurable natural hazard pressure compared to the broader U.S.

Among higher-risk Mississippi counties

At 62.79, Oktibbeha ranks significantly above Mississippi's 50.94 state average, placing it in the upper tier of statewide risk. Your county is notably more hazard-exposed than the typical Mississippi community.

One of the riskier counties in region

Oktibbeha (62.79) exceeds most neighbors including Neshoba (58.27), Newton (52.45), and Noxubee (29.04), matching Panola (69.21). Your county carries elevated risk compared to surrounding areas.

Earthquake, tornado, hurricane converge as threats

Earthquake (85.05) and tornado (83.30) represent your two highest risks, while hurricane (69.17) adds substantial third-tier danger. Flood risk at 53.24 also exceeds state average exposure.

Comprehensive coverage addresses multiple threats

Given earthquake risk of 85.05 and tornado risk of 83.30, earthquake coverage should accompany your standard homeowners policy. Flood insurance becomes advisable with your 53.24 flood score; consult FEMA flood maps and your lender's requirements.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Oktibbeha County

via WeatherByCounty

Consistently warm southern climate

Oktibbeha County averages 63.6°F, which is far warmer than the national median. This climate features 58.0 inches of annual rainfall, typical for the humid South.

Matching the state average

The county's 63.6°F average is nearly identical to the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. It represents the standard climate profile for the central-east region of the state.

Warmer summers than Noxubee

Oktibbeha’s July average of 82.0°F is higher than Noxubee County’s 80.3°F. It also records 78 days of extreme heat, surpassing Noxubee's 75.

Hot summers and rare snow

Summer averages 80.7°F with 78 days above the 90°F mark. Winter is gentle, with an average temperature of 45.8°F and just 0.5 inches of snow.

Expect heat and high humidity

Residents should prepare for 78 days of extreme heat with high-capacity cooling systems. With 58.0 inches of rain, durable rain gear is a year-round necessity.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Oktibbeha County

via SoilByCounty

Expansive Vertisols of Oktibbeha

Oktibbeha County is home to Vertisols, a unique clay-rich soil order known for shrinking and swelling. Its 5.49 pH is more favorable than the 5.30 state average, though it remains more acidic than the 6.5 national median.

Heavy Silty Clay Texture

The silty clay texture comes from a mix of 46.3% silt and 21.8% clay. This high clay content creates a heavy, dense soil that holds onto nutrients but can be challenging to plow when wet.

Top-Tier Organic Matter Content

At 2.11%, the organic matter content is impressive, surpassing both the state average and the 2.0% national benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.175 in/in matches the state average, providing a reliable reservoir.

Planning for Slow-Draining Clay

This soil is somewhat poorly drained and belongs to hydrologic group D, indicating high runoff potential. Builders and gardeners must plan for slow drainage and the physical movement of this expansive clay.

Nutrient-Dense Ground for Vegetables

Hardiness zone 8a allows for a wide range of vegetables, with tomatoes and peppers performing well in these nutrient-dense soils. Dig in some grit or compost to improve the structure of the heavy clay and get planting today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Oktibbeha County

via LawnByCounty

The Easiest Lawn Conditions in the Region

Oktibbeha County leads the local pack with a lawn difficulty score of 35.4, making it significantly easier to manage than the Mississippi average. While it still falls short of the national 50.0 benchmark, the Zone 8a climate is quite productive. Homeowners here benefit from a slightly more favorable environmental profile.

Hot Summers and Generous Rainfall

The county sees 78 extreme heat days annually, requiring heat-tolerant turf choices for long-term success. Annual precipitation of 58.0 inches provides a strong moisture base, though much of it falls outside the peak summer months. A total of 5,710 growing degree days results in a very active, fast-growing lawn.

Managing Silty Clay and Acidity

The local soil is classified as silty clay and is somewhat poorly drained, which can lead to standing water during heavy rains. A pH of 5.49 is moderately acidic and will require periodic lime applications to reach the optimal 6.0-7.0 range. Aeration is a key strategy to improve drainage in this heavy soil texture.

Strong Resilience to Dry Conditions

Oktibbeha has been relatively resilient, with only six weeks of drought over the past year and no current areas classified as dry. This stable moisture makes it an ideal time for major lawn renovations or new installations. Deep watering during the rare dry weeks will help the silty clay soil maintain its structure.

Spring Start for Hardier Lawns

Zoysia and Bermuda grass are excellent picks for the local 8a hardiness zone and silty clay soil. Plan your seeding or sodding for late March, once the typical last frost date of March 23rd has passed. Establishing your lawn early allows it to develop the deep roots needed to handle 78 days of summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Oktibbeha County's county score?
Oktibbeha County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 33.7 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 Oktibbeha County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Oktibbeha County ranks #77 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 Oktibbeha County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Oktibbeha County is $1,685, with an effective tax rate of 0.77%. This earns Oktibbeha County a tax score of 55.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Oktibbeha County?
The median household income in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi is $43,482 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Oktibbeha County earns an income score of 5.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Oktibbeha County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Oktibbeha County scores 33.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #77 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Oktibbeha 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 Oktibbeha 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.