countyscore
43.3
County Score
Safety 70.4Cost of Living 63.7Property Tax 55.7

County Report Card

About Panola County, Mississippi

Lower Than National Norms

Panola County scores 43.3 on the composite index, which is below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a mix of affordable living and socio-economic hurdles.

Trailing the State Average

At 43.3, Panola sits about five points below the Mississippi average of 48.4. It faces more challenges than some of its neighbors in the northern part of the state.

Good Safety and Tax Rates

Safety is a relative strength with a score of 70.4, providing a secure environment for residents. The county also maintains a low effective tax rate of 0.769%, earning a tax score of 55.7.

Health and Economic Barriers

The county faces significant issues with an income score of 6.1 and a health score of 10.8. Low educational scores of 13.8 also complicate long-term economic growth for the community.

Quiet Living with Low Taxes

Panola is a good fit for residents who want a safe community with a manageable tax burden. It is best suited for those who are not reliant on the local job market for high-income roles.

Score breakdown

Tax55.7Cost63.7Safety70.4Health10.8Schools13.8Income6.1Risk30.8Water44.1Weather51
🏛55.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠63.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼6.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡70.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤10.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓13.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡30.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧44.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨41.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱22.6
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

Quitman County
Mississippi
58.2
Yalobusha County
Mississippi
47.1
Tate County
Mississippi
37.7
Tallahatchie County
Mississippi
47.5
Lafayette County
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Tunica County
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DeSoto County
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Grenada County
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Deep Dives

Panola County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Panola County

via TaxByCounty

Panola keeps taxes low nationally

Panola County's effective tax rate of 0.769% ranks in the lower half nationally, where homeowners typically pay roughly 0.95% of property value. This Mississippi county delivers a meaningful tax advantage compared to the nation as a whole.

Below Mississippi average

At 0.769%, Panola's effective rate runs 3.5% below Mississippi's 0.743% state average, making it one of the more affordable counties statewide. The county's median tax of $935 sits just above the state median of $931.

Lower than most regional peers

Panola's 0.769% rate undercuts Montgomery (0.896%) and Neshoba (0.886%), matching Oktibbeha (0.768%) while falling short only of Newton (0.799%) and Pearl River (0.677%) in the broader region. It avoids the extreme burden of Noxubee (1.011%).

Median tax near state average

On Panola's median home value of $121,500, residents pay approximately $935 annually—roughly $78 monthly. Those with mortgages typically see escrow payments totaling around $1,315 per year.

Request an assessment review

Panola County homeowners should periodically verify that their assessed values reflect current market conditions and recent comparable sales. A simple reassessment request could identify overvaluation and reduce your tax burden at no cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Panola County

via CostByCounty

Panola renters stretched thin

Panola County's rent-to-income ratio of 23.4% significantly exceeds the national average, placing renters here among the most burdened in this comparison. With a median household income of $43,990 and median rent at $859, housing consumes nearly a quarter of typical household income.

Above-average housing burden statewide

Panola's 23.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the worst in Mississippi, beating the state average of 19.6% only in absolute affordability terms—but the burden on residents is notably higher. The median rent of $859 sits $77 above the state median, reflecting stronger regional demand.

Premium pricing in north Mississippi

Panola's $859 rent is second-highest in this eight-county group, trailing only Oktibbeha's university-driven $873. Among comparable counties, Panola residents pay a north Mississippi premium without the economic draw of a major institution.

Housing dominates Panola budgets

Households earning $43,990 annually dedicate $859 monthly to rent—23.4% of income—leaving limited resources for other essentials. Homeowners pay $637 monthly, easing pressure for those who own, but the rental market creates genuine affordability stress for renters.

Panola: compare before committing

Panola's $859 median rent consumes 23.4% of the county's $43,990 median income—a higher burden than most regional alternatives. If relocating to north Mississippi, compare Panola against neighboring counties with better affordability ratios like Neshoba or Montgomery before deciding.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Panola County

via IncomeByCounty

Panola earns 41% below national median

Panola County's median household income of $43,990 sits roughly $31,000 below the national median of $74,755, placing it among lower-income rural counties nationwide. The gap reflects limited access to well-paying industries and employment concentration in agriculture and small businesses.

Below Mississippi's state median

At $43,990, Panola County trails Mississippi's state average of $48,514 by about 9%, ranking in the lower tier of the state's 82 counties. The county's per capita income of $24,616 also falls short of the state average of $27,136.

Lower earnings than most peers

Panola County's $43,990 median income trails Neshoba County ($53,087) by over $9,000 and lags Pearl River County ($56,535) significantly. It matches Oktibbeha County ($43,482) and exceeds only Noxubee County ($38,814) in this regional cluster.

Housing costs climb above comfort

Panola County's 23.4% rent-to-income ratio—the second-highest in the cluster—suggests housing costs squeeze household budgets, leaving limited room for other needs. The median home value of $121,500 represents a significant commitment for families earning the county median.

Prioritize debt management first

Panola County households should focus on reducing high-cost debt before investing, given the elevated housing-cost burden. Work with local credit counselors to optimize mortgage terms and explore first-time homebuyer assistance programs that might reduce your effective housing costs.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Panola County

via CrimeByCounty

Panola County Safety vs the National Average

Panola County maintains a safety score of 98.9, indicating it is safer than many parts of the country. The total crime rate of 699.7 per 100K is roughly one-third of the national average of 2,385.5.

Panola County’s Standing in Mississippi Safety

Panola’s safety score exceeds the Mississippi average of 98.4, and its crime rate is lower than the state average of 978.4. Five reporting agencies contribute to this data, ensuring a reliable overview.

Panola County Crime Rates vs Neighbors

At 699.7 crimes per 100K, Panola is significantly safer than Oktibbeha County. It also maintains a lower overall crime footprint than Neshoba County to the south.

Violent and Property Crime Trends in Panola

The county reports a very low violent crime rate of 75.4 per 100K compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the main factor at 624.3, though this is still well below the national norm.

Simple Steps for Panola Home Security

Because property crime is the primary concern, residents should focus on securing windows and garages. Joining a local neighborhood watch program helps keep Panola County’s crime rates on a downward trend.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Panola County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy moderately below national average

Panola County residents reach 70.5 years on average, trailing the U.S. median of 76.1 years by 5.6 years. More than one in four (27.6%) report fair or poor health, nearly 50% higher than the national 18% average, suggesting persistent chronic disease and limited preventive care access.

Slightly below state average, moderate insured rate

Panola's 70.5-year life expectancy falls just shy of Mississippi's 70.9-year state average, marking a moderate outcome among the eight counties. Its 14.3% uninsured rate exceeds the state's 13.9%, meaning one in seven residents lack coverage to manage chronic conditions or access preventive services.

Middle performer in regional context

Panola's 70.5-year life expectancy ranks between the struggling Neshoba (66.5 years) and the exceptional Oktibbeha (75.2 years), with performance comparable to Pearl River (70.7 years). Its 21 primary care providers per 100,000 remain below ideal levels, and mental health capacity at 113 per 100,000 lags peer counties like Noxubee (222).

Modest provider capacity meets uninsured gap

Panola has 21 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 113 mental health specialists per 100,000—respectable but not robust compared to Oktibbeha or Noxubee. The 14.3% uninsured rate means thousands lack consistent access to these limited providers, forcing reliance on urgent care and emergency departments.

Health coverage unlocks available resources

Panola's 14.3% uninsured rate represents a direct barrier to the mental health and primary care capacity the county does offer—coverage is the key that unlocks it. Visit healthcare.gov or your local health department to explore Medicaid and marketplace plans; enrollment ensures you can access preventive services before conditions become emergencies.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Panola County

via SchoolsByCounty

Twelve Schools Across Two Regional Districts

Panola County supports 5,532 students across 12 public schools, including six elementary and three high schools. Education is split between the North and South Panola school districts.

Steady Graduation Rates and Efficient Spending

The county maintains an 84.3% graduation rate, slightly under the Mississippi average of 87.1%. Spending remains efficient at $5,542 per pupil, which supports a county-wide school score of 47.4.

South Panola Leads Local Enrollment

The South Panola School District is the larger of the two, educating 4,313 students compared to North Panola's 1,219. Traditional public schools account for 100% of the county's education options as there are no charters.

Rural and Town Schools Average 553 Students

The county features a mix of seven rural and five town school settings, with an average school size of 553 students. South Panola High is the largest facility with 1,174 students, while Batesville Intermediate offers a smaller environment with 517.

Settle Near Top-Tier Facilities in Panola

Homebuyers often look toward the South Panola district for its larger campus facilities and diverse school levels. Proximity to Batesville's school cluster remains a high priority for families moving into the region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Panola County

via RiskByCounty

Panola faces notable U.S. disaster exposure

Panola's 69.21 composite score earns a Relatively Low rating but indicates above-average natural hazard exposure for American counties. Your county experiences measurable risk from multiple natural disaster sources.

Higher risk than most Mississippi counties

At 69.21, Panola ranks well above Mississippi's 50.94 state average, placing it among the state's most hazard-exposed counties. Your community faces notably elevated natural disaster risk compared to typical Mississippi areas.

Riskiest in its immediate region

Panola (69.21) exceeds all nearby counties including Oktibbeha (62.79), Neshoba (58.27), Newton (52.45), and Perry (19.50). Your county ranks as one of northeastern Mississippi's most disaster-exposed communities.

Earthquake and tornado pose serious threats

Earthquake (90.90) represents your highest single hazard exposure, followed closely by tornado (87.85) and wildfire (63.42) risks. Your county faces a uniquely diverse natural disaster portfolio compared to most Mississippi locations.

Earthquake and storm coverage both essential

Panola's earthquake score of 90.90 makes earthquake insurance a strong priority alongside standard homeowners coverage. Your tornado risk of 87.85 demands robust wind and hail protection; develop a household emergency plan and know your nearest shelter locations.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Panola County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm temperatures and wet climate

Panola County averages 62.5°F annually, placing it significantly above the national median temperature. The area receives a high amount of precipitation at 57.5 inches per year.

A typical Mississippi temperature

Panola's 62.5°F average is slightly cooler than the statewide average of 63.9°F. Its rainfall levels are very close to the state norm of 59.6 inches.

Warmer than Marshall County

Panola County is warmer than Marshall County, which averages 60.0°F. It also faces 74 days of extreme heat, far more than Marshall’s 53 days.

Sweltering summers and mild winters

The county averages 74 days above 90°F, mostly during the 80.2°F summer months. Winter brings an average of 43.9°F and a small amount of snow at 0.9 inches.

Plan for significant summer heat

With 74 days of extreme heat, energy-efficient cooling is vital for home comfort. Residents should also be prepared for 57.5 inches of annual rain with proper outdoor gear.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Panola County

via SoilByCounty

Loess-Influenced Acidic Soil

Panola County features a 5.24 pH, which is very close to the state average but more acidic than the 6.5 national median. Though taxonomic data isn't specified, the chemical profile is typical for the region's silt-heavy landscapes.

Dominated by Fine Silt

This soil is exceptionally silty at 65.3%, with very little sand at 16.9%. This fine-grained texture makes the soil feel smooth and allows it to pack tightly, which can limit air flow to roots if compacted.

Elite Water Storage Capacity

While organic matter is low at 1.48%, the soil's water storage is elite. The available water capacity of 0.204 in/in is significantly higher than the state average, providing an incredible buffer against drought.

Careful Management of Moisture

Detailed drainage classifications are not provided, but the high silt and clay mix typically suggests moderate to slow drainage. The high water capacity is a double-edged sword that supports growth but may require care in rainy seasons.

Drought-Resistant Gardening Potential

Zone 8a provides a perfect window for cool-season greens and summer staples like corn. The soil’s ability to hold water makes Panola a great place to start a garden that survives the summer with less frequent watering.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Panola County

via LawnByCounty

A High-Difficulty Environment in Panola

Panola County presents a significant challenge for lawn care, with a difficulty score of just 22.6. This is much lower than both the state average of 30.9 and the national median of 50.0. Success in this Zone 8a environment requires a dedicated approach to drought management and soil health.

Intense Summers and 74 Heat Days

With 74 extreme heat days and 5,499 growing degree days, lawns in Panola County are pushed to their limits every summer. The 57.5 inches of annual rain is plentiful on paper, but timing is often the issue for turf health. High heat often coincides with dry spells, creating a stressful environment for grass.

Acidic Soil Lacking in Sand

The soil in Panola is notably low in sand at 16.9%, which can lead to slower drainage and compaction. A pH of 5.24 is highly acidic, making it difficult for grass to absorb essential nutrients without regular lime treatment. Improving soil structure through core aeration is highly recommended for these conditions.

Navigating Severe Drought Conditions

Panola County is facing a tough year with 31 weeks in drought and 44.3% of the county currently in severe drought (D2+). 100% of the county is at least abnormally dry, making water conservation efforts vital. During these times, raise your mower height to shade the soil and reduce evaporation.

Plant for Maximum Heat Resistance

Because of the frequent drought, Bermuda grass is the most resilient choice for Panola's Zone 8a climate. Wait until the threat of frost passes around March 28th before starting any new lawn projects. Be prepared to provide supplemental irrigation as you establish new turf in this challenging environment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Panola County's county score?
Panola County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 43.3 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 Panola County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Panola County ranks #58 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 Panola County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Panola County is $935, with an effective tax rate of 0.77%. This earns Panola County a tax score of 55.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Panola County?
The median household income in Panola County, Mississippi is $43,990 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Panola County earns an income score of 6.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Panola County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Panola County scores 43.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #58 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Panola 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 Panola 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.