countyscore
37.9
County Score
Cost of Living 63Safety 55.9Water Quality 51.5

County Report Card

About Pike County, Mississippi

Pike County Trails National Averages

With a composite score of 37.9, Pike County sits below the national median of 50.0. This ranking places the county in the bottom quartile of livability across the United States.

Underperforming the Mississippi State Average

Pike County’s overall score of 37.9 lags behind the Mississippi state average of 48.4. It struggles to compete with higher-scoring neighbors in terms of economic and health infrastructure.

Affordable Housing Drives Local Value

Cost of living is the county's primary advantage, evidenced by a strong cost score of 63.0. Median gross rent sits at an accessible $879 per month, while median home values remain low at $110,500.

Struggles in Economic and Health Metrics

The county faces significant hurdles with an income score of 3.8 and a health score of 8.8. Median household income is just $41,578, which is among the lower brackets nationally.

A Budget-Friendly Choice for Local Workers

Pike County best serves residents who prioritize low-cost housing over high-earning potential or advanced health services. It offers a stable environment for those established in the local workforce.

Score breakdown

Tax43.2Cost63Safety55.9Health8.8Schools15.8Income3.8Risk29.6Water51.5Weather34.8
🏛43.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠63
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼3.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡55.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤8.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓15.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡29.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧51.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤34.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨26.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱27.6
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

Walthall County
Mississippi
48.5
Amite County
Mississippi
59.3
Washington Parish
Louisiana
46.4
Lincoln County
Mississippi
41.6
Lawrence County
Mississippi
56.8
Marion County
Mississippi
49.4
St. Helena Parish
Louisiana
46.9
Tangipahoa Parish
Louisiana
34.1

Deep Dives

Pike County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pike County

via TaxByCounty

Pike County's tax rate well below national average

Pike County's effective tax rate of 0.929% is less than one-third the national median of 2.69%, placing it in the bottom 15% of U.S. counties by tax burden. Homeowners here pay $1,027 annually on a median home value of $110,500—a bargain compared to the national median tax of $2,690.

Above average for Mississippi

Pike County ranks in the upper half of Mississippi counties with an effective rate of 0.929%, compared to the state average of 0.743%. This means Pike County homeowners pay roughly 25% more than the typical Mississippian on their property taxes.

Higher taxes than neighboring counties

Pike County's 0.929% rate exceeds Walthall and Amite counties but sits between Rankin County (0.620%) and Quitman County (1.155%). Among surrounding counties, Pike falls in the mid-to-upper range of effective tax rates.

Typical Pike County homeowner pays $1,027 yearly

On the median home value of $110,500, property taxes run approximately $1,027 per year, or $85.58 monthly. Those with a mortgage typically pay an estimated $1,255 annually when accounting for assessed value differences.

Your assessment may be too high

Many Mississippi homeowners carry overassessed properties and qualify for tax relief through formal appeals. If you believe your home's assessed value exceeds its true market value, contact Pike County's assessor's office to learn about review procedures.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pike County

via CostByCounty

Pike's housing cost squeeze

Pike County residents spend 25.4% of their income on rent, well above the national average where housing typically takes 30% or less—but the county's median household income of $41,578 is significantly lower than the national median of $74,755. This income-to-cost gap means Pike renters face tighter budgets than their national counterparts despite paying less in absolute dollars.

Least affordable county in Mississippi

Pike County ranks among Mississippi's least affordable places, with a rent-to-income ratio of 25.4% compared to the state average of 19.6%. At $879 per month, Pike's median rent also exceeds the statewide median of $782, creating a double burden for renters navigating a tight local market.

More expensive than surrounding counties

Pike's $879 monthly rent outpaces nearby Prentiss County ($620) and Simpson County ($819), though it remains cheaper than the more affluent Rankin County ($1,210). Among these peers, Pike stands out as having both higher rents and lower incomes, making it one of the region's least affordable housing markets.

Renting costs more than buying

Pike County renters spend $879 monthly versus homeowners at $618, meaning renters pay about 42% more despite owning less. With a median household income of $41,578, that rent consumes 25.4% of gross income—leaving less for food, healthcare, and other necessities.

Consider these alternatives nearby

If Pike County's affordability concerns you, Prentiss County offers significantly cheaper rent ($620/month) with a comparable income level, or Simpson County provides a middle ground at $819 with similar incomes. Even modest relocations within the region can meaningfully improve housing affordability and monthly cash flow.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pike County

via IncomeByCounty

Pike County lags far behind national income

Pike County's median household income of $41,578 falls 44% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This gap reflects broader economic challenges facing rural Mississippi counties competing in a national economy dominated by higher-wage metro areas.

Below Mississippi's middling state average

Pike County ranks below Mississippi's state median of $48,514, earning about $6,900 less per household annually. Within the state, Pike County's income profile places it in the lower-middle tier of Mississippi's 82 counties.

Weakest income among surrounding peers

Pike County's $41,578 median trails nearby Amite County and Walthall County by over $8,000. Among its closest neighbors, only Quitman County's $32,131 shows lower household earnings, making Pike County a regional income bellwether.

Rent takes a significant bite here

At 25.4% of median income, Pike County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national affordability standard of 30% only slightly, leaving limited cushion for other essentials. A median home value of $110,500 remains accessible, but wage stagnation limits wealth-building potential.

Build financial stability with intentional planning

Pike County households earning $41,578 should prioritize an emergency fund covering 3–6 months of expenses before investing. Even modest contributions to retirement accounts and exploring employer-sponsored benefits can compound significantly over time, bridging the income gap.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pike County

via CrimeByCounty

Pike County stays well below national crime averages

Pike County maintains a total crime rate of 1007.5 per 100,000 residents, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a high safety score of 98.4 out of 100.

Pike County matches the Mississippi state safety average

With a safety score of 98.4, Pike County sits right at the Mississippi state average for 2022. This indicates a level of security that is consistent with general trends across the state.

Safety comparison with neighboring Mississippi counties

Pike's crime rate of 1007.5 is significantly higher than neighboring Simpson County, which reports a rate of only 77.2. However, Pike remains far safer than many other regions that approach the national crime baseline.

Property crime drives local incident reports

Property crime accounts for 770.6 incidents per 100,000 people, while violent crime remains lower at 236.9. These figures suggest that local law enforcement activity focuses primarily on theft and property protection.

Strengthening home security in Pike County

Residents can further improve community safety by investing in smart home security systems and exterior lighting. Staying vigilant and reporting suspicious activity helps maintain the county’s strong safety profile.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pike County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy gap widens for Pike County

Pike County residents live to an average of 69.7 years, nearly 5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 74.5 years. With 28.7% of adults reporting poor or fair health, Pike County substantially exceeds the national rate of 18%, signaling significant underlying health challenges across the community.

Pike ranks below Mississippi average

At 69.7 years, Pike County's life expectancy falls short of Mississippi's state average of 70.9 years by 1.2 years. The county's 28.7% poor/fair health rate ranks among the worst in the state, reflecting persistent health disparities that demand targeted intervention.

Struggling compared to regional peers

Pike County's 69.7-year life expectancy trails neighboring counties like Prentiss (72.0) and Simpson (70.6) by meaningful margins. The 28.7% poor health rate substantially exceeds Rankin County's 19.1%, highlighting a stark health divide within the region.

Healthcare access remains tight

Pike County's 14.5% uninsured rate edges higher than the state average of 13.9%, leaving roughly 1 in 7 residents without coverage. With only 38 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well below national benchmarks—residents often face long waits and travel distances for routine care.

Explore coverage options today

If you're among the 14.5% of uninsured Pike County residents, healthcare marketplaces and Medicaid expansion programs may offer affordable coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your local health department to compare plans and see what assistance you qualify for.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pike County

via SchoolsByCounty

Twenty Schools Across Three Vibrant Districts

Pike County features a broad educational network of 20 public schools and three districts. This infrastructure supports 5,942 students across elementary, middle, and high school levels.

Competitive Performance in Southern Mississippi

The county maintains an 84.6% graduation rate and spends $5,732 per pupil on education. With a school score of 47.9, Pike County remains a significant educational hub for the region.

North Pike and McComb Lead the Way

North Pike School District is the largest by enrollment with 2,245 students, closely followed by McComb School District with 2,140. No charter schools operate in the county, leaving education in the hands of three established local districts.

Varied Locales with an Emphasis on Towns

The county offers 12 town and eight rural schools, providing a diverse mix of settings for families. North Pike Elementary is the largest facility with 806 students, while the average school size across the county is 396.

Make Pike County Your Educational Home

Pike County’s large selection of schools makes it a versatile choice for homebuyers with children. Focus your home search near the North Pike or McComb districts to benefit from the county's largest educational communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pike County

via RiskByCounty

Pike County's composite risk ranks above national average

Pike County scores 70.42 on the composite risk scale, placing it well above the national baseline and making it one of Mississippi's higher-risk counties. This rating reflects significant exposure to tornadoes, hurricanes, and wildfires that residents should prepare for. Understanding your specific hazards is the first step toward protecting your family and property.

Pike County ranks high among all Mississippi counties

At 70.42, Pike County's composite risk score substantially exceeds Mississippi's state average of 50.94, positioning it in the upper tier of the state's 82 counties. This means Pike residents face greater natural disaster exposure than most of their neighbors statewide. Only a handful of Mississippi counties experience comparable risk levels.

Pike County faces steeper risks than nearby counties

Pike County's 70.42 composite score significantly outpaces neighbors like Simpson County (50.95) and Scott County (55.88) to the north. Pike's tornado risk of 90.08 and hurricane risk of 87.23 are notably higher than those adjacent counties, reflecting its more vulnerable geography. This elevation in risk sets Pike apart in the region.

Tornadoes and hurricanes pose the greatest threats

Pike County residents face a tornado risk of 90.08 and a hurricane risk of 87.23—both exceptionally high scores demanding serious preparation and warning awareness. Wildfire risk also registers at 71.53, posing a secondary but meaningful threat, particularly during dry seasons. These three hazards should anchor your family's emergency planning.

Comprehensive coverage protects Pike County homes

Homeowners in Pike County should prioritize flood insurance, windstorm coverage, and a well-maintained safe room or storm shelter given the county's tornado and hurricane exposure. Standard homeowners policies often exclude flood and wind damage, leaving gaps that cost thousands when storms strike. Review your coverage now and close any gaps before the next storm season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pike County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild Winters and Hot Southern Summers

Pike County's annual average temperature of 66.2°F reflects a subtropical climate much warmer than the national median. This consistent warmth supports a long growing season but brings high humidity.

Outpacing the Mississippi State Average

The county's 66.2°F average exceeds the state mark of 63.9°F by more than two degrees. Pike County sits in the warmer southern tier of the state where frost is less frequent.

Balanced Rainfall in the Region

Pike County receives 61.8 inches of rain annually, which is slightly above the state average of 59.6 inches. This is drier than Pearl River to the southeast but wetter than northern Quitman County.

Long Summers with 84 Heat Days

Temperatures reach 90°F or higher on 84 days each year, mainly during the long summer months. Winters stay comfortable with a December-February average of 51.1°F and nearly no snow.

Managing Year-Round High Humidity

Residents should invest in dehumidifiers and breathable clothing to stay comfortable during the 84 days of intense heat. Outdoor planning is best reserved for the mild winter months when temperatures average 51°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pike County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Soil in Southern Mississippi

Pike County soils feature an average pH of 5.03, significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This low pH level is even below the Mississippi state average of 5.30, requiring careful management for most crops. While specific taxonomic data is limited here, the overall soil score sits at 26.7, trailing the state average of 35.7.

A Balanced Sand and Silt Mix

The soil composition is evenly split between 45.2% sand and 42.8% silt, with a light 12.0% clay component. This texture generally provides good workability for gardeners and farmers, though it lacks the heavy structural support of high-clay soils. The high sand content suggests quick warming in the spring but may require more frequent irrigation.

Modest Organic Content and Water Capacity

Pike County reports an organic matter level of 1.65%, falling behind the state average of 1.81% and the national 2.0% benchmark. The available water capacity is 0.168 in/in, which is slightly lower than the Mississippi average of 0.174 in/in. These figures suggest that adding compost or cover crops will significantly improve growing potential and moisture retention.

Adapting to Local Hydrology

Detailed drainage and hydrologic group data are currently unavailable for this specific region. However, the sandy-silt texture typically indicates moderate drainage that prevents roots from becoming waterlogged. Growers should monitor local runoff patterns during heavy Mississippi rains to ensure stable garden beds.

Thriving in Zone 8b

With a 1.65% organic matter base and a warm 8b hardiness zone, Pike County is ideal for acid-loving blueberries and azaleas. Summer heat favors peppers and sweet potatoes, provided you monitor the acidic soil levels. Get your garden started now to take advantage of the long southern growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pike County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Pike County's Low Lawn Difficulty Score

With a lawn difficulty score of 27.6, Pike County presents a tougher challenge than the state average of 30.9 and falls far below the national median of 50.0. Gardeners in this Zone 8b region must navigate intense humidity and heat to maintain healthy turf. Success requires a proactive strategy to manage the region's unique Southern climate constraints.

Heavy Rainfall and Intense Heat Stress

Pike County receives a high 61.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is over 10 inches above the ideal range for most turf. The county endures 84 extreme heat days per year, significantly higher than the state average of 73. These conditions, combined with 6290 growing degree days, mean mowing schedules remain frequent through most of the year.

Managing Highly Acidic Sandy Soil

The soil pH in Pike County is a low 5.03, falling well below the 6.0-7.0 ideal range for grass health. The soil composition is 45.2% sand and 12.0% clay, which often leads to rapid nutrient leaching. Residents should expect to apply lime regularly to balance acidity and improve nutrient uptake.

Stable Moisture with Minimal Drought Stress

Pike County experienced only one week of drought over the past year, and currently, 0% of the area faces abnormally dry conditions. While drought is rare, the sandy soil texture means the ground can dry out quickly during short dry spells. Deep, infrequent watering during peak summer heat helps establish more resilient root systems.

St. Augustine and Centipede for Pike County

Warm-season grasses like St. Augustine and Centipedegrass thrive in Zone 8b and can better handle the local acidity. Plan to seed or sod after the last spring frost on March 11 but well before the first fall frost on November 18. This long window provides ample time to establish a thick, heat-resistant lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pike County's county score?
Pike County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 37.9 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 Pike County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Pike County ranks #71 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 Pike County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Pike County is $1,027, with an effective tax rate of 0.93%. This earns Pike County a tax score of 43.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pike County?
The median household income in Pike County, Mississippi is $41,578 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pike County earns an income score of 3.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pike County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Pike County scores 37.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #71 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Pike 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 Pike 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.