CountyScore

Pike County

Mississippi · MS

#76 in Mississippi
62.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Pike County, Mississippi

Pike outpaces the national median

Pike County's composite score of 62.7 sits well above the national median of 50.0, putting it in the 62nd percentile nationwide. That means Pike is more livable than nearly two-thirds of American counties, despite being in a rural part of Mississippi.

Below Mississippi's middle tier

Pike's 62.7 score falls slightly below Mississippi's state average of 67.5. Among Mississippi's counties, Pike ranks in the lower half—a reminder that state averages mask considerable variation within the state.

Tax burden and affordability shine

Pike County excels in tax efficiency with a score of 76.1 and an effective tax rate of just 0.929%, paired with strong housing affordability at 83.2 (median home value $110,500, median rent $879). These low costs make Pike attractive to budget-conscious families seeking a low-tax environment.

Income and risk present headwinds

Pike's income score of just 10.5 reflects a median household income of $41,578—well below both state and national benchmarks. The risk score of 29.6 also signals economic vulnerability that warrants attention as the county plans for future resilience.

Retirees and budget seekers fit best

Pike County suits people prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over earning potential, particularly retirees on fixed incomes or remote workers unconcerned with local job markets. Those seeking wage growth or robust local employment should look elsewhere in the state.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax76.1Cost83.2SafetyComing SoonHealth50.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome10.5Risk29.6WaterComing Soon
🏛76.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼10.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤50.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡29.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Pike County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Pima County
Arizona
62.7
Median income: $67,929
Eagle County
Colorado
62.7
Median income: $103,174
El Paso County
Colorado
62.7
Median income: $87,470
Mitchell County
Georgia
62.7
Median income: $51,908
Woodford County
Illinois
62.7
Median income: $85,629

Deep Dives

Pike County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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