countyscore
43.7
County Score
Property Tax 74.5Cost of Living 65.2Weather & Climate 60.9

County Report Card

About Pontotoc County, Mississippi

Pontotoc County Ranks Near the Middle

The county earns a composite score of 43.1, falling just short of the national 50.0 median. It performs better than many rural Southern peers but maintains room for growth.

Competitive Within Northern Mississippi

Pontotoc’s 43.1 score is slightly below the Mississippi state average of 48.4. However, its low effective tax rate of 0.660% makes it a notable option for fiscal conservatives.

Low Taxes and Reasonable Living Costs

Tax and cost scores of 67.7 and 65.6 lead the county's performance profile. Residents benefit from a modest effective tax rate and a median home value of $141,700.

Limited Social and Institutional Scores

Income and school scores of 20.2 and 22.1 represent the county's primary development challenges. These metrics suggest a need for higher wage growth and educational investment.

Ideal for Cost-Conscious Homeowners

Pontotoc County is a strong fit for families looking for low property taxes and manageable mortgage payments. It provides a quiet, affordable lifestyle in a growing region.

2040608010074.565.233.324.522.114.449.944.660.9Tax74.5Cost65.2Safety33.3Health24.5Schools22.1Income14.4Risk49.9Water44.6Weather60.943.7/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Pontotoc County DNA

Foverall

How Pontotoc County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Pontotoc County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (74.5/100) but notably weak in Income (14.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
74.5+22.5
Cost
65.2+17.200000000000003
Safety
33.3-21.700000000000003
Health
24.5-25.5
Schools
22.1-31.9
Income
14.4-36.6
Risk
49.9
Water
44.6-13.399999999999999
Weather
60.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$157,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$864/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$157,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $51,484/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

9.6

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Union County
Mississippi
45
Lee County
Mississippi
33.5
Calhoun County
Mississippi
55.9
Lafayette County
Mississippi
45.6
Chickasaw County
Mississippi
56.8
Prentiss County
Mississippi
42.4
Yalobusha County
Mississippi
51.2
Tippah County
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55.3

Deep Dives

Pontotoc County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Pontotoc County

via TaxByCounty

Pontotoc County taxes rank among nation's lowest

At 0.660%, Pontotoc County's effective tax rate places it in the bottom 10% nationwide, roughly one-quarter the national median of 2.69%. The median annual property tax of $935 is less than 35% of the national median of $2,690.

Below-average taxes for Mississippi

Pontotoc County ranks below the state average with a 0.660% effective rate versus Mississippi's 0.743%. This makes Pontotoc one of the more tax-friendly counties in the state.

Competitive with surrounding counties

Pontotoc's 0.660% rate sits below most neighbors, comparable to Rankin County (0.620%) and Scott County (0.799%). Among the region, Pontotoc offers some of the more moderate property tax burdens.

Median tax bill: $935 per year

On Pontotoc County's median home value of $141,700, homeowners pay approximately $935 annually in property taxes. Those with mortgages may see slightly higher assessed amounts, averaging $1,133 per year.

Appeal your assessment if it seems wrong

Even in lower-tax counties, some properties are overvalued on the assessor's roll. Pontotoc County residents can request a formal reassessment review if they believe their property's assessed value doesn't match current market conditions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pontotoc County

via IncomeByCounty

Pontotoc County outpaces state, still behind nation

Pontotoc County's median household income of $52,741 sits 30% below the national median of $74,755, but comfortably above Mississippi's state average of $48,514. This mid-range positioning reflects a more diversified local economy than many rural Mississippi counties.

Upper-middle tier earner within Mississippi

Pontotoc County ranks among Mississippi's stronger-performing counties, earning $4,227 more than the state median. This above-average standing suggests more stable employment and possibly stronger small-business activity than neighboring rural counties.

Outearns most adjacent counties handily

Pontotoc County's $52,741 income exceeds Pike County's $41,578 by 27% and Prentiss County's $51,466 by $1,275. This income edge positions Pontotoc as a relative economic anchor in north-central Mississippi.

Housing remains comfortably affordable here

Pontotoc County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.3% sits well within the affordability comfort zone, signaling stable housing security for most households. A median home value of $141,700 stays accessible to the median household, supporting long-term wealth accumulation.

Leverage stability to grow long-term wealth

Pontotoc County's relatively solid income of $52,741 creates opportunity for disciplined savers to invest 10–15% of earnings into retirement accounts and index funds. Local affordability means homeownership is within reach for many, unlocking the wealth-building power of mortgage equity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pontotoc County

via CrimeByCounty

Pontotoc County remains safer than national norms

Pontotoc County reports a total crime rate of 1560.8 per 100,000 people, staying well below the national mark of 2,385.5. The county carries a safety score of 97.5, reflecting a secure environment for its residents.

Ranking slightly below the Mississippi state average

The county's safety score of 97.5 falls slightly below the Mississippi state average of 98.4. While Pontotoc is generally safe, it experiences more reported activity than its average state counterparts.

Local comparisons show moderate crime levels

Pontotoc's crime rate of 1560.8 is higher than nearby Scott County's rate of 837.4. Despite this, the area maintains a significant safety advantage over many urban centers across the country.

Understanding violent and property crime split

Property crimes make up the majority of local incidents at 1282.0 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime remains a smaller fraction at 278.8, which is lower than the national average of 369.8.

Simple deterrents protect Pontotoc homes

Basic home security measures like deadbolts and motion-sensor lights provide a strong first line of defense. Community watch programs also help keep property crime rates trending downward.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pontotoc County

via WeatherByCounty

A Temperate Mid-South Climate Profile

Pontotoc County averages 61.6°F annually, which is warmer than the national median but cooler than the Deep South. The climate transitions between the humid subtropics and cooler temperate zones.

Cooler Than the Mississippi Average

At 61.6°F, the county is notably cooler than the state average of 63.9°F. Its northern location protects it from the more extreme heat found in the southern half of the state.

More Moderate Heat Than Neighbors

Pontotoc records 52 days of extreme heat, significantly fewer than the 86 days seen in Quitman County. It receives 59.9 inches of rain, almost exactly matching the state average of 59.6 inches.

Measurable Snow and Refreshing Winters

Unlike southern Mississippi, Pontotoc sees 0.8 inches of annual snowfall and a chilly winter average of 43.7°F. Summers are still warm, with July temperatures averaging near 79.8°F.

Prepare for All Four Seasons

Residents need a versatile wardrobe to handle both the 52 days of heat and the freezing winter nights. Home heating systems are more critical here than in the southern counties due to the 43.7°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pontotoc County

via SoilByCounty

Typical Mississippi Acidity Levels

Pontotoc County holds an average pH of 5.30, matching the state average exactly but remaining much more acidic than the 6.5 national median. The county earns a soil score of 42.4, which outperforms the state average of 35.7. This higher score indicates a baseline of quality that serves local agriculture well.

Silt-Heavy Soils with High Workability

Silt dominates the local landscape at 57.8%, while sand makes up 24.3% and clay accounts for 17.9%. This silty profile creates a smooth, flour-like texture that is easy to till and work by hand. The relatively low clay content prevents the soil from becoming overly sticky or difficult to manage after rain.

Strong Water Retention Potential

The county boasts an available water capacity of 0.194 in/in, surpassing the state average of 0.174 in/in. While organic matter sits at 1.76%, just below the state’s 1.81% average, the high water capacity provides a safety net during dry spells. This combination makes the soil efficient at holding onto nutrients and moisture for crop roots.

Managing Silt and Drainage

While specific drainage class data is unavailable, the 57.8% silt content suggests a soil that holds moisture longer than sandier neighbors. This can lead to slower drainage after heavy storms, which requires attention to bed preparation. Farmers should focus on maintaining soil structure to prevent the surface from crusting.

Diverse Options in Zone 8a

The mild winters of zone 8a paired with silty, water-retentive soil make this a prime location for traditional southern crops like corn and soybeans. The soil's ability to hold moisture also supports thriving vegetable patches filled with tomatoes and squash. Start your planting early to maximize the productivity of these silt-rich fields.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pontotoc County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Pontotoc County's Zone 8a Landscape

Pontotoc County scores a 30.5 on the lawn difficulty scale, placing it right in line with the Mississippi state average of 30.9. While it is more challenging than the national average, the Zone 8a climate offers a predictable rhythm for lawn care. Homeowners here benefit from slightly fewer extreme heat days than their neighbors to the south.

Balanced Heat with Consistent Precipitation

The county sees 52 extreme heat days annually, which is notably lower than the state average of 73 days. Annual precipitation sits at 59.9 inches, nearly 10 inches above the ideal turf threshold, requiring good drainage management. With 5190 growing degree days, the mowing season is vigorous but manageable.

Acidic Foundations Need Lime and Care

A soil pH of 5.30 means Pontotoc lawns are naturally acidic and likely require lime applications to reach the 6.0-7.0 sweet spot. The soil contains 17.9% clay and 24.3% sand, providing a mix that holds some moisture but may compact over time. Regular aeration can help improve oxygen flow to the roots in this soil profile.

Frequent Drought Challenges Growing Conditions

Despite the high annual rainfall, Pontotoc County spent 24 weeks in drought over the past year. Currently, 61.6% of the county is classified as abnormally dry, making supplemental irrigation essential. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn can help retain vital moisture during these dry stretches.

Bermuda and Zoysia for Durable Lawns

Bermudagrass and Zoysia are excellent choices for the Zone 8a climate and the county's specific heat profile. Aim to start your lawn after the last spring frost on March 28 to ensure the soil is warm enough for germination. The growing season typically lasts until the first frost arrives around November 8.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pontotoc County's county score?
Pontotoc County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 43.7 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 Pontotoc County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Pontotoc County ranks #60 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 Pontotoc County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Pontotoc County is $911, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Pontotoc County a tax score of 74.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pontotoc County?
The median household income in Pontotoc County, Mississippi is $51,484 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pontotoc County earns an income score of 14.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pontotoc County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Pontotoc County scores 43.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #60 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Pontotoc 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 Pontotoc County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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