countyscore
43.6
County Score
Cost of Living 86.3Weather & Climate 70.3Property Tax 65.7

County Report Card

About Prentiss County, Mississippi

Consistent Performance in Northeast Mississippi

Prentiss County scores a 43.6 overall, placing it within striking distance of the 50.0 national median. It provides a balanced, if modest, profile compared to the rest of the country.

Stable Ranking Near State Averages

The county's 43.6 score sits marginally below the Mississippi average of 48.4. Its standout feature is an exceptional cost score of 86.3, which is significantly higher than state norms.

Exceptional Affordability and Low Burdens

The county shines with a cost score of 86.3 and a tax score of 65.7. Median gross rent is exceptionally low at $620, offering some of the best housing value in the state.

Opportunity to Improve Public Safety

Safety and income scores of 15.8 and 17.6 mark the county's most significant areas for improvement. Despite low costs, median household income remains constrained at $51,466.

Perfect for Renters and Budget-Minded Retirees

With ultra-low rents and low taxes, Prentiss County suits individuals living on fixed incomes or those prioritizing savings. It is a premier destination for pure housing affordability.

Score breakdown

Tax65.7Cost86.3Safety15.8Health23.4Schools20.6Income17.6Risk48.5Water60.1Weather70.3
🏛65.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼17.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡15.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤23.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓20.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡48.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧60.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤70.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨33
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱39.7
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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Mississippi
33.6
Alcorn County
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Tippah County
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56.7
Itawamba County
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Tishomingo County
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Union County
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Benton County
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Pontotoc County
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Deep Dives

Prentiss County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Prentiss County

via TaxByCounty

Prentiss County offers low national tax rates

Prentiss County's 0.678% effective tax rate ranks in the bottom 12% of U.S. counties, roughly one-quarter the national median rate of 2.69%. Annual taxes of $790 on a median home value of $116,500 represent significant savings versus the national median tax of $2,690.

Slightly below state average in Mississippi

At 0.678%, Prentiss County trails the Mississippi average of 0.743%, ranking it among the state's lower-tax counties. Homeowners here pay roughly $140 less annually than the state median tax of $931.

Moderate rates in northeast Mississippi

Prentiss County's 0.678% rate sits between Pontotoc County (0.660%) and Pike County (0.929%), placing it near the regional average. It ranks as one of the more affordable counties in northeast Mississippi.

Typical annual tax: $790

On the median home value of $116,500, Prentiss County homeowners pay approximately $790 per year, or about $65.83 monthly. Properties with mortgages average $946 annually due to potential assessed value variations.

Check if your property is fairly assessed

Even moderate tax rates can hide overassessed properties—some Prentiss County homeowners may qualify for appeals. Contact the county assessor's office to verify your home's assessed value matches comparable sales in your area.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Prentiss County

via CostByCounty

Prentiss offers exceptionally low rent

Prentiss County residents spend just 14.5% of income on rent—well below both the national 30% guideline and Mississippi's 19.6% average. At only $620 monthly, Prentiss delivers some of the lowest housing costs in the state while maintaining a respectable median household income of $51,466.

Most affordable rent in this peer group

Prentiss County's 14.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Mississippi's most affordable, significantly outperforming the state average of 19.6%. The county's $620 median rent is the lowest in this analysis, making it an exceptional option for cost-conscious renters throughout Mississippi.

Cheapest rent in the region

Prentiss's $620 monthly rent substantially undercuts Pike County ($879), Simpson County ($819), and Pontotoc County ($848), while matching Sharkey County's pricing. Combined with a reasonable $51,466 median income, Prentiss emerges as the region's most affordable rental market.

Renting and buying are nearly equal

Prentiss renters pay $620 monthly while homeowners spend $646—among the smallest gaps in this analysis, suggesting an unusually balanced housing market. Housing costs consume just 14.5% of the median $51,466 income, leaving substantial room for other household priorities.

Mississippi's best rental value awaits

If housing affordability is your priority, Prentiss County offers exceptional value with the lowest rent in this region and a healthy rent-to-income ratio. Renters seeking to minimize housing costs while maintaining reasonable income can't do better in Mississippi than Prentiss.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Prentiss County

via IncomeByCounty

Prentiss County trails national income significantly

Prentiss County's median household income of $51,466 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by 31%, reflecting the income gap between rural Mississippi and national economic centers. However, at nearly $29,000 per capita, Prentiss County shows slightly higher per-capita earnings than its state.

Above-average earner for Mississippi standards

Prentiss County ranks solidly above Mississippi's median household income of $48,514, generating about $2,950 more annually per household. Its per-capita income of $28,978 also exceeds the state average of $27,136, signaling distributed economic opportunity across residents.

Competes favorably with peer counties

Prentiss County's $51,466 income places it near Pontotoc County ($52,741) and well above Pike County ($41,578), establishing it as a mid-tier earner in the region. This stability reflects a mix of agriculture, small manufacturing, and service employment.

Strong housing affordability supports stability

Prentiss County's rent-to-income ratio of just 14.5% is among the lowest in the state, indicating robust housing affordability and financial breathing room. A median home value of $116,500 remains well within reach for the median household, facilitating homeownership and equity building.

Harness affordability advantage for wealth building

Prentiss County's combination of $51,466 income and exceptional housing affordability creates a powerful wealth-building foundation. With housing costs consuming just 14.5% of income, households can comfortably allocate 15–20% to retirement savings, college funds, or investment portfolios.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Prentiss County

via CrimeByCounty

Prentiss County nears the national crime rate

Prentiss County reports a total crime rate of 2329.1 per 100,000 people, which is nearly identical to the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 96.3, the lowest in this regional group.

Safety levels fall behind state averages

Prentiss County's safety score of 96.3 falls below the Mississippi state average of 98.4. Residents see more reported crime activity here than in many other counties across the state.

Prentiss stands as a regional outlier

At 2329.1, Prentiss County's crime rate is significantly higher than Pontotoc County's rate of 1560.8. This difference highlights Prentiss as having more reported incidents than its immediate neighbors.

Property crime is the primary local concern

Property crime is the main driver of local stats, with a rate of 2144.7 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime is much lower at 184.4, which is about half the national average for violent incidents.

Prioritizing home defense in Prentiss County

Given the higher property crime rate, homeowners should prioritize security cameras and robust entry point protection. Taking active steps to secure valuables helps mitigate the risk of theft and burglary.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Prentiss County

via HealthByCounty

Prentiss life expectancy gap is closing

Prentiss County residents live to 72.0 years on average, about 2.5 years short of the U.S. average of 74.5 years. At 22.5%, the county's poor/fair health rate exceeds the national rate of 18%, though it remains among Mississippi's better-performing counties in this measure.

Prentiss ranks above state median

With a life expectancy of 72.0 years, Prentiss County exceeds Mississippi's 70.9-year state average by 1.1 years. The 22.5% poor/fair health rate also beats the state median, positioning Prentiss as a health performer relative to its peer counties.

Competitive health profile in North Mississippi

Prentiss's 72.0-year life expectancy rivals Pontotoc (72.7) and exceeds Simpson (70.6) and Pike (69.7) in the region. Its 22.5% poor health rate aligns with regional peers, though all trail Rankin County's notably stronger 19.1% rate.

Healthcare access improving, gaps remain

Prentiss County's 13.0% uninsured rate is the best among surveyed counties and notably below the state average of 13.9%. With 32 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, access is moderate—adequate for routine care but potentially insufficient during surge periods.

Keep coverage strong in Prentiss

Prentiss leads the region in insurance coverage, but 13% of residents remain uninsured and vulnerable to medical hardship. If you're uninsured or underinsured, healthcare.gov offers plans designed to fit various budgets and health needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Prentiss County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust School Network in Prentiss County

Prentiss County operates 13 public schools serving 4,047 students through two local districts. The infrastructure features six high schools and three elementary schools, providing a wide range of secondary options for a small population.

Prentiss County Invests Heavily in Students

The county spends $6,064 per pupil, exceeding the Mississippi state average of $5,954. Although the graduation rate of 85.3% trails the state average, the school score of 49.0 shows the county is nearly on par with statewide performance levels.

Prentiss County and Booneville Districts Anchor Education

The Prentiss County School District manages seven schools for 2,278 students, making it the area's largest educator. The Booneville School District serves another 1,321 students across four schools, with no charter schools currently in the mix.

Community-Focused Schools with a Rural Feel

Most schools here are rural, though five reside in town settings, maintaining an intimate average school size of 405 students. Wheeler High School is the largest in the county with 576 students, while Hills Chapel School serves 424.

Start Your Home Search in Prentiss County

For many homebuyers, the community-centered schools of Prentiss County are a significant draw. Look for properties near top local districts to secure a place in this dedicated educational community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Prentiss County

via RiskByCounty

Prentiss County holds near-average national risk

Prentiss County scores 51.53 on the composite risk scale, essentially matching the national average and indicating moderate, balanced exposure across multiple hazards. Like its neighbors, Prentiss shows notably high earthquake risk (87.56) alongside moderate tornado exposure (72.87). This profile places Prentiss in the middle range of U.S. counties—safer than many but not immune to serious threats.

Prentiss County ranks just above Mississippi average

At 51.53, Prentiss County's composite risk slightly exceeds Mississippi's state average of 50.94, placing it near the middle of the state's 82-county distribution. The county's earthquake risk of 87.56 is substantially higher than the state average, reflecting its position in an active seismic zone. Overall, Prentiss residents face slightly above-average natural disaster exposure for Mississippi.

Prentiss County ranks safer than Pike to the south

Prentiss County's 51.53 composite score falls well below Pike County's 70.42 to the south, offering residents meaningfully lower overall risk exposure. However, Prentiss shows similar earthquake risk (87.56 vs. Pontotoc's 85.27), suggesting a shared seismic vulnerability across northeast Mississippi. The county's tornado risk of 72.87 remains moderate but lower than Pike's dangerous 90.08.

Earthquakes dominate Prentiss County's hazard profile

Prentiss County's earthquake risk of 87.56 is exceptionally high and represents the county's primary natural disaster concern, far exceeding tornado risk at 72.87. Hurricane exposure registers at 56.78, providing a secondary but lesser threat. The county's earthquake vulnerability reflects its location within an active seismic region and demands specific structural preparedness.

Earthquake safety is paramount in Prentiss County

Residents should prioritize earthquake safety by securing furniture and water heaters, identifying safe sheltering spots, and practicing drop-cover-hold-on techniques with family members. A well-stocked emergency kit and communication plan become essential tools when earthquakes disrupt utilities and transportation. Consider consulting a structural engineer about retrofitting older homes to meet modern seismic standards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Prentiss County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild Overall Temps and Moderate Rain

Prentiss County averages 60.0°F annually, sitting closer to the national median than most Mississippi counties. This creates a more balanced climate with distinct seasonal shifts.

One of the State's Coolest Counties

The county's 60.0°F average is nearly four degrees lower than the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. Prentiss experiences some of the mildest summers in the entire state.

Least Extreme Heat in the Region

Prentiss only sees 41 days of temperatures over 90°F, which is less than half the heat days experienced in Rankin County. It remains slightly wetter than the state average with 60.4 inches of rain.

Coldest Winters and Regular Snowfall

Winter temperatures average a brisk 41.8°F, accompanied by 1.1 inches of annual snowfall. Summer is the mildest of the group, with a seasonal average of 77.4°F.

Ready the Winter Gear Early

With over an inch of snow and temperatures often dropping in winter, residents should keep winter coats and ice scrapers handy. The 41 extreme heat days are manageable, but home insulation remains key for winter warmth.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Prentiss County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles Near the State Average

Prentiss County soil shows a pH of 5.29, sitting almost perfectly on the state average of 5.30 and well below the national median of 6.5. The county’s overall soil score of 33.0 is slightly below the state average of 35.7. This acidity level is common across the region and usually requires lime applications for vegetable gardening.

Balanced Texture for Reliable Farming

The soil contains 39.5% sand and 43.5% silt, creating a versatile medium for root growth. Clay makes up 17.0% of the mix, providing enough body to hold nutrients without making the soil too heavy to work. This balanced composition offers a good compromise between drainage speed and nutrient retention.

Consistent Water Storage for Crops

Available water capacity in Prentiss County is 0.173 in/in, which aligns closely with the Mississippi average of 0.174 in/in. Organic matter levels are 1.66%, trailing the state average of 1.81% and the national average of 2.0%. Increasing organic content through mulching will help boost these fertility numbers over time.

Reliable Subsurface Hydrology

Specific drainage and taxonomic classifications are not currently available for this county. However, the mix of 39.5% sand and 43.5% silt generally ensures that water moves through the profile at a moderate rate. This reduces the risk of root rot while maintaining enough moisture to sustain plants between rains.

Planning a Garden in Zone 8a

Prentiss County falls into hardiness zone 8a, which is suitable for a wide variety of heat-tolerant vegetables and fruits. The balanced soil texture supports everything from orchard fruits to leafy greens if the pH is managed. With a little soil amendment, your backyard can become a highly productive garden space.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Prentiss County

via LawnByCounty

A Higher Success Rate in Prentiss County

Prentiss County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 39.7, making it one of the easier places in Mississippi to maintain a lawn. This score is significantly better than the state average of 30.9, though it still trails the national median of 50.0. The Zone 8a climate here is relatively mild compared to the rest of the state.

Mild Summers and High Annual Rainfall

Prentiss County experiences only 41 extreme heat days per year, which is 32 days fewer than the Mississippi average. This reduction in heat stress is paired with 60.4 inches of annual precipitation, well above the 30-50 inch ideal range. The lower growing degree day count of 4786 suggests a slightly less aggressive mowing schedule.

Sandy Loam Challenges with Acidic pH

The soil is comprised of 39.5% sand and 17.0% clay, allowing for decent drainage but requiring careful nutrient management. A soil pH of 5.29 is standard for the region but necessitates amendments to support healthy grass. Testing your soil twice a year can help you maintain the right balance of lime and fertilizer.

Moderate Drought Risk for Prentiss Lawns

Over the past year, the county spent 13 weeks in drought, though currently only 3.3% of the area is abnormally dry. This relative stability allows for more consistent growth without the constant need for heavy irrigation. Using a rain sensor on your irrigation system can prevent overwatering during the county's frequent rainy periods.

Optimal Planting for Prentiss Turf

Tall Fescue or Zoysia are strong contenders for this climate, providing good coverage with moderate maintenance. Wait until after the last frost on April 1 to begin your spring seeding or sodding projects. Most lawns will begin to go dormant as the first fall frost approaches around November 3.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Prentiss County's county score?
Prentiss County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 43.6 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 Prentiss County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Prentiss County ranks #57 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 Prentiss County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Prentiss County is $790, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Prentiss County a tax score of 65.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Prentiss County?
The median household income in Prentiss County, Mississippi is $51,466 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Prentiss County earns an income score of 17.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Prentiss County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Prentiss County scores 43.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #57 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Prentiss 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 Prentiss County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.