CountyScore

Quitman County

Mississippi · MS

#55 in Mississippi
65.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Quitman County, Mississippi

Quitman passes national benchmark

Quitman County's composite score of 65.8 exceeds the national median of 50.0, landing in the 66th percentile of U.S. counties. Despite economic challenges, Quitman ranks as a livable rural American community.

Just below Mississippi average

Quitman's 65.8 score sits slightly below Mississippi's state average of 67.5, placing it in the lower-middle tier of the state's counties. It ranks among Mississippi's more challenged communities overall.

Housing affordability stands out

Quitman's cost score of 89.9 is the highest in this group, reflecting exceptional housing affordability: median rent just $650 and median home values only $68,600. For those seeking rock-bottom housing costs, Quitman delivers.

Income and risk present serious concerns

Quitman faces steep headwinds with an income score of just 4.4 and median household income of $32,131—the lowest in this group and far below state/national norms. A risk score of 81.5 signals significant economic vulnerability and limited resilience.

Affordable, but with real risks

Quitman suits only those with very low housing needs and stable outside income—retirees with pensions or remote workers with secure jobs elsewhere. The county's economic fragility makes it risky for families dependent on local employment.

Score breakdown

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

Tax69.8Cost89.9SafetyComing SoonHealth44.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome4.4Risk81.5WaterComing Soon
🏛69.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼4.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤44.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡81.5
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 Quitman County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Jefferson County
Arkansas
65.8
Median income: $48,552
Kent County
Delaware
65.8
Median income: $72,872
Citrus County
Florida
65.8
Median income: $55,355
Jefferson County
Georgia
65.8
Median income: $46,561
Polk County
Georgia
65.8
Median income: $55,308

Deep Dives

Quitman County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Quitman County

via TaxByCounty

Quitman County has highest rate in region

Quitman County's 1.155% effective tax rate, while still below the national median of 2.69%, ranks among the highest in Mississippi. The median property tax of $792 on a median home value of $68,600 demonstrates that lower home values don't always translate to lower rates.

Above-average taxes for Mississippi

At 1.155%, Quitman County has the second-highest effective rate among these eight counties, exceeding the state average of 0.743% by 55%. This makes Quitman one of Mississippi's more expensive counties for property taxation.

Highest-taxed county in the group

Quitman County's 1.155% rate significantly exceeds neighboring Pontotoc (0.660%), Prentiss (0.678%), and Pike (0.929%) counties. Only Pike County comes close, but Quitman's rate remains notably higher across the region.

Pay $792 yearly despite modest home values

Quitman County homeowners pay approximately $792 annually on a median home value of $68,600—a higher effective rate than most neighbors. Those with mortgages may see assessments reach $1,113 per year.

Higher rate demands closer assessment review

Quitman County's elevated tax rate makes it especially important to verify your assessed value is accurate. Request a formal appeal if your property's assessment exceeds recent comparable sales in your market area.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Quitman County

via CostByCounty

Quitman's affordability hampered by low income

Quitman County residents spend 24.3% of income on rent, significantly above Mississippi's 19.6% average despite modest $650 monthly payments. The county's median household income of just $32,131—less than half the national average of $74,755—means even affordable-seeming rents consume a substantial income share.

Among Mississippi's least affordable counties

Quitman ranks near the bottom of Mississippi for housing affordability, with a 24.3% rent-to-income ratio that far exceeds the state's 19.6% average. The combination of low wages and moderate rents creates genuine affordability stress for Quitman households.

Lowest income, highest burden ratio

Quitman's $32,131 median household income is the lowest in this county group, making its $650 rent feel more burdensome than in neighbors like Prentiss ($51,466 income) or Pontotoc ($52,741 income). Despite cheap absolute rent, Quitman's income disadvantage creates the worst rent-to-income ratio among lower-cost counties.

Housing dominates household budgets

Quitman renters pay $650 monthly while homeowners spend $459, with renting costing 42% more despite being theoretically more affordable. On a $32,131 annual income, the $650 rent alone consumes nearly 24% of gross earnings, leaving little for medical care, childcare, or emergencies.

Seek higher-wage counties nearby

While Quitman offers the cheapest homeownership costs, the county's severe income constraints make housing affordability challenging regardless. Renters should consider moving to higher-wage counties like Pontotoc or Simpson, where incomes exceed Quitman's by 50-60% while rent increases modestly.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Quitman County

via IncomeByCounty

Quitman County faces steep income challenges nationally

Quitman County's median household income of $32,131 represents just 43% of the national median of $74,755—a gap of $42,624 per household annually. This severe disparity underscores Quitman County's status as one of Mississippi's most economically strained rural communities.

Lowest-tier earner within Mississippi

Quitman County ranks among Mississippi's lowest-income counties, earning $16,383 less than the state median of $48,514. At just $20,438 per capita, Quitman County also trails the state average significantly, indicating limited per-person economic resources.

Struggles compared to all surrounding counties

Quitman County's $32,131 median household income falls well below Pike County ($41,578), Sharkey County ($35,741), and every other adjacent county in the region. This income disadvantage reflects structural economic challenges requiring targeted investment and workforce development.

Housing affordability tested despite low values

Quitman County's rent-to-income ratio of 24.3% remains below the danger threshold, but leaves little room for other essential expenses given the low baseline income. A median home value of just $68,600 reflects the county's economic constraints, though it does maintain nominal affordability for homebuyers.

Focus on income growth and financial basics

Quitman County households earning $32,131 should prioritize skill development and career advancement before pursuing investment strategies. Building a modest emergency fund and accessing financial literacy programs through community organizations can establish the foundation for future wealth building as income opportunities improve.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Quitman County

via HealthByCounty

Quitman faces steep health challenges

Quitman County residents have a life expectancy of just 66.9 years—nearly 7.6 years below the U.S. average of 74.5 years. With 31.9% of adults in poor or fair health, Quitman suffers one of the most acute health crises in the nation, far exceeding the national poor health rate of 18%.

Quitman's health ranks critically low

At 66.9 years, Quitman County's life expectancy ranks among Mississippi's worst, trailing the state average of 70.9 years by 4 full years. The 31.9% poor/fair health rate places Quitman in a crisis category, indicating severe, persistent health emergencies across the population.

Hardest-hit county in the region

Quitman's 66.9-year life expectancy is the lowest in the surveyed region, trailing even Sharkey County (66.7) and vastly behind Pontotoc (72.7). Its 31.9% poor health rate represents the most acute community health burden, signaling urgent need for intervention and resources.

Healthcare desert with rising uninsured rates

Quitman County's 15.2% uninsured rate exceeds the state average and leaves vulnerable residents without safety-net care. Primary care provider data is not available, but with only 36 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, behavioral health support is severely limited in a county facing intense health crises.

Insurance access is urgent here

With 15.2% uninsured and acute health challenges across Quitman, finding affordable coverage is a matter of health and survival. Contact your local health department or visit healthcare.gov immediately to enroll in coverage—programs like Medicaid may cover you at no cost.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Quitman County

via RiskByCounty

Quitman County ranks among America's safest

Quitman County scores just 18.51 on the composite risk scale, placing it far below the national average and in the very low risk category. This exceptional rating reflects manageable exposure across most natural hazard types, with flood risk at 15.81 and wildfire risk at only 28.12. Quitman residents enjoy substantially lower disaster exposure than the typical American county.

Quitman County is Mississippi's safest county

At 18.51, Quitman County's composite risk score ranks dramatically below Mississippi's state average of 50.94, making it the clear standout for low hazard exposure statewide. This safety advantage persists across flood, wildfire, and tornado categories, where Quitman scores are well below state norms. Quitman residents benefit from geography and geology that produce exceptionally low natural disaster risk.

Quitman stands far safer than surrounding counties

Quitman County's 18.51 composite score vastly outperforms neighbors like Pontotoc (50.10) and Prentiss (51.53), offering residents roughly one-third the risk exposure. Even its highest individual hazard risk—earthquake at 75.83—remains lower than the composite scores of adjacent counties. Quitman's protected position in northwest Mississippi creates a uniquely favorable risk profile.

Earthquake risk poses Quitman's main concern

While Quitman County's overall risk is remarkably low, earthquake hazard reaches 75.83—the county's highest individual risk score, though still manageable. Tornado risk of 56.90 and hurricane risk of 55.82 are both well below state averages, providing secondary considerations. The county's exceptional flood safety (15.81) and minimal wildfire threat (28.12) distinguish Quitman from virtually all other Mississippi counties.

Standard preparation suffices in Quitman County

Even in low-risk Quitman County, homeowners should maintain a basic emergency kit and weather radio, plus simple earthquake safety measures like securing heavy furniture. Standard homeowners insurance without special riders typically provides adequate coverage for Quitman's modest hazard profile. Focus preparedness efforts on earthquake awareness rather than elaborate storm shelters or specialized flood insurance.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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