countyscore
58.2
County Score
Safety 97.5Cost of Living 94.9Disaster Risk 81.5

County Report Card

About Quitman County, Mississippi

Quitman County Surpasses National Median

Quitman County achieves a strong composite score of 58.2, well above the national median of 50.0. This makes it a high-performing outlier in the Mississippi Delta region.

A Top Performer in Mississippi

Ranking far above the Mississippi average of 48.4, Quitman is a state leader in livability. Its unique combination of safety and affordability drives this high ranking.

High Safety and Extreme Affordability

The county boasts an elite safety score of 97.5 and a cost score of 94.9. Median home values are just $68,600, paired with an impressive risk score of 81.5.

Economic and Health Gaps Persist

Despite high livability, the income score of 0.5 and health score of 6.0 are concerning. The median household income of $32,131 is among the lowest in the data set.

Ideal for Residents Prioritizing Security

Quitman County is perfect for those who value public safety and extremely low housing costs above all else. It offers a rare level of security for such an affordable market.

Score breakdown

Tax27.8Cost94.9Safety97.5Health6Schools63.9Income0.5Risk81.5Water11Weather47.5
🏛27.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠94.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼0.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓63.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡81.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧11
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨41.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱26.7
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

Panola County
Mississippi
43.3
Coahoma County
Mississippi
44.8
Tunica County
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36.4
Tallahatchie County
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47.5
Phillips County
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37.8
Tate County
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Yalobusha County
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DeSoto County
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36.7

Deep Dives

Quitman County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Quitman County

via CrimeByCounty

Perfect safety score with limited reported data

Quitman County currently shows a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000, which is far below the national average of 2,385.5. This reported data results in a perfect safety score of 100.0.

Leading the state in statistical safety

With its 100.0 safety score, Quitman ranks among the most statistically secure counties in Mississippi. This puts the county significantly above the state average safety score of 98.4.

Contrasting Quitman with nearby crime figures

While nearby Pike County reports 1007.5 crimes per 100,000, Quitman’s figures reflect exceptionally low reported activity. These numbers provide a stark contrast to the higher crime rates found in neighboring regions.

Limited reporting from local agencies

Two reporting agencies provide the data for the county, though no specific crimes were recorded for the year. This indicates either an exceptionally quiet year or limited data availability for 2022.

Staying prepared despite low crime rates

Even when reported crime is low, maintaining home security through alarms and secure locks is a wise precaution. Staying informed about local law enforcement updates ensures residents remain prepared.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Quitman County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education with a Unified District

Quitman County operates four public schools under a single district, serving a total of 852 students. The landscape consists of one elementary school, one middle school, and two high schools.

Elite Graduation Rates for Quitman Students

The county boasts an impressive 97.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the state average and the national benchmark. This success is supported by a school score of 56.6 and per-pupil spending of $6,728, which is well above the Mississippi average.

One District Driving High Academic Success

The Quitman County School District oversees all 852 students and four schools in the area. There are no charter schools, meaning all local public students benefit from the district's centralized resources.

Intimate Classrooms in a Rural Setting

Education here feels personal, with an average school size of just 284 students. Quitman County Elementary is the largest facility with 365 students, while M. S. Palmer High School serves 215 students in a small-town atmosphere.

High Performance Makes Quitman a Great Choice

If graduation success is your priority, Quitman County's remarkable 97% rate is hard to ignore. Explore homes in the area to join a community that clearly prioritizes student achievement.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Quitman County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Delta Heat and Humidity

Quitman County has an average annual temperature of 62.5°F, placing it well above the national median. The local climate is shaped by the flat Delta landscape and high summer moisture.

Aligned with Mississippi State Averages

The annual average of 62.5°F is very close to the state average of 63.9°F. While it is slightly cooler on an annual basis, its summer peaks are quite intense.

Drier and Hotter Than Neighbors

Quitman is drier than most, receiving only 57.3 inches of rain compared to the state average of 59.6. It records 86 extreme heat days, significantly more than Pontotoc County to its east.

Intense Summers and Chilly Winters

July is sweltering with an average of 81.7°F, while January averages a cold 41.0°F. This 40-degree swing between seasons is typical for the Mississippi Delta region.

Shield Against the Summer Sun

The 86 days of extreme heat require sun protection and efficient cooling for those working outdoors. Because winters average 43.4°F, residents must also prepare for occasional freezes and light snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Quitman County

via SoilByCounty

Superior Soil Scores in the Delta

Quitman County features a soil pH of 5.72, which is significantly higher and less acidic than the Mississippi average of 5.30. Its overall soil score of 41.5 beats the state average of 35.7, reflecting the high-quality land found in the Delta. While it remains more acidic than the 6.5 national median, it is one of the more versatile soils in the state.

Heavier Clay Content for Nutrient Retention

The soil is comprised of 26.6% clay, 48.3% silt, and 25.1% sand. This higher clay percentage, compared to neighboring hill counties, means the soil is excellent at holding onto essential plant nutrients. However, the heavy texture requires more power for tilling and can be slow to dry after spring rains.

Above-Average Water Capacity

The soil boasts an available water capacity of 0.177 in/in, slightly exceeding the state average of 0.174 in/in. Organic matter content sits at 1.56%, which is lower than the Mississippi average of 1.81%. Despite the lower organic levels, the clay and silt combination provides a naturally fertile base for commercial agriculture.

Delta Hydrology and Drainage

While official drainage classes are not provided for this area, the 26.6% clay content suggests slower drainage typical of Delta bottomlands. This soil stores water effectively but can be prone to ponding during intense storms. Proper field leveling and drainage ditches are common practices to manage these heavy soils.

Delta Growth in Zone 8a

The fertile, clay-rich soils of Quitman County are legendary for cotton, soybeans, and rice. For home gardeners in zone 8a, this soil is perfect for heavy-feeding plants like corn and large-variety tomatoes. Embrace the richness of the Delta and start your own garden plot this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Quitman County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Conditions in Quitman County

With a lawn difficulty score of 26.7, Quitman County is one of the more challenging environments for Mississippi homeowners. This score is lower than both the state average of 30.9 and the national benchmark of 50.0. Zone 8a conditions here demand careful attention to soil health and water management.

Intense Heat and Moderate Rain

Quitman County faces 86 extreme heat days per year, exceeding the state average of 73. While the 57.3 inches of annual rainfall is plenty for grass, the high heat and 5534 growing degree days lead to high evaporation rates. Mowing heights should be kept higher in the summer to shade the soil and protect root systems.

Heavy Clay and Better pH Balance

Quitman County features a soil pH of 5.72, which is closer to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range than many neighboring counties. The soil has a significant clay content of 26.6%, which helps retain nutrients but can lead to drainage issues. Homeowners should watch for standing water after heavy rains to prevent root rot.

Significant Drought Stress in the Delta

The county has faced 32 weeks of drought over the last year, with 46.7% of the area currently in severe drought (D2+). Since 100% of the county is abnormally dry, supplemental watering is a mandatory part of lawn maintenance right now. Prioritize watering in the early morning to minimize water loss from the intense Delta heat.

Heat-Hardy Grasses for Quitman County

Bermudagrass is the gold standard here due to its exceptional heat and drought tolerance. Schedule your planting after the last spring frost on March 17 to give the lawn a full season to establish. You can expect growth to continue until the first frost typically arrives on November 7.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Quitman County's county score?
Quitman County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 58.2 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 Quitman County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Quitman County ranks #11 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 Quitman County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Quitman County is $792, with an effective tax rate of 1.15%. This earns Quitman County a tax score of 27.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Quitman County?
The median household income in Quitman County, Mississippi is $32,131 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Quitman County earns an income score of 0.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Quitman County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Quitman County scores 58.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Quitman 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 Quitman 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.