CountyScore

Rankin County

Mississippi · MS

#58 in Mississippi
65.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Rankin County, Mississippi

Rankin solidly above U.S. average

Rankin County's composite score of 65.6 beats the national median of 50.0 by 15.6 points, placing it in the 66th percentile nationwide. This Jackson-area county ranks as a reasonably livable American region.

Slightly below state average

At 65.6, Rankin falls just short of Mississippi's 67.5 state average, placing it in the middle ranks of Mississippi counties. It represents a middle-ground livability profile for the state.

Highest incomes and superior health

Rankin boasts the highest income score (33.9) and median household income ($77,454) in this group, paired with the strongest health score (68.3). A tax score of 84.8 with just 0.620% effective rate rounds out a compelling economic package.

Housing costs significantly higher

Rankin's cost score of just 69.7 reflects median home values of $223,400 and median rent of $1,210—the priciest in this group. Housing expenses consume a larger share of household budgets here than elsewhere in the region.

For established professionals and families

Rankin County suits well-earning professionals, established families, and those seeking Mississippi's healthiest communities and highest incomes. Expect to pay more for housing, but gain access to greater economic opportunity and health resources.

Score breakdown

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

Tax84.8Cost69.7SafetyComing SoonHealth68.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome33.9Risk15WaterComing Soon
🏛84.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤68.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡15
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 Rankin County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Sebastian County
Arkansas
65.6
Median income: $56,450
St. Francis County
Arkansas
65.6
Median income: $41,784
St. Joseph County
Indiana
65.6
Median income: $64,885
Bourbon County
Kansas
65.6
Median income: $67,555
Bossier Parish
Louisiana
65.6
Median income: $66,336

Deep Dives

Rankin County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Rankin County

via TaxByCounty

Rankin County's lowest rate in state

Rankin County boasts the lowest effective tax rate at just 0.620%, placing it in the bottom 8% of U.S. counties. At $1,384 annually on a median home value of $223,400, Rankin homeowners pay less than half the national median property tax of $2,690.

Least taxed county in Mississippi group

Rankin County's 0.620% effective rate is the lowest among Mississippi's eight profiled counties and well below the state average of 0.743%. Homeowners benefit from a tax-friendly environment despite higher property values than most rural Mississippi counties.

Competitive advantage in capital region

Rankin County's 0.620% rate beats all comparison counties, including nearby Hinds and Madison counties in the Jackson metro area. This low rate, combined with higher median home values, makes Rankin an attractive county for property owners.

Higher values, lower tax burden overall

With a median home value of $223,400, Rankin County homeowners pay approximately $1,384 annually—the highest dollar amount in this group but still a favorable effective rate. Mortgaged properties average $1,512 per year.

Verify your assessment despite favorable rates

Even in low-tax counties like Rankin, overassessed properties exist on the rolls. If your home's assessed value seems high relative to recent sales, file an appeal with the county assessor to ensure accuracy.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Rankin County

via CostByCounty

Rankin's prosperity comes at a cost

Rankin County residents spend 18.8% of income on rent, slightly below Mississippi's 19.6% average and well within national norms. With a median household income of $77,454—the highest in this analysis and above the national average of $74,755—Rankin's residents enjoy both higher earnings and manageable housing costs.

Mississippi's wealthiest, most housing-affluent county

Rankin County ranks as Mississippi's economic leader in this peer group, with a median household income of $77,454 and a rent-to-income ratio of 18.8%. This combination of high wages and reasonable rent burdens makes Rankin the state's most naturally affordable housing market by income standards.

Highest income, highest rents

Rankin's $1,210 monthly rent is double Prentiss County's $620 and significantly exceeds all peers, yet Rankin's $77,454 median income far surpasses neighboring counties—Pontotoc at $52,741 and Simpson at $54,111. Rankin residents can afford premium housing that would overwhelm other regional counties.

High earners absorb high housing costs

Rankin renters pay $1,210 monthly while homeowners spend $1,091, with renting costing only 11% more—the smallest gap in this analysis. Housing consumes just 18.8% of the $77,454 median income, leaving substantial room for savings, investments, and quality of life.

Mississippi's premium option for movers

Rankin County offers Mississippi's strongest economic fundamentals and the most housing choices, though at premium prices compared to rural alternatives. Relocating professionals and families with higher incomes will find Rankin's cost-to-earning ratio genuinely affordable and its economic dynamism unmatched in the state.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Rankin County

via IncomeByCounty

Rankin County exceeds national income levels

Rankin County's median household income of $77,454 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by $2,699—a rare achievement among Mississippi counties. This positioning reflects Rankin County's role as a prosperous suburban and commercial hub, particularly benefiting from proximity to the Jackson metro area.

Commanding income leader across Mississippi

Rankin County dominates Mississippi's income landscape, earning $28,940 more than the state median of $48,514—a 60% premium. Its per-capita income of $37,662 also far exceeds Mississippi's state average of $27,136, establishing Rankin as the state's economic flagship.

Substantially outearns all adjacent counties

Rankin County's $77,454 income demolishes neighboring Scott County ($48,492) and Simpson County ($54,111), commanding an income advantage of $23,000–$29,000 per household. This gap underscores Rankin County's distinct economic standing within the region.

Housing costs remain manageable despite prosperity

Rankin County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% reflects strong affordability even as median home values reach $223,400. Higher-income households easily meet housing costs while maintaining discretionary income for savings, education, and wealth accumulation.

Accelerate wealth through strategic investing

Rankin County's $77,454 income and favorable housing ratio create ideal conditions for aggressive wealth building—allocating 20% or more to retirement accounts, brokerage investments, and real estate equity. Households should prioritize tax-advantaged strategies like 401(k) maximization and Roth conversions to compound long-term gains.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Rankin County

via HealthByCounty

Rankin leads Mississippi in health outcomes

Rankin County residents live to 76.9 years on average—2.4 years above the U.S. average of 74.5 years—making it a national health success story. With only 19.1% of adults reporting poor or fair health versus 18% nationally, Rankin is one of the few Mississippi counties matching or beating national health benchmarks.

Mississippi's health champion

Rankin County's 76.9-year life expectancy far exceeds Mississippi's 70.9-year state average by 6 full years, standing as the undisputed health leader in the state. Its 19.1% poor/fair health rate is the best across all surveyed counties, demonstrating sustained investment in community health.

Vastly outpaces regional peers

Rankin's 76.9-year life expectancy dramatically exceeds every neighboring county, with a 4.2-year advantage over the next-best performer, Pontotoc (72.7). The 19.1% poor health rate stands substantially below Pike (28.7%), Scott (28.2%), and Quitman (31.9%), reflecting sharply divergent health trajectories in the region.

Robust healthcare access drives success

Rankin County's 10.9% uninsured rate is the lowest among surveyed counties and well below the state average of 13.9%, ensuring most residents have coverage. With 56 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the highest in the region—and robust mental health staffing, Rankin delivers accessible, continuous care.

Maintain your coverage advantage

Even in high-performing Rankin County, 10.9% of residents lack health insurance and face financial risk. If you're uninsured or considering a plan change, healthcare.gov helps you find coverage that fits your needs and budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Rankin County

via RiskByCounty

Rankin County faces elevated disaster risk nationwide

Rankin County scores 84.99 on the composite risk scale, placing it substantially above the national average and in the relatively moderate risk category. This high score reflects serious exposure to tornadoes (94.66) and hurricanes (81.52), making Rankin one of the most hazard-prone counties in Mississippi. Residents should treat disaster preparedness as an essential part of daily life.

Rankin County ranks among Mississippi's riskiest

At 84.99, Rankin County's composite risk dramatically exceeds Mississippi's state average of 50.94, placing it among the state's top tier of high-risk counties. The county's 94.66 tornado risk is among the highest in Mississippi, while its 81.52 hurricane risk further compounds exposure. Only a handful of Mississippi counties face comparable natural disaster threats.

Rankin County significantly outranks nearby areas

Rankin County's 84.99 composite score far exceeds neighboring Scott County (55.88) and Simpson County (50.95) to the north and east. Rankin's 94.66 tornado risk is particularly alarming—nearly 17 points higher than Scott County's 78.37 and nearly 18 points above Simpson's 76.72. This positioning makes Rankin distinctly the highest-risk county in its immediate region.

Tornadoes and hurricanes demand constant vigilance

Rankin County residents face tornado risk of 94.66 and hurricane risk of 81.52—the county's two dominant natural disaster threats that dwarf all other hazards. Flood risk of 79.64 adds a tertiary concern, particularly during spring storms and tropical systems. These three hazards together create an environment where multi-hazard preparedness is non-negotiable.

Multi-hazard protection is essential for Rankin County

Homeowners should invest in a reinforced safe room or interior bathroom shelter designed to withstand both tornadoes and high winds from hurricanes, given Rankin's 94.66 tornado and 81.52 hurricane scores. Flood insurance is critical, with 79.64 flood risk substantially above state average—standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Review and strengthen your coverage annually, before each storm season begins.

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.