countyscore
53.7
County Score
Safety 87Income & Jobs 80.7Property Tax 72.1

County Report Card

About Rankin County, Mississippi

Outperforming the National Livability Benchmark

Rankin County earns a 53.7 composite score, beating the national median of 50.0. It stands as a beacon of economic prosperity in the Southeast.

Leading the State in Economic Metrics

With a score of 53.7, Rankin easily clears the Mississippi average of 48.4. It is one of the state's premier counties for high earners and professional families.

Superior Incomes and Public Safety

The county excels with an income score of 80.7 and a safety score of 87.0. Median household income reaches a robust $77,454, supported by a low 0.620% tax rate.

High Costs and Environmental Risks

A low cost score of 19.6 reflects the county's premium pricing, with home values at $223,400. Additionally, the risk score of 15.0 suggests susceptibility to natural hazards.

Tailored for High-Earning Professionals

Rankin County is the top choice for families seeking high incomes and safe neighborhoods. You pay a premium for the lifestyle, but the economic opportunities are unmatched.

Score breakdown

Tax72.1Cost19.6Safety87Health52.4Schools45.8Income80.7Risk15Water36.1Weather37.1
🏛72.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠19.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼80.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡87
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤52.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓45.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡15
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧36.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤37.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨30.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱27.1
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

Madison County
Mississippi
45.8
Scott County
Mississippi
42.8
Hinds County
Mississippi
38.3
Simpson County
Mississippi
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Smith County
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Leake County
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Yazoo County
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Copiah County
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Deep Dives

Rankin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Rankin County

via CrimeByCounty

Rankin County is one of the safest nationally

Rankin County is exceptionally safe with a total crime rate of 293.3 per 100,000, roughly 88% lower than the national average. This high performance earns the county a safety score of 99.5.

Exceeding Mississippi's average safety standards

Rankin County’s safety score of 99.5 comfortably exceeds the Mississippi state average of 98.4. It stands out as one of the more secure regions within the state's central corridor.

Rankin outperforms regional neighbors in safety

With nine reporting agencies, Rankin’s rate of 293.3 is much lower than Scott County's 837.4. This data suggests a very secure environment compared to its immediate neighbors.

Violent crime remains rare in Rankin

Violent crime occurs at a rate of only 40.1 per 100,000 residents. Property crime accounts for 253.2 incidents, which is a mere fraction of the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Maintaining a secure home in Rankin

High safety scores are best maintained through consistent home security practices and neighborhood engagement. Installing a modern alarm system adds an extra layer of peace of mind.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Rankin County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Powerhouse Education System in Rankin County

Rankin County features a massive infrastructure of 34 public schools serving 22,946 students. The system is diverse, containing 19 elementary schools and nine high schools across three active districts.

High Achievement and Competitive Graduation Rates

Rankin County delivers a strong 93.5% graduation rate, far exceeding the state and national averages. With a school score of 53.1 and per-pupil spending of $5,938, the county provides excellent educational value relative to state norms.

Large Districts Support a Growing Population

The Rankin County School District is the primary educator with 18,720 students, while the Pearl Public School District adds another 4,216. There are no charter schools, as traditional districts dominate this high-growth suburban landscape.

A Mix of Suburban and Rural Campus Life

Schools are split evenly with 17 in suburban locales and 17 in rural areas, maintaining an average size of 695 students. Northwest Rankin High is the county's largest school with 1,898 students, offering a large-scale campus experience.

Find Your Home in Rankin’s Top Districts

High graduation rates and a mix of suburban and rural living make Rankin County a top destination for families. Browse local listings to find your place near some of Mississippi's most respected public schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Rankin County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Central Mississippi Climate Profile

Rankin County averages 65.4°F annually, which is about 11 degrees higher than the national median. This warm profile supports long summers and very mild transitions between seasons.

Slightly Warmer Than the State Median

At 65.4°F, Rankin County is about 1.5 degrees warmer than the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. It represents the typical climate experience for the central part of the state.

High Heat with Moderate Rainfall

Rankin County experiences 85 days of extreme heat, nearly double the count of Prentiss County. Its annual rainfall of 57.4 inches is slightly lower than the state average of 59.6 inches.

Hot Summers and One Inch of Snow

Summer temperatures average 81.2°F, with July being particularly hot at 82.1°F. In contrast, winters are mild but can still produce 1.0 inch of snowfall on average.

Prepare for Long Cooling Seasons

Air conditioning is a necessity for the 85 days of extreme heat each year. Residents should also be prepared for rare winter events, as the county averages a full inch of snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Rankin County

via SoilByCounty

High Acidity Levels near Jackson

Rankin County soils are notably acidic, with an average pH of 4.94, well below the state average of 5.30. This pH level is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5, making it one of the more challenging areas for pH-sensitive plants. The county’s soil score of 30.5 sits below the Mississippi state average of 35.7.

Silt-Dominated Soil Structure

Silt makes up 51.8% of the soil, providing a fine texture that is supported by 30.9% sand and 14.2% clay. This high silt content makes the soil susceptible to erosion if not covered by vegetation or mulch. The lower clay percentage ensures the soil doesn't become too compacted, but it may lack some nutrient-holding capacity.

Strong Moisture Storage Potential

Rankin County features an available water capacity of 0.188 in/in, outperforming the state average of 0.174 in/in. However, organic matter is relatively low at 1.52%, compared to the 1.81% state average. Gardeners will find that adding organic amendments can bridge the gap between high water storage and low nutrient levels.

Silty Soil and Water Movement

Specific drainage classifications are unavailable, but the 51.8% silt content typically indicates moderate to slow drainage. This silt-heavy soil can hold onto water for extended periods, which is beneficial during the hot Mississippi summer. Care should be taken to avoid soil compaction, which silty soils are particularly prone to when wet.

Expanding Gardens in Zone 8b

Rankin County is in hardiness zone 8b, providing a long, hot growing season for heat-loving crops. While the acidic pH of 4.94 is a challenge for some, it is ideal for blueberries and camellias. With a bit of lime and compost, your zone 8b garden will yield a bounty of summer vegetables.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Rankin County

via LawnByCounty

Meeting the Rankin County Maintenance Challenge

Rankin County earns a lawn difficulty score of 27.1, indicating a more strenuous maintenance environment than the state average of 30.9. Gardeners in this Zone 8b region must combat high acidity and significant summer heat. Maintaining a lush lawn here requires a data-driven approach to soil and water management.

Long Growing Seasons and High Heat

Rankin County endures 85 days of extreme heat annually, well above the state average of 73 days. The region receives 57.4 inches of rain, which is slightly above the ideal threshold but manageable with proper drainage. A high count of 6162 growing degree days means your mower will stay busy from March through November.

Extreme Acidity in Rankin Soils

The soil pH in Rankin County is a very low 4.94, making it one of the most acidic profiles in the state. With 30.9% sand and 14.2% clay, the soil provides a moderate structure but struggles to hold onto essential nutrients. Heavy lime applications are essential to bring the pH toward the 6.0-7.0 range required for most turf.

Navigating Abnormally Dry Conditions

Rankin County saw 10 weeks of drought in the past year, and 100% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry. This widespread dryness means your lawn is likely under stress even if it isn't currently in a declared severe drought. Focus on deep soaking to encourage roots to grow deeper into the soil for better survival.

Best Turf Options for Rankin County

Centipedegrass is a popular choice for this area as it handles acidic soils better than many other species. Aim to seed or sod following the last spring frost on March 14 to capitalize on the long growing season. Your lawn will likely maintain its color until the first fall frost around November 14.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rankin County's county score?
Rankin County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 53.7 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 Rankin County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Rankin County ranks #31 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 Rankin County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Rankin County is $1,384, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Rankin County a tax score of 72.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Rankin County?
The median household income in Rankin County, Mississippi is $77,454 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Rankin County earns an income score of 80.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Rankin County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Rankin County scores 53.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #31 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Rankin 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 Rankin County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.