countyscore
42.8
County Score
Cost of Living 66.5Water Quality 65.8Safety 64

County Report Card

About Scott County, Mississippi

Scott County Ranks Below National Median

A composite score of 42.8 places Scott County below the national benchmark of 50.0. It provides a standard rural living profile with specific infrastructure strengths.

Consistent with Mississippi Rural Trends

The county's 42.8 score is slightly behind the state average of 48.4. It remains competitive through affordable housing and reliable water infrastructure.

Stable Infrastructure and Housing Value

Scott County performs well in cost (66.5) and water quality (65.8). Home values are remarkably low at $89,900, making property ownership accessible for most residents.

Health and School Improvements Needed

Both health and school scores sit at a low 9.7, indicating a need for better public services. The income score of 11.9 also reflects a need for more diverse job opportunities.

Best for Entry-Level Homeownership

Scott County suits individuals looking to buy their first home in a stable, quiet environment. It offers essential infrastructure at a price point well below state averages.

2040608010053.566.5649.79.711.944.165.848.1Tax53.5Cost66.5Safety64Health9.7Schools9.7Income11.9Risk44.1Water65.8Weather48.142.8/100
This county
National avg
1 above average3 below average

Scott County DNA

Foverall

How Scott County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Scott County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (66.5/100) but notably weak in Schools (9.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
53.5
Cost
66.5+18.5
Safety
64+9
Health
9.7-40.3
Schools
9.7-44.3
Income
11.9-39.1
Risk
44.1
Water
65.8
Weather
48.1
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$89,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$888/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$89,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $48,492/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

43.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Leake County
Mississippi
49
Rankin County
Mississippi
53.7
Madison County
Mississippi
45.8
Newton County
Mississippi
56
Smith County
Mississippi
60.2
Neshoba County
Mississippi
42
Simpson County
Mississippi
55.8
Attala County
Mississippi
49.3

Deep Dives

Scott County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Scott County

via TaxByCounty

Scott County taxes well below national levels

Scott County's 0.799% effective tax rate sits below the national median of 2.69%, ranking in the bottom 20% of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $718 on a median home value of $89,900 is less than 27% of the national median property tax of $2,690.

Slightly above Mississippi average

At 0.799%, Scott County exceeds the state average of 0.743% by about 7%, placing it in the middle range of Mississippi counties. Homeowners pay roughly $140 more annually than the state median tax of $931.

Mid-range rates in central Mississippi

Scott County's 0.799% rate sits between lower-tax Rankin (0.620%) and higher-tax Pike (0.929%) counties. It represents a moderate tax burden for central Mississippi homeowners.

Median annual tax: $718

On Scott County's median home value of $89,900, property owners pay approximately $718 per year, or roughly $59.83 monthly. Those with mortgages average $886 annually.

Review your assessment for accuracy

Scott County residents should verify that their assessed values reflect current market conditions and comparable sales. If your property appears overvalued, contact the assessor's office about filing a formal reassessment appeal.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Scott County

via CostByCounty

Scott's moderate affordability challenge

Scott County residents spend 22% of income on rent, above Mississippi's 19.6% average though well within national standards. With a median household income of $48,492—significantly below the national average of $74,755—Scott's housing costs feel more burdensome than the state norm despite modest absolute prices.

Below-average affordability for Mississippi

Scott County's 22% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Mississippi's 19.6% state average, though its $888 median rent falls above the statewide median of $782. This combination places Scott among Mississippi's moderately challenged housing markets.

Higher rent, lower income than peers

Scott's $888 monthly rent exceeds Simpson County ($819), Pontotoc County ($848), and Prentiss County ($620), yet Scott's $48,492 median income falls below Pontotoc and Simpson. This gap—higher costs with lower earnings—makes Scott less affordable than its immediate neighbors.

Rental premium strains household budgets

Scott renters pay $888 monthly while homeowners spend $554, meaning renters pay 60% more despite having similar home access. Housing costs consume 22% of the $48,492 median income—noticeably higher than the state average—squeezing household budgets for other necessities.

Simpson or Pontotoc offer better value

Scott County residents considering moves can improve affordability by relocating to Simpson County (18.2% rent ratio, similar income) or Pontotoc County (19.3% ratio, higher income). These neighboring counties offer comparable or better earning potential with substantially lower housing cost burdens.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Scott County

via IncomeByCounty

Scott County falls short of national average

Scott County's median household income of $48,492 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 35%, a gap of $26,263 per household annually. This income deficit is typical for rural Mississippi counties lacking major metropolitan employment centers.

Near Mississippi's state median income

Scott County earns essentially at Mississippi's state median of $48,514, just $22 below the statewide average. This alignment positions Scott County as representative of the typical Mississippi county in terms of household earnings.

Middle performer among surrounding counties

Scott County's $48,492 income sits between Sharkey County ($35,741) and Simpson County ($54,111), establishing it as a moderate earner in central Mississippi. Its per-capita income of $23,915 trails Simpson's $29,599, suggesting less evenly distributed economic resources.

Housing costs manageable but require attention

Scott County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.0% stays within reasonable bounds, though it consumes nearly a quarter of household earnings. A median home value of $89,900 remains accessible, enabling homeownership without straining household budgets.

Build incremental savings and investment habits

Scott County households earning $48,492 should establish automatic savings of 10–15% directed to emergency reserves and retirement accounts. Even modest monthly investments in low-cost index funds can generate meaningful wealth over 20–30 years, creating financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Scott County

via CrimeByCounty

Scott County far exceeds national safety rates

Scott County reports a total crime rate of 837.4 per 100,000, which is nearly three times lower than the national average. The county achieves a strong safety score of 98.7.

Safety performance better than the state average

At 98.7, Scott County is slightly safer than the average Mississippi county. It maintains a secure profile despite being part of a busy regional transport area.

Scott sits in the middle of regional peers

Scott's crime rate of 837.4 is lower than Pike County's 1007.5 but higher than Rankin's 293.3. It occupies a middle ground for safety among its regional peers.

Low violent crime rates benefit residents

The property crime rate of 619.1 is the main driver of local statistics, while violent crime sits at 218.3. Both figures remain well under the national benchmarks for these categories.

Simple deterrents prevent property crime

Residents can support local safety by ensuring homes are well-lit and valuables are kept out of sight. Simple deterrents often prevent the opportunistic property crimes most common in the area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Scott County

via SchoolsByCounty

Balanced Schooling Options in Scott County

Scott County manages 12 public schools for a student population of 5,634. The infrastructure includes a mix of four high schools, three middle schools, and three elementary schools organized into two districts.

Competitive Spending and Academic Resilience

The county spends $5,622 per pupil and holds a school score of 46.0. While the graduation rate of 81.3% sits below the state average, the county provides consistent education across its diverse town and rural campuses.

Scott County and Forest Municipal Lead Education

The Scott County School District is the largest, managing nine schools and 3,989 students. The Forest Municipal School District supports another 1,645 students, and there are currently no charter schools in operation.

Equal Mix of Town and Rural Schools

The county splits its 12 schools evenly between town and rural settings, with an average enrollment of 512. Scott Central Attendance Center is the largest campus with 898 students, while Forest Elementary serves 707.

Put Your Roots Down in Scott County

With a mix of town and rural schooling, Scott County offers diverse living options for growing families. Research homes in the area to find a community and school district that fits your lifestyle.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Scott County

via RiskByCounty

Scott County moderately exceeds national risk baseline

Scott County scores 55.88 on the composite risk scale, modestly above the national average and placing it in the relatively low risk category overall. However, this score masks significant variation—hurricane risk reaches 81.56 and tornado risk stands at 78.37, substantially above typical U.S. levels. Scott residents should prioritize preparedness for wind-related hazards while managing broader natural disaster exposure.

Scott County ranks above Mississippi's state average

Scott County's 55.88 composite score exceeds Mississippi's state average of 50.94, placing it among the state's moderate-risk counties. The county's 81.56 hurricane risk is notably high compared to the state average, while tornado risk of 78.37 also exceeds typical Mississippi levels. This profile indicates Scott residents face above-average exposure to major wind-driven storms.

Scott County moderately outranks surrounding counties

Scott County's 55.88 composite score exceeds nearby Simpson County (50.95) but falls well below the higher-risk profile of Rankin County to the south (84.99). Scott's hurricane risk of 81.56 closely mirrors Simpson's 80.60, suggesting both counties share similar tropical storm vulnerability. However, Scott's tornado risk of 78.37 positions it slightly above Simpson's 76.72, indicating marginally greater wind exposure.

Hurricanes and tornadoes drive Scott County's risk

Scott County residents face hurricane risk of 81.56 and tornado risk of 78.37—two major wind-driven hazards that substantially exceed national averages. Flood risk of 42.02 provides a secondary concern, particularly during tropical systems and spring thunderstorms. These hazards should anchor emergency planning and home protection strategies.

Wind-resistant improvements protect Scott County homes

Homeowners should prioritize wind-resistant features including reinforced roof attachments, impact-resistant windows, and a designated safe room built to withstand tornado and hurricane forces. Flood insurance is advisable given Scott's 42.02 flood risk and the frequency of tropical systems affecting central Mississippi. Regular home inspections before each storm season identify vulnerabilities and upgrade opportunities.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Scott County

via WaterByCounty

Scott County Secures Strong B Grade

The county reported only one health violation in five years, maintaining a high standard for drinking water. Its violation rate of 3.1 per 100K is one of the lowest in the state.

Watershed Quality Data Gap Persists

No water bodies in the county are currently assessed under the federal §303(d) program. Consequently, there is no official record of impaired or attaining status for local watersheds.

Targeted Monitoring at Three Local Sites

Three monitoring sites have contributed 716 measurements to the federal database. These readings primarily track physical, nutrient, and organic characteristics of the local water supply.

Tuscolameta Creek Faces Extreme Low Flow

South Canal Tuscolameta Creek near Walnut Grove is flowing at just 6 cfs. This represents an extreme low, measuring only 4% of the long-term mean discharge for this location.

Conserving Water Amidst Record Lows

While drinking water safety is high, the critically low streamflow at 4% of typical levels warrants concern. Residents should practice strict water conservation to protect limited source water during this dry spell.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Scott County

via WeatherByCounty

A Typical Humid Subtropical Environment

Scott County's annual average temperature is 63.3°F, sitting nearly 10 degrees above the national median. It features the consistent warmth and high humidity typical of the American South.

Matching the Mississippi State Average

The county's 63.3°F average is almost identical to the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. It serves as a benchmark for the climate found in the heart of the state.

Consistent Heat Across the Region

Scott County sees 74 days of extreme heat, fewer than neighboring Rankin's 85 days but more than Pontotoc's 52. While local precipitation data is unavailable, the county shares the regional pattern of heavy humidity.

Seventy-Four Days of Peak Heat

July temperatures average 79.2°F, contributing to a total of 74 days above 90°F annually. Winters remain mild with a December-February average of 47.7°F.

Focus on Summer Heat Mitigation

With 74 extreme heat days, residents should prioritize home cooling and energy efficiency. The mild 47.7°F winter average means outdoor maintenance can continue comfortably through most of the year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Scott County

via SoilByCounty

Typical Interior Mississippi Acidity

Scott County features a soil pH of 5.13, which is more acidic than the state average of 5.30 and much lower than the 6.5 national median. The county earns a soil score of 31.9, placing it slightly below the state average of 35.7. This acidity is typical for the forested and agricultural lands of central Mississippi.

Sandy-Silt Mix with Clay Support

The soil is a balanced blend of 40.9% sand and 42.1% silt, with 17.0% clay providing essential structure. This mixture offers good physical properties, as the sand aids drainage while the clay helps retain nutrients. It is a versatile texture that works well for both large-scale timber and smaller gardening projects.

Competitive Water Capacity

The soil's available water capacity of 0.177 in/in is slightly higher than the state average of 0.174 in/in. Organic matter content is 1.73%, trailing the state average of 1.81% by just a small margin. These numbers indicate a soil that is relatively resilient during the dry spells common in central Mississippi.

Hydrology and Soil Management

Data regarding specific drainage classes and taxonomic orders is limited for Scott County. The 40.9% sand content generally supports decent drainage, preventing most agricultural fields from becoming chronically waterlogged. Maintaining a consistent cover crop can help protect the silty portions of the soil from washing away.

Garden Readiness in Zone 8b

In hardiness zone 8b, Scott County growers enjoy a nearly year-round season for many hardy plants. The soil is well-suited for pine timber and, with pH adjustments, can produce excellent okra and watermelons. It is a great time to start a garden and take advantage of the county's solid water capacity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Scott County

via LawnByCounty

Scott County's Favorable Growing Environment

With a lawn difficulty score of 37.6, Scott County is easier to manage than the Mississippi average of 30.9. While it still presents more hurdles than the national median of 50.0, the conditions are relatively friendly for Zone 8b. Success here starts with understanding the local soil and heat cycles.

Summer Heat and Growing Cycles

Scott County experiences 74 extreme heat days per year, mirroring the state average. While specific local precipitation data is unavailable, nearby areas suggest a wet climate that supports 5455 growing degree days. This combination creates a standard Southern growing season that peaks in the mid-summer months.

Sandy Soils and Acidic pH Management

The soil is relatively sandy at 40.9%, which ensures good drainage but may require more frequent fertilization. A soil pH of 5.13 is quite acidic and will need regular monitoring and lime adjustments to support turf health. This soil profile is generally easy to work with but lacks the natural buffering of high-clay soils.

Recent Dryness Requires Vigilance

Scott County had only 3 weeks of drought over the past year, but 79.0% of the area is currently abnormally dry. Homeowners should be prepared to irrigate during these dry spells to prevent turf dormancy. Efficient watering in the early morning helps combat the high evaporation rates caused by the 74 annual heat days.

Spring Start for Scott County Lawns

Bermuda and St. Augustine grasses are excellent choices for the warm Zone 8b climate in Scott County. Plan your major lawn projects for after the last spring frost on March 28 for the best results. The first frost usually arrives around November 2, signaling the end of the active maintenance season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Scott County's county score?
Scott County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 42.8 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 Scott County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Scott County ranks #60 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 Scott County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Scott County is $718, with an effective tax rate of 0.80%. This earns Scott County a tax score of 53.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Scott County?
The median household income in Scott County, Mississippi is $48,492 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Scott County earns an income score of 11.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Scott County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Scott County scores 42.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #60 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Scott 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 Scott County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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