countyscore
57
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 84.2Cost of Living 80.8

County Report Card

About Sharkey County, Mississippi

Sharkey County Beats the National Median

With an impressive 57.0 composite score, Sharkey County ranks well above the 50.0 national median. It is a standout performer for safety and environmental resilience.

A Resilience Leader in Mississippi

Sharkey’s 57.0 score far exceeds the state average of 48.4. It ranks as one of the most secure counties in Mississippi regarding crime and natural disaster risk.

Unmatched Safety and Climate Resilience

The county excels with a safety score of 97.5 and a risk score of 84.2. It also remains very affordable, carrying a cost score of 80.8 and rents averaging $622.

Concerns Over Water and Income

Low scores in water quality (2.9) and income (1.1) present clear developmental hurdles. Median household income is $35,741, which trails national and state figures.

A Haven for Safety-Conscious Renters

Sharkey County is ideal for those seeking maximum security and low disaster risk on a budget. It offers peace of mind and affordability in a unique rural setting.

Score breakdown

Tax42.8Cost80.8Safety97.5Health8.1Schools61.1Income1.1Risk84.2Water2.9Weather33.4
🏛42.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼1.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤8.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓61.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡84.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧2.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤33.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨53.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱40.7
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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Deep Dives

Sharkey County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Sharkey County

via TaxByCounty

Sharkey County's rates remain low nationally

Sharkey County's 0.933% effective tax rate ranks in the bottom 20% of U.S. counties, roughly one-third the national median of 2.69%. Annual property taxes of $1,008 on a median home value of $108,000 represent substantial savings compared to the national median tax of $2,690.

Above average in Mississippi

At 0.933%, Sharkey County ranks above the state average of 0.743%, placing it among the higher-taxed Mississippi counties in this group. Homeowners pay approximately $77 more annually than the state median tax of $931.

Higher rates than most regional peers

Sharkey County's 0.933% rate exceeds most surrounding counties except Pike (0.929%), which is nearly identical. It ranks higher than Rankin (0.620%), Pontotoc (0.660%), and Prentiss (0.678%) counties.

Typical tax bill: $1,008 yearly

On the median home value of $108,000, Sharkey County homeowners pay approximately $1,008 per year. Properties with mortgages may see higher assessed values, pushing annual taxes to around $1,974.

Higher rate warrants careful assessment review

Given Sharkey County's above-average tax rate, homeowners should closely examine whether their assessed values are justified. Request a formal appeal if you believe your property's assessment exceeds its true market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sharkey County

via CostByCounty

Sharkey balances low rent with tight income

Sharkey County residents spend 20.9% of income on rent, slightly above Mississippi's 19.6% average despite rock-bottom $622 monthly payments. The county's median household income of $35,741 ranks among the state's lowest, making even affordable rents feel substantial relative to earning power.

Affordable rent, challenging income dynamics

Sharkey County's $622 median rent nearly matches Prentiss County's state-leading affordability, but Sharkey's 20.9% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Mississippi's 19.6% average due to lower household incomes. The county offers cheap housing in the context of limited economic opportunity.

Cheap rent, tightest income constraints

Sharkey's $622 rent rivals Prentiss County's lowest-in-region pricing, yet Sharkey's $35,741 median income trails all peers except Quitman County at $32,131. This income disadvantage means Sharkey's cheap rents don't necessarily translate to affordability advantages.

Homeownership costs exceed renting

Uniquely among these counties, Sharkey homeowners spend $716 monthly—$94 more than renters at $622—suggesting an unusual ownership cost structure. Despite low rents, housing (both options) consumes 20.9% of the $35,741 median income, leaving limited flexibility for household emergencies or savings.

Low costs can't overcome wage gaps

While Sharkey offers the cheapest or near-cheapest rents, the county's income constraints rival Quitman's challenges. Seeking employment or relocation to higher-wage counties like Rankin, Pontotoc, or Simpson will have far greater financial impact than finding marginally cheaper housing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sharkey County

via IncomeByCounty

Sharkey County significantly trails national income

Sharkey County's median household income of $35,741 represents just 48% of the U.S. median of $74,755—a gap of $39,014 per household. This severe shortfall reflects Sharkey County's status as one of Mississippi's economically distressed rural communities.

Below-average earner within Mississippi

Sharkey County ranks well below Mississippi's median household income of $48,514, earning $12,773 less per household annually. Its per-capita income of $23,081 also falls below the state average of $27,136, indicating concentrated economic challenges.

Low earner among peer delta counties

Sharkey County's $35,741 income exceeds only Quitman County ($32,131) among surrounding counties, placing it near the bottom of the regional income hierarchy. This position reflects agriculture-dependent employment vulnerable to commodity price fluctuations.

Housing affordability offsets income constraints

Sharkey County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.9% remains reasonable, with housing consuming a manageable share of modest household earnings. A median home value of $108,000 stays within reach, though limited income constrains savings and investment capacity.

Prioritize financial foundation before investing

Sharkey County households earning $35,741 should first establish a basic emergency fund and explore income-boosting opportunities like skills training or side income. Once housing is stable, even small regular savings contributions can build gradually toward retirement security and asset accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sharkey County

via CrimeByCounty

Sharkey County reports minimal crime activity

Sharkey County shows a reported total crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000, far outperforming the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a perfect safety score of 100.0 based on current data.

Top safety ranking in Mississippi

With a perfect 100.0 safety score, Sharkey County ranks at the top of the state’s safety list. It significantly exceeds the Mississippi average safety score of 98.4.

Comparing Sharkey's numbers to the region

Sharkey’s reported rate of 0.0 is significantly lower than nearby Pike County’s 1007.5. These statistics highlight Sharkey as an exceptionally quiet area according to 2022 reports.

Understanding the data from local agencies

Two reporting agencies provide the data that results in zero recorded property or violent crimes. This indicates a high level of statistical safety, though residents should remain aware of data reporting limits.

Proactive protection in a safe county

Even in areas with no reported crime, proactive home security remains a smart investment. Utilizing smart doorbells and locking all entry points helps keep these low numbers stable.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Sharkey County

via HealthByCounty

Sharkey County faces critical health crisis

Sharkey County residents live to just 66.7 years—7.8 years below the U.S. average of 74.5 years. At 34.7% in poor or fair health, Sharkey County has the highest poor health rate among all surveyed counties, nearly double the national rate of 18% and signaling an acute public health emergency.

Sharkey ranks among Mississippi's worst

With a life expectancy of 66.7 years, Sharkey County ranks among Mississippi's lowest performers, 4.2 years below the state average of 70.9 years. The staggering 34.7% poor/fair health rate is the worst in the state, reflecting compounding crises in healthcare access, chronic disease, and community health.

The region's most health-challenged county

Sharkey's 66.7-year life expectancy ties Quitman (66.9) as the lowest in the surveyed region, with the 34.7% poor health rate surpassing even Quitman's 31.9%. Compared to Rankin (76.9), Sharkey residents live nearly a decade shorter lives on average, representing a stark health divide.

Limited resources compound health barriers

Sharkey County's 13.6% uninsured rate is moderate compared to some counties, yet healthcare access remains critically constrained. With only 27 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and just 30 mental health providers per 100,000, Sharkey residents struggle to access consistent, preventive, and behavioral health care.

Insurance alone won't solve everything

While 13.6% uninsured is relatively lower, Sharkey County's health crisis demands comprehensive action: insurance enrollment, provider expansion, and community health investment. Start at healthcare.gov to secure coverage, then advocate for local health resources in your community.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Sharkey County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Focused Rural Education in Sharkey County

Sharkey County serves 604 students through four public schools managed by a single district. The landscape features one elementary, one middle, and two high schools, ensuring a complete path for local youth.

High Graduation Results and Strategic Spending

Sharkey County achieves a standout 95.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than the state average. This success is fueled by a high per-pupil expenditure of $6,879 and a solid school score of 55.9.

South Delta Schools Serve the Entire Community

The South Delta School District manages all four schools and all 604 students in the county. With no charter schools present, this single district provides a unified academic experience for all residents.

Intimate Rural Schools in the Delta

Every school in the county is located in a rural setting, maintaining a very small average school size of 201 students. South Delta Elementary is the largest site with 275 students, providing a close-knit learning environment.

Invest in a Community with Exceptional Outcomes

Sharkey County offers some of the highest graduation rates in the state within a quiet, rural atmosphere. Explore local real estate to find a home in a district where students truly stand out.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sharkey County

via RiskByCounty

Sharkey County ranks among America's lowest-risk areas

Sharkey County scores just 15.81 on the composite risk scale, placing it far below the national average and in the very low risk category. The county's wildfire risk of just 2.04 is nearly unmeasurable, and flood risk of 12.18 is exceptionally low despite its location in the Mississippi Delta. Sharkey residents enjoy exceptional protection from most natural disasters.

Sharkey County is Mississippi's second-safest county

At 15.81, Sharkey County's composite risk is nearly identical to Quitman County (18.51), both ranking dramatically below Mississippi's state average of 50.94. Sharkey's particularly low wildfire risk (2.04) and flood risk (12.18) create a uniquely protected hazard profile for the Delta region. Few Mississippi counties can claim such favorable natural disaster exposure.

Sharkey County stands as a low-risk exception

Sharkey County's 15.81 composite score vastly outperforms all adjacent counties, including Simpson (50.95), Scott (55.88), and other surrounding areas with composite scores 3-4 times higher. Sharkey's specific geography—located in the flat, moist Mississippi Delta—naturally shields it from wildfire and tornado risks that plague surrounding upland counties. This exceptional positioning creates some of the state's safest conditions for residents.

Hurricane risk is Sharkey's primary concern

Sharkey County's hurricane risk of 63.75 represents its highest individual hazard score, though still substantially below state averages for that specific threat. Tornado risk at 45.29 and earthquake risk at 45.01 are both exceptionally low, while flood and wildfire risks are nearly nonexistent. The county's Delta location provides natural protection from most classic natural disaster hazards.

Minimal specialized coverage needed in Sharkey County

Standard homeowners insurance provides adequate coverage for Sharkey County's modest hazard profile, with focus on hurricane awareness rather than elaborate mitigation. Residents should maintain a basic emergency kit and weather radio, plus understanding of hurricane evacuation procedures should distant storms approach. The county's unusually low risk allows homeowners to allocate resources to other priorities with confidence.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sharkey County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer temperatures in the Delta

Sharkey County maintains an average annual temperature of 65.8°F, placing it well above the national median for U.S. counties. This humid subtropical climate stays significantly warmer than the central United States throughout the year.

Exceeding the Mississippi average

The county's average temperature of 65.8°F sits nearly two degrees higher than the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. This makes Sharkey one of the warmer regions in the state, despite its inland position.

A hot pocket in the Delta region

With an annual average of 65.8°F, Sharkey is noticeably warmer than northern neighbors like Sunflower County, which averages 64.2°F. While nearby counties share high humidity, Sharkey experiences more intense cumulative heat.

Stifling summers and mild winters

Residents face 97 days of extreme heat per year where temperatures exceed 90°F. Winter remains temperate with a December-February average of 48.1°F and negligible annual snowfall of only 0.3 inches.

Prepare for the heat

Efficient HVAC systems are essential here given the 97 days of extreme heat. Outdoor planning should account for 55.3 inches of annual rainfall, which often brings heavy humidity during the long summer months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sharkey County

via SoilByCounty

Superior Soil Quality in Sharkey

Sharkey County boasts a soil score of 53.7, the highest in this group and well above the state average of 35.7. The average pH of 6.24 is the closest to the national median of 6.5, making it significantly less acidic than the 5.30 Mississippi average. This unique profile makes it some of the most productive agricultural land in the state.

Rich Clay and Silt of the Delta

With a high clay content of 35.8% and 48.5% silt, Sharkey soils are heavy and nutrient-dense. Sand only accounts for 15.7% of the soil, meaning these fields hold onto water and fertilizers exceptionally well. These are the famous 'buckshot' soils that define the Mississippi Delta's agricultural power.

Excellent Moisture Retention for Crops

Sharkey County’s available water capacity is 0.183 in/in, surpassing the state average of 0.174 in/in. Although organic matter is 1.64%, which is slightly lower than the state's 1.81%, the high clay content provides an incredible reservoir for plant nutrients. This soil is naturally equipped to sustain high-yield agriculture with minimal amendment.

Managing the Delta's Heavy Clay

The 35.8% clay content suggests that while the soil is fertile, drainage can be slow and problematic during wet seasons. These soils expand when wet and contract when dry, requiring careful management of heavy machinery. However, the high silt and clay levels ensure that once water is absorbed, it stays available for the crops.

Abundant Growth in Zone 8b

Located in hardiness zone 8b, Sharkey County is an agricultural powerhouse perfect for cotton, soybeans, and corn. Home gardeners will find that the near-neutral pH allows for a vast range of vegetables without needing much lime. If you have access to this Delta soil, you have some of the best gardening potential in the country.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sharkey County

via LawnByCounty

Sharkey County Leads the State in Ease

Sharkey County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 40.7, making it one of the easiest counties in Mississippi for lawn care. This score is significantly better than the state average of 30.9 and is the closest in this group to the national average of 50.0. A favorable soil pH is a major driver of this relative ease.

High Heat and Targeted Watering Needs

Sharkey County is hot, with 97 extreme heat days per year—the highest in the region and far above the state average of 73. Annual precipitation is 55.3 inches, which is within a manageable range for the 6365 growing degree days. This high heat requires heat-tolerant grass varieties to thrive throughout the long summer.

Excellent pH but High Clay Content

At 6.24, the soil pH in Sharkey County is nearly perfect for lawn growth, falling right within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. However, the soil is 35.8% clay, which is the highest in the region and can lead to heavy compaction and slow drainage. Managing this clay with core aeration is the key to maintaining a healthy lawn foundation.

Resilient Landscapes Amidst Dry Spells

The county experienced 12 weeks of drought over the last year, but currently, only 7.8% of the area is abnormally dry. The high clay content actually helps the soil retain moisture longer than sandy neighbors during short dry periods. Still, with 97 heat days, a backup irrigation plan is necessary to prevent scorched turf.

A Long Window for Growth

Bermudagrass is highly recommended here to take advantage of the ideal pH and withstand the intense heat. You can get a very early start, as the last spring frost typically occurs by March 5. With the first fall frost not arriving until November 20, Sharkey County offers an exceptionally long growing window.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sharkey County's county score?
Sharkey County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 57 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 Sharkey County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Sharkey County ranks #16 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 Sharkey County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Sharkey County is $1,008, with an effective tax rate of 0.93%. This earns Sharkey County a tax score of 42.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sharkey County?
The median household income in Sharkey County, Mississippi is $35,741 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sharkey County earns an income score of 1.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sharkey County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Sharkey County scores 57/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #16 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Sharkey 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 Sharkey 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.