countyscore
58.6
County Score
Safety 97.5Cost of Living 87.1Disaster Risk 84.2

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.

2040608010044.687.197.58.161.12.384.22.933.4Tax44.6Cost87.1Safety97.5Health8.1Schools61.1Income2.3Risk84.2Water2.9Weather33.458.6/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Sharkey County DNA

Foverall

How Sharkey County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Sharkey County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (97.5/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (2.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
44.6
Cost
87.1+39.099999999999994
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
8.1-41.9
Schools
61.1
Income
2.3-48.7
Risk
84.2+37.2
Water
2.9-55.1
Weather
33.4-22.6
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$98,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$623/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$98,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$24,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $40,000/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

26.0

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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Counties with similar scores

Shelby County
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Median income: $97,961
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Carroll County
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Median income: $56,466
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Greenup County
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Mercer County
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Pulaski County
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Quitman County
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Median income: $32,412
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Worth County
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Median income: $47,847
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Powell County
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Median income: $66,923
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Nearby counties

Issaquena County
Mississippi
69.3
Yazoo County
Mississippi
48.1
Humphreys County
Mississippi
50.3
East Carroll Parish
Louisiana
65
Washington County
Mississippi
47.4
Warren County
Mississippi
33.5
Holmes County
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57.6
Chicot County
Arkansas
51.8

Deep Dives

Sharkey County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 58.6 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 #13 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 $861, with an effective tax rate of 0.88%. This earns Sharkey County a tax score of 44.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sharkey County?
The median household income in Sharkey County, Mississippi is $40,000 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sharkey County earns an income score of 2.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sharkey County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Sharkey County scores 58.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.