countyscore
55.8
County Score
Safety 93.2Water Quality 86Property Tax 74.3

County Report Card

About Simpson County, Mississippi

Simpson County Exceeds National Standards

The county earns a 55.8 composite score, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high overall quality of life relative to the U.S.

Top-Tier Living in Central Mississippi

Simpson County outperforms the state average of 48.4 by a significant margin. It combines low taxes with high safety ratings to create a highly desirable local profile.

High Safety and Low Tax Burdens

A safety score of 93.2 and a tax score of 74.3 anchor the county’s appeal. The effective tax rate is just 0.601%, among the lowest in the surrounding region.

Room to Improve Health and Schools

While safe and low-tax, the county has lower scores for health (15.4) and schools (16.4). Investing in these areas could further elevate its already strong composite ranking.

Ideal for Families Seeking Security

Simpson County is a premier choice for those prioritizing public safety and tax efficiency. It offers a high standard of living for residents who want to maximize their take-home pay.

Score breakdown

Tax74.3Cost72.7Safety93.2Health15.4Schools16.4Income23.1Risk49.1Water86Weather33
🏛74.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡93.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤15.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓16.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡49.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤33
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨31.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30.4
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

Smith County
Mississippi
60.2
Jefferson Davis County
Mississippi
56.2
Lawrence County
Mississippi
56.8
Covington County
Mississippi
47.2
Rankin County
Mississippi
53.7
Copiah County
Mississippi
55.1
Hinds County
Mississippi
38.3
Lincoln County
Mississippi
41.6

Deep Dives

Simpson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Simpson County

via TaxByCounty

Simpson County offers lowest effective rates

Simpson County's 0.601% effective tax rate ranks in the bottom 5% of U.S. counties, roughly one-fifth the national median of 2.69%. The median property tax of $671 on a median home value of $111,600 demonstrates exceptional savings versus the national median tax of $2,690.

Well below Mississippi average

At 0.601%, Simpson County has the second-lowest effective rate among these eight counties, trailing only Rankin County at 0.620%. This makes Simpson one of Mississippi's most tax-friendly counties.

Most favorable rate in central region

Simpson County's 0.601% rate beats all comparison counties, including Rankin (0.620%) by a razor-thin margin. It represents the bottom-tier tax burden across this group.

Lowest median tax: $671 annually

Simpson County homeowners pay approximately $671 per year on the median home value of $111,600—the lowest among all eight counties. Mortgaged properties average $968 annually due to potential assessed value variations.

Confirm your low assessment is accurate

Simpson County's favorable tax rate doesn't eliminate the possibility of assessment errors—some properties may still be overvalued. Verify your assessed value aligns with recent comparable sales to ensure you're paying no more than necessary.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Simpson County

via CostByCounty

Simpson offers well-balanced affordability

Simpson County residents spend 18.2% of income on rent, well below Mississippi's 19.6% average and comfortably within national norms. With a median household income of $54,111 and $819 monthly rent, Simpson delivers strong income relative to housing costs.

Above-average housing affordability for Mississippi

Simpson County ranks among Mississippi's more affordable counties with an 18.2% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average of 19.6%. The county's $819 median rent balances accessibility with reasonable income requirements.

Strong balance of rent and income

Simpson's $819 rent falls between Prentiss ($620) and Pontotoc ($848), while its $54,111 median income matches Pontotoc and exceeds Pike, Scott, and Sharkey counties. This middle positioning offers broad regional comparability without extreme trade-offs.

Modest rental premium with strong income cushion

Simpson renters pay $819 monthly while homeowners spend $569, with renting costing 44% more—typical for Mississippi. Housing consumes just 18.2% of the $54,111 median income, leaving healthy room for savings and discretionary household spending.

Reliable choice for Mississippi relocators

Simpson County offers straightforward, balanced affordability—no extreme costs, solid incomes, and a rent-to-income ratio better than the state average. Families and individuals relocating within Mississippi should consider Simpson for reliable housing cost stability and economic opportunity.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Simpson County

via IncomeByCounty

Simpson County lags national income modestly

Simpson County's median household income of $54,111 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 28%, a gap of $20,644 per household. This shortfall is smaller than many Mississippi counties, reflecting Simpson's more diversified employment base.

Above-average earner for Mississippi

Simpson County ranks above Mississippi's median household income of $48,514, earning $5,597 more per household annually. Its per-capita income of $29,599 also exceeds the state average of $27,136, indicating relatively broad-based economic opportunity.

Strong earner among central Mississippi peers

Simpson County's $54,111 income ranks among the region's highest, surpassing Scott County ($48,492) and Sharkey County ($35,741). This advantage reflects stronger economic activity and more stable employment patterns than neighboring counties.

Exceptional housing affordability enables savings

Simpson County's rent-to-income ratio of just 18.2% is among the state's best, providing substantial discretionary income after housing costs. A median home value of $111,600 remains accessible, and the affordability gap creates room for meaningful savings and investment.

Capitalize on strong affordability advantage

Simpson County households earning $54,111 with housing costs at just 18.2% can comfortably allocate 15–20% of income to retirement and investment accounts. This favorable position allows for balanced wealth building—retirement savings, homeownership equity, and diversified investments—creating durable financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Simpson County

via CrimeByCounty

Simpson County is remarkably secure

Simpson County reports an incredibly low total crime rate of just 77.2 per 100,000 residents. This massive gap from the national average of 2,385.5 results in a safety score of 99.9.

One of Mississippi's safest counties

Simpson County’s 99.9 safety score is one of the highest in Mississippi, far surpassing the state average of 98.4. It is statistically one of the safest places in the state to live.

Outperforming Pike and Scott counties

Simpson’s crime rate of 77.2 is dramatically lower than Pike County’s 1007.5. This identifies Simpson as a regional safe haven when compared to neighboring jurisdictions.

Minimal violent and property crime reported

Violent crime is nearly non-existent at a rate of 19.3, while property crime is also low at 57.9. These numbers represent very few actual incidents reported by the three local agencies.

Ensuring continued safety in Simpson County

Maintaining this high level of safety requires continued vigilance and community cooperation. Even in very safe areas, home security systems provide essential protection against unexpected incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Simpson County

via HealthByCounty

Simpson County trails U.S. health averages

Simpson County residents live to 70.6 years on average, 3.9 years below the U.S. average of 74.5 years. With 23.9% of adults reporting poor or fair health—above the national rate of 18%—Simpson County faces ongoing health challenges that shorten lives and reduce quality of living.

Simpson slightly below state averages

At 70.6 years, Simpson County's life expectancy falls just short of Mississippi's 70.9-year state average by 0.3 years. The 23.9% poor/fair health rate sits near the state median, placing Simpson in the middle tier of Mississippi's health performers—neither crisis-level nor exemplary.

Moderate health profile regionally

Simpson's 70.6-year life expectancy ranks below Prentiss (72.0) and Pontotoc (72.7) but above Pike (69.7), positioning it as a middle performer in North Mississippi. The 23.9% poor health rate aligns with regional peers, though all lag Rankin's exceptional 19.1%.

Stable coverage with adequate providers

Simpson County's 14.2% uninsured rate slightly exceeds the state average of 13.9%, affecting roughly 1 in 7 residents. With 31 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Simpson offers moderate access—comparable to Prentiss and sufficient for routine care, though not exceptional by national standards.

Secure your family's health plan

With 14.2% uninsured, Simpson County residents should explore coverage to protect against unexpected medical costs and ensure preventive care. Visit healthcare.gov to compare plans, check Medicaid eligibility, and enroll before the deadline.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Simpson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Diversity Across Simpson County

The county provides nine public schools for 3,008 students, all under the management of one school district. This includes three elementary schools, three high schools, and two middle schools.

Dedicated Investment in Student Success

Simpson County maintains a graduation rate of 85.0% and a school score of 48.1. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $5,707, reflecting a commitment to education that is nearly on par with the Mississippi state average.

One District Supporting Simpson Families

The Simpson County School District serves all 3,008 students across its nine campuses. There are no charter schools, ensuring the county's public resources remain focused on its primary school system.

A Rural and Town School Experience

With six rural schools and three in town settings, the county has an average school size of 430. Mendenhall Elementary is the largest school with 579 students, while Mendenhall High serves 519.

Find Your Place Near Simpson Schools

Simpson County offers a blend of town centers and rural acreage for families looking to move. Browse local homes to secure a location near the county's centralized and community-focused schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Simpson County

via RiskByCounty

Simpson County aligns with national risk average

Simpson County scores 50.95 on the composite risk scale, essentially matching the national average and indicating moderate, balanced hazard exposure. The county's hurricane risk of 80.60 and tornado risk of 76.72 substantially exceed national norms, yet flood and earthquake risks remain closer to average. This profile suggests Simpson residents should focus preparedness on wind-driven storm hazards.

Simpson County ranks nearly at state average

Simpson County's 50.95 composite score virtually matches Mississippi's state average of 50.94, placing it precisely in the middle of the state's hazard distribution. The county's 80.60 hurricane risk exceeds state average, while its 76.72 tornado risk aligns closely with typical Mississippi exposure. Simpson's profile represents the archetypal mid-tier Mississippi county for natural disaster risk.

Simpson County shares risk profile with nearby areas

Simpson County's 50.95 composite score closely mirrors Scott County's 55.88 to the east, both counties facing similar wind-driven storm exposure with hurricane risks around 80. However, Simpson ranks substantially safer than Rankin County to the south (84.99), which faces dramatically higher tornado risk. Simpson's moderate positioning reflects its central location among counties with varying hazard profiles.

Hurricanes and tornadoes dominate Simpson's threats

Simpson County residents face hurricane risk of 80.60 and tornado risk of 76.72—two major wind hazards that substantially exceed national averages and demand serious preparation. Flood risk of 51.56 adds a meaningful secondary concern, particularly during spring storms and tropical systems. These three hazards together define the county's natural disaster landscape.

Wind and water protection essential for Simpson County

Homeowners should ensure their properties have reinforced roofing, secure garage doors, and a designated safe room to protect against both tornadoes and hurricane-force winds. Flood insurance is advisable given Simpson's 51.56 flood risk and the frequency of moisture-laden storms in central Mississippi. Schedule annual home inspections to identify vulnerabilities and maintain structural integrity through storm seasons.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Simpson County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep South warmth in Simpson County

At 67.5°F, Simpson County's average annual temperature is roughly 12 degrees warmer than the national median. The county experiences the quintessential humid subtropical climate common to the Deep South.

Surpassing state temperature averages

Simpson County is significantly warmer than the average Mississippi county, exceeding the state mean of 63.9°F by over three degrees. It ranks as one of the warmest counties in the entire state.

Warmer than its northern neighbors

Simpson County's 67.5°F average makes it much warmer than Smith County to the east, which averages 62.4°F. This temperature gap creates distinct differences in local energy needs and planting zones.

Hot summers and consistent rain

July brings average highs of 84.1°F, contributing to 77 days of extreme heat annually. Winters are mild at 51.4°F, and the county receives a generous 57.5 inches of precipitation each year.

Outdoor gear for wet heat

Breathable, moisture-wicking clothing is a must for the 77 days of extreme heat and high humidity. Homeowners should ensure proper drainage systems to handle the 57.5 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Simpson County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles in Central Mississippi

Simpson County has an average soil pH of 5.21, falling slightly below the Mississippi state average of 5.30. This makes it more acidic than the 6.5 national median, typical for the pine-heavy landscapes of the region. The overall soil score is 31.5, trailing the state average of 35.7.

Light and Workable Soil Textures

The soil is a light mix of 43.5% sand and 43.6% silt, with only 12.9% clay. This texture is very easy to dig and work, making it ideal for home gardening and landscaping. Because of the low clay content, the soil is less likely to become sticky or heavy when wet.

Moderate Fertility and Water Capacity

Simpson County offers an available water capacity of 0.176 in/in, which is slightly better than the 0.174 in/in state average. Organic matter levels are 1.60%, which is below the state average of 1.81%. Focused efforts on increasing organic content will help the soil better support high-demand crops like tomatoes.

Efficient Drainage for Healthy Roots

While specific hydrologic group data is not available, the high sand content of 43.5% indicates naturally good drainage. This prevents water from pooling around root systems, which is vital during the humid Mississippi summer. However, the light texture means nutrients can leach away faster, requiring more frequent, light fertilization.

Gardening in the 8b Hardiness Zone

Simpson County's zone 8b climate allows for a massive range of plants from citrus in containers to summer staples like squash and cucumbers. The sandy-silt soil is a blank canvas that responds quickly to organic fertilizers and lime. Take advantage of this workable soil and start your spring planting today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Simpson County

via LawnByCounty

Managing a Standard Mississippi Lawn

Simpson County’s lawn difficulty score of 30.4 is nearly identical to the state average of 30.9. While it presents more challenges than the national average of 50.0, it offers a typical Southern growing experience in Zone 8b. Successful lawns here rely on managing high acidity and a long, warm growing season.

Ample Rain and High Growing Potential

Simpson County receives 57.5 inches of rain annually and endures 77 extreme heat days, slightly above the state average of 73. The county has a high 6780 growing degree days, which is the highest in the region. This translates to rapid grass growth that requires frequent mowing to maintain proper turf height.

Sandy and Acidic Soil Needs Care

With a soil pH of 5.21, Simpson County lawns need regular lime treatments to counteract natural acidity. The soil contains 43.5% sand and only 12.9% clay, creating a fast-draining environment that can lose nutrients quickly. Frequent, light applications of fertilizer are often more effective than one heavy treatment in these conditions.

Preparing for Abnormally Dry Conditions

Simpson County spent 10 weeks in drought over the past year, and 68.6% of the county is currently abnormally dry. Because the soil is so sandy, the lawn will show signs of stress faster than in higher-clay regions. Focus on watering deeply two to three times a week rather than daily light sprinkling to encourage deep roots.

Take Advantage of the Long Season

Centipede or St. Augustine grasses are well-suited to the sandy, acidic soil profiles found throughout Simpson County. The last spring frost usually passes by March 10, allowing for an early start to the gardening year. Your lawn will likely continue growing vigorously until the first frost around November 16.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Simpson County's county score?
Simpson County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 55.8 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 Simpson County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Simpson County ranks #23 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 Simpson County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Simpson County is $671, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Simpson County a tax score of 74.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Simpson County?
The median household income in Simpson County, Mississippi is $54,111 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Simpson County earns an income score of 23.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Simpson County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Simpson County scores 55.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #23 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Simpson 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 Simpson 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.