countyscore
60.2
County Score
Cost of Living 91.3Property Tax 90Safety 84.8

County Report Card

About Smith County, Mississippi

A Strong Performance Above National Norms

Smith County earns a composite score of 60.2, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high overall standard of living compared to the rest of the United States.

Outpacing the Mississippi Average

The county's overall score of 60.2 significantly exceeds the Mississippi state average of 48.4. This indicates that residents enjoy a higher quality of life than many of their neighbors across the state.

Elite Affordability and Low Taxes

The county excels in cost and tax efficiency, boasting scores of 91.3 and 90.0, respectively. Renters benefit from a median monthly cost of just $664, while homeowners enjoy a remarkably low effective tax rate of 0.457%.

Room for Growth in Infrastructure

Low scores in water quality (11.1) and income (17.5) highlight the primary local hurdles. With a median household income of $51,396, the county faces economic constraints despite its low cost of living.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Residents

This county is a premier choice for retirees or remote workers who prioritize low overhead and safety. While infrastructure needs attention, the combination of cheap housing and low taxes is hard to beat.

Score breakdown

Tax90Cost91.3Safety84.8Health19.8Schools24Income17.5Risk52.8Water11.1Weather54
🏛90
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠91.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼17.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡84.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤19.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓24
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡52.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧11.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨25.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱36.6
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

Simpson County
Mississippi
55.8
Jasper County
Mississippi
53.9
Covington County
Mississippi
47.2
Scott County
Mississippi
42.8
Rankin County
Mississippi
53.7
Jones County
Mississippi
40.7
Jefferson Davis County
Mississippi
56.2
Newton County
Mississippi
56

Deep Dives

Smith County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Smith County

via TaxByCounty

Smith County taxes rank low nationally

Smith County's effective tax rate of 0.457% sits well below the national median of 0.88%, placing it in the bottom 20% of U.S. counties for property tax burden. A homeowner paying $521 in annual property tax here spends about five times less than the national median of $2,690, even though homes cost roughly 40% less.

Among Mississippi's most tax-friendly

Smith County's 0.457% rate is 39% lower than Mississippi's state average of 0.743%, making it one of the state's easiest counties on property owners. The median tax bill of $521 ranks well below the state median of $931.

Lower taxes than surrounding counties

Smith County residents pay less than neighbors like Sunflower County (0.879% rate) and Tate County (0.768% rate), though they pay slightly more than Tunica County's notably low 0.440%. Among nearby peers, Smith County offers a balanced tax environment without being the absolute lowest in the region.

What $521 buys annually in Smith

On the median home valued at $114,000, Smith County homeowners pay roughly $521 per year—or about $44 monthly. Those with a mortgage typically pay $715 annually when accounting for homestead exemptions and local assessments.

Review your assessment for overages

Even in tax-friendly Smith County, many homeowners discover their properties are assessed above actual market value. A professional assessment appeal could reduce your tax burden further if your home's assessed value exceeds what it would sell for today.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Smith County

via CostByCounty

Smith County rents are a bargain nationally

At 15.5%, Smith County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the nation's affordability threshold—renters here spend significantly less of their income on housing than typical Americans. The national median household income of $74,755 towers over Smith County's $51,396, yet monthly rent of $664 keeps housing costs manageable even for lower earners.

Among Mississippi's most affordable counties

Smith County ranks among the state's best for rental affordability, with a 15.5% rent-to-income ratio that beats Mississippi's 19.6% state average. Median rent of $664 undercuts the state's $782 standard, giving renters breathing room that many Mississippi counties don't enjoy.

Competitive pricing in rural central region

Smith County's $664 rent aligns closely with Sunflower County ($670) and Tallahatchie County ($695) to the north, creating a consistent rental landscape across rural central Mississippi. Homeownership costs diverge more widely—Smith's $532 monthly mortgage payment is notably lower than nearby Tippah County's $667.

Housing takes a modest slice of income

Smith County residents allocate just 15.5% of their $51,396 median income to rent, leaving $3,860 annually for other essentials. For homeowners, monthly costs average $532, meaning owner-occupied housing claims roughly 12.5% of median household income.

Affordable stability for budget-conscious families

If you're relocating on a moderate income, Smith County offers a rare combination: rents below $700 and median home values under $120,000. Compare this stability to neighboring counties or Mississippi's state average before deciding—you may find Smith's affordability hard to beat.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Smith County

via IncomeByCounty

Smith County trails national income

Smith County's median household income of $51,396 falls $23,359 below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the bottom third nationally. This gap reflects broader economic challenges across rural Mississippi counties compared to wealthier metropolitan areas nationwide.

Above average for Mississippi

Smith County ranks above the Mississippi state average, with median household income exceeding the state's $48,514 by roughly $2,900. This positions Smith County in the middle tier of Mississippi's 82 counties for household earnings.

Smith holds steady among peers

Smith County's $51,396 income sits comfortably ahead of struggling Sunflower ($40,265) and Tallahatchie ($37,383) counties but trails wealthier Tate County ($63,995) to the north. Among its regional peers, Smith represents solid middle-ground earning power.

Rent remains manageable here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.5%, Smith County households spend less than the recommended 30% threshold on housing, indicating reasonable affordability. The median home value of $114,000 aligns well with local income levels, making homeownership accessible for many families.

Build savings with local income

Smith County residents earning above the median have room to invest in retirement accounts, education funds, and home equity. Consider consulting a financial advisor to maximize low-cost investment vehicles and take advantage of employer retirement matching where available.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Smith County

via CrimeByCounty

Smith County Surpasses National Safety Standards

Smith County earns a remarkable safety score of 99.4 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 356.4 per 100,000 residents is nearly seven times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Leader in Mississippi Safety

With a safety score of 99.4, Smith County exceeds the Mississippi state average of 98.4. Its total crime rate remains well below the state average of 978.4 per 100,000 residents.

Regional Safety Comparison

Smith County is significantly safer than neighboring Stone County, which reports a total crime rate of 2,031.6 per 100,000. Data from two reporting agencies confirm Smith remains a regional leader in crime prevention.

Breakdown of Local Incident Types

Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local reports at 321.5 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime remains extremely rare, with only 34.9 incidents per 100,000 compared to the national average of 369.8.

Maintaining a Secure Household

Even in high-safety areas, property crimes like theft comprise 90% of local reports. Residents can maintain these low rates by investing in basic home security and neighborhood watch programs.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Smith County

via HealthByCounty

Smith County lives slightly above the curve

At 72.8 years, Smith County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years by a notable gap, reflecting broader health challenges across Mississippi. The county's 25.1% poor or fair health rate sits well above the national average of roughly 15%, indicating significant room for improvement in chronic disease management and preventive care.

Smith County ranks above Mississippi average

Smith County's 72.8-year life expectancy outpaces Mississippi's state average of 70.9 years by nearly two years, placing it in the healthier tier of Mississippi counties. This advantage suggests better disease management or healthier lifestyle patterns compared to many rural peer counties.

Better off than Sunflower or Tunica

Smith County's 72.8-year life expectancy outperforms Sunflower County (67.2 years) and Tunica County (66.6 years), though it lags behind Stone County (71.5 years) and Tippah County (71.5 years). With only 7 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Smith County faces a significant provider shortage compared to Stone County's 32 per 100,000.

Low provider access offsets good insurance rates

Smith County's 13.8% uninsured rate matches Mississippi's state average, providing insurance coverage for nearly 9 in 10 residents—but only 7 primary care providers per 100,000 means finding that first appointment requires persistence. Mental health support is similarly stretched, with just 14 providers per 100,000 residents struggling to meet demand.

Check your coverage options today

With 13.8% of Smith County residents uninsured, exploring enrollment through Mississippi's health insurance marketplace or Medicaid expansion could improve your access to those limited primary care spots. Contact local health departments or visit HealthCare.gov to learn about plans that fit your budget and health needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Smith County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Specialized Rural School System in Smith County

Smith County serves 2,443 students across six public schools within a single district. The landscape is unique, featuring three schools designated as 'other'—often PK-12 attendance centers—alongside two high schools and one elementary school.

Success Outpacing State Graduation Norms

Smith County maintains an 89.0% graduation rate, beating both the state and national averages. Despite a leaner per-pupil expenditure of $5,359, the county achieves a school score of 49.5, nearly matching the state average.

Smith County District Centralizes Education

The Smith County School District is the sole provider for the area's 2,443 students. The county does not host any charter schools, relying instead on its integrated attendance centers to serve the community.

A Fully Rural Educational Landscape

All six schools in the county are classified as rural, with an average size of 611 students. Mize Attendance Center is the largest with 787 students, while Taylorsville Attendance Center serves 627.

A Rural Haven with Solid Academic Stats

Families looking for high graduation rates in a rural setting should consider Smith County. Check out the latest home listings to find a property near these successful, tight-knit attendance centers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Smith County

via RiskByCounty

Smith County's composite risk slightly below average

With a composite risk score of 47.20, Smith County ranks as Relatively Low—better than the national average. This positioning reflects a mixed hazard profile where some risks exceed national norms while others remain manageable.

Below-average risk in Mississippi's landscape

Smith County's score of 47.20 sits comfortably below Mississippi's state average of 50.94, placing it in the lower half of risk exposure statewide. This favorable standing provides some protection relative to neighboring counties facing higher composite threats.

Smith County faces mixed risk compared to neighbors

Smith County's 47.20 score places it between safer Tishomingo County (37.09) to the north and riskier Sunflower County (69.62) to the west. The county's hurricane risk (83.90) notably exceeds that of inland neighbors, reflecting its proximity to Gulf coast threats.

Hurricanes and tornadoes pose greatest threats

Smith County residents face outsized hurricane risk (83.90) and significant tornado exposure (71.15), both driven by seasonal weather patterns. Flood risk remains moderate (40.81), making these wind-driven hazards the primary concern for preparedness planning.

Prioritize wind and flood coverage now

Homeowners should ensure comprehensive wind and hurricane coverage as a baseline, given the 83.90 hurricane risk score. Adding flood insurance is prudent given moderate flood exposure, especially in low-lying areas near streams and tributaries.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Smith County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate climate in the pine belt

Smith County's average annual temperature of 62.4°F remains higher than the national median but is mild for the region. It features the standard humid subtropical profile with ample rainfall and limited winter ice.

Slightly cooler than the state average

The county's 62.4°F average is actually lower than the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. This makes Smith County a slightly cooler alternative to its neighbors in the southern half of the state.

A cooler pocket near Simpson County

Compared to Simpson County's 67.5°F, Smith County is notably cooler at 62.4°F. This difference of five degrees is significant for a neighboring county and affects local biodiversity.

Balanced seasons and summer rain

The county sees 65 extreme heat days per year, which is lower than many of its southern neighbors. Winter temperatures average 46.3°F, and the area typically sees less than an inch of snow annually.

Prepare for heavy precipitation

With 58.3 inches of annual rainfall, reliable rain gear is more important than winter coats. The 65 days of extreme heat still require robust cooling systems during the peak of summer.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Smith County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Soils in Smith County

Smith County soil is strongly acidic with a pH of 5.12, coming in well below the national median of 6.5 and trailing the state average of 5.30. While specific taxonomic data is currently unavailable, these acidic levels define the local land management profile.

Coarse Texture and Rapid Drainage

This soil consists of 54.4% sand, 30.8% silt, and 14.9% clay, creating a coarse-leaning mix. The high sand content suggests rapid drainage but might require more frequent watering during dry spells to maintain moisture.

Moderate Fertility and Water Storage

With organic matter at 1.72%, the county sits just below the state average of 1.81% and the national 2.0% benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.156 in/in indicates moderate storage potential for crop roots compared to the state average of 0.174.

Permeable Ground and Runoff Management

While formal drainage classes aren't recorded here, the 54.4% sand profile implies a tendency toward quick permeability. Farmers and builders should watch for moisture retention challenges and plan for supplemental irrigation in this specific mix.

Success in Zone 8b Gardening

Nestled in hardiness zone 8b, Smith County is perfect for heat-loving crops like watermelons and peppers. Residents should amend the soil with lime to balance the low pH before starting a vibrant spring garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Smith County

via LawnByCounty

A Manageable Challenge in Smith County

Smith County earns a lawn difficulty score of 36.6, proving more manageable than the Mississippi average of 30.9 but tougher than the national median of 50.0. Located in Hardiness Zone 8b, the area presents a standard Southern growing environment with fewer hurdles than coastal neighbors.

High Rainfall Drives Rapid Growth

The county receives 58.3 inches of annual precipitation, which is significantly higher than the national ideal range of 30-50 inches. With 65 extreme heat days and 5,281 growing degree days, lawns grow aggressively and require a consistent mowing schedule to maintain health.

Acidic Soils Require Mineral Balance

The local soil pH of 5.12 is quite acidic compared to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turfgrasses. With a composition of 54.4% sand and 14.9% clay, homeowners should apply lime to raise pH and add organic matter to improve nutrient retention.

Steady Moisture with Minimal Dry Spells

Smith County experienced only 3 weeks in drought over the past year, and currently, only 12.3% of the area is abnormally dry. Residents can focus on maintaining deep root systems through infrequent, deep watering rather than emergency conservation measures.

Sod Early for Summer Success

Bermudagrass and Centipedegrass are excellent choices for Zone 8b’s warm climate and acidic tendencies. Plan to seed or sod after the last spring frost on March 28 and before the first fall frost arrives around November 3.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Smith County's county score?
Smith County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 60.2 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 Smith County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Smith County ranks #9 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 Smith County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Smith County is $521, with an effective tax rate of 0.46%. This earns Smith County a tax score of 90/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Smith County?
The median household income in Smith County, Mississippi is $51,396 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Smith County earns an income score of 17.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Smith County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Smith County scores 60.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Smith 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 Smith 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.