countyscore
38.6
County Score
Property Tax 73.4Cost of Living 58.1Disaster Risk 48

County Report Card

About Stone County, Mississippi

Challenges Below the National Median

Stone County holds a composite score of 38.6, which trails the national median score of 50.0. This indicates the area faces significant headwinds in maintaining broad livability standards.

Lagging Behind State Averages

At 38.6, the county falls nearly 10 points short of the Mississippi state average of 48.4. It ranks lower than many surrounding jurisdictions in terms of overall composite performance.

Favorable Tax and Housing Costs

The county's strongest assets are its tax score of 73.4 and cost score of 58.1. An effective tax rate of 0.607% helps offset a median gross rent of $839 per month.

Gaps in Health and Safety

Low scores in health (17.8) and safety (21.4) represent the most pressing concerns for local residents. These figures suggest that improvements in medical access and public safety are necessary to boost local outcomes.

A Value Play with Trade-offs

Stone County suits individuals who prioritize moderate living costs over high-end public services. It is best for those with established careers who can navigate the local health and safety landscape independently.

Score breakdown

Tax73.4Cost58.1Safety21.4Health17.8Schools20.1Income36.8Risk48Water39.2Weather35.3
🏛73.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠58.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼36.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡21.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤17.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓20.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡48
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧39.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨25.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱17.8
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

Harrison County
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30.1
George County
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40.5
Perry County
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60.7
Pearl River County
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Forrest County
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Jackson County
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Hancock County
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Lamar County
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Deep Dives

Stone County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Stone County

via TaxByCounty

Stone County taxes below U.S. median

Stone County's 0.607% effective rate is significantly lower than the national median of 0.88%, placing it roughly in the bottom 35% of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $991 is less than two-fifths the national median of $2,690.

Slightly above Mississippi's state average

Stone County's 0.607% rate edges above Mississippi's 0.743% average, and the $991 median tax bill exceeds the state median of $931 by about 6%. This positions Stone County in the middle tier of Mississippi's 82 counties.

Middle ground among regional peers

Stone County's 0.607% rate sits between lower-taxed Smith County (0.457%) and higher-taxed Sunflower County (0.879%). The $991 median tax reflects homes valued about 40% higher than Smith County's median, accounting for the difference.

What $991 means for your budget

On a median home valued at $163,300, Stone County homeowners pay approximately $991 per year—about $83 monthly. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,043 annually due to additional service district assessments.

Challenge inflated assessments today

Many Stone County properties are assessed at values above comparable sales in the area. Filing an appeal with your county assessor costs nothing and could lower your tax liability if your assessment exceeds market reality.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Stone County

via CostByCounty

Stone County housing costs stay reasonable nationally

Stone County's 17.0% rent-to-income ratio aligns closely with American affordability standards, meaning renters here dedicate a typical share of income to housing. With median household income of $59,307—well below the national median of $74,755—a $839 monthly rent remains sustainable for most households.

Mid-pack affordability in Mississippi

Stone County's 17.0% rent-to-income ratio beats Mississippi's 19.6% average, positioning it among the state's more affordable counties. At $839 per month, median rent exceeds the state average of $782 but remains modest within regional context.

Steeper rents, higher home values than Smith County

Stone County's $839 rent runs higher than Smith County's $664, reflecting modest differences in economic development across the region. Yet Stone's median home value of $163,300 suggests growing residential demand and steadier property appreciation than neighboring rural counties.

Balanced housing burden across tenants and owners

Stone County renters spend 17.0% of the $59,307 median income on housing, or roughly $848 annually from their gross earnings. Homeowners allocate even more—$745 monthly equals about 15.1% of household income—yet the median home value of $163,300 reflects stronger property equity potential.

Upgrade your homeownership prospects here

Stone County offers a sweet spot for buyers: median homes near $163,000 with monthly owner costs of $745. If homeownership is your goal and you're willing to spend modestly more on rent now, Stone's housing market and growing property values make relocation worth evaluating.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Stone County

via IncomeByCounty

Stone County below national norm

Stone County's median household income of $59,307 trails the national median of $74,755 by $15,448, though it performs better than most Mississippi counties. This gap reflects the county's reliance on regional industries and labor markets smaller than the national average.

Stone ranks among state's strongest

Stone County ranks in the upper quarter of Mississippi counties with median household income exceeding the state average of $48,514 by $10,793. This solid standing reflects economic stability and moderate prosperity relative to state peers.

Stone outpaces most regional peers

Stone County's $59,307 income surpasses nearby Sunflower ($40,265) and Tallahatchie ($37,383) counties substantially, though Tate County ($63,995) edges ahead slightly. Stone represents strong earning potential within its regional cluster.

Housing costs remain slightly elevated

Stone County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% stays well below the 30% affordability threshold, though slightly higher than the national comfort zone. The median home value of $163,300 is accessible for typical Stone County households, supporting stable homeownership.

Stone County supports wealth building

With moderate housing costs and above-state-average incomes, Stone County households have capacity for regular savings and investment. Explore employer-sponsored retirement plans, health savings accounts, and diversified investment portfolios to build long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Stone County

via CrimeByCounty

Stone County Nears National Averages

Stone County reports a total crime rate of 2,031.6 per 100,000 people, which sits slightly below the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a respectable safety score of 96.8 out of 100.

Stone County's Standing in Mississippi

The county's total crime rate of 2,031.6 is roughly double the Mississippi state average of 978.4. Its safety score of 96.8 falls just below the state average of 98.4.

Comparing Stones and Neighbors

Stone County experiences more frequent crime than Smith County, where the rate is only 356.4 per 100,000. Local law enforcement agencies work to manage these higher figures within the coastal region.

Violent vs Property Crime Breakdown

The local violent crime rate is 190.6 per 100,000, roughly half the national rate of 369.8. However, property crime is more prevalent, reaching 1,841.0 per 100,000 residents.

Safeguarding Local Property

With property crime representing the bulk of local incidents, securing entry points is essential. Residents should stay vigilant and report suspicious activity to one of the two local reporting agencies.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Stone County

via HealthByCounty

Stone County's health outcomes fall short nationally

Stone County's 71.5-year life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by roughly 5 years, reflecting Mississippi's broader health disparities. The county's 22.8% poor or fair health rate significantly exceeds the national average of about 15%, indicating higher rates of chronic disease and health challenges.

Stone County edges out state average

At 71.5 years, Stone County's life expectancy exceeds Mississippi's state average of 70.9 years by a half-year, ranking it among the healthier counties in the state. This modest advantage reflects relatively strong provider access and manageable uninsured rates compared to state peers.

Best provider access in this group

Stone County leads its peers with 32 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—nearly triple Smith County's 7 per 100,000—and 43 mental health providers per 100,000. This strong provider presence helps explain its better health outcomes compared to neighboring counties like Sunflower (67.2 years) and Tunica (66.6 years).

Strong provider access, slightly high uninsured rate

Stone County's 15.2% uninsured rate sits slightly above Mississippi's 13.9% average, meaning about 1 in 6.5 residents lack health coverage. However, Stone County's exceptional provider availability—32 primary care and 43 mental health providers per 100,000—makes getting care relatively easier than in neighboring counties.

Insurance access unlocks local healthcare

With Stone County's strong healthcare infrastructure, having insurance ensures you can access the primary and mental health care available locally. Visit Mississippi's health insurance marketplace or call 1-800-MEDICARE to explore coverage options and eliminate the 15.2% uninsured gap.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Stone County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small but Efficient Educational Foundation

Stone County manages its 2,518 students through a streamlined network of four public schools under a single district. The infrastructure consists of two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, providing a clear path for student progression.

Meeting Performance Benchmarks with Leaner Spending

The county achieves an 87% graduation rate, which perfectly matches the national average and closely tracks the state rate of 87.1%. While the per-pupil expenditure of $5,622 is lower than the Mississippi average of $5,954, the school score of 49.0 remains competitive with the statewide median.

One Unified District for All Students

The Stone County School District oversees the entire local public education system, serving over 2,500 students across its four campuses. There are currently no charter schools in the county, meaning all public enrollment remains within this central traditional district.

Traditional School Settings in Local Hubs

Students attend schools evenly split between rural and town settings, with an average school size of 630 students. Stone High School is the largest campus with 722 students, while Perkinston Elementary offers a slightly smaller environment with 549 students.

Plant Roots Near Stone County Schools

Families looking for a consolidated and consistent school system will find Stone County a stable choice for home buying. Explore local listings to find a residence within the Stone County School District and join this growing academic community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Stone County

via RiskByCounty

Stone County slightly above average risk nationally

Stone County's composite risk score of 52.00 earns a Relatively Low rating while modestly exceeding the national average. The county's wildfire risk (84.29) represents its most pronounced exposure, distinguishing it from typical U.S. county profiles.

Stone County at state midpoint for overall risk

At 52.00, Stone County sits just above Mississippi's state average of 50.94, placing it near the median risk level statewide. This positioning reflects balanced exposure across multiple hazard types rather than concentration in a single threat.

Stone County's wildfire risk stands out locally

Stone County's 52.00 composite score falls between safer Tishomingo County (37.09) and riskier Sunflower County (69.62), but its wildfire score (84.29) far exceeds all neighboring counties. This pronounced wildfire exposure reflects forest coverage and seasonal dry conditions unique to the area.

Wildfire and hurricane risks dominate here

Stone County residents face exceptional wildfire risk (84.29)—among the highest in Mississippi—alongside significant hurricane exposure (91.11). Tornado risk remains moderate (54.71), while flood risk stays relatively low (26.65), making fire preparedness the immediate priority.

Wildfire insurance and defensible space essential

Given wildfire risk of 84.29, homeowners must secure robust property coverage with wildfire protection and maintain defensible space around structures. Hurricane coverage is equally critical given the 91.11 score; bundling both protections into a comprehensive homeowner policy offers the most cost-effective protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Stone County

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical heat near the coast

Stone County's annual average temperature of 66.1°F is significantly higher than the national median. Its location in South Mississippi ensures a climate dominated by warmth and Gulf moisture.

One of Mississippi's warmer counties

Stone County averages 66.1°F, placing it well above the statewide average of 63.9°F. This extra warmth is accompanied by high humidity from the nearby Gulf of Mexico.

Wet and warm southern corridor

While it shares a similar 66°F range with other southern counties, Stone stands out for its 67.4 inches of annual precipitation. This makes it much wetter than Delta counties like Sharkey.

Long summers and heavy rains

Stone County endures 84 days of extreme heat annually and receives a massive 67.4 inches of rain. Snowfall data is unavailable, but historical trends suggest winter precipitation is almost exclusively liquid.

Humidity and rain protection

Residents must prioritize mold prevention and heavy-duty rain gutters to manage 67.4 inches of annual rainfall. High-efficiency cooling is necessary to combat the 84 days of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Stone County

via SoilByCounty

Very Acidic Soil Profile

Stone County features very acidic soil with a pH of 5.00, falling short of both the state average of 5.30 and the national 6.5 benchmark. This high acidity is the primary factor local gardeners must manage for healthy plant growth.

Sandy Terrain for Easy Workability

The soil is dominated by 61.6% sand, with 26.8% silt and only 10.5% clay. This sandy composition makes the earth easy to work and till, though it lacks the nutrient-holding power found in clay-heavy regions.

Strong Organic Matter, Low Water Storage

The county boasts 2.27% organic matter, exceeding the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 1.81%. However, the available water capacity is low at 0.142 in/in, significantly behind the Mississippi average of 0.174 in/in.

Fast-Draining Coastland Soils

Although official hydrologic groups aren't listed, the 61.6% sand percentage typically ensures rapid drainage across the landscape. This makes the area less prone to pooling but requires careful irrigation to prevent plants from drying out.

Bountiful Zone 9a Growing

Located in zone 9a, this warm climate supports a long growing season for citrus and blueberries. The rich organic matter provides a great foundation for any home orchard, provided growers manage the low 5.00 pH level.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Stone County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Conditions on the Coastal Plain

With a difficulty score of 17.8, Stone County is one of the most challenging places in the country to maintain a pristine lawn. The environment is significantly harsher than the state average of 30.9, largely due to the intense Zone 9a heat and sandy terrain.

Extreme Heat and Record Rainfall

The county endures 84 extreme heat days per year, well above the state average of 73 days. This heat is coupled with a massive 67.4 inches of annual precipitation, creating a tropical environment that demands heat-tolerant grass species and frequent fungal monitoring.

Sandy Ground and Acidic Baselines

The soil profile is 61.6% sand and only 10.5% clay, leading to very rapid drainage that can leave roots thirsty despite high rainfall. A low pH of 5.00 means heavy lime applications are essential to make soil nutrients available to your grass.

Extended Drought Despite Heavy Rains

Despite high total rainfall, the county spent 23 weeks in drought last year, and 100.0% of the area currently remains abnormally dry. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn is vital here to help retain moisture in the porous, sandy soil.

Target the Long Growing Season

St. Augustine and Bahiagrass are the best performers for the high heat of Zone 9a and the local sandy soil. Your primary growing window opens after March 14 and extends until the first frost on November 18.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stone County's county score?
Stone County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 38.6 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 Stone County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Stone County ranks #69 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 Stone County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Stone County is $991, with an effective tax rate of 0.61%. This earns Stone County a tax score of 73.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Stone County?
The median household income in Stone County, Mississippi is $59,307 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Stone County earns an income score of 36.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Stone County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Stone County scores 38.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #69 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Stone 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 Stone 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.