CountyScore

Sunflower County

Mississippi · MS

#68 in Mississippi
63.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Sunflower County, Mississippi

Sunflower County exceeds national baseline

Sunflower County's composite score of 63.9 sits 28% above the national median of 50.0, indicating livability that meets or exceeds typical American county standards. However, it trails the top performers, suggesting a mixed profile with distinct strengths and gaps.

Slightly below Mississippi average

Sunflower County scores 63.9 compared to Mississippi's state average of 67.5, placing it in the lower-middle tier of the state's counties. This below-average ranking reflects challenges in income and health that offset its housing affordability advantages.

Exceptional housing affordability

Sunflower County shines with a cost score of 87.0, offering median home values of just $103,400 and monthly rent averaging $670. These rock-bottom prices rank among Mississippi's most affordable, making it ideal for cost-conscious buyers.

Income and health gaps are significant

The income score of 9.7 reflects a median household income of only $40,265—among the state's lowest—while the health score of 48.7 suggests substantial public health challenges. The risk score of 30.4 is the county's lowest dimension, signaling multiple vulnerability areas.

Best for cost-minimizers with patience

Sunflower County suits individuals or families with minimal income requirements and maximum housing budgets, prioritizing ultra-low costs over economic opportunity or robust services. Expect trade-offs in wage potential and health infrastructure for unbeatable affordability.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax77.5Cost87SafetyComing SoonHealth48.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome9.7Risk30.4WaterComing Soon
🏛77.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼9.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤48.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡30.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Sunflower County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Mariposa County
California
63.9
Median income: $65,378
Tehama County
California
63.9
Median income: $61,834
Bond County
Illinois
63.9
Median income: $61,603
Barnstable County
Massachusetts
63.9
Median income: $94,452
Bay County
Michigan
63.9
Median income: $60,523

Deep Dives

Sunflower County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Sunflower County

via TaxByCounty

Sunflower County's rate runs high

At 0.879%, Sunflower County's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 0.88%, placing it near the upper 50th percentile nationally. Despite homes costing 63% less than the U.S. median, the rate reflects above-average reliance on property tax revenue.

Highest rate among these eight counties

Sunflower County's 0.879% rate is the highest among Smith, Stone, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tippah, Tishomingo, and Tunica counties, running 18% above Mississippi's state average of 0.743%. The $909 median tax bill is slightly below the state median, reflecting lower home values offsetting the higher rate.

Notably higher than nearby counties

Sunflower County residents pay significantly more than Smith County (0.457%) and Tunica County (0.440%), nearly matching Tate County (0.768%) despite lower home values. This makes Sunflower the tax-heaviest county in this regional peer group.

What $909 costs Sunflower homeowners

On the median home valued at $103,400, Sunflower County homeowners pay about $909 annually—roughly $76 monthly. Those with mortgages see this rise to $1,132 due to mortgage impound and service district charges.

Assessment review could ease burden

In a county with above-average rates, contesting an inflated assessment delivers real savings. Sunflower County homeowners should verify their assessed values match current market conditions; overassessment is common and often winnable on appeal.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sunflower County

via CostByCounty

Sunflower County rents strain lower-income families

At 20.0%, Sunflower County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national comfort zone, especially given its median household income of just $40,265—46% below the U.S. average. A $670 monthly rent consumes over a fifth of household earnings, limiting financial flexibility for renters.

Above-average affordability challenge in Mississippi

Sunflower County's 20.0% rent-to-income ratio slightly edges out Mississippi's 19.6% state average, placing it among the state's least affordable counties. The combination of lower-than-average median income and median rent matching Smith County creates acute housing pressure for local families.

Similar rents, tighter budgets than Smith County

Sunflower County's $670 rent matches Smith County's pricing almost exactly, yet Sunflower households earn $11,000 less annually ($40,265 vs. $51,396). This income gap means the same rent consumes a larger percentage of Sunflower households' budgets, creating meaningful economic strain.

Housing dominates household budgets here

Sunflower County renters dedicate 20.0% of their $40,265 median income to monthly rent, leaving just $3,281 annually from gross earnings for all other expenses. Homeowners face similar pressure: $622 monthly owner costs claim 18.5% of household income, well above the 15% affordability benchmark.

Relocate only if income grows significantly

Sunflower County's affordability challenges demand careful planning—a $40,000 household income simply stretches too thin across $670 rent plus other necessities. Consider relocation only if your income prospects improve, or explore counties like Smith or Tippah where the same rent consumes less of your budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sunflower County

via IncomeByCounty

Sunflower County faces income gap

Sunflower County's median household income of $40,265 falls $34,490 below the national median of $74,755, representing one of the most substantial income gaps in the nation. This reflects long-standing economic challenges and limited high-wage employment opportunities in the county.

Lowest-earning Mississippi county

Sunflower County ranks among the lowest in Mississippi, with median household income trailing the state average of $48,514 by $8,249. Only a handful of Mississippi counties struggle with lower earnings, highlighting Sunflower's acute economic challenges.

Sunflower lags neighboring counties

Sunflower County's $40,265 income falls significantly below Stone County ($59,307) and Smith County ($51,396) to the east. Only Tallahatchie County ($37,383) struggles more, making Sunflower one of the region's most economically vulnerable areas.

Housing strains local budgets

Sunflower County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.0% pushes toward the 30% affordability threshold, indicating tighter housing cost pressure than wealthier counties. The median home value of $103,400 remains relatively affordable, but monthly rental burdens consume a larger share of household income.

Maximize limited resources strategically

Sunflower County residents should prioritize emergency savings funds and explore free or low-cost financial literacy resources available through local nonprofits and libraries. Even modest, consistent savings in high-yield savings accounts or employer retirement plans can build toward financial security over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Sunflower County

via HealthByCounty

Sunflower County faces severe health crisis

At 67.2 years, Sunflower County's life expectancy lags the U.S. average of 76.4 years by more than 9 years—among the lowest in Mississippi and nationally concerning. Nearly 30% of residents report poor or fair health, more than double the national average of about 15%, signaling widespread chronic disease and health disparity.

Sunflower County ranks lowest in state health

Sunflower County's 67.2-year life expectancy falls nearly 4 years below Mississippi's state average of 70.9 years, placing it among the state's unhealthiest counties. The 29.7% poor or fair health rate is the highest among all eight counties analyzed, reflecting entrenched poverty and limited healthcare infrastructure.

Lowest life expectancy among peer counties

Sunflower County's 67.2-year life expectancy significantly trails all comparable counties, including Tunica (66.6 years—the only lower county), Stone County (71.5 years), and Smith County (72.8 years). Despite having 35 primary care and 37 mental health providers per 100,000, Sunflower's poor outcomes suggest barriers beyond provider availability, including poverty and patient access.

Insurance coverage not enough to offset barriers

Sunflower County's 13.3% uninsured rate is among the lowest in this group, yet provider access (35 primary care per 100,000) doesn't translate into better health—suggesting transportation, cost, and chronic poverty create barriers even for insured residents. The disconnect points to deeper structural health inequities beyond insurance coverage.

Take the first step: verify your coverage

Even with strong provider numbers locally, having verified health insurance removes financial barriers to seeking care. If you're among Sunflower County's uninsured 13.3%, visit Healthcare.gov or contact the county health department to explore Medicaid or marketplace plans today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sunflower County

via RiskByCounty

Sunflower County's risk exceeds national average

With a composite risk score of 69.62, Sunflower County ranks Relatively Low but substantially above the national average, reflecting concentrated hazard exposure. This elevated positioning stems primarily from tornado (81.08) and earthquake (85.02) risks that significantly surpass typical U.S. levels.

Sunflower County among Mississippi's higher-risk areas

Sunflower County's 69.62 score stands well above Mississippi's state average of 50.94, placing it in the upper tier of statewide risk. This makes it one of the more hazard-exposed counties despite its Relatively Low national rating.

Sunflower County's risks significantly exceed region

Sunflower County's 69.62 score substantially exceeds safer Tate County (41.22) and Tallahatchie County (40.08), making it the highest-risk county in its vicinity. Both its tornado (81.08) and earthquake (85.02) exposures stand far above neighboring averages.

Earthquake and tornado threats lead hazards

Sunflower County residents confront exceptional earthquake risk (85.02) and significant tornado exposure (81.08), with moderate flood risk (54.99) adding complexity. Wildfire remains minimal (19.34), allowing residents to focus preparedness on seismic and wind-driven events.

Earthquake and tornado coverage absolutely critical

With earthquake risk at 85.02 and tornado risk at 81.08, homeowners need specialized earthquake insurance and comprehensive wind coverage beyond standard policies. Flood insurance is advisable in low-lying areas given the 54.99 flood risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.