CountyScore

Tallahatchie County

Mississippi · MS

#24 in Mississippi
69.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Tallahatchie County, Mississippi

Tallahatchie County tops national average

Tallahatchie County's composite score of 69.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 39%, placing it solidly in the upper half of American counties. This strong showing masks severe income challenges offset by exceptional housing affordability.

Above-average performer in Mississippi

Tallahatchie County scores 69.6, surpassing Mississippi's state average of 67.5 by 2.1 points. It ranks among the state's stronger counties despite a very low median household income, demonstrating how affordability can drive overall livability.

Unmatched housing and tax bargains

Tallahatchie County features exceptional cost (88.9) and tax (85.3) scores, with median home values of just $82,200 and an effective tax rate of 0.602%. Monthly rents average $695, making housing—both ownership and rental—remarkably accessible.

Income is the critical weak point

The income score of 7.8 reflects a median household income of only $37,383, the lowest among these eight counties. While the risk score of 59.9 shows relative stability, the severe income gap limits economic opportunity and career growth.

Perfect for remote workers seeking affordability

Tallahatchie County is ideal for remote workers, retirees, or self-employed individuals with income independent of local wages, who prioritize ultra-cheap housing and stable living costs. It's less suitable for those relying on local job markets or career advancement.

Score breakdown

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

Tax85.3Cost88.9SafetyComing SoonHealth52SchoolsComing SoonIncome7.8Risk59.9WaterComing Soon
🏛85.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠88.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼7.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤52
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡59.9
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 Tallahatchie County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Ketchikan Gateway Borough
Alaska
69.6
Median income: $89,155
Lawrence County
Arkansas
69.6
Median income: $44,164
Logan County
Colorado
69.6
Median income: $55,074
Jasper County
Georgia
69.6
Median income: $59,574
Pickens County
Georgia
69.6
Median income: $75,293

Deep Dives

Tallahatchie County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Tallahatchie County

via TaxByCounty

Tallahatchie County taxes are exceptionally low

Tallahatchie County's 0.602% effective rate sits well below the national median of 0.88%, placing it in the bottom 30% of U.S. counties by tax burden. The $495 median property tax is just 18% of the national median, reflecting both lower home values and a conservative tax approach.

Below state average, low among peers

Tallahatchie County's 0.602% rate runs 19% lower than Mississippi's 0.743% state average, and the $495 median tax is the lowest among these eight counties. This positions Tallahatchie as one of Mississippi's most affordable places for property owners.

Among the lowest in the region

Only Tunica County (0.440%) and Smith County (0.457%) undercut Tallahatchie's 0.602% rate, and Tallahatchie's median tax of $495 is the absolute lowest among this group. The county combines modest tax rates with lower home values for unusually light property tax burden.

What $495 means yearly in Tallahatchie

On the median home valued at just $82,200—the lowest among these eight counties—Tallahatchie homeowners pay about $495 annually, or roughly $41 monthly. With mortgage-related charges, the total rises to approximately $545.

Still worth appealing your assessment

Even in tax-light Tallahatchie County, assessed values sometimes outpace market reality, especially in slower-moving real estate markets. A free assessment appeal could yield modest but meaningful savings on your county's already-low tax bills.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Tallahatchie County

via CostByCounty

Tallahatchie County affordability under serious pressure

At 22.3%, Tallahatchie County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among America's least affordable housing markets, far exceeding the national comfort zone. With median household income of just $37,383—50% below the national median—a $695 monthly rent consumes nearly a quarter of gross earnings.

Mississippi's most strained rental market

Tallahatchie County's 22.3% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Mississippi's 19.6% state average, marking it as one of the state's most unaffordable counties for renters. The $37,383 median household income—the lowest in this county group—makes even modest rents burdensome.

Lowest incomes in the region, similar rents

Tallahatchie County's $695 rent falls within the regional norm but pairs with the region's lowest median household income of $37,383. Compared to Smith County's $51,396 income, Tallahatchie renters face 27% less earning power for nearly identical housing costs.

Rent eats the largest share of income here

Tallahatchie County renters spend 22.3% of their $37,383 median income on housing, consuming roughly $695 monthly—more than any other county in this profile. Even homeowners struggle: $467 monthly owner costs claim 15.0% of household income, leaving minimal margin for unexpected expenses.

Economic constraints demand careful relocation planning

Tallahatchie County's combination of lowest incomes and above-average rents creates genuine hardship for renters and owners alike. Unless your income prospects improve significantly through relocation, consider whether neighboring counties with stronger median incomes might offer better long-term stability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Tallahatchie County

via IncomeByCounty

Tallahatchie County's severe income gap

Tallahatchie County's median household income of $37,383 lags the national median of $74,755 by $37,372, representing one of the steepest disparities in America. This reflects decades of limited economic development and dependence on agriculture and low-wage service sectors.

Tallahatchie ranks among state's poorest

Tallahatchie County ranks at the bottom of Mississippi's income ladder, with median household income falling $11,131 below the state average of $48,514. Only the most economically distressed Mississippi counties trail Tallahatchie in earning power.

Tallahatchie struggles most regionally

Tallahatchie County's $37,383 income trails all comparable regional peers, with only Sunflower County ($40,265) approaching its low level. Tate County ($63,995) and Stone County ($59,307) earn substantially more, highlighting Tallahatchie's relative hardship.

Housing costs strain tight budgets

Tallahatchie County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.3% exceeds the 30% affordability ceiling adjusted for income, creating real housing stress for renters. The median home value of $82,200 offers some relief for homebuyers, but overall affordability remains challenging across the county.

Access support for financial stability

Tallahatchie County residents should tap into LIHEAP energy assistance, SNAP benefits, and credit counseling services from certified nonprofits to free up resources. Building even small rainy-day savings through employer payroll deduction or community credit unions creates a foundation for long-term stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Tallahatchie County

via HealthByCounty

Tallahatchie County underperforms nationally

Tallahatchie County's 71.0-year life expectancy falls roughly 5 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years, reflecting Mississippi's persistent health disadvantage. The county's 28.8% poor or fair health rate nearly doubles the national average of about 15%, indicating widespread chronic disease burden.

Tallahatchie County matches state average life expectancy

At 71.0 years, Tallahatchie County's life expectancy essentially mirrors Mississippi's state average of 70.9 years, placing it in the middle tier of state counties. However, its 28.8% poor or fair health rate ranks among the highest, suggesting below-average health status despite average lifespan.

Low primary care, strong mental health support

Tallahatchie County's 8 primary care providers per 100,000 residents rank among the lowest in this group—comparable to Smith County's 7—but its 51 mental health providers per 100,000 ranks highest overall. This imbalance suggests mental health needs are prioritized locally, but primary care gaps may delay early disease detection.

Uninsured rate near state average masks provider shortage

Tallahatchie County's 14.1% uninsured rate slightly exceeds Mississippi's 13.9% average, affecting roughly 1 in 7 residents, but primary care access remains the bigger barrier at just 8 providers per 100,000. The county's exceptional mental health provider density (51 per 100,000) suggests targeted investment in behavioral health but relative neglect of primary prevention.

Secure insurance, then find your primary care home

With Tallahatchie County's limited primary care options, having insurance is your first step—then start the conversation with county health services about accessing the providers available locally. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact the Mississippi Division of Medicaid to explore coverage that connects you to primary care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Tallahatchie County

via RiskByCounty

Tallahatchie County among safest nationally

Tallahatchie County's composite risk score of 40.08 earns a Very Low rating, placing it well below the national average. This favorable standing reflects relatively balanced risk exposure across hazard types with no single threat dramatically elevated.

Tallahatchie County safest in Mississippi

At 40.08, Tallahatchie County sits significantly below Mississippi's state average of 50.94, making it among the state's lowest-risk counties. This below-average profile provides measurable protection compared to most other Mississippi counties.

Tallahatchie County offers regional safety advantage

Tallahatchie County's 40.08 score ranks second-safest among its peers, ahead of Tunica County (36.26) and substantially below riskier Sunflower County (69.62). This central position within a relatively safe region offers residents meaningful security advantages.

Tornadoes and earthquakes primary considerations

Tallahatchie County residents face moderate tornado risk (65.78) and significant earthquake exposure (80.28), the county's two highest hazards. Flood risk remains low (30.28), and hurricane threat is minimal (64.46), creating a manageable risk landscape overall.

Standard coverage sufficient for most residents

Comprehensive homeowner insurance with standard wind and tornado coverage provides adequate protection given Tallahatchie County's favorable risk profile. Consider earthquake insurance if living in areas of known seismic sensitivity, though overall risk remains moderate statewide.

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.