countyscore

Tallahatchie County, Mississippi — County Report Card

MS

#43 in Mississippi

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
47.5
County Score
Cost of Living 91.7Property Tax 74.2Disaster Risk 59.9

County Report Card

About Tallahatchie County, Mississippi

Navigating Just Below National Levels

With a composite score of 47.5, Tallahatchie County sits slightly under the national median of 50.0. This score suggests a solid baseline for rural living despite some specific localized challenges.

Matching the State Baseline

The county's 47.5 score is essentially on par with the Mississippi state average of 48.4. It offers a representative experience for the Delta region, balancing extreme affordability with infrastructure needs.

Exceptional Cost and Tax Benefits

The county shines with a cost score of 91.7, driven by a median home value of just $82,200. A tax score of 74.2 further eases the financial burden on residents with a 0.602% effective rate.

Urgent Needs in Income and Health

Economic indicators remain low, evidenced by an income score of 1.9 and a health score of 11.7. The median household income of $37,383 is among the lowest in the state, impacting overall vitality.

The Ultimate Delta Value Choice

Tallahatchie is ideal for individuals looking for the lowest possible barrier to homeownership. It rewards residents who can leverage remote work or have outside income to enjoy the low-cost environment.

Score breakdown

Tax74.2Cost91.7Safety28.1Health11.7Schools43.1Income1.9Risk59.9Water11.4Weather45
🏛74.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠91.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼1.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡28.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤11.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡59.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧11.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤45
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨43.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱20.4
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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Deep Dives

Tallahatchie County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Tallahatchie County

via CrimeByCounty

Tallahatchie Below National Crime Norms

Tallahatchie County maintains a safety score of 97.3 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 1,735.2 per 100,000 residents remains lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Closer Look at Mississippi Trends

The county's crime rate of 1,735.2 is higher than the state average of 978.4. Tallahatchie's safety score of 97.3 is slightly lower than the Mississippi average of 98.4.

Comparing Delta Neighbors

Tallahatchie County experiences higher crime rates than Sunflower County, which sits at just 433.0 per 100,000. Four local agencies work together to manage the safety of Tallahatchie's residents.

Violent Crime Exceeds National Average

The violent crime rate is 507.1 per 100,000, which is higher than the national average of 369.8. Conversely, property crime is 1,228.1, which is significantly lower than the U.S. average of 2,015.7.

Taking Proactive Safety Steps

With violent crime rates exceeding national benchmarks, personal safety and home security are paramount. Residents should utilize alarm systems and maintain close communication with local law enforcement.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Tallahatchie County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concentrated Network with High Graduation Rates

Tallahatchie County educates 1,366 students across seven public schools, overseen by two distinct districts. The landscape includes four high schools and two elementary schools, ensuring significant focus on secondary education completion.

Leading the State in Graduation Success

With a 93.2% graduation rate, Tallahatchie County significantly outperforms the state average of 87.1% and the national benchmark of 87%. This success comes despite a per-pupil expenditure of $5,725, which remains below the national median of $13,000.

Two Districts Serving East and West

The East Tallahatchie Consolidated School District is the larger of the two, serving 853 students across four schools. The West Tallahatchie School District manages the remaining 513 students, and no charter schools currently operate in the county.

Small, Rural Schools Offer Personalized Attention

Schools here are intimate, averaging just 273 students per campus across rural and town locales. Charleston Elementary is the largest school with 305 students, while R H Bearden Elementary provides a smaller setting with 253 students.

Find Your Home Near Top Graduating Schools

Tallahatchie County's high graduation rates make it an attractive destination for families focused on academic results. Explore residential options in Charleston or the surrounding rural areas to benefit from these community-focused school districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Tallahatchie County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and humid Delta weather

Tallahatchie County averages 64.6°F annually, staying well above the national median temperature. This humid subtropical environment is characterized by long, hot summers and short, mild winters.

Slightly warmer than the state average

The county's 64.6°F average is roughly half a degree warmer than the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. It represents the typical transition zone between the northern hills and the central Delta.

Comparable to nearby Delta counties

Tallahatchie's climate mirrors Sunflower County's 64.2°F, though it is slightly wetter with 60.7 inches of rain. These neighboring counties experience nearly identical summer heat patterns.

Extreme heat and moderate rainfall

Summer brings 69 days of temperatures over 90°F, while July averages a warm 82.5°F. Winter is mild at 46.6°F, and the county receives a modest 1.2 inches of annual snowfall.

Managing humidity and storms

With over 60 inches of annual precipitation, residents should maintain clear drainage and waterproof gear. The 69 extreme heat days make early morning or late evening the best times for outdoor activity.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Tallahatchie County

via SoilByCounty

Typical Mississippi Acidic Soils

Tallahatchie County soil shows a pH of 5.35, sitting right in line with the Mississippi state average of 5.30. This is still roughly 1.1 points more acidic than the national median of 6.5.

A Silty Foundation

The profile is remarkably silty at 63.1%, paired with 18.9% clay and 18.1% sand. This silt-heavy balance creates a smooth, flour-like texture that holds onto moisture and nutrients exceptionally well.

High Water Storage Potential

The county excels in water storage with an available water capacity of 0.204 in/in, far surpassing the state average of 0.174. Organic matter is a bit low at 1.45%, suggesting room for improvement through composting.

Moisture Retention in the Silt

High silt levels often mean moderate to slow drainage as these small particles pack tightly together. Builders should account for this high water-holding capacity when planning foundations or residential drainage systems.

Lush Gardening in Zone 8a

Zone 8a provides a versatile climate for everything from pecans to tomatoes. Use the high water capacity to your advantage by planting moisture-loving perennials that can thrive in these silty soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Tallahatchie County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Sledding in Tallahatchie County

A lawn difficulty score of 20.4 places Tallahatchie County among the more difficult regions in Mississippi for turf management. Residents in this Zone 8a area face a combination of acidic soil and extreme drought conditions that test any gardener’s patience.

Humid Heat and Ample Rain

The county experiences 60.7 inches of annual precipitation and 69 extreme heat days. This high humidity and heat combination creates 6,022 growing degree days, promoting rapid growth but also increasing the risk of lawn diseases.

Low pH and Balanced Texture

Local soil is highly acidic with a 5.35 pH, requiring significant amendments to reach the 6.0-7.0 sweet spot for grass. The texture is a nearly even split of 18.9% clay and 18.1% sand, which generally provides better drainage than the heavy clay found elsewhere in the Delta.

Severe Drought Grips the Region

Over the past year, the county endured 32 weeks of drought, and a staggering 94.5% of the area is currently in severe drought. Homeowners must use water-efficient tools like drip irrigation or smart controllers to keep lawns alive during these intense dry periods.

Early March Starts Work Best

Warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass are ideal for surviving the 6,000+ growing degree days here. Your primary window for seeding opens very early on March 7 and runs through the first frost on November 17.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tallahatchie County's county score?
Tallahatchie County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 47.5 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 Tallahatchie County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Tallahatchie County ranks #43 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 Tallahatchie County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Tallahatchie County is $495, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Tallahatchie County a tax score of 74.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Tallahatchie County?
The median household income in Tallahatchie County, Mississippi is $37,383 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Tallahatchie County earns an income score of 1.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Tallahatchie County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Tallahatchie County scores 47.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #43 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Tallahatchie 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 Tallahatchie County with other counties side by side.

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