countyscore

Tallahatchie County, Mississippi — County Report Card

MS

#47 in Mississippi
46.5
County Score
Cost of Living 89.3Property Tax 70.9Disaster 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.

2040608010070.989.328.111.743.11.459.911.445Tax70.9Cost89.3Safety28.1Health11.7Schools43.1Income1.4Risk59.9Water11.4Weather4546.5/100
This county
National avg
3 above average6 below average

Tallahatchie County DNA

Foverall

How Tallahatchie County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Tallahatchie County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (89.3/100) but notably weak in Income (1.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
70.9+18.900000000000006
Cost
89.3+41.3
Safety
28.1-26.9
Health
11.7-38.3
Schools
43.1-10.899999999999999
Income
1.4-49.6
Risk
59.9+12.899999999999999
Water
11.4-46.6
Weather
45-11
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Tallahatchie County?

Many homeowners in Tallahatchie County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$82,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$732/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$82,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $37,466/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

48.5

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Tallahatchie County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tallahatchie County's county score?
Tallahatchie County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 46.5 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 #47 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 $503, with an effective tax rate of 0.61%. This earns Tallahatchie County a tax score of 70.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Tallahatchie County?
The median household income in Tallahatchie County, Mississippi is $37,466 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Tallahatchie County earns an income score of 1.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Tallahatchie County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Tallahatchie County scores 46.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #47 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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