countyscore
37.7
County Score
Weather & Climate 60.5Disaster Risk 58.8Property Tax 55.9

County Report Card

About Tate County, Mississippi

A Challenging National Comparison

Tate County scores 37.7 overall, placing it significantly below the national median of 50.0. The data suggests that local livability metrics are lagging behind the majority of the United States.

Falling Short of State Norms

The county's 37.7 score is over 10 points lower than the Mississippi state average of 48.4. This indicates a higher level of difficulty in accessing quality services compared to state peers.

Higher Incomes and Lower Risk

Unlike many neighbors, Tate County enjoys a respectable income score of 50.7, supported by a median household income of $63,995. Its risk score of 58.8 also provides a better safety net against natural disasters.

Struggles in Education and Health

Education is a primary concern with a school score of 12.7, followed by a low health score of 19.6. These factors contribute heavily to the county's overall lower composite ranking.

Suited for Established Professionals

Tate County is a good fit for those earning higher wages who are prepared to look elsewhere for top-tier schools or specialized healthcare. It offers higher local income potential than many rural MS counties.

2040608010055.940.144.719.612.750.758.828.260.5Tax55.9Cost40.1Safety44.7Health19.6Schools12.7Income50.7Risk58.8Water28.2Weather60.537.7/100
This county
National avg
1 above average4 below average

Tate County DNA

Foverall

How Tate County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Tate County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Schools (12.7/100), though Disaster Risk (58.8/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
55.9
Cost
40.1
Safety
44.7-10.299999999999997
Health
19.6-30.4
Schools
12.7-41.3
Income
50.7
Risk
58.8+11.799999999999997
Water
28.2-29.8
Weather
60.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$173,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$897/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$173,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $63,995/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

14.2

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

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Le Flore County
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Thurston County
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Phillips County
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Carson City
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Craven County
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Richland County
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Nearby counties

DeSoto County
Mississippi
36.7
Tunica County
Mississippi
36.4
Panola County
Mississippi
43.3
Marshall County
Mississippi
45.3
Quitman County
Mississippi
58.2
Lafayette County
Mississippi
43.6
Crittenden County
Arkansas
32.3
Shelby County
Tennessee
22.3

Deep Dives

Tate County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Tate County

via TaxByCounty

Tate County taxes slightly above national norm

Tate County's 0.768% effective rate sits above the national median of 0.88%, placing it near the 55th percentile nationally. The $1,328 median tax is about half the U.S. median of $2,690, reflecting homes worth 39% less than the national average.

Above Mississippi average but moderate

Tate County's 0.768% rate edges slightly above Mississippi's 0.743% state average, making it the second-highest among these eight counties. At $1,328 median tax, Tate County homeowners pay roughly 43% more than the state median of $931.

Higher taxes than most regional peers

Only Sunflower County (0.879%) exceeds Tate County's 0.768% rate among this group; Smith, Tunica, and Tallahatchie all tax noticeably less. However, Tate County's higher home values ($173,000 median) partially explain the steeper tax bill.

What $1,328 costs Tate homeowners

On the median home valued at $173,000, Tate County homeowners pay approximately $1,328 annually—about $111 monthly. Mortgage-holders see the bill rise to $1,545 when accounting for escrow and service charges.

Appeal keeps more money in your pocket

With above-average property taxes, any assessment overcount hits harder to your budget. Tate County homeowners should request a reassessment if their home's value has declined or if their assessed amount exceeds comparable recent sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Tate County

via CostByCounty

Tate County combines solid income with manageable rents

Tate County's 16.8% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably within national affordability standards, supported by a median household income of $63,995—the highest in this county group. At $897 monthly rent, housing costs remain proportionate to earning power, even as prices run higher than rural neighbors.

Tate County outpaces Mississippi affordability standards

Tate County's 16.8% rent-to-income ratio beats Mississippi's 19.6% state average, ranking among the state's better housing markets for affordability. The $63,995 median household income significantly exceeds the state typical, giving renters stronger financial footing.

Premium pricing for stronger income and growth

Tate County's $897 rent runs higher than most neighbors—exceeding Tippah County's $720 and Smith County's $664—yet the $63,995 median income justifies the premium. Median home values of $173,000 suggest an appreciating market attractive to buyers seeking growth potential.

Highest income shields housing burden

Tate County renters dedicate 16.8% of their $63,995 median income to housing, spending $897 monthly while retaining robust earnings for other needs. For homeowners, $928 monthly costs claim 17.4% of household income—elevated but sustainable given the county's stronger economic foundation.

Growth market for upwardly mobile families

Tate County's combination of solid incomes, manageable rent-to-income ratios, and appreciating home values ($173,000 median) makes it attractive for families seeking stability and equity growth. If your income aligns with the county's $63,995 median or higher, Tate offers compelling long-term investment potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Tate County

via IncomeByCounty

Tate County approaches national average

Tate County's median household income of $63,995 falls $10,760 below the national median of $74,755, but significantly outperforms most rural counties nationwide. This positions Tate among Mississippi's stronger performers and competitive with middle-income counties across the Southeast.

Tate County leads Mississippi counties

Tate County ranks in the top tier of Mississippi's 82 counties, with median household income exceeding the state average of $48,514 by $15,481. Only a handful of Mississippi counties—mostly near Jackson and the Gulf Coast—exceed Tate's earning power.

Tate dominates regional income rankings

Tate County's $63,995 income substantially exceeds all regional neighbors, surpassing Stone County ($59,307) by $4,688 and Smith County ($51,396) by $12,599. Tate represents the region's most prosperous employment market and income opportunity.

Strong housing affordability here

Tate County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, indicating manageable housing costs for renters and homebuyers alike. The median home value of $173,000 remains accessible for typical county households, supporting strong homeownership equity.

Tate County supports serious investing

Tate County residents with above-median incomes have genuine capacity to fund college savings, investment portfolios, and retirement accounts beyond basic security. Consider working with a financial advisor to optimize tax-advantaged accounts and build diversified wealth for retirement and family goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Tate County

via CrimeByCounty

Tate County Maintains Solid Safety

Tate County earns a 98.0 safety score, reflecting its relatively low crime environment. Its total crime rate of 1,235.1 per 100,000 people is roughly half the national average of 2,385.5.

Matching Mississippi's Safety Profile

Tate County's safety score of 98.0 is nearly identical to the Mississippi state average of 98.4. However, its total crime rate of 1,235.1 is higher than the state average of 978.4.

Safer than Northern Neighbors

Tate County is considerably safer than Tunica County, where the crime rate reaches 5,773.0 per 100,000. Data from four reporting agencies highlights Tate as a more secure option in North Mississippi.

Violent vs Property Incidents

Property crime in Tate County is 982.4 per 100,000, which is well below the national rate of 2,015.7. The violent crime rate is 252.7 per 100,000, also undercutting the national average of 369.8.

Securing the Home Front

Since property crime accounts for nearly 80% of local incidents, locking doors and windows is the best defense. Tate residents can feel confident knowing their county is twice as safe as the national average.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Tate County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Rural Education Infrastructure

Tate County supports 3,680 students across 11 public schools, including a comprehensive mix of four elementary and five high schools. Two separate districts manage these facilities, which primarily serve the county's rural and town communities.

Investing in Growth and Academic Performance

The county maintains an 84% graduation rate and a school score of 47.1, both slightly below the state averages. Per-pupil spending stands at $5,473, reflecting a lean budget compared to the national expenditure of $13,000.

Two Distinct District Choices

The Tate County School District is the larger provider with 2,014 students, while the Senatobia Municipal School District serves another 1,666 students. Charter schools do not currently operate here, leaving education entirely to these two traditional districts.

Mix of Large Hubs and Rural Schools

While most schools are in rural settings, Senatobia Elementary School acts as a major hub with 833 students. The average school size is 409 students, providing a balance between large-scale resources and smaller community settings.

Explore Real Estate in Tate County

Whether you prefer the municipal feel of Senatobia or the quiet of rural Tate County, there are diverse school options for your family. Start your home search today to find a property near these established educational districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Tate County

via RiskByCounty

Tate County's risk well below national average

Tate County's composite risk score of 41.22 earns a Very Low rating, comfortably below the national average. The county's tornado (74.94) and earthquake (86.86) risks are elevated, but overall exposure remains manageable and well-protected comparatively.

Tate County ranked safer than most Mississippi

At 41.22, Tate County ranks significantly below Mississippi's state average of 50.94, placing it among the state's lowest-risk counties. This favorable standing reflects its inland location and relatively moderate exposure to multiple hazard types.

Tate County safer than most surrounding areas

Tate County's 41.22 score sits between Tunica County (36.26)—safer—and Tippah County (43.80)—slightly riskier. The county offers better protection than riskier Sunflower County (69.62) to the south.

Tornado and earthquake risks lead exposure

Tate County residents face significant earthquake risk (86.86) and notable tornado exposure (74.94) as the county's primary hazard concerns. Flood and wildfire risks remain moderate (26.53 and 58.87 respectively), creating a balanced but manageable threat profile.

Standard coverage with earthquake consideration

Homeowners should secure comprehensive wind and tornado coverage through standard policies, given the 74.94 tornado risk score. Adding earthquake insurance is recommended due to elevated seismic exposure (86.86), particularly for newer construction in earthquake-sensitive zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Tate County

via WaterByCounty

Compliance Grade F for Tate County

Tate County receives an F grade based on 11 health violations reported in the last five years. Despite the low grade, its violation rate of 74.7 per 100,000 residents is lower than the state average of 92.1.

Unassessed Watersheds in Tate County

Local water bodies have not yet been covered in the federal §303(d) assessment process. No impairment status is currently available to determine the health of these aquatic ecosystems.

Intense Monitoring of Pesticides and Organics

Six monitoring sites have generated 890 measurements over the past five years. Researchers prioritize tracking organic compounds and pesticides, providing a specialized look at chemical presence in local waters.

Low Flow in Hickahala Creek

The USGS gauge at Hickahala Creek near Senatobia reports a discharge of 36 cfs, which is 21% of its 175 cfs long-term mean. This suggests drier than normal conditions for the 121-square-mile drainage basin.

Monitor Water for Chemical Runoff

The focus on pesticide monitoring suggests local concerns about agricultural or industrial runoff. Residents should check their annual water quality reports for organic compound levels and remain aware of compliance violations.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Tate County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate weather in North Mississippi

Tate County's 61.0°F average annual temperature is warmer than the national median but cooler than most of the Deep South. It sits in a transitional zone where winter cold is more pronounced than in southern counties.

Cooler than the Mississippi average

Tate County is noticeably cooler than the state average, coming in at 61.0°F compared to Mississippi's 63.9°F. This ranking reflects its position in the northern part of the state near the Tennessee border.

Warmer than the northern hills

While Tate is cooler than the state average, it remains warmer than Tippah County, which averages 59.8°F. This subtle north-to-south warming trend is common across the upper Mississippi region.

Colder winters and manageable summers

Tate experiences 61 days of extreme heat, significantly fewer than southern Mississippi counties. Winter is much cooler at 42.3°F, occasionally resulting in an inch of annual snowfall.

Winter and summer versatility

Residents need a more varied wardrobe here than in southern MS, as winters drop to 42.3°F. Heating systems are just as critical as cooling units in this part of the state.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Tate County

via SoilByCounty

Superior Soil Scores in Tate

Tate County earns a high soil score of 45.4, supported by a pH of 5.41 that is slightly less acidic than the state average. It still trends more acidic than the 6.5 national median typical for this region.

Fine-Textured Silty Soils

The soil composition features a massive 63.8% silt and 18.1% clay. With only 18.0% sand, this soil is characterized by its fine texture and high workability for local agriculture.

Outstanding Water Capacity

Available water capacity is a standout feature at 0.206 in/in, which is significantly higher than the state average of 0.174. Organic matter sits at 1.44%, indicating a need for supplemental nutrients despite the great water retention.

Persistent Moisture Levels

The 63.8% silt content suggests the soil holds water for long periods, providing a buffer during dry weeks. This can lead to muddy conditions during the spring, so careful site planning is required for construction.

Ideal Spot for Fruit Trees

With an 8a hardiness rating, Tate County is an ideal spot for a diverse home orchard. The excellent water capacity supports thirsty fruit trees like peaches and plums through the hot Mississippi summer.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Tate County

via LawnByCounty

A North Mississippi Lawn Standard

Tate County’s lawn difficulty score of 29.7 is nearly identical to the Mississippi state average of 30.9. Gardeners in this Zone 8a region find a moderate balance of heat and rainfall, though soil acidity remains a persistent challenge for green turf.

Moderate Heat and Consistent Rain

With 61 extreme heat days, Tate County is cooler than the state average of 73 days. It receives a healthy 56.9 inches of annual precipitation, providing 5,090 growing degree days to support a robust Southern lawn throughout the summer.

Acidic Silt and Loam Conditions

The soil pH of 5.41 is lower than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, meaning most lawns require lime to prevent nutrient lockout. The soil consists of 18.1% clay and 18.0% sand, providing a stable foundation that usually resists the extreme compaction of heavier Delta soils.

Persistent Dry Spells Across Tate

The county has experienced 30 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100.0% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Focus on increasing mowing height during dry weeks to shade the soil and reduce water evaporation.

Timing the Late Spring Frost

Bermudagrass and Zoysia are well-suited for the Zone 8a climate and can handle the 61 days of high heat. Wait until the last frost on April 3 to begin seeding, and finish your major projects before the first frost on November 4.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tate County's county score?
Tate County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 37.7 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 Tate County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Tate County ranks #72 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 Tate County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Tate County is $1,328, with an effective tax rate of 0.77%. This earns Tate County a tax score of 55.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Tate County?
The median household income in Tate County, Mississippi is $63,995 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Tate County earns an income score of 50.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Tate County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Tate County scores 37.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #72 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Tate 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 Tate County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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