CountyScore

Tate County

Mississippi · MS

#42 in Mississippi
67.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Tate County, Mississippi

Tate County matches national standards

Tate County's composite score of 67.7 sits 35% above the national median of 50.0, positioning it as a solid, livable county by American standards. Its strength lies in higher incomes and health outcomes compared to neighboring rural Mississippi counties.

Right at Mississippi's average

Tate County scores 67.7, nearly matching Mississippi's state average of 67.5. It represents the median Mississippi county experience, offering neither standout advantages nor significant disadvantages.

Income and health lead the way

Tate County boasts the county's highest income score of 25.2 with a median household income of $63,995, coupled with a strong health score of 57.8. These indicators suggest better economic opportunity and healthcare access than most Mississippi counties.

Cost burden is rising

The cost score of 78.1 is the county's lowest dimension, reflecting higher housing values ($173,000 median) and rental costs ($897/month) than most peers. This price appreciation represents the trade-off for stronger incomes and services.

Suited to ambitious families upgrading

Tate County appeals to families moving up economically, with better job prospects, higher incomes, and quality health infrastructure offsetting higher housing costs. It's the natural choice for professionals and growing families seeking Mississippi livability with a higher rung on the income ladder.

Score breakdown

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

Tax80.7Cost78.1SafetyComing SoonHealth57.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome25.2Risk58.8WaterComing Soon
🏛80.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤57.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡58.8
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 Tate County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Lee County
Alabama
67.7
Median income: $61,123
Juneau City and Borough
Alaska
67.7
Median income: $100,513
Bacon County
Georgia
67.7
Median income: $50,310
Lee County
Georgia
67.7
Median income: $88,024
Clark County
Illinois
67.7
Median income: $70,625

Deep Dives

Tate County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Tate County

via HealthByCounty

Tate County lags far behind national health norms

Tate County's 70.8-year life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by nearly 5.5 years, consistent with Mississippi's broader health disadvantage. The 22.7% poor or fair health rate runs well above the national average of roughly 15%, pointing to significant chronic disease prevalence.

Tate County slightly below Mississippi average

At 70.8 years, Tate County's life expectancy falls just below Mississippi's state average of 70.9 years, placing it in the lower-middle tier of state counties. Its 22.7% poor or fair health rate ranks in the upper half of concern among Mississippi counties, though below the most distressed areas.

Moderate provider access among peer counties

Tate County's 25 primary care providers per 100,000 residents ranks mid-range compared to peers—better than Smith County (7 per 100,000) but less than Stone County (32 per 100,000). With 46 mental health providers per 100,000, Tate County offers stronger behavioral health support than primary care capacity.

Nearly matched insurance, decent provider balance

Tate County's 13.4% uninsured rate nearly matches Mississippi's 13.9% state average, meaning most residents have coverage to access care. With 25 primary care and 46 mental health providers per 100,000, Tate County offers reasonably balanced healthcare capacity, though rates still reflect significant underlying health needs.

Verify coverage to access local providers

If you're among Tate County's 13.4% uninsured residents, getting coverage through Mississippi's marketplace or Medicaid unlocks access to the 25 primary care providers and 46 mental health specialists available locally. Visit Healthcare.gov today to compare plans and enroll.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.