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Tishomingo County, Mississippi — County Report Card

MS

#25 in Mississippi

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
55.3
County Score
Cost of Living 89.2Water Quality 86Property Tax 82.1

County Report Card

About Tishomingo County, Mississippi

Stronger than National Averages

Tishomingo County earns a composite score of 55.3, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a high level of overall functionality and attractiveness.

A State Leader in Quality

The county's 55.3 score outshines the Mississippi state average of 48.4. Residents here enjoy a better balance of costs and amenities than the average Mississippian.

Top-Ranked Water and Low Costs

A water score of 86.0 and a cost score of 89.2 are the county's major wins. Combined with a tax score of 82.1, it provides an exceptionally high standard for resource quality and affordability.

Wage and Health Bottlenecks

The income score of 8.7 and health score of 16.5 represent the biggest hurdles. A median household income of $46,257 highlights the need for more diverse economic opportunities.

Perfect for Resource-Conscious Living

This county is an ideal destination for those who value clean water and low living costs above all else. It is a particularly strong candidate for retirees looking to maximize their savings.

Score breakdown

Tax82.1Cost89.2Safety53.3Health16.5Schools29.8Income8.7Risk62.9Water86Weather67.3
🏛82.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼8.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡53.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤16.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓29.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡62.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤67.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨23
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30.1
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

Tishomingo County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Tishomingo County

via TaxByCounty

Tishomingo County runs below national median

Tishomingo County's 0.538% effective rate sits well below the national median of 0.88%, placing it in the bottom 35% of U.S. counties for tax burden. The $713 median tax is less than one-quarter the national median of $2,690, delivering unusually light property tax obligations.

Significantly below Mississippi average

Tishomingo County's 0.538% rate runs 28% lower than Mississippi's 0.743% state average, and the $713 median tax undershoots the state median of $931 by 23%. The county ranks among Mississippi's most tax-friendly jurisdictions.

Lower taxes than most regional peers

Tishomingo County's rate is beaten only by Smith (0.457%) and Tunica (0.440%), making it the third-lowest among these eight counties. At $713 median tax, Tishomingo homeowners pay less than Smith and Tunica peers despite moderate home values of $132,500.

What $713 means for your budget

On the median home valued at $132,500, Tishomingo County homeowners pay about $713 annually—roughly $59 monthly. Mortgage-related charges bring the total to $885, still well below state and national averages.

Appeal could further reduce bills

Even in a low-tax county, overassessments occur and are worth challenging. Tishomingo homeowners should request a free assessment review if their home has declined in value or if comparable properties sold for less than their current assessed amount.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Tishomingo County

via CostByCounty

Tishomingo County housing costs below national standards

Tishomingo County's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio sits just below American affordability comfort zones, supported by a $46,257 median household income and $703 monthly rent. While incomes run below the national $74,755 median, housing costs remain proportionate and manageable.

Below-average rent burden in Mississippi

Tishomingo County's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio underperforms Mississippi's 19.6% state average, ranking it among the state's more affordable counties. The $703 monthly rent falls modestly below the state average of $782, easing pressure on lower-income households.

Competitive pricing with higher home values

Tishomingo County's $703 rent aligns closely with Smith County ($664) and Sunflower County ($670), yet its median home value of $132,500 exceeds most neighbors' valuations. This suggests stronger property appreciation potential compared to other rural counties in the region.

Moderate housing burden with equity-building potential

Tishomingo County renters dedicate 18.2% of their $46,257 median income to housing, spending $703 monthly while maintaining reasonable financial flexibility. Homeowners allocate $518 monthly, or 13.4% of household income—well below affordability thresholds—with $132,500 median home values offering meaningful equity accumulation.

Homebuyers find equity opportunity here

Tishomingo County presents a compelling case for buyer-relocators: $518 monthly owner costs, $132,500 median home values, and solid property appreciation signals. If homeownership is your goal and you earn near the $46,000 median, Tishomingo's equity-building economics rival or exceed neighboring counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Tishomingo County

via IncomeByCounty

Tishomingo County below national mark

Tishomingo County's median household income of $46,257 trails the national median of $74,755 by $28,498, reflecting rural labor market constraints. This gap is substantial but narrower than the deepest-struggling Mississippi counties, indicating moderate economic health.

Tishomingo near state average

Tishomingo County ranks slightly below the Mississippi state average of $48,514 by $2,257, placing it in the lower-middle tier of state counties. This reflects regional economic patterns shared by northern Mississippi counties with declining populations.

Tishomingo in middle regional tier

Tishomingo County's $46,257 income sits between Smith County ($51,396) and struggling Sunflower County ($40,265), representing moderate regional standing. Tate County ($63,995) and Stone County ($59,307) substantially outpace Tishomingo, while Tallahatchie ($37,383) falls further behind.

Reasonable housing affordability

Tishomingo County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.2% remains comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, providing manageable housing costs for most households. The median home value of $132,500 offers solid homeownership opportunities aligned with county income levels.

Strategic savings build security

Tishomingo County residents should prioritize consistent savings through payroll deduction and employer retirement plans to compound modest income growth. Community banks often offer favorable rates on savings accounts and low-cost financial counseling to support long-term wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Tishomingo County

via CrimeByCounty

Tishomingo County Outperforms National Benchmarks

Tishomingo County earns a safety score of 98.3, marking it as a secure community. Its total crime rate of 1,056.5 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Aligning with Mississippi Safety Standards

The county's safety score of 98.3 is virtually equal to the Mississippi average of 98.4. Its total crime rate of 1,056.5 is slightly above the state average of 978.4.

Northeastern Mississippi Comparisons

Tishomingo County reports more crime than neighboring Tippah County, which sits at just 96.5 per 100,000. Despite this, Tishomingo remains much safer than many other regions in the state.

Understanding Local Crime Dynamics

Property crime stands at 897.2 per 100,000, while the violent crime rate is 159.3. Both figures are significantly lower than the national averages of 2,015.7 and 369.8, respectively.

Home Security in Tishomingo

Property crime makes up 85% of all reported incidents in the county. Two local agencies recommend residents secure their belongings to help keep the safety score above 98.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Tishomingo County

via HealthByCounty

Tishomingo County significantly lags national health

Tishomingo County's 69.7-year life expectancy falls roughly 6.7 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years, among Mississippi's lowest-performing counties. The 21.2% poor or fair health rate, while the lowest in this group, still exceeds the national average of about 15%, indicating substantial unmet health needs.

Tishomingo County ranks below state average

At 69.7 years, Tishomingo County's life expectancy falls nearly 1.2 years below Mississippi's state average of 70.9 years, placing it among the state's lower-performing counties. Its 21.2% poor or fair health rate is the lowest among the eight counties studied, suggesting relatively better disease control or health management despite lower life expectancy.

Decent primary care, exceptional mental health capacity

Tishomingo County's 27 primary care providers per 100,000 residents rank above average for this group, and its 114 mental health providers per 100,000 place it second only to Tippah County. Despite these resources, life expectancy remains depressed at 69.7 years, pointing to barriers beyond provider availability.

High uninsured rate undercuts provider access

Tishomingo County's 16.6% uninsured rate ranks second-highest in this group—nearly 1 in 6 residents—despite having decent primary care (27 per 100,000) and abundant mental health resources (114 per 100,000). Lack of insurance likely prevents residents from regularly accessing these available providers, contributing to poorer health outcomes.

Insurance opens the door to local care

With Tishomingo County's 16.6% uninsured rate, gaining coverage is key to using the county's 27 primary care and 114 mental health providers effectively. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact the county health department to explore Medicaid expansion or marketplace plans that fit your household budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Tishomingo County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Rural Education in Tishomingo

Tishomingo County operates eight public schools for its 2,897 students under a single unified district. The infrastructure includes three elementary schools, three high schools, and one middle school, all situated in rural settings.

High Investment and High Graduation Rates

The county invests $6,041 per pupil, which is above the Mississippi state average of $5,954. This investment pays off with an 89% graduation rate and a school score of 50.9, both of which outperform state-level averages.

One Unified Special Municipal District

The Tishomingo County Special Municipal School District manages all eight campuses and nearly 2,900 students. There are no charter schools in the county, ensuring a focused and centralized public education strategy.

Large All-In-One Rural Campuses

All schools in the county are classified as rural, but they are often large, with an average size of 483 students. Belmont School is the largest campus, serving 868 students in a comprehensive KG-12 environment.

Find a Rural Retreat Near Great Schools

For those seeking a rural lifestyle without sacrificing academic quality, Tishomingo County is an ideal candidate. Check out local real estate near the high-performing Belmont and Iuka schools to find your next home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Tishomingo County

via RiskByCounty

Tishomingo County among nation's safest areas

Tishomingo County's composite risk score of 37.09 earns a Very Low rating, significantly outperforming the national average. This superior safety profile reflects well-balanced hazard exposure without any single extreme risk dominating the county.

Tishomingo County ranked safest in Mississippi

At 37.09, Tishomingo County ranks lowest among Mississippi counties, sitting well below the state average of 50.94. This exceptional positioning makes it one of Mississippi's safest communities across multiple hazard types.

Tishomingo County leads regional safety ranking

Tishomingo County's 37.09 score ranks it safest among its immediate neighbors, ahead of Tunica County (36.26) and well below riskier Tate County (41.22). The county offers measurable safety advantages across its region.

Earthquakes and tornadoes remain moderate threats

Tishomingo County residents face moderate earthquake risk (81.30) and modest tornado exposure (64.44) as the county's highest hazards. Flood (30.82), wildfire (37.25), and hurricane (57.07) risks all remain well below statewide averages.

Standard coverage adequate for most needs

Comprehensive homeowner insurance with standard wind and tornado protection adequately covers Tishomingo County's modest risk profile. Earthquake insurance is optional but recommended for those in seismically active zones, given the 81.30 earthquake risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Tishomingo County

via WeatherByCounty

Tishomingo's Mild Appalachian Foothill Climate

Tishomingo County maintains an annual average temperature of 59.0°F, which sits roughly five degrees above the national median. This humid subtropical climate receives significantly more moisture than many U.S. regions, totaling 62.3 inches of rain annually.

Mississippi’s Coolest Northeast Corner

The county is one of the coolest in Mississippi, with its 59.0°F average falling well below the state mean of 63.9°F. Its northern elevation provides a relative break from the intense heat found in the southern coastal counties.

A Wetter Alternative to the Delta

Tishomingo receives 62.3 inches of annual precipitation, making it notably wetter than western neighbors like Tunica. Its 59.0°F average temperature makes it roughly three degrees cooler than Webster County to the south.

Manageable Heat and Crisp Winters

Summer temperatures average 76.5°F, with the county recording 41 extreme heat days above 90°F each year. Winters are the state’s coldest, featuring a December-February average of 40.9°F and a January low of 38.6°F.

Prepare for Rain and Humidity

Residents should invest in high-capacity drainage systems to manage the heavy 62.3 inches of annual rainfall. While extreme heat days are fewer than the state average, HVAC systems must still work hard through 41 days of 90-degree weather.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Tishomingo County

via SoilByCounty

Strongly Acidic Tishomingo Soils

Tishomingo County has a very acidic pH of 4.93, which is significantly more acidic than the state average of 5.30 and the national median of 6.5. This low pH contributes to the county's overall soil score of 23.0.

Sand-Heavy Soil Structure

The soil is roughly half sand at 49.7%, with 36.4% silt and 14.0% clay. This sand-heavy composition allows for easy root penetration but can lead to rapid nutrient leaching if not managed carefully.

Low Organic Matter and Water

Organic matter is 1.53%, falling below both the state average of 1.81% and the national 2.0% benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.165 in/in is also slightly lower than the Mississippi average of 0.174.

Well-Draining Hillsides

The 49.7% sand content points toward a well-draining landscape that resists pooling. This characteristic is beneficial for avoiding root rot but requires diligent watering during peak summer heat waves.

Hardy Shrubs in Zone 7b

Zone 7b offers a climate suitable for many hardwoods and hardy shrubs. For home gardeners, adding lime is essential to raise the 4.93 pH and unlock soil nutrients for your vegetables.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Tishomingo County

via LawnByCounty

The State's Cooler Corner

Tishomingo County matches the state difficulty average with a score of 30.1. Located in the northeastern tip in Zone 7b, this area experiences the mildest summers in Mississippi, offering a unique climate for lawn care.

Ample Rain and Mild Summers

The county receives 62.3 inches of rain, well above the state average of 59.5 inches. With only 41 extreme heat days—the lowest in this group—and 4,547 growing degree days, lawns face less thermal stress than anywhere else in the state.

Highly Acidic and Sandy Soil

At a pH of 4.93, Tishomingo has some of the most acidic soil in the region, falling far short of the 6.0-7.0 ideal. The 49.7% sand content ensures fast drainage, but the extreme acidity must be addressed with lime to support healthy root growth.

Monitoring Moisture Levels

The county spent 25 weeks in drought last year, though currently only 62.2% of the area is abnormally dry. Given the high sand content, lawns can dry out quickly despite high annual rainfall, making consistent soil monitoring essential.

Best Window for North Mississippi

Zone 7b allows for a wider range of grasses, including transition-zone species like Tall Fescue in shaded areas. Wait for the final frost on April 9 to start your spring lawn care before the season ends on October 28.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tishomingo County's county score?
Tishomingo County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 55.3 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 Tishomingo County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Tishomingo County ranks #25 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 Tishomingo County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Tishomingo County is $713, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns Tishomingo County a tax score of 82.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Tishomingo County?
The median household income in Tishomingo County, Mississippi is $46,257 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Tishomingo County earns an income score of 8.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Tishomingo County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Tishomingo County scores 55.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #25 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Tishomingo 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 Tishomingo 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.