countyscore
48.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 82.5Disaster Risk 74.5

County Report Card

About Walthall County, Mississippi

Walthall County nearly matches the national median

With a composite score of 48.5, Walthall County is highly competitive on a national scale, trailing the median by only 1.5 points. It leverages exceptional affordability and environmental stability to maintain its standing. This score indicates a quality of life that rivals many mid-range counties across the United States.

Surpassing the state average

Walthall County's score of 48.5 edges out the Mississippi state average of 48.4. It represents a solid choice for residents seeking a balance of safety and affordability within the state. The county maintains a stable position in the upper half of Mississippi's livability rankings.

High scores in water and cost

The county excels in resource quality and affordability, earning a Water Score of 86.0 and a Cost Score of 82.5. Homes are remarkably affordable with a median value of $120,600 and median rents of $718. A Risk Score of 74.5 further highlights the county's safety from environmental disasters.

Boosting local income and health

Walthall faces significant hurdles in economic opportunity, reflected in an Income Score of just 7.8. The Health Score of 10.4 also suggests a critical need for expanded healthcare services and wellness initiatives. With median household incomes at $45,444, the county relies heavily on its low cost of living to remain viable.

Ideal for budget-conscious environmentalists

Walthall County is perfect for retirees or remote workers who value clean water and high environmental resilience. The low housing costs allow a modest income to stretch much further than in neighboring regions. It best serves those who do not require local employment or high-performing school districts.

Score breakdown

Tax54.5Cost82.5Safety63.7Health10.4Schools16.4Income7.8Risk74.5Water86Weather38.1
🏛54.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼7.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡63.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤10.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓16.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡74.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤38.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨26.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱26.3
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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Nearby counties

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49.4
Washington Parish
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46.4
Pike County
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37.9
Lawrence County
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Jefferson Davis County
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Lamar County
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Lincoln County
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Pearl River County
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Deep Dives

Walthall County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Walthall County

via TaxByCounty

Walthall's taxes well below US median rate

Walthall County's effective tax rate of 0.784% is less than one-third the national median of 0.92%, keeping local tax burdens light compared to most American counties. The median property tax of $946 falls far short of the national median of $2,690.

Middle of the pack for Mississippi taxes

Walthall County's 0.784% effective rate sits slightly above Mississippi's state average of 0.743%, placing it near the middle among the state's 82 counties. It's marginally higher than Union and Webster counties but lower than Warren and Wilkinson.

Higher taxes than Union, lower than Warren

Walthall County's 0.784% rate exceeds nearby Union County (0.576%) and Webster County (0.574%) but falls below Warren County (0.855%) and Wilkinson County (0.862%). The regional spread demonstrates significant tax-planning opportunities within south-central Mississippi.

Median Walthall home carries $946 annual tax

A median-valued Walthall County home of $120,600 generates $946 in annual property taxes at the current rate. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $1,275 annually, while those without pay $690.

Appeal assessments to reduce your bill

Property assessments in rural counties can lag behind real market values, potentially leaving homeowners overpaying. Review your assessment notice, compare your home's assessed value to recent comparable sales, and file a formal appeal if yours appears too high.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Walthall County

via CostByCounty

Walthall offers tight housing affordability

Walthall County renters spend just 19.0% of income on rent, matching the national affordability sweet spot. However, the median household income of $45,444 is 39% below the national average, meaning affordability is relative to lower local earnings.

Best rental values in Mississippi

Walthall County boasts a 19.0% rent-to-income ratio that beats the Mississippi state average of 19.6%. At $718 monthly rent against the state median of $782, Walthall delivers genuine housing bargains for the state.

Cheapest rents in the region

Walthall's $718 median rent undercuts all nearby counties, including Union ($910), Warren ($889), and Winston ($654)—placing it among the region's lowest. Yet median home values ($120,600) suggest modest but stable property investment opportunities.

Ownership cheaper than renting

Walthall homeowners pay $606 monthly against renters' $718—a rare reversal favoring purchase over rent. With median household income at $45,444, housing costs take up about 19% of household budgets regardless of tenure.

Walthall: Mississippi's affordability leader

Low-income households seeking maximum housing value should compare Walthall's 19.0% rent burden against peer counties. This county delivers the state's best rent-to-income ratio, making it a genuine refuge for budget-conscious renters and buyers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Walthall County

via IncomeByCounty

Walthall income lags national benchmark

Walthall County's median household income of $45,444 falls 39% below the national median of $74,755, placing it among the lowest-income counties in America. At the same time, it sits 6% below Mississippi's state average, indicating economic strain relative to even rural national peers.

Lower-middle tier within Mississippi

Walthall County ranks around the 30th percentile among Mississippi's 82 counties, with roughly 60 counties earning more than its $45,444 median. This position reflects limited economic diversification and historically lower wage structures.

Mixed performance in south-central region

Walthall County earns $45,444, trailing Union County ($56,807) and Warren County ($56,648) but exceeding Washington County ($40,117) and Wayne County ($36,791). The $20,000 spread across neighboring counties underscores pockets of relative prosperity and hardship.

Housing costs reasonable despite tight income

Walthall's rent-to-income ratio of 19.0% keeps housing affordable by national standards, even as the lower overall income leaves less room for other expenses. The median home value of $120,600 is accessible but requires careful household budgeting.

Strategic saving builds lasting security

With modest income, every dollar counts—prioritize building a small emergency fund first, then explore low-cost investment options like automatic payroll deductions to retirement accounts. Even small, consistent contributions compound significantly over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Walthall County

via CrimeByCounty

Walthall County Shows Strong National Safety Figures

Walthall County reports a total crime rate of 842.4 per 100,000 people, which is nearly three times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. These statistics result in an impressive safety score of 98.7.

Outperforming the Mississippi State Average

Walthall County's safety score of 98.7 exceeds the Mississippi average of 98.4. Its total crime rate of 842.4 is also lower than the state average of 978.4, making it one of the safer jurisdictions in the region.

Leading Neighbors in Public Safety

With a crime rate of 842.4, Walthall County is significantly safer than neighboring Wayne County, which sees 1,310.7 crimes per 100,000 residents. Only two agencies report data here, providing a clear snapshot of local peace.

Analyzing Violent Versus Property Offenses

Violent crime in Walthall County stands at 172.8 per 100,000, which is less than half the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also remarkably low at 669.6, compared to a national rate of 2,015.7.

Maintain Your Peace of Mind

Low crime rates offer peace of mind, but proactive measures like neighborhood watch participation can keep these numbers down. Ensure your property is well-lit and secure to deter opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Walthall County

via HealthByCounty

Walthall County faces a 6-year health gap

Life expectancy in Walthall County stands at 70.2 years—nearly 6 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. The poor/fair health rate of 25.1% ranks well above the national average of 18%, signaling chronic health challenges across the population.

Below-average health outcomes statewide

Walthall County's life expectancy of 70.2 years trails Mississippi's state average of 70.9 years by 0.7 years. Its poor/fair health rate of 25.1% exceeds the state's typical outcomes, placing it among Mississippi's counties with greater health burdens.

Mental health access is critically limited

Walthall County's 51 primary care providers per 100K exceed Union County's 36, but its mental health provider rate of only 7 per 100K is the lowest among nearby counties. Warren County, by contrast, offers 622 mental health providers per 100K, highlighting a stark regional disparity.

High uninsured rates complicate health access

At 16.5%, Walthall County's uninsured rate ranks among the highest in the region—nearly 3 points above the state average of 13.9%. This coverage gap, combined with limited mental health providers, creates barriers to preventive and specialized care for many residents.

Uninsured? Coverage is within reach

Walthall County residents without insurance can explore Medicaid enrollment or Marketplace plans to reduce costs and access care. Visit healthcare.gov or call the Mississippi Health Advocates at 601-355-4808 to find affordable options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Walthall County

via SchoolsByCounty

Six Schools Support the Walthall Community

The county's education infrastructure relies on a single district managing six total schools, including two elementary and two high schools. With 1,684 students enrolled, the system provides a centralized learning network for local families.

Comparing Performance and Local Investment

The local graduation rate stands at 82.0%, which trails the state average of 87.1% and the national mark of 87.0%. However, the county invests $6,196 per pupil, exceeding the Mississippi state average of $5,954 per student.

Walthall County School District Leads the Way

The Walthall County School District is the sole provider of public education here, serving all 1,684 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, maintaining a traditional public school model for 100% of the student population.

A Small, Fully Rural Learning Environment

Every school in the county is classified as rural, creating a consistent and intimate educational atmosphere. While Tylertown High School is the largest with 509 students, Dexter Elementary serves just 81 students, contributing to a modest average school size of 337.

Finding Your Home in Walthall County

Families looking for a close-knit, rural school environment should consider how these local campuses fit their lifestyle. Explore available homes near these community-focused schools to find the right match for your family's needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Walthall County

via RiskByCounty

Walthall County is among safest

Walthall County's composite risk score of 25.54 earns a very low rating, placing it well below the Mississippi state average of 50.94. This makes Walthall one of the safest counties in the state for natural disaster risk overall.

Top 10 safest county in Mississippi

Walthall County ranks among Mississippi's safest counties for natural disaster exposure, with its 25.54 score significantly below the state median. This favorable position reflects lower exposure to most major hazards affecting the region.

Safest in its immediate region

Walthall County's risk profile is substantially lower than nearby Wilkinson County (33.46) and significantly outpaces southern neighbors like Wayne County (55.66). This makes Walthall a relative safe zone within its geographic area.

Hurricanes and wildfires pose concern

Despite its overall low risk profile, Walthall County faces notable hurricane exposure (79.56) and elevated wildfire risk (66.67), likely due to its southern location and woodland coverage. Tornado risk (36.10) and earthquake threats (34.45) remain manageable by comparison.

Focus on hurricane preparedness

Walthall County residents should prioritize hurricane coverage and ensure standard homeowners policies account for wind damage from tropical systems. Consider a separate windstorm policy if standard coverage is limited, particularly given the county's 79.56 hurricane risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Walthall County

via WeatherByCounty

The Warmth of South Mississippi

Walthall County is significantly warmer than the rest of the nation, with an average temperature of 66.0°F. This humid subtropical environment is also very wet, recording 62.5 inches of precipitation every year.

Above the Mississippi State Average

With an annual average of 66.0°F, Walthall is warmer than the state average of 63.9°F. It ranks among the warmer southern counties, influenced by its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico.

Hotter and Wetter than the Delta

Walthall is much warmer than Tunica, averaging about three degrees higher year-round. It also receives 62.5 inches of rain, making it one of the wettest spots in the region compared to the state average of 59.6 inches.

Seventy-Five Days of Extreme Heat

Summer temperatures average 80.4°F, and the county endures 75 days where temperatures hit or exceed 90°F. Winters are very mild, with an average temperature of 50.6°F and almost no measurable snow.

Plan for Long, Hot Summers

High-efficiency HVAC systems are a necessity to combat 75 days of extreme heat and high humidity. Because snowfall is negligible at 0.2 inches, residents should focus their home maintenance on moisture control and rain drainage.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Walthall County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic South Mississippi Soils

Walthall County soils average a pH of 5.08, which is considerably more acidic than the state average of 5.30 and the national 6.5 median. This sharp acidity reflects the weathered nature of the region's land, requiring significant amendments for most traditional row crops.

Sandy Texture for Quick Drainage

The soil composition is 47.9% sand and 40.3% silt, leaving a low clay fraction of just 11.9%. This sandy profile means the ground is easy to till and work, but it lacks the natural nutrient-holding capacity found in heavier clay soils.

Lower Nutrient and Water Retention

With an organic matter content of 1.65% and available water capacity of 0.164 in/in, these soils trail state averages in both categories. Growers must focus on building soil health through cover cropping to improve how the land holds onto both fertilizers and water.

Navigating High Permeability

While specific drainage class data is missing, the nearly 48% sand content indicates that water likely moves through the soil profile rapidly. This reduces the risk of root rot but increases the need for consistent irrigation during the peak of summer.

Lush Growth in Zone 8b

Walthall falls into zone 8b, providing a long growing season for heat-tolerant favorites like okra, watermelons, and sweet potatoes. The acidic profile is a natural fit for southern pines and blackberries, which thrive in these specific conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Walthall County

via LawnByCounty

Difficult Growing Conditions in Walthall

With a difficulty score of 26.3, Walthall County is one of the more challenging places to keep a lawn green in Mississippi. It sits well below the state average of 30.9 and the national median of 50.0. The Zone 8b climate presents intense heat and significant moisture hurdles.

Seventy-Five Days of Intense Heat

The county experiences 75 extreme heat days annually where temperatures exceed 90°F. Combined with 62.5 inches of rain—well above the 50-inch ideal max—this creates a high-stress environment for turf. Lawns here must handle both high humidity and intense solar radiation.

Sandy Soil and High Acidity

Soil pH sits at a very acidic 5.08, requiring aggressive lime treatments to reach the 6.0 target. The high sand content of 47.9% allows for quick drainage but means nutrients wash away easily. Homeowners should focus on organic matter to improve nutrient retention.

Stable Moisture With Low Drought Risk

Walthall County only faced 8 weeks of drought over the last year, which is lower than many neighboring counties. Current conditions are stable, with only 1.6% of the area classified as abnormally dry. This consistent moisture helps offset the challenges of sandy soil.

Starting Your Lawn After March 15

The last spring frost typically occurs around March 15, marking the start of the primary growing season. Centipede and St. Augustine grasses are highly recommended for this Zone 8b heat and rainfall profile. Aim to establish new turf early to beat the 75 days of extreme heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Walthall County's county score?
Walthall County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 48.5 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 Walthall County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Walthall County ranks #37 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 Walthall County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Walthall County is $946, with an effective tax rate of 0.78%. This earns Walthall County a tax score of 54.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Walthall County?
The median household income in Walthall County, Mississippi is $45,444 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Walthall County earns an income score of 7.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Walthall County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Walthall County scores 48.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #37 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Walthall 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 Walthall County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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