countyscore
48.3
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 78.3Disaster 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.

2040608010058.178.363.710.416.49.974.58638.1Tax58.1Cost78.3Safety63.7Health10.4Schools16.4Income9.9Risk74.5Water86Weather38.148.3/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Walthall County DNA

Foverall

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

Walthall County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (78.3/100) but notably weak in Income (9.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
58.1
Cost
78.3+30.299999999999997
Safety
63.7+8.700000000000003
Health
10.4-39.6
Schools
16.4-37.6
Income
9.9-41.1
Risk
74.5+27.5
Water
86+28
Weather
38.1-17.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$126,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$790/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$126,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $48,905/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

28.9

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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Haskell County
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Nearby counties

Marion County
Mississippi
46.9
Washington Parish
Louisiana
46.8
Pike County
Mississippi
38.8
Lawrence County
Mississippi
59.4
Jefferson Davis County
Mississippi
54.1
Lamar County
Mississippi
47.9
Lincoln County
Mississippi
41.8
Pearl River County
Mississippi
42.8

Deep Dives

Walthall County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 48.3 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 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 $913, with an effective tax rate of 0.72%. This earns Walthall County a tax score of 58.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Walthall County?
The median household income in Walthall County, Mississippi is $48,905 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Walthall County earns an income score of 9.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Walthall County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Walthall County scores 48.3/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.