countyscore
62.3
County Score
Cost of Living 90Disaster Risk 87.4Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Webster County, Mississippi

Webster County exceeds national standards

With a strong composite score of 62.3, Webster County significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0. This high ranking is driven by exceptional affordability and a very low risk profile. It stands out as a high-performing rural county in the American South.

A top-tier Mississippi performer

Webster County's score of 62.3 far exceeds the state average of 48.4. It is one of the more desirable counties in Mississippi, offering a rare combination of safety, low taxes, and affordability. It sets a high bar for neighboring jurisdictions to follow.

Unmatched affordability and resilience

The county dominates with a Cost Score of 90.0 and a Risk Score of 87.4, indicating cheap housing and high disaster resilience. Residents benefit from a low effective tax rate of 0.574%, leading to a Tax Score of 77.4. Median rent is impressively low at just $618 per month.

Healthcare remains the main hurdle

Despite high marks elsewhere, the Health Score of 16.9 shows significant room for improvement in medical access. While the Income Score of 38.9 is high for the state, local earners still face a ceiling compared to urban hubs. The School Score of 40.7 is solid but trails the county's other elite metrics.

The gold standard for rural living

Webster County is an ideal choice for families and retirees looking for the best possible value in Mississippi. Its combination of safety, low taxes, and disaster resilience makes it a secure long-term investment. It is the premier option for those who want a high quality of life without the high price tag.

Score breakdown

Tax77.4Cost90Safety71.8Health16.9Schools40.7Income38.9Risk87.4Water86Weather55.6
🏛77.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠90
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼38.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡71.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤16.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓40.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡87.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨40.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱28.6
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

Choctaw County
Mississippi
62.7
Chickasaw County
Mississippi
55.8
Calhoun County
Mississippi
55.8
Oktibbeha County
Mississippi
33.7
Montgomery County
Mississippi
58
Clay County
Mississippi
41.3
Grenada County
Mississippi
34.8
Winston County
Mississippi
48.5

Deep Dives

Webster County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Webster County

via TaxByCounty

Webster County among lowest-tax US regions

Webster County's effective tax rate of 0.574% ranks in the bottom tier nationally, sitting well below the US median of 0.92%. The median annual property tax of $629 represents just 23% of the national median of $2,690.

Second-lowest rates in all of Mississippi

Webster County's 0.574% effective rate is the second-lowest among the eight surveyed counties and well below Mississippi's state average of 0.743%. Only Union County (0.576%) is marginally lower, making Webster one of Mississippi's most tax-friendly destinations.

Tied for lowest taxes in the region

Webster County's 0.574% rate essentially ties Union County (0.576%) as the region's lowest, dramatically undercutting Wayne (0.779%), Walthall (0.784%), Winston (0.648%), and all higher-taxing neighbors. Homeowners here enjoy the deepest regional tax advantage.

Median home taxes only $629 per year

A median Webster County home valued at $109,500 incurs just $629 in annual property taxes—the lowest median tax among the eight counties. With a mortgage, that becomes $719; without, a mere $524.

Appeal to preserve your lowest-in-region advantage

Webster County's exceptional tax rates make assessment accuracy paramount; even small overvaluations represent meaningful percentages of the already-low tax bill. Request your assessment, verify it against recent comparable sales, and appeal if your home's assessed value exceeds its market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Webster County

via CostByCounty

Webster County is a housing value leader

Webster County renters spend just 12.4% of income on rent—well below the national affordability standard and among America's best housing markets. The median household income of $59,964 comfortably supports median rent of $618, creating genuine breathing room in household budgets.

Strongest affordability in Mississippi

Webster County's 12.4% rent-to-income ratio crushes the Mississippi state average of 19.6%, making it the state's most affordable county by far. This 7.2-percentage-point advantage translates to hundreds in monthly savings for renters.

Clear regional affordability winner

Webster County's 12.4% burden dramatically undercuts every peer county—Winston (16.0%), Union (19.2%), Warren (18.8%), and far beyond Wayne (25.6%). At $618 median rent, Webster offers the cheapest housing in the eight-county region.

Balanced ownership and rental costs

Homeowners in Webster pay $590 monthly versus renters at $618—nearly identical, with median home values at $109,500. With median household income at $59,964, housing costs take up just 12.4% of budgets, leaving maximum flexibility for other needs.

Webster: Mississippi's affordability haven

If housing cost is your primary relocation factor, Webster County is unmatched in Mississippi—residents here spend roughly half what Wayne or Washington County residents pay relative to income. Compare Webster's 12.4% burden against any peer county and the advantage becomes unmistakable.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Webster County

via IncomeByCounty

Webster County outearns state significantly

Webster County's median household income of $59,964 exceeds Mississippi's state average of $48,514 by 24%, marking one of the county's strongest economic advantages. However, it still trails the national median of $74,755 by 20%, reflecting Mississippi's broader income challenges.

Top tier performer statewide

Webster County ranks in the top 20% of Mississippi's 82 counties by median household income, outearning approximately 65 counties across the state. This standing reflects a more diversified local economy and relatively stable employment base.

Clear regional economic leader

Webster County's $59,964 median income leads all seven peer counties in this group, exceeding the next-closest (Union and Warren at $56,648) by roughly $3,000. Its strong per capita income of $28,447 further underscores broader-based prosperity.

Best affordability in the group

Webster County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.4% is the lowest among these eight counties, providing substantial breathing room in household budgets. The median home value of $109,500 is highly accessible relative to local income, enabling confident homeownership and savings.

Capitalize on strong income position

Webster County's above-state-average income and exceptional housing affordability create ideal conditions for aggressive wealth-building through retirement savings, homeownership, and diversified investments. Maximize employer benefits, then direct freed-up cash flow toward long-term wealth multiplication.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Webster County

via CrimeByCounty

Webster County Is One of the Safest Nationwide

Webster County boasts a remarkably low total crime rate of 673.9 per 100,000 residents, far below the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county an exceptional safety score of 98.9.

Exceeding Mississippi's Average Safety Score

With a safety score of 98.9, Webster County is safer than the average Mississippi county score of 98.4. Its total crime rate is also well below the state average of 978.4.

A Safety Leader Among Its Neighbors

Webster County's crime rate of 673.9 is less than half that of neighboring Union County at 1,398.8. Two reporting agencies contribute to this high standing in the regional safety rankings.

Low Rates in Both Crime Categories

Violent crime in Webster County is just 120.7 per 100,000, roughly one-third of the national average. Property crime is equally low at 553.2, compared to the national rate of 2,015.7.

Maintaining a Secure Rural Community

While crime is low, maintaining security habits like locking doors and garages prevents opportunistic crimes. Your active participation helps Webster County remain a leader in Mississippi safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Webster County

via HealthByCounty

Webster County lags national health benchmarks

Webster County's life expectancy of 69.0 years falls 7.4 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Its poor/fair health rate of 22.0%, while below some peers, still exceeds the national average of 18%, pointing to persistent population health challenges.

Below average, but improving from state baseline

Webster County's life expectancy of 69.0 years lags Mississippi's state average of 70.9 years by 1.9 years. Its uninsured rate of 14.3% edges slightly above the state average of 13.9%, adding to access barriers.

Moderate provider supply in regional context

Webster County provides 40 primary care providers per 100K, similar to Washington County and Union County but below Warren County's 67. Mental health support at 110 per 100K exceeds most peers except Warren County, offering moderate access to behavioral care.

Manageable uninsured rate with stable access

Webster County's uninsured rate of 14.3% is slightly above state average but lower than Walthall or Wayne counties, suggesting most residents have some coverage. With 40 primary care and 110 mental health providers per 100K, access is workable though not abundant.

Strengthen coverage for preventive care

Webster County residents without insurance should explore Medicaid enrollment or Marketplace plans to ensure stable access to primary care. Visit healthcare.gov or call 601-355-4808 for personalized enrollment assistance.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Webster County

via SchoolsByCounty

Compact and Efficient School Infrastructure

Webster County operates five public schools for a total enrollment of 1,739 students. This streamlined system includes two elementary schools and three high schools, all overseen by a single district.

Exceptional Graduation Rates Lead the Region

With a 92.0% graduation rate, the county significantly outperforms both the state and national averages of 87.1% and 87.0%. This success is backed by a $6,000 per-pupil expenditure and a composite school score of 52.4.

Webster County School District Excellence

The Webster County School District manages every public student in the county across its five campuses. The district maintains a 0.0% charter school rate, focusing entirely on its traditional public school curriculum and facilities.

Consistent Rural Learning Environments

Every school in the county is classified as rural, creating a uniform community feel for all 1,739 students. Schools are very similar in size, with East Webster High leading at 458 students and others hovering near the 435-student average.

High Performance Makes Webster a Top Choice

Webster County's elite graduation rates are a major draw for home buyers focused on academic outcomes. Look for properties in this high-performing district to give your children a head start in their education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Webster County

via RiskByCounty

Webster County is safest in state

Webster County's composite risk score of 12.60 earns a very low rating, making it one of the safest counties in Mississippi and far below the state average of 50.94. This exceptional safety profile reflects minimal exposure to most major natural hazards.

Lowest-risk county in Mississippi

Webster County ranks as the safest county in Mississippi for natural disaster exposure, with its 12.60 score significantly below all peers. This makes Webster one of the state's most secure locations for hazard-conscious residents.

Dramatically safer than surrounding counties

Webster County's risk profile is substantially lower than all nearby counties, including Winston County (39.89) and Union County (43.51) to the south. This remarkable safety advantage makes Webster a regional standout for hazard protection.

Tornado and earthquake risks exceed other threats

Even in Mississippi's safest county, tornado (48.38) and earthquake (63.42) risks slightly exceed the county's overall averages, though both remain manageable. Wildfire (23.73) and flood (13.42) risks are minimal, reflecting the county's geographic advantages.

Standard coverage provides solid protection

Webster County residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance with confidence, though verifying tornado and hail coverage remains prudent given the 48.38 tornado score. Flood insurance is optional here due to the minimal 13.42 flood risk, but earthquake coverage consideration depends on individual property values.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Webster County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate but Humid in Webster

Webster County averages 62.0°F annually, staying about eight degrees warmer than the national median. This humid subtropical climate is balanced by 58.7 inches of annual precipitation.

A Cooler Slice of Mississippi

At 62.0°F, Webster County is slightly cooler than the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. Its rainfall of 58.7 inches also sits just below the state average of 59.6 inches.

Moderate Temperatures for the Region

Webster is significantly cooler than southern neighbors like Wayne, which averages over 65°F. It also receives nearly 10 fewer extreme heat days than Tunica to the northwest.

Warm Summers and Chilly Winters

The county experiences 64 extreme heat days annually, with July temperatures peaking at an average of 79.9°F. Winters are more pronounced than in the south, with a 44.4°F average and 1.0 inch of snowfall.

A Balanced Approach to Climate

Residents should prepare for both summer heat and occasional winter frost, given the one-inch average snowfall. With 58.7 inches of rain, keeping gutters clear is essential to protecting home foundations.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Webster County

via SoilByCounty

Alfisols and Acidic Clay Loams

Webster County features Alfisols, which are typically fertile but acidic, with a local pH average of 5.25. This is slightly below the state average of 5.30, indicating a need for lime to boost productivity for many garden plants.

Silty Clay Loam Texture

The soil is composed of 57.1% silt and 14.3% clay, officially categorized as a silty clay loam. This mixture provides a smooth texture that is highly effective at holding onto nutrients and maintaining soil structure.

Superior Moisture Holding Capacity

At 0.196 in/in, the available water capacity is significantly higher than the Mississippi average of 0.174. While organic matter is 1.61%, the high silt content ensures that every drop of rain is stored efficiently for plant use.

Somewhat Poorly Drained Profile

Belonging to Hydrologic Group D, these soils are 'somewhat poorly drained' and tend to stay wet for long periods. This can delay planting in the spring and requires careful planning for building foundations to manage water pressure.

Ideal for Moisture-Loving Plants

In zone 8a, Webster County is well-suited for moisture-loving crops like rice or certain varieties of hay. For the home gardener, raised beds are a smart choice to manage the slow drainage while taking advantage of the high water capacity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Webster County

via LawnByCounty

Webster's Zone 8a Lawn Challenges

Webster County earns a difficulty score of 28.6, slightly under the Mississippi state average of 30.9. This Zone 8a region faces a mix of poor soil drainage and significant annual drought. Homeowners must be strategic about water management to maintain healthy turf.

Managing 58.7 Inches of Annual Rain

Annual precipitation of 58.7 inches exceeds the national ideal, potentially leading to waterlogged soil. However, the county only sees 64 extreme heat days, which is lower than the state average of 73. This cooler profile provides a slight edge for lawn health compared to southern counties.

Overcoming Poorly Drained Silty Clay

The soil is classified as 'Somewhat poorly drained' with a silty clay loam texture and 14.3% clay. A pH of 5.25 indicates high acidity that needs to be corrected with lime to reach the 6.0 goal. Core aeration is highly recommended to improve oxygen flow in these dense soils.

Recovery From a High-Drought Year

Last year, the county suffered through 24 weeks of drought, causing significant stress to local lawns. Currently, only 11.7% of the area is abnormally dry, offering a much-needed period of recovery. Keep an eye on the forecast to ensure consistent moisture during the growing season.

Timing Your Spring Start

The last frost arrives around March 30, meaning you should wait until April to start seeding. Bermuda and Zoysia are robust choices that can handle the local soil types and moisture swings. Frost returns around November 4, providing a solid seven-month growing window.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Webster County's county score?
Webster County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 62.3 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 Webster County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Webster County ranks #5 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 Webster County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Webster County is $629, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Webster County a tax score of 77.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Webster County?
The median household income in Webster County, Mississippi is $59,964 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Webster County earns an income score of 38.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Webster County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Webster County scores 62.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Webster 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 Webster County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.