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Wilkinson County, Mississippi — County Report Card

MS

#29 in Mississippi

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
54.8
County Score
Safety 97.5Cost of Living 92.2Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Wilkinson County, Mississippi

Wilkinson County beats the national median

Earning a composite score of 54.8, Wilkinson County stands above the national median of 50.0. This performance is fueled by elite safety ratings and some of the lowest housing costs in the country. It offers a unique value proposition compared to other rural U.S. counties.

Performing well above state levels

Wilkinson County's 54.8 score comfortably beats the Mississippi state average of 48.4. It distinguishes itself as a safe haven with high environmental stability. While it faces economic challenges, its overall livability profile is stronger than most of its peers.

Elite safety and housing value

The county features a near-perfect Safety Score of 97.5 and a Cost Score of 92.2. With a median home value of just $80,200, it is one of the most affordable places to own property in the state. The Water Score of 86.0 also ensures high-quality local resources.

Struggling with income and schools

Wilkinson faces an uphill battle with an Income Score of 1.1 and a School Score of 10.8. Median household income is just $35,930, reflecting a lack of diverse local employment. The Health Score of 11.0 also points to a need for better healthcare infrastructure.

A safe, affordable rural retreat

Wilkinson County is best for those with independent incomes who prioritize safety and low overhead above all else. It is an excellent fit for retirees looking to maximize their savings while living in a peaceful, secure environment. It offers a slow pace of life with unmatched financial entry points.

Score breakdown

Tax48.2Cost92.2Safety97.5Health11Schools10.8Income1.1Risk66.6Water86Weather36.4
🏛48.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠92.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼1.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤11
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓10.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡66.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨49.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱33
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

West Feliciana Parish
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65.8
Concordia Parish
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Adams County
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East Feliciana Parish
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Pointe Coupee Parish
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Franklin County
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Amite County
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Avoyelles Parish
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Deep Dives

Wilkinson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Wilkinson County

via TaxByCounty

Wilkinson County taxes still below US median

Wilkinson County's effective tax rate of 0.862% exceeds the national median of 0.92% only slightly and remains highly competitive nationally. The median annual tax of $691 is just 26% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's modestly valued housing stock.

Highest tax rate among surveyed counties

Wilkinson County's 0.862% effective rate is the highest among the eight surveyed counties and exceeds Mississippi's state average of 0.743% by 16%. It ranks in the upper quartile statewide, second only to Warren County (0.855%) in this group.

Top regional tax rate despite modest bill

Wilkinson County's 0.862% rate is the highest in the south-central region, surpassing Warren (0.855%), Washington (0.843%), Walthall (0.784%), Wayne (0.779%), Winston (0.648%), Union (0.576%), and Webster (0.574%). However, the median annual tax of $691 remains low due to low home values.

Highest rate yields modest $691 annual tax

Despite the region's highest effective rate, Wilkinson County's median home value of $80,200 produces only $691 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that rises to $971; without, it falls to $539, remaining affordable even at the area's highest rate.

Assessment accuracy matters more here

Wilkinson County's higher effective rate means even modest overassessments carry proportionally greater impact than in lower-tax neighbors. Obtain your assessment record, compare it thoroughly to recent comparable sales, and appeal if you believe your home has been overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wilkinson County

via CostByCounty

Wilkinson County stretches low incomes thin

Wilkinson County renters spend 22.5% of income on rent, well above the national affordability standard of 12%. With median household income at just $35,930—the lowest in this group—housing costs consume a disproportionate share of household earnings.

Among Mississippi's least affordable

Wilkinson County's 22.5% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds the Mississippi state average of 19.6%, ranking it among the state's most burdened counties. At median rent of $674 against median income of $35,930, housing takes a heavy toll on household budgets.

Struggling worse than most peers

Wilkinson County's 22.5% burden exceeds Union (19.2%), Warren (18.8%), and Winston (16.0%), though it edges slightly better than Wayne (25.6%) and Washington (23.5%). Among low-income Mississippi counties, Wilkinson faces above-average housing pressure.

Homeownership nearly matches rental costs

Wilkinson County homeowners pay $498 monthly versus renters at $674—a $176 advantage for ownership. With median household income at $35,930 and median home value at $80,200, homeownership emerges as the more affordable path for those able to save for purchase.

Wilkinson residents: explore higher-income counties

Wilkinson County renters facing a 22.5% housing burden should compare nearby Webster County (12.4%) or Winston County (16.0%), where the same income supports more comfortable living. A relocation within Mississippi could free up $100+ monthly in rent savings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wilkinson County

via IncomeByCounty

Wilkinson County ranks among poorest nationally

Wilkinson County's median household income of $35,930 sits in the bottom 5% of U.S. counties, falling 52% below the national median of $74,755. Compared to Mississippi's state average of $48,514, Wilkinson trails by 26%, signaling acute economic hardship.

Lowest-income county in this group

Wilkinson County ranks near the bottom of Mississippi's 82 counties, with minimal competition for the state's lowest incomes. This position reflects severe employment limitations, population loss, and structural economic challenges across southwest Mississippi.

Poorest performer among peer counties

Wilkinson County's $35,930 income is the lowest among these eight counties, $1,000 below Wayne County and more than $24,000 below Webster County ($59,964). This gap underscores concentrated poverty in southwest Mississippi.

Housing costs strain thin budgets

Wilkinson County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.5% consumes more than one-fifth of earnings for housing, leaving limited funds for healthcare, food, and transportation. The median home value of $80,200 is the lowest in the group but still demanding on the lowest incomes.

Build resilience through free resources

On the lowest income in this group, focus on basic financial stability: eliminate high-interest debt, access free community financial counseling, and build even a small emergency fund. Many nonprofits offer matched savings programs that amplify your contributions—seek these out.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wilkinson County

via CrimeByCounty

Incomplete Reporting in Wilkinson County

Wilkinson County reports a 0.0 crime rate per 100,000, which is technically lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 100.0, though the data comes from only one reporting agency.

Wilkinson's Statistical Rank in Mississippi

The technical safety score of 100.0 places Wilkinson County above the state average of 98.4. However, with zero reported incidents, this figure should be viewed as an incomplete data set rather than a total lack of crime.

Limited Data Compared to Neighboring Counties

Wilkinson County's single reporting agency shows no activity, while other regional counties report hundreds of incidents. This discrepancy highlights a need for more consistent data reporting in the local area.

What Zero Reported Crimes Mean

The property and violent crime rates are currently listed at 0.0 per 100,000 residents. This suggests the local agency has not yet transmitted finalized 2022 crime statistics to the federal tracking system.

Stay Alert Despite Low Numbers

Always practice standard safety measures regardless of official statistics, as reporting gaps can hide local trends. Keeping gates locked and using motion-activated lights are effective ways to protect your property.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Wilkinson County

via HealthByCounty

Wilkinson County shows highest health burden

Wilkinson County's life expectancy of 68.6 years trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 7.8 years. At 29.4%, its poor/fair health rate is the highest among all peer counties and far exceeds the national average of 18%, reflecting the most severe population health challenges.

Among Mississippi's least healthy counties

Wilkinson County's life expectancy of 68.6 years ranks among the lowest statewide—2.3 years below Mississippi's state average of 70.9 years. Its poor/fair health rate of 29.4% is the worst in the peer group and ranks among the state's highest.

Lowest life expectancy with sparse providers

Wilkinson County's 68.6-year life expectancy is the lowest among all neighboring counties except Washington County (66.9 years). With 36 primary care and 37 mental health providers per 100K, Wilkinson offers limited capacity compared to Warren County's robust provider network.

Low uninsured rate masks access challenges

Despite a relatively low uninsured rate of 12.8%—below the state average of 13.9%—Wilkinson County residents face sparse provider networks and poor health outcomes. The disconnect suggests that coverage alone isn't enough without also addressing provider supply and health infrastructure.

Coverage is necessary, not sufficient

Wilkinson County residents need both insurance and access to local providers to improve health outcomes. If uninsured, visit healthcare.gov today; if insured, work with your provider to address chronic conditions and preventive care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Wilkinson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Rural School System

Wilkinson County manages a modest education landscape of five schools serving just 891 students. This rural network includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools.

Opportunities for Growth in Performance

The current graduation rate of 77.0% is below the state average, though the county invests $6,014 per pupil. This spending level is higher than the Mississippi average of $5,954, indicating a strong financial commitment to its students.

The Wilkinson County School District

The Wilkinson County School District is the sole provider for all 891 students in the area. With no charter schools available, the district remains the central pillar for all local educational initiatives and community programming.

Intimate and Entirely Rural Schools

Every campus in the county is located in a rural setting, with an average school size of only 223 students. Wilkinson County High is the largest at 262 students, while Finch Elementary is the smallest with just 199 students.

Find a Home in a Close-Knit District

If you value small class sizes and a rural lifestyle, Wilkinson County's school system offers an intimate setting for learners. Explore local real estate to find a home in a community where every student is known by name.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wilkinson County

via RiskByCounty

Wilkinson County poses low risk

Wilkinson County's composite risk score of 33.46 earns a very low rating, placing it well below Mississippi's state average of 50.94. This favorable profile means residents enjoy below-average exposure to major natural disasters overall.

Well below state average risk

Wilkinson County ranks among Mississippi's safer counties, with its 33.46 score positioning it in the lower-risk tier statewide. This puts the county among the state's better protected areas for natural disaster exposure.

Safest in its immediate area

Wilkinson County's risk profile is substantially lower than nearby Walthall County (25.54)—actually the state's safest—but significantly outpaces Wayne County (55.66) to the east. This makes Wilkinson a relatively safe zone within its region.

Hurricanes and tornadoes pose most concern

Wilkinson County residents face elevated hurricane risk (80.89) as the primary concern, followed by moderate tornado exposure (49.01) and manageable flood risk (33.84). Earthquake (28.31) and wildfire (37.50) threats remain secondary.

Hurricane coverage and standard policies

Wilkinson County homeowners should prioritize hurricane and wind damage coverage given the 80.89 hurricane risk score, considering a windstorm policy if standard coverage limits apply. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers tornado damage, but verify this protection with your agent given the 49.01 tornado risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wilkinson County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm and Wet Subtropical Environment

Wilkinson County averages 66.3°F annually, significantly exceeding the national median temperature. This warm climate is paired with 64.8 inches of annual rainfall, placing it among the wetter regions in the United States.

Exceeding the Mississippi State Temperature Average

The county's average temperature of 66.3°F sits nearly 2.5 degrees above the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. It remains one of the warmer southern entries in the state's climate profile.

Warmer and Wetter Than Regional Neighbors

Wilkinson’s 64.8 inches of precipitation is much higher than the state average of 59.6 inches. While it shares a 66.3°F annual average with Yazoo County, it receives significantly more rain than its neighbors to the north.

Mild Winters and Significant Summer Heat

The county experiences 77 extreme heat days annually where temperatures hit 90°F or higher. Winters are notably mild with a 50.8°F average and a negligible 0.1 inches of typical annual snowfall.

Preparing for Humidity and Heavy Rain

With 64.8 inches of rain, homeowners should prioritize high-capacity gutters and proper site drainage. The 77 days of extreme heat require efficient cooling systems to maintain comfort during the long summer months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wilkinson County

via SoilByCounty

Deep South Loess and Silt

Wilkinson County averages a soil pH of 5.75, which is notably higher than the state average of 5.30. This suggests a less weathered, more nutrient-available soil profile that bridges the gap toward the national 6.5 median.

Dominant Silt Composition

The soil is 59.0% silt and 23.8% sand, providing a silty texture that is common along the Mississippi River bluffs. With 17.2% clay, the soil offers a good balance of workability and structural stability.

Excellent Moisture Availability

With an available water capacity of 0.191 in/in, Wilkinson County exceeds state benchmarks for water storage. The organic matter content is 1.70%, providing a solid foundation for plant growth in this warm, humid climate.

Silty Soils and Erosion Risk

Although specific drainage classes are not listed, the 59% silt content makes these soils highly susceptible to erosion if left bare. Managing water runoff is critical in this hilly southwestern corner of the state.

Warm Weather Success in Zone 9a

As one of the few Mississippi counties in zone 9a, Wilkinson allows for an extended growing season for citrus and other semi-tropical plants. The silty, moisture-rich soil is perfect for large-scale vegetable gardens and productive orchards.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wilkinson County

via LawnByCounty

Zone 9a Lawn Care in Wilkinson

Wilkinson County has a difficulty score of 33.0, performing slightly better than the 30.9 state average. As a Zone 9a region, it experience some of the warmest winters and longest growing seasons in the state. This requires specialized grass types that can handle subtropical conditions.

Mississippi's Wettest Growing Environment

With 64.8 inches of annual precipitation, Wilkinson is significantly wetter than the 50-inch ideal max. It also faces 77 extreme heat days, which creates high humidity and disease pressure for most turf. Proper air circulation and height-of-cut management are essential here.

A Foundation of Acidic Silt and Clay

The soil pH is 5.75, which is close but still below the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range. The soil contains 17.2% clay and 23.8% sand, creating a texture that holds moisture but can lose nutrients in heavy rain. Adding lime can help bridge the gap to a perfect nutrient-balanced soil.

Navigating Severe Drought Conditions

Wilkinson is currently facing extreme water stress, with 86.5% of the county in severe drought (D2+). This follows a year with 11 weeks of drought, making drought-tolerant grass varieties a must-have. Residents should prioritize water conservation while keeping established lawns alive.

Planting for the Subtropical South

The early March 11 frost date allows for a very long growing season that stretches into late November. St. Augustine and Centipede grasses are the best performers for these Zone 9a heat and humidity levels. Start your planting in mid-March to establish the lawn before the peak summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wilkinson County's county score?
Wilkinson County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 54.8 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 Wilkinson County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Wilkinson County ranks #29 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 Wilkinson County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Wilkinson County is $691, with an effective tax rate of 0.86%. This earns Wilkinson County a tax score of 48.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wilkinson County?
The median household income in Wilkinson County, Mississippi is $35,930 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wilkinson County earns an income score of 1.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wilkinson County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Wilkinson County scores 54.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #29 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Wilkinson 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 Wilkinson 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.