countyscore
48.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 85.1Property Tax 68.8

County Report Card

About Winston County, Mississippi

Winston County nearly meets national marks

With a composite score of 48.5, Winston County sits just below the national median of 50.0. The county balances excellent resource quality with a very low cost of living. It maintains a competitive profile for a rural Southern county.

Edges above the state average

Winston County's score of 48.5 slightly exceeds the Mississippi average of 48.4. It offers a stable, affordable alternative to the state's more expensive metro areas. It ranks as a reliable, middle-tier option for Mississippi residents.

Excellent water quality and low costs

Winston County earns a high Water Score of 86.0 and a strong Cost Score of 85.1. The effective tax rate of 0.648% keeps the Tax Score at a solid 68.8, helping residents keep more of their earnings. Median rent is a bargain at $654 per month.

Safety and health need attention

The Safety Score of 29.0 and Health Score of 16.3 are the primary factors holding the county back. These scores suggest a need for improved community security and better access to medical providers. While schools perform decently at 38.7, economic opportunity remains limited with an Income Score of 12.7.

The bargain-hunter's choice

Winston County is a great match for renters and homeowners looking for high-quality water and low monthly expenses. It serves those well who are comfortable in a traditional rural setting and have established healthcare elsewhere. It offers one of the best cost-to-quality ratios for basic utilities in the state.

Score breakdown

Tax68.8Cost85.1Safety29Health16.3Schools38.7Income12.7Risk60.1Water86Weather50
🏛68.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡29
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤16.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓38.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡60.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨25.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30.5
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

Neshoba County
Mississippi
42
Choctaw County
Mississippi
62.7
Oktibbeha County
Mississippi
33.7
Noxubee County
Mississippi
48.6
Kemper County
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Attala County
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Webster County
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Leake County
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Deep Dives

Winston County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Winston County

via TaxByCounty

Winston County taxes far below national levels

Winston County's effective tax rate of 0.648% is about 70% of the national median of 0.92%, delivering substantial tax savings to homeowners. The median annual property tax of $785 represents just 29% of the national median of $2,690.

Below Mississippi average, middling statewide

Winston County's 0.648% effective rate runs below Mississippi's state average of 0.743%, placing it in the lower-middle tier among the state's 82 counties. It outperforms Warren, Washington, Wilkinson, Walthall, and Wayne while trailing Union and Webster.

Favorable rates compared to high-tax neighbors

Winston County's 0.648% rate sits comfortably between the lowest-tax pair—Union (0.576%) and Webster (0.574%)—and the higher-tax counties like Warren (0.855%) and Wilkinson (0.862%). It offers a balanced middle ground for regional homeowners.

Median Winston home: $785 annual tax bill

A median Winston County home valued at $121,200 generates $785 in annual property taxes, placing it firmly in the middle-to-lower range among the eight counties. With a mortgage, the bill rises to $1,005; without, it drops to $656.

Review assessment to maximize value

Winston County's moderate effective rate and home values make accurate assessments important for homeowner affordability. Check your assessment notice, verify it against recent comparable sales in your community, and file an appeal if your assessed value appears inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Winston County

via CostByCounty

Winston County delivers solid affordability

Winston County renters spend 16.0% of income on rent, meaningfully below the national affordability standard and among the nation's better housing markets. With median household income at $49,071 supporting median rent of $654, housing remains accessible for working families.

Among Mississippi's most affordable

Winston County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio beats the Mississippi state average of 19.6%, ranking it among the state's best-positioned counties for housing affordability. At $654 median rent, it undercuts the state median of $782 while maintaining stable local incomes.

Strong performer across the region

Winston County's 16.0% burden outperforms all peer counties except Webster (12.4%), matching or beating Union (19.2%), Warren (18.8%), and dramatically surpassing Washington (23.5%) and Wayne (25.6%). The region's second-strongest affordability position.

Balanced tenure options for families

Homeowners in Winston pay $638 monthly versus renters at $654—nearly identical, with median home value at $121,200. With median household income at $49,071, housing costs consume just 16% of household budgets, leaving substantial room for other essential expenses.

Winston: accessible housing for working families

Families comparing Winston to higher-burden counties like Union (19.2%) or Warren (18.8%) will find notably easier housing payments relative to income. With strong affordability just behind Webster County, Winston offers a compelling relocation option for budget-conscious Mississippi movers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Winston County

via IncomeByCounty

Winston County slightly beats state average

Winston County's median household income of $49,071 edges out Mississippi's state average of $48,514 by less than 1%, but lags the national median of $74,755 by 34%. This middling position reflects a below-average but not severely distressed local economy.

Solid middle position statewide

Winston County ranks around the 50th percentile of Mississippi's 82 counties, with roughly equal numbers earning more and less. This central position reflects typical rural Mississippi economic conditions without extreme disadvantage or advantage.

Middle income among eight peer counties

Winston County's $49,071 sits between the higher earners (Union, Warren, Webster) and the struggling counties (Washington, Wayne, Wilkinson), with Walthall County ($45,444) just below. The $10,000+ spread to Webster County signals opportunities for economic development.

Housing remains reasonably affordable

Winston County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.0% is among the best in this group, allowing households to direct more resources beyond housing costs. The median home value of $121,200 is accessible relative to local income, supporting stable homeownership.

Steady income supports incremental wealth-building

Winston County's modest-but-stable income provides a foundation for consistent savings and investment, starting with employer retirement benefits if available. Focus on regular contributions to low-cost index funds or savings accounts to build long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Winston County

via CrimeByCounty

Winston County Safety Trends and National Averages

Winston County reports a total crime rate of 1,702.3 per 100,000 residents, which remains lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 97.3.

Winston County Ranks Below State Average

The county's safety score of 97.3 is lower than the Mississippi average of 98.4. Its total crime rate of 1,702.3 is significantly higher than the state average of 978.4 per 100,000 residents.

A Regional Comparison of Crime Rates

Winston County's crime rate of 1,702.3 is notably higher than nearby Webster County's rate of 673.9. Two local agencies provide these figures, showing a more active crime landscape than some of its neighbors.

High Violent Crime vs Low Property Crime

Winston County faces a violent crime rate of 490.4 per 100,000, which is higher than the national average of 369.8. However, its property crime rate of 1,211.9 is much lower than the national average of 2,015.7.

Staying Safe in Winston County

Because violent crime rates exceed national averages, personal safety awareness is critical for Winston residents. Engage with local community groups and law enforcement to stay informed about recent activity in your area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Winston County

via HealthByCounty

Winston County approaches national life expectancy

At 72.3 years, Winston County's life expectancy is among the highest in the peer group and approaches Mississippi's state average—though it still trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 4.1 years. Its poor/fair health rate of 26.9% exceeds the national average of 18%, indicating room for improvement.

Above average on longevity, strong on mental health

Winston County's life expectancy of 72.3 years exceeds Mississippi's state average of 70.9 years by 1.4 years, placing it among the state's better-performing counties. With 201 mental health providers per 100K, it offers strong behavioral health access relative to most peer counties.

Strong mental health, limited primary care

Winston County offers 28 primary care providers per 100K—the lowest among all neighbors—but compensates with 201 mental health providers, making it strong in behavioral care. This imbalance suggests Winston excels in mental health while potentially struggling with basic primary care access.

Good coverage, but primary care is the bottleneck

Winston County's uninsured rate of 13.9% matches the state average exactly, meaning most residents have coverage. However, with only 28 primary care providers per 100K—the lowest in the region—access to routine and preventive care remains a critical challenge.

Coverage helps—now find a primary care provider

Most Winston County residents have insurance, but scheduling with a primary care provider can be difficult due to limited supply. If uninsured, visit healthcare.gov; if insured, ask your provider about telehealth or care coordination options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Winston County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Seven-School System with Diverse Levels

Winston County features seven public schools that serve 2,523 students under a single administration. The landscape is unique, featuring two attendance centers that cover kindergarten through 12th grade alongside traditional elementary and high schools.

Superior Graduation Rates in Winston

The county boasts an impressive 92.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the state and national average of approximately 87%. This high achievement is maintained despite a per-pupil expenditure of $5,810, which is slightly below the state average.

Louisville Municipal School District Authority

All public education in the county is managed by the Louisville Municipal School District. The county does not host any charter schools, relying on its seven traditional campuses to serve its diverse student body.

Town Locales and Attendance Centers

Five of the county's schools are located in town settings, while two remain rural. Nanih Waiya Attendance Center is the largest site with 523 students, while the average school size across the county is 421.

Invest in a High-Performing Community

With some of the best graduation rates in the state, Winston County is a premier destination for families. Consider a home near the town of Louisville to benefit from the district's proven academic success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Winston County

via RiskByCounty

Winston County shows low hazard exposure

Winston County's composite risk score of 39.89 earns a very low rating, placing it below Mississippi's state average of 50.94. While the county faces some natural hazards, its overall risk profile remains manageable compared to state peers.

Below-average risk in Mississippi

Winston County ranks in the safer tier of Mississippi's 82 counties for natural disaster risk, with its 39.89 score comfortably below the state median. This positions Winston among the state's more protected counties.

Safer than Union, riskier than Webster

Winston County's risk profile sits between its neighbors: Union County (43.51) faces moderately higher hazards, while Webster County (12.60) ranks as the state's safest. This middle positioning makes Winston a relatively safe area regionally.

Tornadoes and hurricanes lead threats

Winston County residents face elevated tornado risk (79.17) as the primary concern, followed by notable hurricane exposure (72.55) and moderate earthquake risk (68.48). Wildfire (35.53) and flood (22.23) risks remain secondary and manageable.

Tornado and wind coverage essential

Winston County homeowners should ensure their policies include strong tornado and wind protection given the 79.17 tornado risk score. Verify comprehensive coverage for hail and storm damage, and consider a windstorm policy if standard homeowners coverage limits wind exposure given the 72.55 hurricane risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Winston County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Southern Warmth in Winston County

Winston County maintains an annual average temperature of 63.5°F, well above the median for the United States. The region receives a robust 58.9 inches of precipitation throughout the year.

Consistent With Mississippi State Averages

The county’s 63.5°F average temperature is nearly identical to the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. Its 58.9 inches of rainfall also closely mirrors the statewide norm of 59.6 inches.

A Middle-Ground Climate for the Region

Winston experiences 66 extreme heat days, which is fewer than the 90 days seen in Yazoo County. It is slightly cooler than southern neighbors like Wilkinson but warmer than the northern reaches of the state.

Stable Seasons and Reliable Summer Heat

July temperatures average 81.0°F, contributing to over two months of extreme heat annually. Winter temperatures average 46.3°F, and while snowfall data is limited, the season remains generally mild compared to national standards.

Managing Seasonal Downpours and Heat

Residents should service HVAC units early to prepare for 66 days of 90-degree weather. Additionally, ensure home seals are tight to handle the 58.9 inches of rain that fall during the humid year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Winston County

via SoilByCounty

Strongly Acidic Soils of Winston County

Winston County has a very low average soil pH of 4.94, making it one of the most acidic regions in the state. This is significantly lower than the Mississippi average of 5.30 and the national median of 6.5, presenting a challenge for most common crops.

A Sandy and Silty Blend

The soil contains 43.3% sand and 38.7% silt, resulting in a loamy texture that is relatively easy to till. However, the low 15.8% clay content means the soil may struggle to hold onto nutrients without regular organic amendments.

Lower Organic Matter and Average Water

At 1.58% organic matter, Winston County sits below both the state and national averages. The available water capacity is a modest 0.169 in/in, indicating that the soil has a limited ability to store water during the hot summer months.

Managing Water in Sandy Loam

Detailed drainage and hydrologic data are unavailable, but the high sand content suggests moderate to rapid water movement. This minimizes waterlogging risks but requires gardeners to be proactive with mulching to retain surface moisture.

Pines and Blueberries in Zone 8a

The intense acidity in Winston County's zone 8a makes it a natural home for southern pines and acid-loving berries. Homeowners should focus on blueberries and azaleas, or use lime to raise the pH if they wish to grow traditional garden vegetables.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Winston County

via LawnByCounty

Average Lawn Difficulty in Winston

Winston County’s lawn difficulty score of 30.5 sits right at the Mississippi state average of 30.9. While manageable, it remains more difficult than the national median of 50.0. The Zone 8a climate provides a standard challenge for warm-season turf.

Managing Moderate Heat and High Rain

The county experiences 66 extreme heat days, which is slightly better than the state average of 73. However, the 58.9 inches of annual rain can lead to runoff and nutrient leaching. Homeowners must balance their fertilization with these heavy rainfall events.

The Challenge of Highly Acidic Soil

Winston has a very low soil pH of 4.94, well below the ideal 6.0 range for most grass types. With 43.3% sand and 15.8% clay, the soil is prone to losing nutrients quickly. Significant lime application is required to neutralize the acidity and foster healthy grass.

Currently Navigating Abnormally Dry Soil

While Winston only saw 5 weeks of drought last year, 72.8% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry. This sudden shift means residents should keep their watering systems ready. Monitoring soil moisture is key to preventing grass from entering early dormancy.

Seeding After the March Frost

The growing season begins after the final frost on March 21 and ends in mid-November. Bermuda and Zoysia grasses are the best options for this Zone 8a climate. Ensure you apply lime early in the spring to help your grass take advantage of the 5655 growing degree days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Winston County's county score?
Winston 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 Winston County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Winston County ranks #38 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 Winston County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Winston County is $785, with an effective tax rate of 0.65%. This earns Winston County a tax score of 68.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Winston County?
The median household income in Winston County, Mississippi is $49,071 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Winston County earns an income score of 12.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Winston County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Winston County scores 48.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #38 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Winston 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 Winston 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.