Yalobusha County, Mississippi — County Report Card

MS

#45 in Mississippi
47.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 80.5Cost of Living 73.3Safety 66.3

County Report Card

About Yalobusha County, Mississippi

Yalobusha County Trails National Median Scores

Yalobusha County earns a composite score of 47.1, placing it just below the national median of 50.0. While the county offers affordability, its ranking reflects a lower performance in economic and social infrastructure compared to many U.S. peers.

Falling Just Below the Mississippi Average

The county's 47.1 composite score sits slightly behind the Mississippi state average of 48.4. Within the state's 82 counties, it maintains a middle-tier position by balancing high natural resilience against low local income markers.

Natural Safety and Housing Affordability Shine

The county excels with a Risk Score of 80.5, indicating high resilience against natural disasters. It also proves highly affordable with a Cost Score of 73.3 and a median home value of just $97,200.

Economic and Educational Gains Remain Elusive

The county faces significant hurdles in income and schools, scoring 12.8 and 14.3 respectively. With a median household income of $49,171, Yalobusha struggles to provide the economic mobility found in higher-scoring Mississippi counties.

Best for Resilient, Budget-Conscious Living

Yalobusha is an ideal fit for retirees or remote workers who prioritize low monthly costs and safety from environmental risks. Those requiring top-tier healthcare or high-performing school districts may find the current scores of 16.2 and 14.3 limiting.

Score breakdown

Tax51.2Cost73.3Safety66.3Health16.2Schools14.3Income12.8Risk80.5Water47Weather56.5
🏛51.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠73.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼12.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡66.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
16.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓14.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
80.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧47
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤56.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨38.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱25.7
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
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Yalobusha County?

Many homeowners in Yalobusha County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Deep Dives

Yalobusha County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Yalobusha County

via TaxByCounty

Yalobusha's tax rate beats the national average

At 0.823%, Yalobusha County's effective property tax rate runs well below the national median of 0.99%. The county's median annual tax of $800 is roughly 70% lower than the national median of $2,690, reflecting both lower home values and a competitive tax rate that ranks in the bottom third nationally.

Above average for Mississippi

Yalobusha's 0.823% effective rate sits above Mississippi's state average of 0.743%, placing it in the higher-taxed tier across the state. The county's $800 median tax also exceeds the state average of $931, making it one of the pricier counties for property owners in Mississippi.

Slightly lower taxes than Yazoo County

Yalobusha's 0.823% rate is meaningfully lower than neighboring Yazoo County's 0.890%, saving homeowners roughly $350 annually on a median-value home. Both counties exceed the state average, but Yalobusha offers some relief for property owners in the region.

What $97,200 homes cost annually

The median Yalobusha home valued at $97,200 generates an estimated $800 annual property tax bill. Homeowners with a mortgage pay closer to $852 once escrow accounts are factored in, while those owning outright pay approximately $724.

Many homeowners could save by appealing

Property assessments in Mississippi counties are regularly challenged and reduced through formal appeals. If you believe your home is overassessed relative to its market value, contacting your county assessor's office about an appeal could significantly lower your annual tax bill.

Cost of Living in Yalobusha County

via CostByCounty

Yalobusha rents eat 19.8% of income

Renters in Yalobusha County spend about $810 monthly on housing—nearly one-fifth of the median household income of $49,171. This rent-to-income ratio matches Mississippi's state average of 19.6%, but falls well below the national affordability crisis, where median household income tops $74,755 and stretches further.

Middle ground among Mississippi counties

Yalobusha ranks solidly in the middle tier for housing affordability across Mississippi's 82 counties, with a 19.8% rent-to-income ratio just above the state average of 19.6%. Renters here pay slightly more than the state median of $782, but the cost burden remains manageable compared to the state's least affordable regions.

Yalobusha edges out nearby Yazoo County

At $810 monthly rent, Yalobusha undercuts its neighbor Yazoo County's $804—though Yazoo's lower median income of $40,974 means renters there spend a crushing 23.6% of earnings on housing. For homebuyers, Yalobusha's median home value of $97,200 offers a $32,000 advantage over Yazoo's $129,200.

Housing costs break down simply here

Renters spend $810 monthly while homeowners pay $573, leaving both groups with breathing room against the $4,097 monthly median household income. Just 19.8% of income goes to rent and 13.4% to ownership costs, well below the national 30% affordability threshold.

Consider Yalobusha for true affordability

If you're relocating from a high-cost metro, Yalobusha offers rents 4% above state average but with stable home values under $100,000 and manageable ownership costs of $573 monthly. Compare these numbers to your current rent-to-income ratio—the math may surprise you.

Income & Jobs in Yalobusha County

via IncomeByCounty

Yalobusha lags national income average

Yalobusha's median household income of $49,171 sits 34% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This gap reflects broader economic challenges in rural Mississippi counties compared to the national average.

Above state average, middle rank

At $49,171, Yalobusha exceeds Mississippi's median household income of $48,514 by roughly $657 annually. The county ranks in the middle tier among Mississippi's 82 counties by household income.

Slightly stronger than nearby Yazoo

Yalobusha households earn about $8,197 more per year than those in neighboring Yazoo County ($40,974). This 20% income advantage positions Yalobusha as one of the stronger-earning counties in north-central Mississippi.

Housing remains affordable here

A rent-to-income ratio of 19.8% means housing costs take up less than one-fifth of typical household earnings—well below the affordability threshold of 30%. The median home value of $97,200 aligns reasonably with local incomes, making homeownership achievable for many families.

Build financial stability proactively

With median household income near $50,000, Yalobusha residents benefit from affordable housing and lower costs of living—ideal conditions to prioritize savings and retirement planning. Consider consulting a financial advisor about maximizing employer benefits, emergency funds, and long-term investment strategies suited to your local economy.

Safety in Yalobusha County

via CrimeByCounty

Yalobusha County Ranks Far Safer Than National Average

With a total crime rate of 792.1 per 100,000 residents, Yalobusha County tracks significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns an impressive safety score of 98.7 out of 100, reflecting its status as a secure community.

A Leader in Mississippi Public Safety

Yalobusha’s safety score of 98.7 exceeds the Mississippi state average of 98.4. This high ranking places the county among the more secure regions in the state, offering residents greater peace of mind than many neighboring areas.

Competitive Safety Rates Among Northern Mississippi Neighbors

The local crime rate of 792.1 per 100,000 is nearly 200 points lower than the state average of 978.4. While neighboring counties face varying challenges, Yalobusha maintains a consistent reputation for low criminal activity.

Low Violent Crime Defines Yalobusha's Profile

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 120.0 per 100,000, which is less than a third of the national average of 369.8. Property crime makes up the bulk of local incidents at 672.1, yet this still remains far below the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Vigilance Keeps Yalobusha Communities Secure

Even in high-safety areas, residents benefit from modern home security systems and neighborhood watch participation. Maintaining these habits ensures that Yalobusha's crime rates remain among the lowest in the state.

Health in Yalobusha County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy lags behind national average

Yalobusha residents live an average of 69.7 years, nearly 6 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. About 26% of the county reports poor or fair health, compared to the national average of 18%. These gaps reflect broader regional health challenges that demand attention and intervention.

County ranks in middle of Mississippi health outcomes

At 69.7 years, Yalobusha's life expectancy falls slightly below Mississippi's state average of 70.9 years. The county's uninsured rate of 11.8% is actually better than the state average of 13.9%, suggesting better insurance coverage locally. However, the poor/fair health rate remains a concern across the county.

Primary care access remains limited here

Yalobusha has 8 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—significantly fewer than neighboring Yazoo County's 23 per 100,000. Mental health providers are more available at 32 per 100,000, but overall access to routine medical care requires many residents to travel for appointments. This provider shortage affects preventive care and early treatment of chronic conditions.

Most Yalobusha residents have health coverage

About 88% of Yalobusha County residents have health insurance, with 11.8% uninsured. Despite reasonable coverage rates, the limited number of primary care providers means that even insured residents may struggle to find or reach a doctor. Telehealth and regional medical centers have become lifelines for accessible care.

Check your coverage options today

If you're among the 11.8% of Yalobusha residents without insurance, explore options through Mississippi's health insurance marketplace or Medicaid programs. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your county health department to learn about subsidies and plans that fit your budget. Having coverage connects you to the primary care providers available in your area.

Schools in Yalobusha County

via SchoolsByCounty

Four Schools Shared Between Two Districts

Yalobusha County operates a compact system of four public schools serving 1,458 students. The infrastructure is split between two separate districts, providing two elementary and two high schools for the community.

Academic Outcomes and Funding Benchmarks

The 82.6% graduation rate trails the state average, though per-pupil spending of $5,924 is nearly identical to the state's $5,954 average. The county maintains a school score of 47.3 as it works toward national proficiency benchmarks.

Water Valley and Coffeeville Districts

The Water Valley School District is the larger of the two, serving 1,041 students, while Coffeeville School District serves 417. Both districts follow traditional public models, with 0% charter school participation in the county.

Balanced Rural and Town Settings

The county's four schools are evenly split with two in rural areas and two in town settings. Davidson Elementary is the largest school by far with 605 students, whereas Coffeeville High School is the smallest with 158 students.

Relocate Near Local Educational Hubs

Families can choose between the larger Water Valley or more intimate Coffeeville districts when looking for a home here. Use school performance data to guide your search for the perfect Yalobusha County residence.

Disaster Risk in Yalobusha County

via RiskByCounty

Yalobusha's natural disaster risk is well below average

With a composite risk score of 19.53 and a Very Low rating, Yalobusha County faces significantly lower natural disaster risk than the typical American county. The national average composite risk score sits around 40-50, meaning Yalobusha residents enjoy substantially better odds against major hazards.

One of Mississippi's safest counties

Yalobusha ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Mississippi, with a composite score of 19.53 compared to the state average of 50.94. This means Yalobusha residents face roughly 2.6 times less natural disaster risk than the typical Mississippian.

Much safer than nearby Yazoo County

Yalobusha's composite risk score of 19.53 is dramatically lower than neighboring Yazoo County's 71.15—a difference of nearly 52 points. This makes Yalobusha one of the safest counties in the region, particularly for tornado and earthquake hazards.

Tornadoes and earthquakes pose modest concerns

While overall risk is low, Yalobusha's tornado risk score of 49.24 and earthquake risk of 71.69 represent the county's highest hazard exposures. Flood risk remains minimal at 19.15, and wildfire risk is low at 39.15.

Basic coverage keeps you prepared

Even in a low-risk county, homeowners should maintain standard property insurance and consider a separate tornado safety plan for the spring season. A simple safe room or basement shelter can provide critical protection during severe weather events.

Weather & Climate in Yalobusha County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cooler Pocket of the Deep South

Yalobusha County’s 61.5°F annual average is warmer than the national median but cooler than much of the surrounding state. It receives 57.6 inches of precipitation annually, typical for its humid subtropical designation.

Below the Mississippi State Temperature Average

At 61.5°F, the county is cooler than the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. It represents the more temperate climate found in the northern portion of the state.

Lighter Rainfall Than Southern Neighbors

Yalobusha’s 57.6 inches of rain is lower than the 64.8 inches recorded in Wilkinson County. It also experiences 69 extreme heat days, offering a slightly more moderate summer than counties further south.

Frosty Winters and Damp Summers

The county sees 0.7 inches of snow annually, which is higher than many of its southern counterparts. While winters average a chilly 43.3°F, July remains hot with an average of 80.0°F.

Balanced Prep for Heat and Cold

With 69 extreme heat days and more frequent winter freezes, insulation is vital for year-round energy efficiency. Be prepared for occasional winter weather events that exceed the state's typical trace amounts of snow.

Soil Quality in Yalobusha County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Silty Soils Define Yalobusha

Yalobusha soil features an average pH of 5.30, matching the Mississippi state average exactly. This acidic profile sits significantly lower than the national median of 6.5, necessitating lime treatments for many traditional garden crops. While specific taxonomic orders are not recorded, the pH level dictates the local chemical landscape.

A Silt-Heavy Foundation for Farming

The county's soil composition is 63.2% silt, 24.2% sand, and 12.6% clay. This high silt percentage creates a fine-textured earth that is easier to work than heavy clay soils. The balanced mix provides a stable medium for root development while maintaining decent aeration.

Superior Water Storage Despite Low Organics

Organic matter in Yalobusha is 1.47%, falling below the state average of 1.81% and the national 2.0% benchmark. However, its available water capacity of 0.195 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.174 in/in. This indicates the soil is exceptionally good at storing moisture during the hot Mississippi summers.

Managing Moisture in Silt Landscapes

While specific drainage class data is limited for this region, the high silt concentration typically indicates moderate natural drainage. Property owners should observe local runoff patterns, as silt-heavy soils can be prone to erosion if not managed with cover crops. Site-specific testing is recommended for any major building or irrigation projects.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 8a

Yalobusha earns a soil score of 38.8, which is higher than the Mississippi average of 35.7. The combination of hardiness zone 8a and acidic soil makes this an ideal home for blueberries, camellias, and heat-tolerant greens. Start your garden today to take advantage of this above-average local soil quality.

Lawn Care in Yalobusha County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in Yalobusha County

Yalobusha County scores a 25.7 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it significantly harder to maintain than the national median of 50.0. Located in Hardiness Zone 8a, local homeowners face tougher conditions than the Mississippi state average of 30.9.

Managing High Rainfall and Heat

Lawns here receive 57.6 inches of rain annually, which exceeds the ideal upper limit of 50 inches and can lead to saturation. With 69 extreme heat days and 5173 growing degree days, the climate demands a rigorous mowing and hydration schedule to prevent turf stress.

Correcting Highly Acidic Soil

The soil pH in Yalobusha is a low 5.30, falling well below the ideal range of 6.0 to 7.0 for healthy grass. With 12.6% clay and 24.2% sand, most yards require regular lime applications and nutrient adjustments to overcome the natural acidity.

Sustaining Lawns Through Severe Drought

The county endured 31 weeks in drought over the past year, and 40.9% of the area currently experiences severe drought conditions. To protect turf during these stretches, gardeners should prioritize deep watering while 100% of the county remains abnormally dry.

Planting for Success in Zone 8a

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia are ideal for this climate and should be established after the final spring frost on April 1. Plan your major lawn projects well before the first fall frost arrives around November 3 to ensure healthy root development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yalobusha County's county score?
Yalobusha County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 47.1 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 Yalobusha County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Yalobusha County ranks #45 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 Yalobusha County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Yalobusha County is $800, with an effective tax rate of 0.82%. This earns Yalobusha County a tax score of 51.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Yalobusha County?
The median household income in Yalobusha County, Mississippi is $49,171 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Yalobusha County earns an income score of 12.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Yalobusha County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Yalobusha County scores 47.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Yalobusha 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 Yalobusha County with other counties side by side.