Yalobusha County

Mississippi · MS

#23 in Mississippi
70
County Score

County Report Card

About Yalobusha County, Mississippi

Yalobusha outpaces the nation

Yalobusha County scores 70.0 on the CountyScore composite index, well above the national median of 50.0—placing it in approximately the 72nd percentile nationally. This puts the county in the top three-tenths of all U.S. counties measured, a significant achievement for a rural Mississippi community.

Above average in Mississippi

Yalobusha ranks among the stronger performers in Mississippi with a composite score of 70.0, outpacing the state average of 67.5. This positions the county in the upper tier of Mississippi's 82 counties by overall livability.

Affordability and tax-friendly living

Yalobusha excels in cost of living (85.1) and risk management (80.5), with median home values of just $97,200 and an effective tax rate of 0.823%. The county also offers competitive property tax rates (79.1 score), making it an attractive option for budget-conscious households and retirees.

Income growth remains limited

The county's income score of 15.5 reflects a median household income of $49,171, notably below both state and national norms. Economic opportunity and wage growth are areas where Yalobusha lags, and prospective residents should weigh this against the county's affordability advantages.

Ideal for budget-aware retirees

Yalobusha suits retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing low costs and low taxes over high local incomes and urban amenities. The county's strong composite score reflects a stable, affordable foundation—though newcomers seeking robust job markets or higher earning potential may find opportunities limited.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax79.1Cost85.1SafetyComing SoonHealth55.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome15.5Risk80.5WaterComing Soon
🏛79.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠85.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼15.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
55.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
80.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Yalobusha County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.