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Yalobusha County, Mississippi — County Report Card

MS

#45 in Mississippi

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
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.

2040608010051.273.366.316.214.312.880.54756.5Tax51.2Cost73.3Safety66.3Health16.2Schools14.3Income12.8Risk80.5Water47Weather56.547.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Yalobusha County DNA

Foverall

How Yalobusha County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Yalobusha County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (80.5/100) but notably weak in Schools (14.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
51.2
Cost
73.3+25.299999999999997
Safety
66.3+11.299999999999997
Health
16.2-33.8
Schools
14.3-39.7
Income
12.8-38.2
Risk
80.5+33.5
Water
47-11
Weather
56.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$97,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$810/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$97,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $49,171/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

32.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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Deep Dives

Yalobusha County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Yalobusha County

via WaterByCounty

Compliance Grade D for Yalobusha Systems

Yalobusha County earns a D grade for drinking water quality with three health violations recorded over the past five years. Despite the low grade, the county's violation rate of 20.7 per 100,000 residents remains significantly better than the Mississippi state average of 92.1.

Assessment Pending for Local Watersheds

Federal agencies have not yet assessed Yalobusha County's water bodies under the Clean Water Act §303(d) standards. While this means no waters are officially listed as impaired, it also highlights a gap in current watershed health reporting for the region.

Thousands of Readings Track Organic Pesticides

Water quality monitoring remains active with nine sites producing 4,152 measurements over the last five years. Data collection focuses heavily on physical characteristics and organic compounds, including specific monitoring for pesticides.

Otoucalofa Creek Flows Far Above Normal

The USGS gauge at Otoucalofa Creek Canal near Water Valley reports a discharge of 3,530 cubic feet per second, which is 2047% of its long-term mean. This current flow is drastically higher than the typical discharge of 172 cubic feet per second for this time of year.

Manage Water Safety During High Runoff

Extreme streamflow levels can increase sediment and pesticide runoff into local source waters. Because the county has a D grade and active pesticide monitoring, residents should consider using certified water filters to ensure tap water safety during these high-flow periods.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

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.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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