CountyScore

Yazoo County

Mississippi · MS

#78 in Mississippi
62.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Yazoo County, Mississippi

Yazoo surpasses national median

Yazoo County scores 62.6 on the CountyScore composite index, outperforming the national median of 50.0 and placing it approximately in the 55th percentile nationally. While solid, the score reflects a more moderate livability profile compared to higher-scoring rural peers.

Slightly below Mississippi average

Yazoo's composite score of 62.6 falls just short of the state average of 67.5, positioning it in the middle range of Mississippi's 82 counties. The county ranks below many regional neighbors in overall livability metrics.

Cost and tax advantages remain

Yazoo offers strong affordability (81.9) and favorable tax treatment (77.2), with median gross rent at $804/month and an effective tax rate of 0.890%. These economic fundamentals provide a solid foundation for cost-conscious households.

Income and risk pose concerns

Yazoo faces meaningful headwinds: a median household income of just $40,974 (10.1 income score) ranks well below state peers, and a risk score of 28.9 signals vulnerability to economic or environmental hazards. Health indicators (50.9) also trail state and national norms, suggesting limited healthcare resources or outcomes.

For resilient, cost-focused residents

Yazoo suits determined households and retirees with modest incomes seeking very low living costs, though potential residents should carefully assess the county's economic resilience and health resources. The moderate composite score reflects tradeoffs: strong affordability offset by income constraints and elevated risk factors.

Score breakdown

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

Tax77.2Cost81.9SafetyComing SoonHealth50.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome10.1Risk28.9WaterComing Soon
🏛77.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼10.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤50.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡28.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Yazoo County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Brevard County
Florida
62.6
Median income: $75,817
Leon County
Florida
62.6
Median income: $65,074
Black Hawk County
Iowa
62.6
Median income: $64,581
Clay County
Missouri
62.6
Median income: $86,150
Halifax County
North Carolina
62.6
Median income: $45,071

Deep Dives

Yazoo County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Yazoo County

via TaxByCounty

Yazoo's rate stays below the national norm

Yazoo County's effective property tax rate of 0.890% remains lower than the national median of 0.99%, placing it in the moderate range nationally. Though the median annual tax of $1,150 trails the national median of $2,690, it's driven more by lower home values than by tax-code generosity.

Among Mississippi's highest-taxed counties

Yazoo County's 0.890% effective rate ranks notably above Mississippi's state average of 0.743%, making it one of the state's pricier counties for property taxes. At $1,150 annually, the median tax exceeds the state median of $931 by over 23%, signaling a genuine local burden for residents.

Yazoo taxes top nearby Yalobusha

Yazoo County's 0.890% rate edges higher than neighboring Yalobusha County's 0.823%, costing homeowners roughly $350 more annually on a median-value property. Both counties exceed the state average, but Yazoo carries the heavier local tax load in this corner of Mississippi.

What $129,200 homes cost annually

The median Yazoo home valued at $129,200 generates an estimated $1,150 annual property tax bill. Homeowners with a mortgage pay closer to $1,366 once escrow is included, while those owning outright pay approximately $673.

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 Yazoo County

via CostByCounty

Yazoo renters squeeze 23.6% of income

At $804 monthly rent against a median household income of just $40,974, Yazoo County renters dedicate 23.6% of earnings to housing—a significant burden that outpaces Mississippi's 19.6% state average. Compared to the national median income of $74,755, Yazoo's income gap widens the affordability crisis considerably.

Yazoo ranks among least affordable counties

Yazoo County's 23.6% rent-to-income ratio places it among Mississippi's least affordable counties, well above the state average of 19.6%. The combination of low median income and housing costs that don't decrease proportionally creates real strain on renters throughout the region.

Yazoo faces tougher odds than Yalobusha

Yazoo renters pay only $6 less monthly than Yalobusha ($804 vs. $810), yet earn $8,197 less annually ($40,974 vs. $49,171), pushing their rent burden to 23.6%—4 percentage points higher than their neighbor. Homebuyers face even steeper challenges: median home values of $129,200 significantly exceed Yalobusha's $97,200.

Every housing dollar hits harder here

Renters pay $804 monthly (23.6% of income) while homeowners pay $793 (23.2% of income)—both figures far exceed the 30% affordability guideline despite lower absolute costs. The $40,974 median household income, or $3,415 monthly, leaves little buffer after housing expenses.

Yazoo demands careful affordability math

Relocating to Yazoo requires matching its lower incomes: renters earning under $41,000 will find affordable homes, but higher earners may feel constrained. Home buyers should weigh the $129,200 median value and $793 monthly ownership cost against limited local income growth opportunities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Yazoo County

via IncomeByCounty

Yazoo earns 45% below national median

Yazoo County's median household income of $40,974 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly $34,000 annually. This significant gap places Yazoo among the lowest-income counties nationally and reflects persistent economic headwinds in rural Mississippi.

Ranks below state average

At $40,974, Yazoo falls short of Mississippi's median household income of $48,514 by about $7,540 per year. The county ranks in the lower third among Mississippi's 82 counties on household income.

Lower earnings than Yalobusha

Yazoo households earn approximately $8,197 less annually than those in neighboring Yalobusha County ($49,171). This 20% income gap underscores economic disparities within the region and highlights Yazoo's particular financial pressures.

Housing costs rising relative to income

Yazoo's rent-to-income ratio of 23.6% means housing expenses consume nearly one-quarter of median household earnings, approaching the affordability threshold of 30%. While the median home value of $129,200 is higher than in Yalobusha, it represents a larger burden relative to local incomes, requiring careful budgeting.

Strengthen your financial foundation

For Yazoo households earning around $41,000 annually, strategic financial planning is essential to build security and generational wealth. Explore local resources for financial literacy, explore side income opportunities, and prioritize even small contributions to savings—these steps compound significantly over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Yazoo County

via HealthByCounty

Health outcomes trail national benchmarks significantly

Yazoo County residents have a life expectancy of 70.3 years, about 5.8 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years. Nearly 30% report poor or fair health—far exceeding the national average of 18%. These numbers underscore persistent health disparities that affect daily life and long-term outcomes for thousands in the county.

County faces among Mississippi's toughest health challenges

At 70.3 years, Yazoo's life expectancy falls below Mississippi's state average of 70.9 years, placing it in the lower tier statewide. The 30.4% poor/fair health rate is notably higher than the state average, indicating a community experiencing significant health burdens. The uninsured rate of 13.1% closely mirrors the state average of 13.9%.

Better provider access than neighboring Yalobusha

Yazoo County has 23 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—nearly three times Yalobusha County's 8 per 100,000. Mental health support is notably stronger at 213 providers per 100,000, suggesting better access to behavioral health services. This provider density reflects Yazoo's larger population base and somewhat better infrastructure for care delivery.

Most residents have insurance, but health challenges persist

About 87% of Yazoo County residents carry health insurance, with 13.1% remaining uninsured. Despite having more primary care providers than neighboring counties, the high rate of reported poor/fair health suggests barriers beyond insurance—including poverty, chronic disease, and limited preventive care use. Healthcare access is necessary but not sufficient without addressing underlying community health needs.

Expand coverage to strengthen your health

If you're among the 13% of Yazoo residents without insurance, now is the time to explore coverage options through healthcare.gov or Mississippi Medicaid. With more primary care providers in the county, having insurance means you can actually access routine and preventive care. Visit your county health department or a certified enrollment counselor to find the right plan.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Yazoo County

via RiskByCounty

Yazoo's risk is slightly above the national average

With a composite risk score of 71.15 and a Relatively Low rating, Yazoo County faces moderate natural disaster risk that exceeds typical American counties. This score reflects exposure to multiple hazards, particularly severe tornadoes and significant hurricane potential.

Above-average risk for Mississippi

Yazoo County's composite risk score of 71.15 is 40% higher than Mississippi's state average of 50.94, placing it among the more hazard-prone counties in the state. Tornado and hurricane risks drive much of this elevation above the state baseline.

Significantly riskier than neighboring Yalobusha

Yazoo's composite risk score of 71.15 towers over neighboring Yalobusha County's 19.53—nearly a 4-fold difference. This makes Yazoo substantially more exposed to natural disasters than surrounding counties, especially tornado activity.

Tornadoes and hurricanes demand attention

Yazoo County faces exceptional tornado risk with a score of 89.15 and significant hurricane risk at 70.50, making these the primary threats to residents and property. Flood risk of 48.54 and wildfire risk of 44.53 also warrant preparedness planning.

Comprehensive insurance and a safety plan are essential

Yazoo residents should prioritize homeowners insurance with adequate wind and hail coverage, plus separate flood insurance given the 48.54 flood risk score. Designate a storm shelter or safe room and maintain an emergency kit stocked for tornado season and hurricane warnings.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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