Calhoun
Mississippi

What stands out

Three things set Calhoun County apart from the other 3,142 counties: high-school completion is in the bottom 6% of American counties (78%), population growth is in the bottom 7% of American counties (-1.3% a year), and the median home price is in the bottom 8% of American counties ($128K). Within Mississippi it ranks 13th of 82 counties for high-school completion, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Calhoun County, Mississippi. 13,193 people live here with you. The population shrank 1.3% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -134).

Mississippi exempts all retirement income from its income tax, which is a flat 4% on income over $10,000 for 2026 and is scheduled to be eliminated over the coming decade. Home prices and overall cost of living are the lowest in the country. The state also ranks last or near last on health, income and school measures, and the Gulf coast carries hurricane exposure.

Money

The typical household here brings in $44,505 a year, lower than 89% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $38,736. Unemployment runs 4.1%, higher than 73% of American counties. 3% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 27 minutes each way.

Mississippi takes 3.1% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,380 a year.

Home

The median home costs $128K, cheaper than 92% of American counties, about 1.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $598 a month. Property tax is 0.72% of home value, roughly $594 a year on that median home, lower than 63% of American counties. 71% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.3 per 1,000 residents, higher than 74% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 12 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 71.2 years, shorter than 92% of American counties. There are 2 active physicians in the county, about 1.5 per 10,000 people. 16.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.10 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 63% of American counties. 78% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 49 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 62% of eligible voters turned out. Under Mississippi law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 64°F, highs near 75 and lows near 52, warmer than 79% of American counties. About 51 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 37 out of 100, safer than 63% of American counties; the county has had 22 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 248 Mbps down, faster than 73% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation.