Itawamba
Mississippi

What stands out

Three things set Itawamba County apart from the other 3,142 counties: rainfall is in the top 5% of American counties (56 inches a year). Within Mississippi it ranks 6th of 82 counties for rainfall.

Where you are

You live in Itawamba County, Mississippi. 23,888 people live here with you. The population grew 0.5% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (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 $57,252 a year, lower than 60% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $42,652. Unemployment runs 3.4%, higher than 50% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 23 minutes each way.

Mississippi takes 3.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,890 a year.

Home

The median home costs $166K, cheaper than 78% of American counties, about 1.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $774 a month. Property tax is 0.64% of home value, roughly $726 a year on that median home, lower than 73% of American counties. 80% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.9 per 1,000 residents, higher than 50% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 15 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 72.9 years, shorter than 81% of American counties. There are 8 active physicians in the county, about 3.3 per 10,000 people. 12.2% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.96 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 51% of American counties. 85% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 79 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 59% 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 63°F, highs near 74 and lows near 53, warmer than 77% of American counties. About 56 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 32 out of 100, safer than 68% of American counties; the county has had 26 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 248 Mbps down, faster than 73% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.