Jefferson
Mississippi

What stands out

Three things set Jefferson County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the typical two-bedroom rent is among the lowest in America ($339 a month), unemployment is among the highest in America (13.0%), and the share working from home is among the lowest in America (1%). Within Mississippi it ranks 1st of 80 counties for the typical two-bedroom rent, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Jefferson County, Mississippi. 7,207 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 1.8% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -95).

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 $31,544 a year, lower than 97% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $43,225. Unemployment runs 13.0%, higher than almost every county in America. 1% of workers work from home.

Mississippi takes 2.7% of that median income in state income tax, about $862 a year.

Home

The median home costs $96K, cheaper than 98% of American counties, about 2.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $339 a month. Property tax is 1.11% of home value, roughly $847 a year on that median home, higher than 67% of American counties. 72% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.4 per 1,000 residents, higher than 76% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 72.2 years, shorter than 86% of American counties. There are 4 active physicians in the county, about 5.6 per 10,000 people. 12.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.15 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than almost every county in America. 76% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 58 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 71% 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 67°F, highs near 79 and lows near 56, warmer than 89% of American counties. About 53 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 13 out of 100, safer than 87% of American counties; the county has had 26 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 64 Mbps down, slower than 96% of American counties.