Sharkey
Mississippi

What stands out

Against every county in America, Sharkey County is unusual in three ways: population growth is among the fastest shrinking in America (-3.6% a year), the share working from home is in the bottom 2% of American counties (1%), and life expectancy is in the bottom 2% of American counties (68.5 years). Within Mississippi it ranks 1st of 82 counties for population growth, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Sharkey County, Mississippi. 3,910 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 3.6% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -91).

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 $41,000 a year, lower than 93% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $38,700. Unemployment runs 5.9%, higher than 96% of American counties. 1% of workers work from home.

Mississippi takes 3.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,240 a year.

Home

The median home costs $118K, cheaper than 94% of American counties, about 1.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $576 a month. Property tax is 1.17% of home value, roughly $1,033 a year on that median home, higher than 71% of American counties. 58% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.5 per 1,000 residents, higher than 82% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 68.5 years, shorter than 98% of American counties. There are 3 active physicians in the county, about 7.7 per 10,000 people. 10.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.38 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 98% of American counties. 80% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 38 points. 65% 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 77 and lows near 56, warmer than 87% of American counties. About 54 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 29 out of 100, safer than 71% of American counties; the county has had 26 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 236 Mbps down, faster than 67% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation.