Smith
Mississippi

What stands out

If you had to describe Smith County in numbers, start here: the restaurant count per person is among the fewest in America (0.2 per 1,000), homeownership is among the highest in America (87%), and the overdose death rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0 per 100,000). Within Mississippi it ranks 5th of 68 counties for the restaurant count per person, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Smith County, Mississippi. 14,310 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.1% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +41).

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 $51,983 a year, lower than 75% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $48,765. Unemployment runs 3.7%, higher than 60% of American counties. 6% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 28 minutes each way.

Mississippi takes 3.2% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,679 a year.

Home

The median home costs $165K, cheaper than 78% of American counties, about 1.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $625 a month. Property tax is 0.52% of home value, roughly $624 a year on that median home, lower than 86% of American counties. 87% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.1 per 1,000 residents, higher than 63% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 73.7 years, shorter than 74% of American counties. There are 2 active physicians in the county, about 1.4 per 10,000 people. 13.3% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.05 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 62% of American counties. 82% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 62 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 69% 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 66°F, highs near 79 and lows near 54, warmer than 87% of American counties. About 53 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 55 out of 100, riskier than 56% of American counties; the county has had 25 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 228 Mbps down, faster than 63% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.2 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.