Stone
Mississippi

What stands out

If you had to describe Stone County in numbers, start here: the overdose death rate is among the lowest in America (-999 per 100,000), rainfall is in the top 5% of American counties (57 inches a year), and the average temperature is in the top 6% of American counties (69°F). Within Mississippi it ranks 2nd of 82 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Stone County, Mississippi. 18,360 people live here with you. The population grew 0.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +152).

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 $55,894 a year, lower than 64% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $42,655. Unemployment runs 4.2%, higher than 74% of American counties. 3% of workers work from home.

Mississippi takes 3.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,836 a year.

Home

The median home costs $206K, cheaper than 61% of American counties, about 2.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $766 a month. Property tax is 0.58% of home value, roughly $962 a year on that median home, lower than 79% of American counties. 78% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.1 per 1,000 residents, higher than 64% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 71.5 years, shorter than 90% of American counties. There are 11 active physicians in the county, about 6.0 per 10,000 people. 12.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.33 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 91% of American counties. 86% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 61 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 55% 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 69°F, highs near 79 and lows near 58, warmer than 94% of American counties. About 57 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 83 out of 100, riskier than 83% of American counties; the county has had 31 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 242 Mbps down, faster than 70% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.4 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.