Webster
Mississippi

What stands out

What stands out about Webster County: the overdose death rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0 per 100,000), the share working from home is in the bottom 5% of American counties (2%), and life expectancy is in the bottom 5% of American counties (70.4 years). Within Mississippi it ranks 14th of 82 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Webster County, Mississippi. 9,942 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 0.4% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +100).

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 $55,657 a year, lower than 65% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $41,232. Unemployment runs 3.9%, higher than 67% of American counties. 2% of workers work from home.

Mississippi takes 3.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,826 a year.

Home

The median home costs $163K, cheaper than 79% of American counties, about 1.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $614 a month. Property tax is 0.60% of home value, roughly $650 a year on that median home, lower than 76% of American counties. 78% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.9 per 1,000 residents, higher than 51% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 70.4 years, shorter than 95% of American counties. There are 7 active physicians in the county, about 7.0 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 12.4% 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 95% of American counties. 85% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 66 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 73% 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 64°F, highs near 75 and lows near 53, warmer than 80% of American counties. About 52 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 18 out of 100, safer than 82% of American counties; the county has had 22 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 295 Mbps down, faster than 94% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.