Winston
Mississippi

What stands out

Three things set Winston County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the share working from home is in the bottom 3% of American counties (2%), the typical two-bedroom rent is in the bottom 4% of American counties ($538 a month), and the overdose death rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0 per 100,000). Within Mississippi it ranks 21st of 82 counties for the share working from home, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Winston County, Mississippi. 17,741 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.5% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -16).

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 $45,516 a year, lower than 87% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $49,215. Unemployment runs 4.4%, higher than 79% of American counties. 2% of workers work from home.

Mississippi takes 3.1% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,421 a year.

Home

The median home costs $147K, cheaper than 85% of American counties, about 2.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $538 a month. Property tax is 0.71% of home value, roughly $779 a year on that median home, lower than 64% of American counties. 71% 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 72.5 years, shorter than 84% of American counties. There are 9 active physicians in the county, about 5.1 per 10,000 people. 13.5% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.84 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 62% of American counties. 85% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 18 points. 66% 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 65°F, highs near 76 and lows near 53, warmer than 82% of American counties. About 53 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 52 out of 100, riskier than 52% of American counties; the county has had 18 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 256 Mbps down, faster than 77% 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.