Amite County
MS · Pop. 12,611 · Rural County
Amite County, Mississippi covers 730 square miles with a population of 12,611 and a density of 17.3 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, peas. The median home price is $90,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.48%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 244-day growing season, average summer highs of 91.2°F and average winter lows of 36.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 66.2 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Field Health Systems is 17.7 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 77.7% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 244-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.48% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $90,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- At 17.3 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Broadband reaches only 77.7% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- A poverty rate of 27% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Amite County, MS is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 80/100
- Median home price
- $90k
- Property tax
- 0.48%
- Growing season
- 244 days (zone 8b)
- Annual rainfall
- 66.2"
- Broadband
- 77.7%
- Nearest hospital
- Field Health Systems, 17.7 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Amite County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Amite County?
- Amite County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 244-day growing season, average summer highs of 91.2°F, and average winter lows of 36.6°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, peas.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $90,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.48%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 77.7% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Field Health Systems is 17.7 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Mississippi Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Mississippi
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The closest counties to Amite County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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