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Claiborne County

MS · Pop. 8,908 · Rural County

79/100Homestead Score

Claiborne County is a rural county in Mississippi, spanning 487 square miles with 8,908 residents at a density of 18.3 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, soybeans, haylage. A median home price of $81,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.58% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 227-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.3°F and average winter lows of 35°F. Annual rainfall averages 57.2 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Claiborne County Hospital is 4.5 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 40.2% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 0.58%
Growing Season: 227 days
Broadband: 40.2%
Density: 18.3/sq mi

Pros

  • A long 227-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
  • A low effective property tax rate of 0.58% holds annual carrying costs down.
  • A median home price of $81,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
  • Claiborne County Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 4.5 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
  • At 18.3 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.

Cons

  • Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
  • Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
  • Broadband reaches only 40.2% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
  • A poverty rate of 27.2% 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

Claiborne County, MS is a strong overall fit for homesteading.

Homestead score
79/100
Median home price
$81k
Property tax
0.58%
Growing season
227 days (zone 8b)
Annual rainfall
57.2"
Broadband
40.2%
Nearest hospital
Claiborne County Hospital, 4.5 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate0.58%
Median Household Income$34,371
Poverty Rate27.2%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$81K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone8b
Growing Season227 days
Annual Rainfall57.2 inches
Avg Summer High90.3°F
Avg Winter Low35°F
Top CropsHay, Soybeans, Haylage

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought7/10
Wildfire3/10
Tornado7/10
Flood3/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalClaiborne County Hospital (4.5 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities1

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage40.2%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate9%
Ag EconomyWeak

Homesteading in Claiborne County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Claiborne County?
Claiborne County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 227-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.3°F, and average winter lows of 35°F. The established crops are hay, soybeans, haylage.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $81,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.58%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 40.2% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
How close is healthcare?
Claiborne County Hospital is 4.5 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.

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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.