Covington County
MS · Pop. 18,226 · Suburban County
Covington County sits in Mississippi across 414 square miles, home to 18,226 people at 44 per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, cotton, soybeans. A median home price of $99,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.69% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 240-day growing season, average summer highs of 89.5°F and average winter lows of 36.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 59 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Covington County Hospital is 0.4 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 81.1% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 240-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.69% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $99,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Covington County Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 0.4 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.8% reflects a stable local job base.
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.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Covington County, MS is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 84/100
- Median home price
- $99k
- Property tax
- 0.69%
- Growing season
- 240 days (zone 8b)
- Annual rainfall
- 59"
- Broadband
- 81.1%
- Nearest hospital
- Covington County Hospital, 0.4 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Covington County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Covington County?
- Covington County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 240-day growing season, average summer highs of 89.5°F, and average winter lows of 36.6°F. The established crops are hay, cotton, soybeans.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $99,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.69%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 81.1% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Covington County Hospital is 0.4 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Mississippi Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Mississippi
All Mississippi countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Covington 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.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.