Holmes County
MS · Pop. 16,491 · Rural County
Holmes County is a rural county in Mississippi, spanning 757 square miles with 16,491 residents at a density of 21.8 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on soybeans, corn, cotton. The median home price is $77,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.91%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 208-day growing season, average summer highs of 89.3°F and average winter lows of 32°F. Annual rainfall averages 55.2 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Holmes County Hospital and Clinics is 3.6 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 81.2% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 208-day growing season in USDA zone 8a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.91% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $77,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Holmes County Hospital and Clinics, with an emergency room, is just 3.6 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on soybeans, corn, cotton means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
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.
- A poverty rate of 38% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
At a glance
Holmes County, MS is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 74/100
- Median home price
- $77k
- Property tax
- 0.91%
- Growing season
- 208 days (zone 8a)
- Annual rainfall
- 55.2"
- Broadband
- 81.2%
- Nearest hospital
- Holmes County Hospital and Clinics, 3.6 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Holmes County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Holmes County?
- Holmes County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 208-day growing season, average summer highs of 89.3°F, and average winter lows of 32°F. The established crops are soybeans, corn, cotton.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $77,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.91%. There's no published county per-acre figure, so use recent comparable sales to gauge raw-land value.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 81.2% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Holmes County Hospital and Clinics is 3.6 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
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
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More counties in Mississippi
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The closest counties to Holmes 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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