Itawamba County
MS · Pop. 23,942 · Suburban County
Itawamba County is a suburban county in Mississippi, spanning 533 square miles with 23,942 residents at a density of 44.9 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on soybeans, cotton, hay. The median home price is $122,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.64%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 208-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.9°F and average winter lows of 31.5°F. Annual rainfall averages 59.8 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Red Bay Hospital is 17.4 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 95.6% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is very high, drought risk is 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 0.64% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $122,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 95.6% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.4% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- The nearest hospital, Red Bay Hospital, is 17.4 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Itawamba County, MS is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 78/100
- Median home price
- $122k
- Property tax
- 0.64%
- Growing season
- 208 days (zone 8a)
- Annual rainfall
- 59.8"
- Broadband
- 95.6%
- Nearest hospital
- Red Bay Hospital, 17.4 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Itawamba County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Itawamba County?
- Itawamba County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 208-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.9°F, and average winter lows of 31.5°F. The established crops are soybeans, cotton, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $122,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.64%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 95.6% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Red Bay Hospital is 17.4 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Mississippi Resources
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More counties in Mississippi
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The closest counties to Itawamba 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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