Jefferson County
MS · Pop. 7,127 · Rural County
Jefferson County is a rural county in Mississippi, spanning 520 square miles with 7,127 residents at a density of 13.7 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on cotton, hay, soybeans. The median home price is $81,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1%. 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 59.5 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Jefferson County Hospital is 2.4 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 53.4% of homes. On the hazard side, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 227-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A median home price of $81,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Jefferson County Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 2.4 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- At 13.7 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- Broadband reaches only 53.4% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- A poverty rate of 28.5% 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
Jefferson County, MS is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 80/100
- Median home price
- $81k
- Property tax
- 1%
- Growing season
- 227 days (zone 8b)
- Annual rainfall
- 59.5"
- Broadband
- 53.4%
- Nearest hospital
- Jefferson County Hospital, 2.4 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Jefferson County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Jefferson County?
- Jefferson 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 cotton, hay, soybeans.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $81,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 53.4% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Jefferson County Hospital is 2.4 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Mississippi Resources
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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 Jefferson 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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