Lafayette County
MS · Pop. 56,920 · Suburban County
Lafayette County, Mississippi covers 632 square miles with a population of 56,920 and a density of 90.1 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, soybeans, haylage. The median home price is $261,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.64%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 203-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.2°F and average winter lows of 31.7°F. Annual rainfall averages 59.2 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Baptist Memorial Hospital - North Ms is 2.6 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 99.7% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 203-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.
- Broadband reaches 99.7% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Baptist Memorial Hospital - North Ms, with an emergency room, is just 2.6 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.2% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- A poverty rate of 18.7% 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
Lafayette County, MS is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 75/100
- Median home price
- $261k
- Property tax
- 0.64%
- Growing season
- 203 days (zone 8a)
- Annual rainfall
- 59.2"
- Broadband
- 99.7%
- Nearest hospital
- Baptist Memorial Hospital - North Ms, 2.6 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Lafayette County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Lafayette County?
- Lafayette County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 203-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.2°F, and average winter lows of 31.7°F. The established crops are hay, soybeans, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $261,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.64%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 99.7% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Baptist Memorial Hospital - North Ms is 2.6 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Mississippi Resources
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More counties in Mississippi
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The closest counties to Lafayette 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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