Scott County
MS · Pop. 27,754 · Suburban County
Scott County is a suburban county in Mississippi, spanning 609 square miles with 27,754 residents at a density of 45.6 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, soybeans, haylage. The median home price is $90,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.8%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 219-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.4°F and average winter lows of 34.5°F. Annual rainfall averages 58.9 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. S.E. Lackey Memorial Hospital is 4.9 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 75% 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 219-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.8% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $90,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- S.E. Lackey Memorial Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 4.9 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.3% 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.
- Broadband reaches only 75% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- A poverty rate of 20.7% 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
Scott County, MS is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 73/100
- Median home price
- $90k
- Property tax
- 0.8%
- Growing season
- 219 days (zone 8b)
- Annual rainfall
- 58.9"
- Broadband
- 75%
- Nearest hospital
- S.E. Lackey Memorial Hospital, 4.9 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Scott County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Scott County?
- Scott County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 219-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.4°F, and average winter lows of 34.5°F. The established crops are hay, soybeans, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $90,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.8%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 75% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- S.E. Lackey Memorial Hospital is 4.9 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
Explore Mississippi Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Mississippi
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The closest counties to Scott 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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