Simpson County
MS · Pop. 25,817 · Suburban County
Simpson County sits in Mississippi across 589 square miles, home to 25,817 people at 43.8 per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, corn. A median home price of $112,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.6% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 216-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.3°F and average winter lows of 34.2°F. Annual rainfall averages 56.5 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Simpson General Hospital is 5 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 66% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 216-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.6% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $112,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Simpson General Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 5 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.6% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Broadband reaches only 66% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- A poverty rate of 19.4% 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
Simpson County, MS is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 71/100
- Median home price
- $112k
- Property tax
- 0.6%
- Growing season
- 216 days (zone 8b)
- Annual rainfall
- 56.5"
- Broadband
- 66%
- Nearest hospital
- Simpson General Hospital, 5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Simpson County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Simpson County?
- Simpson County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 216-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.3°F, and average winter lows of 34.2°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $112,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.6%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 66% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Simpson General Hospital is 5 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
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More counties in Mississippi
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The closest counties to Simpson 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.