Hunt & Live

Tishomingo County, MS

18,619 residents · 424 sq mi · 43.9/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
60.6°F
58.6" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.93
Hardiness
Zone 9a
Winter low ~20.4°F

About Tishomingo County

Tishomingo County is a county located in the northeastern corner of the U.S. state of Mississippi. As of the 2020 census, the population was 18,850. Its county seat is Iuka.

39
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2250 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a primarily rural experience with a population density of 43.9 people per square mile, allowing for ample space and privacy. The climate features a mild annual mean temperature of 60.6°F and significant rainfall at 58.6 inches per year, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops. However, the humid climate may require attention to water management, especially during hotter months when summer highs reach 90°F.

This county faces notable natural hazards, particularly earthquakes (FEMA rank 81) and landslides (FEMA rank 77), which could pose risks for those looking to establish a homestead. The area also has a relatively high violence percentile at 95/100, indicating potential safety concerns. While the median home price is reasonable at $123,100, the effective property tax rate of 0.56% may be a consideration for budget-conscious individuals.

This location may appeal to those who prioritize rural living and can manage the risks associated with natural hazards. Individuals seeking a quiet, self-sufficient lifestyle may thrive here, particularly if they have experience with farming in a humid climate. However, those sensitive to safety concerns or who require extensive infrastructure and services may find this area challenging due to its lower broadband access at 40% and potential for natural disasters.

AI-generated analysis based on county data (climate, hazards, density, housing, economy). For general orientation only.

Key Facts

Ranked #2,156 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#43 of 82 in MS
Ranked #43 of 82 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: earthquake
FEMA ranks earthquake risk at 81/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
43.9 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 60.6°F annual mean and 58.6" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $123,100.

Score Breakdown

Violence
96
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
37
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
49
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
37.1
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 72
Drought 38
Earthquake 81
Hail 25
Hurricane 57
Heat Wave 67
Riverine Flood 31
Ice Storm 34
Landslide 77
Lightning 55
Strong Wind 35
Tornado 64
Wildfire 37
Winter Weather 14

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
90°F
Winter low
30.4°F
Heating degree days
3,265
Cooling degree days
1,700

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$123,100
Median HH income
$45,545
Price to income
2.7×
Property tax rate
0.56%
~$695/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
43.6
Homeownership
73.6%
Poverty rate
19.2%
Unemployment
3.5%

Connectivity

Broadband households
40.2%
No internet access
22.2%

Explore Tishomingo County Further

Similar Counties

Data sources. Prepper scores are national percentile ranks of firearm fatalities (County Health Rankings 2024 / CDC WONDER), FEMA National Risk Index 2023 composite disaster score, and population density (ACS 2022 + TIGER 2022 land area). Climate from NOAA nClimDiv 1991–2020 normals. Hardiness zone is estimated from climate data and may differ from the official USDA PHZM. Demographics and housing from Census ACS 5-year 2022. All scores are for comparison purposes only and do not constitute advice about where to live.