Bolivar County, Mississippi Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 26th-largest in Mississippi
The population of Bolivar County, Mississippi is 30,163 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 26th-largest county in Mississippi. The median household income is $37,315, the median home value is $123,600, and the median age is 36.6.
The population of Bolivar County has declined 16.7% since 2010 (34,104 → 28,395), a -1.30% annualized rate.
30,163
Population
-1.30%
Annual growth
34
People / sq mi
$37,315
Median Income
$123,600
Median Home Value
Bolivar County covers 877 sq mi of land at 34.4 people per square mile.
About Bolivar County, MS
Remote work is unusually rare in Bolivar County: 2.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the 14.0% national rate. Bolivar County is a county in Mississippi with a population of 30,163. It ranks #26 among counties in Mississippi by population.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $37,315, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 27.4%, is among the steepest of comparable US counties and above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $123,600, with typical rent around $671.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 26.6% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Almost everyone commutes — only 2.1% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
Bolivar County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Bolivar County had a population of 34,104 in 2010 and 28,395 in 2024, a -16.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 34,104 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.30%.
28,395
Population (2024)
34,104
Population (2010)
34,104
Peak (2010)
-1.30%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 34,104 |
| 2011 | 33,807 |
| 2012 | 34,002 |
| 2013 | 33,986 |
| 2014 | 33,824 |
| 2015 | 33,233 |
| 2016 | 32,533 |
| 2017 | 31,722 |
| 2018 | 31,154 |
| 2019 | 30,714 |
| 2020 | 30,843 |
| 2021 | 30,140 |
| 2022 | 29,443 |
| 2023 | 28,850 |
| 2024 | 28,395 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 30.7% |
| Black or African American | 63.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
36.6
Median Age
53.0%
Female
47.0%
Male
16.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.7% · Seniors (65+): 16.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $37,315$-17,600 vs state |
| Mean household income | $62,065 |
| Per-capita income | $25,359 |
| Poverty rate | 27.4%+13.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 46.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Bolivar County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.9%
Carpool
84.9%
Public transit
2.1%
Work from home
19.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$123,600$-37,800 vs state
Median home value
$671
Median rent
61.0%
Homeownership rate
13,679
Total housing units
87.0%
Occupied
13.0%
Vacant
39.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
86.4%
With health insurance
89.6%
With broadband internet
12.3%
Foreign-born
3.3%
Veterans (18+)
18.6%
With a disability
97.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
83.2%
High School+
26.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Mississippi
Other counties in Mississippi
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Bolivar County, Mississippi has a population of 30,163 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 26th-largest county in Mississippi. Population density is 34 people per square mile.
The population of Bolivar County has declined 16.7% since 2010 (34,104 → 28,395), a -1.30% annualized rate.
The median household income in Bolivar County, Mississippi is $37,315, with mean (average) household income of $62,065 and per-capita income of $25,359. 27.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Bolivar County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Black or African American (63.2%), White (30.7%), Hispanic or Latino (0.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Bolivar County, Mississippi is 36.6 years. Residents are 53.0% female and 47.0% male.
The median home value in Bolivar County is $123,600 and median monthly rent is $671. 61.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 13,679 total housing units, 13.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Bolivar County, Mississippi is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.7%.
Jackson is among the largest cities associated with Bolivar County, Mississippi, with a population of 149,827.
Bolivar County, MS Climate
Bolivar County, MS has an average annual temperature of 17.3°C (63°F) and receives about 1389 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
17.3°C
Avg Temp
1389
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5° / 41° | 118 mm |
| February | 8° / 46° | 120 mm |
| March | 13° / 55° | 149 mm |
| April | 18° / 64° | 137 mm |
| May | 22° / 72° | 135 mm |
| June | 26° / 79° | 108 mm |
| July | 28° / 82° | 107 mm |
| August | 27° / 80° | 70 mm |
| September | 24° / 75° | 82 mm |
| October | 18° / 64° | 85 mm |
| November | 12° / 53° | 133 mm |
| December | 7° / 45° | 145 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Bolivar County, MS
The most comfortable months to visit Bolivar County, MS are typically September, October and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near 0°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Bolivar County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.