Covington County, Mississippi Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 50th-largest in Mississippi
The population of Covington County, Mississippi is 18,226 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 50th-largest county in Mississippi. The median household income is $47,001, the median home value is $98,500, and the median age is 37.7.
The population of Covington County has declined 8.0% since 2010 (19,578 → 18,015), a -0.59% annualized rate.
18,226
Population
-0.59%
Annual growth
44
People / sq mi
$47,001
Median Income
$98,500
Median Home Value
Covington County covers 414 sq mi of land at 44.0 people per square mile.
About Covington County, MS
Covington County is a county in Mississippi with a population of 18,226. It ranks #50 among counties in Mississippi by population. The median age is 37.7, younger than the national median. The population is 50.3% male and 49.7% female.
The median household income in Covington County is $47,001, below the US median of $74,580. 16.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $98,500, with monthly rent averaging $639. The homeownership rate of 76.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Covington County reflects 15.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 3.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 26.1 minutes each way.
Covington County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Covington County had a population of 19,578 in 2010 and 18,015 in 2024, a -8.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 19,578 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.59%.
18,015
Population (2024)
19,578
Population (2010)
19,578
Peak (2010)
-0.59%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 19,578 |
| 2011 | 19,488 |
| 2012 | 19,447 |
| 2013 | 19,214 |
| 2014 | 19,161 |
| 2015 | 19,253 |
| 2016 | 19,171 |
| 2017 | 19,016 |
| 2018 | 18,781 |
| 2019 | 18,562 |
| 2020 | 18,301 |
| 2021 | 18,280 |
| 2022 | 18,126 |
| 2023 | 18,020 |
| 2024 | 18,015 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 60.4% |
| Black or African American | 34.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.3% |
Age & Sex
37.7
Median Age
49.7%
Female
50.3%
Male
17.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.0% · Seniors (65+): 17.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $47,001$-7,914 vs state |
| Mean household income | $65,573 |
| Per-capita income | $26,323 |
| Poverty rate | 16.7%+2.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Covington County is professional & business services, accounting for 29.2% of workers.
How residents commute
1.5%
Drive alone
1.1%
Carpool
84.1%
Public transit
3.9%
Work from home
26.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$98,500$-62,900 vs state
Median home value
$639
Median rent
76.0%
Homeownership rate
8,360
Total housing units
84.7%
Occupied
15.3%
Vacant
24.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.8%
With health insurance
89.5%
With broadband internet
14.9%
Foreign-born
7.2%
Veterans (18+)
17.0%
With a disability
98.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
84.7%
High School+
15.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Mississippi
Other counties in Mississippi
Part of Mississippi
Metro areas in Mississippi
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Covington County, Mississippi has a population of 18,226 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 50th-largest county in Mississippi. Population density is 44 people per square mile.
The population of Covington County has declined 8.0% since 2010 (19,578 → 18,015), a -0.59% annualized rate.
The median household income in Covington County, Mississippi is $47,001, with mean (average) household income of $65,573 and per-capita income of $26,323. 16.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Covington County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (60.4%), Black or African American (34.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Covington County, Mississippi is 37.7 years. Residents are 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
The median home value in Covington County is $98,500 and median monthly rent is $639. 76.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,360 total housing units, 15.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Covington County, Mississippi is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 29.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Jackson is among the largest cities associated with Covington County, Mississippi, with a population of 149,827.
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Statewide data for Mississippi
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Mississippi
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.