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
Housing cost is the defining feature of Covington County: the median home is valued at $98,500. Covington County is a county in Mississippi with a population of 18,226. It ranks #50 among counties in Mississippi by population.
The typical household earns $47,001, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 16.7%, above the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $98,500, with typical rent around $639.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 15.9%, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 3.9% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 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.
Covington County, MS Climate
Covington County, MS has an average annual temperature of 18.1°C (65°F) and receives about 1523 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
18.1°C
Avg Temp
1523
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 8° / 47° | 144 mm |
| February | 10° / 50° | 137 mm |
| March | 14° / 58° | 161 mm |
| April | 18° / 64° | 141 mm |
| May | 22° / 72° | 135 mm |
| June | 26° / 78° | 105 mm |
| July | 27° / 81° | 129 mm |
| August | 27° / 80° | 110 mm |
| September | 24° / 76° | 102 mm |
| October | 18° / 65° | 89 mm |
| November | 13° / 56° | 116 mm |
| December | 10° / 49° | 154 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 Covington County, MS
The most comfortable months to visit Covington County, MS are typically October, May and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near 2°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Covington County
Visiting or relocating to Covington County, MS? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Covington County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Covington County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Covington County, MS by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from Mississippi
Population 222,494
Population 209,443
Population 188,598
Population 158,218
Full rankings of Mississippi counties
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.