Forrest County, Mississippi Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 8th-largest in Mississippi
The population of Forrest County, Mississippi is 78,027 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 8th-largest county in Mississippi. The median household income is $52,821, the median home value is $152,900, and the median age is 31.8.
The population of Forrest County has grown 4.7% since 2010 (74,944 → 78,435), a +0.33% annualized rate.
78,027
Population
+0.33%
Annual growth
167
People / sq mi
$52,821
Median Income
$152,900
Median Home Value
Forrest County covers 466 sq mi of land at 167.4 people per square mile.
About Forrest County, MS
Forrest County skews on age — the median resident is 31.8, younger than the national median. With 78,027 residents, Forrest County is a county in Mississippi. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Mississippi in the country, at #8 by population.
The typical household earns $52,821, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 16.5%, above the national 12.4%. Median home value is $152,900, with typical rent around $960.
About 29.5% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, below the 35.0% national figure. Home-based work is uncommon, at 3.1%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Forrest County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Forrest County had a population of 74,944 in 2010 and 78,435 in 2024, a 4.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 78,435 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.33%.
78,435
Population (2024)
74,944
Population (2010)
78,435
Peak (2024)
0.33%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 74,944 |
| 2011 | 75,796 |
| 2012 | 76,433 |
| 2013 | 76,614 |
| 2014 | 75,861 |
| 2015 | 75,642 |
| 2016 | 75,593 |
| 2017 | 75,190 |
| 2018 | 74,983 |
| 2019 | 75,035 |
| 2020 | 78,212 |
| 2021 | 77,996 |
| 2022 | 78,284 |
| 2023 | 78,432 |
| 2024 | 78,435 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 57.2% |
| Black or African American | 35.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
31.8
Median Age
53.3%
Female
46.7%
Male
13.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.9% · Seniors (65+): 13.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $52,821$-2,094 vs state |
| Mean household income | $74,247 |
| Per-capita income | $29,525 |
| Poverty rate | 16.5%+2.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 58.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Forrest County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
1.5%
Carpool
82.0%
Public transit
3.1%
Work from home
21.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$152,900$-8,500 vs state
Median home value
$960
Median rent
57.1%
Homeownership rate
33,672
Total housing units
88.3%
Occupied
11.7%
Vacant
42.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.0%
With health insurance
93.5%
With broadband internet
25.0%
Foreign-born
6.6%
Veterans (18+)
19.5%
With a disability
96.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.8%
High School+
29.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Mississippi
Other counties in Mississippi
Part of Mississippi
Metro areas in Mississippi
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Forrest County, Mississippi has a population of 78,027 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 8th-largest county in Mississippi. Population density is 167 people per square mile.
The population of Forrest County has grown 4.7% since 2010 (74,944 → 78,435), a +0.33% annualized rate.
The median household income in Forrest County, Mississippi is $52,821, with mean (average) household income of $74,247 and per-capita income of $29,525. 16.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Forrest County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (57.2%), Black or African American (35.8%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Forrest County, Mississippi is 31.8 years. Residents are 53.3% female and 46.7% male.
The median home value in Forrest County is $152,900 and median monthly rent is $960. 57.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 33,672 total housing units, 11.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Forrest County, Mississippi is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.9%.
Jackson is among the largest cities associated with Forrest County, Mississippi, with a population of 149,827.
Forrest County, MS Climate
Forrest County, MS has an average annual temperature of 18.5°C (65°F) and receives about 1592 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
18.5°C
Avg Temp
1592
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 9° / 48° | 165 mm |
| February | 11° / 51° | 136 mm |
| March | 15° / 59° | 163 mm |
| April | 18° / 65° | 137 mm |
| May | 22° / 72° | 136 mm |
| June | 26° / 78° | 113 mm |
| July | 27° / 81° | 149 mm |
| August | 27° / 80° | 128 mm |
| September | 24° / 76° | 109 mm |
| October | 19° / 66° | 91 mm |
| November | 14° / 57° | 125 mm |
| December | 10° / 51° | 140 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 Forrest County, MS
The most comfortable months to visit Forrest 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 3°C low). January is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Forrest County
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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.