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 is a county in Mississippi with a population of 78,027. It ranks #8 among counties in Mississippi by population. The median age is 31.8, younger than the national median. The population is 46.7% male and 53.3% female.
The median household income in Forrest County is $52,821, below the US median of $74,580. 16.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $152,900, with monthly rent averaging $960. The homeownership rate of 57.1% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Forrest County reflects 29.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 3.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 21.2 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.
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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.