Hancock County, Mississippi Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 16th-largest in Mississippi
The population of Hancock County, Mississippi is 46,057 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 16th-largest county in Mississippi. The median household income is $67,728, the median home value is $206,600, and the median age is 45.7.
The population of Hancock County has grown 5.4% since 2010 (44,102 → 46,492), a +0.38% annualized rate.
46,057
Population
+0.38%
Annual growth
97
People / sq mi
$67,728
Median Income
$206,600
Median Home Value
Hancock County covers 474 sq mi of land at 97.2 people per square mile.
About Hancock County, MS
Hancock County is a county in Mississippi with a population of 46,057. It ranks #16 among counties in Mississippi by population. The median age is 45.7, older than the national median. The population is 48.8% male and 51.2% female.
The median household income in Hancock County is $67,728, below the US median of $74,580. 9.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $206,600, with monthly rent averaging $999. The homeownership rate of 78.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Hancock County reflects 24.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 10.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 33.0 minutes each way.
Hancock County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Hancock County had a population of 44,102 in 2010 and 46,492 in 2024, a 5.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 47,673 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: 0.38%.
46,492
Population (2024)
44,102
Population (2010)
47,673
Peak (2019)
0.38%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 44,102 |
| 2011 | 44,767 |
| 2012 | 45,296 |
| 2013 | 45,561 |
| 2014 | 46,029 |
| 2015 | 46,360 |
| 2016 | 46,708 |
| 2017 | 47,020 |
| 2018 | 47,295 |
| 2019 | 47,673 |
| 2020 | 46,130 |
| 2021 | 46,004 |
| 2022 | 46,047 |
| 2023 | 46,161 |
| 2024 | 46,492 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 84.4% |
| Black or African American | 6.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.7
Median Age
51.2%
Female
48.8%
Male
22.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.2% · Seniors (65+): 22.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $67,728+$12,813 vs state |
| Mean household income | $91,745 |
| Per-capita income | $38,730 |
| Poverty rate | 9.4%-4.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Hancock County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.0%
Carpool
77.2%
Public transit
10.6%
Work from home
33.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$206,600+$45,200 vs state
Median home value
$999
Median rent
78.7%
Homeownership rate
23,277
Total housing units
85.5%
Occupied
14.5%
Vacant
21.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.8%
With health insurance
94.5%
With broadband internet
51.8%
Foreign-born
9.8%
Veterans (18+)
18.8%
With a disability
96.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.7%
High School+
24.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Mississippi
Other counties in Mississippi
Part of Mississippi
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Hancock County, Mississippi has a population of 46,057 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 16th-largest county in Mississippi. Population density is 97 people per square mile.
The population of Hancock County has grown 5.4% since 2010 (44,102 → 46,492), a +0.38% annualized rate.
The median household income in Hancock County, Mississippi is $67,728, with mean (average) household income of $91,745 and per-capita income of $38,730. 9.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Hancock County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (84.4%), Black or African American (6.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Hancock County, Mississippi is 45.7 years. Residents are 51.2% female and 48.8% male.
The median home value in Hancock County is $206,600 and median monthly rent is $999. 78.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 23,277 total housing units, 14.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Hancock County, Mississippi is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.
Jackson is among the largest cities associated with Hancock 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.