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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 51.8% of the population. Hancock County is a county in Mississippi with a population of 46,057. It ranks #16 among counties in Mississippi by population.
The typical household here earns about $67,728, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 9.4%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $206,600, with typical rent around $999.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 24.6% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. A solid 10.6% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 33 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Hancock County, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
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
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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.