Holmes County, Mississippi Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 54th-largest in Mississippi
The population of Holmes County, Mississippi is 16,491 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 54th-largest county in Mississippi. The median household income is $29,434, the median home value is $76,500, and the median age is 35.8.
The population of Holmes County has declined 19.8% since 2010 (19,406 → 15,560), a -1.57% annualized rate.
16,491
Population
-1.57%
Annual growth
22
People / sq mi
$29,434
Median Income
$76,500
Median Home Value
Holmes County covers 757 sq mi of land at 21.8 people per square mile.
About Holmes County, MS
Holmes County is a county in Mississippi with a population of 16,491. It ranks #54 among counties in Mississippi by population. The median age is 35.8, younger than the national median. The population is 48.1% male and 51.9% female.
The median household income in Holmes County is $29,434, below the US median of $74,580. 34.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $76,500, with monthly rent averaging $589. The homeownership rate of 60.6% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Holmes County reflects 13.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 2.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 34.6 minutes each way.
Holmes County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Holmes County had a population of 19,406 in 2010 and 15,560 in 2024, a -19.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 19,406 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.56%.
15,560
Population (2024)
19,406
Population (2010)
19,406
Peak (2010)
-1.56%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 19,406 |
| 2011 | 19,081 |
| 2012 | 18,921 |
| 2013 | 18,801 |
| 2014 | 18,508 |
| 2015 | 18,362 |
| 2016 | 18,002 |
| 2017 | 17,846 |
| 2018 | 17,458 |
| 2019 | 17,036 |
| 2020 | 16,876 |
| 2021 | 16,535 |
| 2022 | 16,147 |
| 2023 | 15,836 |
| 2024 | 15,560 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 14.2% |
| Black or African American | 82.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
35.8
Median Age
51.9%
Female
48.1%
Male
16.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.0% · Seniors (65+): 16.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $29,434$-25,481 vs state |
| Mean household income | $55,138 |
| Per-capita income | $22,044 |
| Poverty rate | 34.1%+19.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 40.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Holmes County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.3% of workers.
How residents commute
1.0%
Drive alone
2.2%
Carpool
87.8%
Public transit
2.7%
Work from home
34.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$76,500$-84,900 vs state
Median home value
$589
Median rent
60.6%
Homeownership rate
7,573
Total housing units
79.3%
Occupied
20.7%
Vacant
39.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.4%
With health insurance
84.3%
With broadband internet
9.3%
Foreign-born
4.3%
Veterans (18+)
33.3%
With a disability
99.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
82.4%
High School+
13.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Mississippi
Other counties in Mississippi
Part of Mississippi
Metro areas in Mississippi
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Holmes County, Mississippi has a population of 16,491 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 54th-largest county in Mississippi. Population density is 22 people per square mile.
The population of Holmes County has declined 19.8% since 2010 (19,406 → 15,560), a -1.57% annualized rate.
The median household income in Holmes County, Mississippi is $29,434, with mean (average) household income of $55,138 and per-capita income of $22,044. 34.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Holmes County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Black or African American (82.4%), White (14.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Holmes County, Mississippi is 35.8 years. Residents are 51.9% female and 48.1% male.
The median home value in Holmes County is $76,500 and median monthly rent is $589. 60.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,573 total housing units, 20.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Holmes County, Mississippi is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.9%.
Jackson is among the largest cities associated with Holmes 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.