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
In Holmes County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $76,500. With 16,491 residents, Holmes County is a county in Mississippi.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $29,434, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US counties: 34.1%, above the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $76,500, with typical rent around $589.
Holmes County is among the least college-educated US counties, at 13.7% — below the national 35.0%. Home-based work is uncommon, at 2.7%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 35 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.
Holmes County, MS Climate
Holmes County, MS has an average annual temperature of 17.1°C (63°F) and receives about 1414 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
17.1°C
Avg Temp
1414
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6° / 43° | 137 mm |
| February | 8° / 47° | 125 mm |
| March | 13° / 55° | 153 mm |
| April | 17° / 62° | 140 mm |
| May | 21° / 70° | 133 mm |
| June | 25° / 77° | 98 mm |
| July | 27° / 80° | 105 mm |
| August | 27° / 80° | 81 mm |
| September | 24° / 74° | 77 mm |
| October | 18° / 64° | 95 mm |
| November | 12° / 54° | 128 mm |
| December | 8° / 46° | 142 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 Holmes County, MS
The most comfortable months to visit Holmes County, MS are typically September, May and October, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near 1°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Holmes County
Visiting or relocating to Holmes County, MS? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Holmes County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Holmes County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Holmes County, MS by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from Mississippi
Population 222,494
Population 209,443
Population 188,598
Population 158,218
Full rankings of Mississippi counties
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.