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Population Review

Kemper County, Mississippi Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 73rd-largest in Mississippi

The population of Kemper County, Mississippi is 8,855 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 73rd-largest county in Mississippi. The median household income is $43,595, the median home value is $90,200, and the median age is 40.7.

The population of Kemper County has declined 18.1% since 2010 (10,454 → 8,562), a -1.42% annualized rate.

Kemper County within Mississippi · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

8,855

Population

-1.42%

Annual growth

12

People / sq mi

$43,595

Median Income

$90,200

Median Home Value

Kemper County covers 766 sq mi of land at 11.6 people per square mile.

About Kemper County, MS

Kemper County is a county in Mississippi with a population of 8,855. It ranks #73 among counties in Mississippi by population. The median age is 40.7, older than the national median. The population is 50.7% male and 49.3% female.

The median household income in Kemper County is $43,595, below the US median of $74,580. 21.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $90,200, with monthly rent averaging $470. The homeownership rate of 77.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Kemper County reflects 17.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 2.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 32.1 minutes each way.

Kemper County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Kemper County had a population of 10,454 in 2010 and 8,562 in 2024, a -18.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 10,454 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.39%.

2010 · 10K20102024

8,562

Population (2024)

10,454

Population (2010)

10,454

Peak (2010)

-1.39%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201010,454
201110,292
201210,392
201310,295
201410,222
201510,108
201610,041
201710,089
20189,714
20199,780
20208,962
20218,809
20228,692
20238,620
20248,562

Race & Ethnicity

White33.7%
Black or African American60.4%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)4.7%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

40.7

Median Age

49.3%

Female

50.7%

Male

21.4%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.9%
5–9
3.9%
10–14
5.4%
15–19
7.8%
20–24
9.4%
25–34
10.0%
35–44
12.4%
45–54
11.4%
55–59
5.5%
60–64
6.9%
65–74
11.8%
75–84
7.6%
85+
2.0%

Children (under 15): 15.2% · Seniors (65+): 21.4%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$43,595$-11,320 vs state
Mean household income$56,293
Per-capita income$22,637
Poverty rate21.3%+7.0% vs state
Unemployment rate5.6%
Employment-to-population45.0%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
35.4%
Manufacturing
12.0%
Finance & real estate
8.0%
Retail trade
7.0%
Education & health care
5.5%
Public administration
5.0%
Construction
4.7%
Arts, entertainment & food
3.9%

The largest employment sector in Kemper County is professional & business services, accounting for 35.4% of workers.

How residents commute

0.0%

Drive alone

1.0%

Carpool

82.2%

Public transit

2.4%

Work from home

32.1 min

Avg commute

Housing

$90,200$-71,200 vs state

Median home value

$470

Median rent

77.6%

Homeownership rate

3,937

Total housing units

81.5%

Occupied

18.5%

Vacant

22.4%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

85.4%

With health insurance

84.3%

With broadband internet

18.7%

Foreign-born

6.8%

Veterans (18+)

23.5%

With a disability

96.8%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

79.6%

High School+

17.8%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Mississippi

Other counties in Mississippi

Part of Mississippi

Metro areas in Mississippi

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Kemper County, Mississippi has a population of 8,855 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 73rd-largest county in Mississippi. Population density is 12 people per square mile.

The population of Kemper County has declined 18.1% since 2010 (10,454 → 8,562), a -1.42% annualized rate.

The median household income in Kemper County, Mississippi is $43,595, with mean (average) household income of $56,293 and per-capita income of $22,637. 21.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Kemper County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Black or African American (60.4%), White (33.7%), Hispanic or Latino (4.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Kemper County, Mississippi is 40.7 years. Residents are 49.3% female and 50.7% male.

The median home value in Kemper County is $90,200 and median monthly rent is $470. 77.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,937 total housing units, 18.5% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Kemper County, Mississippi is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 35.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 5.6%.

Jackson is among the largest cities associated with Kemper County, Mississippi, with a population of 149,827.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.