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.
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
Remote work is unusually rare in Kemper County: 2.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the 14.0% national rate. With 8,855 residents, Kemper County is a county in Mississippi.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $43,595, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 21.3%, poverty is near the top of the range for US counties, above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $90,200, with typical rent around $470.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 17.8%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is rare here (2.4%, below the national 14.0%), and the average commute runs about 32 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%.
8,562
Population (2024)
10,454
Population (2010)
10,454
Peak (2010)
-1.39%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 10,454 |
| 2011 | 10,292 |
| 2012 | 10,392 |
| 2013 | 10,295 |
| 2014 | 10,222 |
| 2015 | 10,108 |
| 2016 | 10,041 |
| 2017 | 10,089 |
| 2018 | 9,714 |
| 2019 | 9,780 |
| 2020 | 8,962 |
| 2021 | 8,809 |
| 2022 | 8,692 |
| 2023 | 8,620 |
| 2024 | 8,562 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 33.7% |
| Black or African American | 60.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.7
Median Age
49.3%
Female
50.7%
Male
21.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
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 rate | 21.3%+7.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 45.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
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
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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.
Kemper County, MS Climate
Kemper County, MS has an average annual temperature of 17°C (63°F) and receives about 1424 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
17°C
Avg Temp
1424
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6° / 43° | 137 mm |
| February | 9° / 47° | 127 mm |
| March | 13° / 55° | 160 mm |
| April | 17° / 62° | 144 mm |
| May | 21° / 70° | 113 mm |
| June | 25° / 77° | 92 mm |
| July | 27° / 80° | 144 mm |
| August | 26° / 79° | 88 mm |
| September | 23° / 74° | 87 mm |
| October | 17° / 63° | 80 mm |
| November | 12° / 54° | 109 mm |
| December | 8° / 47° | 143 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 Kemper County, MS
The most comfortable months to visit Kemper County, MS are typically May, September 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 0°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Kemper County
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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.