Leake County, Mississippi Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 43rd-largest in Mississippi
The population of Leake County, Mississippi is 21,288 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 43rd-largest county in Mississippi. The median household income is $48,418, the median home value is $114,600, and the median age is 40.0.
The population of Leake County has declined 9.6% since 2010 (23,730 → 21,462), a -0.71% annualized rate.
21,288
Population
-0.71%
Annual growth
37
People / sq mi
$48,418
Median Income
$114,600
Median Home Value
Leake County covers 583 sq mi of land at 36.5 people per square mile.
About Leake County, MS
Leake County is a county in Mississippi with a population of 21,288. It ranks #43 among counties in Mississippi by population. The median age is 40.0, in line with the national median. The population is 48.3% male and 51.7% female.
The median household income in Leake County is $48,418, below the US median of $74,580. 14.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $114,600, with monthly rent averaging $757. The homeownership rate of 75.9% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Leake County reflects 17.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 32.2 minutes each way.
Leake County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Leake County had a population of 23,730 in 2010 and 21,462 in 2024, a -9.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 23,730 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.70%.
21,462
Population (2024)
23,730
Population (2010)
23,730
Peak (2010)
-0.70%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 23,730 |
| 2011 | 23,251 |
| 2012 | 23,189 |
| 2013 | 23,261 |
| 2014 | 23,176 |
| 2015 | 22,774 |
| 2016 | 22,780 |
| 2017 | 22,822 |
| 2018 | 22,781 |
| 2019 | 22,830 |
| 2020 | 21,250 |
| 2021 | 21,270 |
| 2022 | 21,279 |
| 2023 | 21,336 |
| 2024 | 21,462 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 46.7% |
| Black or African American | 39.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 6.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.0
Median Age
51.7%
Female
48.3%
Male
17.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.6% · Seniors (65+): 17.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $48,418$-6,497 vs state |
| Mean household income | $69,847 |
| Per-capita income | $26,895 |
| Poverty rate | 14.3% |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 48.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Leake County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.8% of workers.
How residents commute
1.1%
Drive alone
1.2%
Carpool
80.9%
Public transit
4.9%
Work from home
32.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$114,600$-46,800 vs state
Median home value
$757
Median rent
75.9%
Homeownership rate
9,054
Total housing units
81.6%
Occupied
18.4%
Vacant
24.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
83.9%
With health insurance
87.6%
With broadband internet
13.0%
Foreign-born
7.4%
Veterans (18+)
19.5%
With a disability
90.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
82.2%
High School+
17.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Mississippi
Other counties in Mississippi
Part of Mississippi
Metro areas in Mississippi
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Leake County, Mississippi has a population of 21,288 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 43rd-largest county in Mississippi. Population density is 37 people per square mile.
The population of Leake County has declined 9.6% since 2010 (23,730 → 21,462), a -0.71% annualized rate.
The median household income in Leake County, Mississippi is $48,418, with mean (average) household income of $69,847 and per-capita income of $26,895. 14.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Leake County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (46.7%), Black or African American (39.1%), Hispanic or Latino (6.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Leake County, Mississippi is 40.0 years. Residents are 51.7% female and 48.3% male.
The median home value in Leake County is $114,600 and median monthly rent is $757. 75.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,054 total housing units, 18.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Leake County, Mississippi is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.
Jackson is among the largest cities associated with Leake 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.