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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 13.0% of the population. Leake County is a county in Mississippi with a population of 21,288. It ranks #43 among counties in Mississippi by population.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $48,418, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 14.3%, above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $114,600, with typical rent around $757.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 17.7% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 4.9% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 32 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.
Leake County, MS Climate
Leake County, MS has an average annual temperature of 16.9°C (62°F) and receives about 1446 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.9°C
Avg Temp
1446
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6° / 43° | 142 mm |
| February | 8° / 47° | 128 mm |
| March | 13° / 55° | 156 mm |
| April | 17° / 62° | 141 mm |
| May | 21° / 70° | 128 mm |
| June | 25° / 77° | 87 mm |
| July | 27° / 80° | 126 mm |
| August | 26° / 79° | 88 mm |
| September | 23° / 74° | 85 mm |
| October | 17° / 63° | 88 mm |
| November | 12° / 54° | 126 mm |
| December | 8° / 46° | 151 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 Leake County, MS
The most comfortable months to visit Leake 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 Leake County
Visiting or relocating to Leake County, MS? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Leake 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 Leake County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Leake 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.