Lee County, Mississippi Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 7th-largest in Mississippi
The population of Lee County, Mississippi is 83,138 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 7th-largest county in Mississippi. The median household income is $67,144, the median home value is $187,800, and the median age is 37.7.
The population of Lee County has grown 0.2% since 2010 (82,877 → 83,012), a +0.01% annualized rate.
83,138
Population
+0.01%
Annual growth
185
People / sq mi
$67,144
Median Income
$187,800
Median Home Value
Lee County covers 450 sq mi of land at 184.8 people per square mile.
About Lee County, MS
Remote work is unusually rare in Lee County: 4.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the 14.0% national rate. With 83,138 residents, Lee County is a county in Mississippi. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Mississippi in the country, at #7 by population.
Median household income is $67,144, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 10.2%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $187,800, with typical rent around $929.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 28.7% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 4.6% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Lee County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lee County had a population of 82,877 in 2010 and 83,012 in 2024, a 0.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 85,674 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: 0.02%.
83,012
Population (2024)
82,877
Population (2010)
85,674
Peak (2019)
0.02%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 82,877 |
| 2011 | 84,032 |
| 2012 | 84,802 |
| 2013 | 84,981 |
| 2014 | 84,781 |
| 2015 | 84,762 |
| 2016 | 84,859 |
| 2017 | 85,124 |
| 2018 | 85,396 |
| 2019 | 85,674 |
| 2020 | 83,319 |
| 2021 | 83,002 |
| 2022 | 82,946 |
| 2023 | 82,893 |
| 2024 | 83,012 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 63.4% |
| Black or African American | 29.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
37.7
Median Age
52.2%
Female
47.8%
Male
15.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.6% · Seniors (65+): 15.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $67,144+$12,229 vs state |
| Mean household income | $86,064 |
| Per-capita income | $33,713 |
| Poverty rate | 10.2%-4.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lee County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
0.3%
Carpool
87.0%
Public transit
4.6%
Work from home
21.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$187,800+$26,400 vs state
Median home value
$929
Median rent
70.2%
Homeownership rate
37,507
Total housing units
84.8%
Occupied
15.2%
Vacant
29.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.0%
With health insurance
91.5%
With broadband internet
20.1%
Foreign-born
5.7%
Veterans (18+)
14.2%
With a disability
95.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.8%
High School+
28.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Mississippi
Other counties in Mississippi
Part of Mississippi
Metro areas in Mississippi
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Lee County, Mississippi has a population of 83,138 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 7th-largest county in Mississippi. Population density is 185 people per square mile.
The population of Lee County has grown 0.2% since 2010 (82,877 → 83,012), a +0.01% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lee County, Mississippi is $67,144, with mean (average) household income of $86,064 and per-capita income of $33,713. 10.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lee County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (63.4%), Black or African American (29.9%), 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 Lee County, Mississippi is 37.7 years. Residents are 52.2% female and 47.8% male.
The median home value in Lee County is $187,800 and median monthly rent is $929. 70.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 37,507 total housing units, 15.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lee County, Mississippi is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.
Jackson is among the largest cities associated with Lee County, Mississippi, with a population of 149,827.
Lee County, MS Climate
Lee County, MS has an average annual temperature of 16.4°C (62°F) and receives about 1434 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.4°C
Avg Temp
1434
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5° / 40° | 127 mm |
| February | 7° / 45° | 121 mm |
| March | 12° / 53° | 157 mm |
| April | 16° / 62° | 135 mm |
| May | 21° / 70° | 143 mm |
| June | 25° / 77° | 100 mm |
| July | 27° / 81° | 109 mm |
| August | 26° / 79° | 81 mm |
| September | 23° / 73° | 93 mm |
| October | 17° / 62° | 87 mm |
| November | 11° / 52° | 126 mm |
| December | 7° / 44° | 155 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 Lee County, MS
The most comfortable months to visit Lee 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 Lee 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.