Panola County, Mississippi Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 24th-largest in Mississippi
The population of Panola County, Mississippi is 32,965 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 24th-largest county in Mississippi. The median household income is $43,990, the median home value is $121,500, and the median age is 39.7.
The population of Panola County has declined 5.4% since 2010 (34,643 → 32,764), a -0.40% annualized rate.
32,965
Population
-0.40%
Annual growth
48
People / sq mi
$43,990
Median Income
$121,500
Median Home Value
Panola County covers 685 sq mi of land at 48.1 people per square mile.
About Panola County, MS
Panola County is a county in Mississippi with a population of 32,965. It ranks #24 among counties in Mississippi by population. The median age is 39.7, in line with the national median. The population is 47.8% male and 52.2% female.
The median household income in Panola County is $43,990, below the US median of $74,580. 18.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $121,500, with monthly rent averaging $859. The homeownership rate of 68.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Panola County reflects 15.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 27.4 minutes each way.
Panola County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Panola County had a population of 34,643 in 2010 and 32,764 in 2024, a -5.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 34,643 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.39%.
32,764
Population (2024)
34,643
Population (2010)
34,643
Peak (2010)
-0.39%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 34,643 |
| 2011 | 34,480 |
| 2012 | 34,427 |
| 2013 | 34,398 |
| 2014 | 34,453 |
| 2015 | 34,204 |
| 2016 | 34,238 |
| 2017 | 34,113 |
| 2018 | 34,092 |
| 2019 | 34,102 |
| 2020 | 33,170 |
| 2021 | 32,902 |
| 2022 | 32,553 |
| 2023 | 32,651 |
| 2024 | 32,764 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 47.0% |
| Black or African American | 48.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.7
Median Age
52.2%
Female
47.8%
Male
17.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.5% · Seniors (65+): 17.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $43,990$-10,925 vs state |
| Mean household income | $62,656 |
| Per-capita income | $24,616 |
| Poverty rate | 18.9%+4.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 46.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Panola County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
0.6%
Carpool
88.5%
Public transit
4.6%
Work from home
27.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$121,500$-39,900 vs state
Median home value
$859
Median rent
68.8%
Homeownership rate
14,691
Total housing units
84.3%
Occupied
15.7%
Vacant
31.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
86.3%
With health insurance
84.1%
With broadband internet
23.0%
Foreign-born
4.9%
Veterans (18+)
17.4%
With a disability
98.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
83.7%
High School+
15.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Mississippi
Other counties in Mississippi
Part of Mississippi
Metro areas in Mississippi
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Panola County, Mississippi has a population of 32,965 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 24th-largest county in Mississippi. Population density is 48 people per square mile.
The population of Panola County has declined 5.4% since 2010 (34,643 → 32,764), a -0.40% annualized rate.
The median household income in Panola County, Mississippi is $43,990, with mean (average) household income of $62,656 and per-capita income of $24,616. 18.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Panola County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Black or African American (48.1%), White (47.0%), Hispanic or Latino (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Panola County, Mississippi is 39.7 years. Residents are 52.2% female and 47.8% male.
The median home value in Panola County is $121,500 and median monthly rent is $859. 68.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 14,691 total housing units, 15.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Panola County, Mississippi is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.5%.
Jackson is among the largest cities associated with Panola 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.