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
The poverty rate is what most separates Panola County from the typical county: 18.9% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 32,965 residents, Panola County is a county in Mississippi. It ranks #24 among counties in Mississippi by population.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US counties: the median household earns just $43,990, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 18.9%, is among the steepest of comparable US counties and above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $121,500, with typical rent around $859.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 15.5% of adults hold a bachelor’s 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 27 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Panola County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
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.
Panola County, MS Climate
Panola County, MS has an average annual temperature of 16.2°C (61°F) and receives about 1414 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.2°C
Avg Temp
1414
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / 40° | 117 mm |
| February | 7° / 44° | 115 mm |
| March | 12° / 53° | 149 mm |
| April | 16° / 61° | 137 mm |
| May | 21° / 69° | 140 mm |
| June | 25° / 77° | 121 mm |
| July | 27° / 80° | 104 mm |
| August | 26° / 79° | 77 mm |
| September | 23° / 73° | 81 mm |
| October | 17° / 62° | 91 mm |
| November | 11° / 52° | 137 mm |
| December | 6° / 44° | 145 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 Panola County, MS
The most comfortable months to visit Panola 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 Panola County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.