Rankin County, Mississippi Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 4th-largest in Mississippi
The population of Rankin County, Mississippi is 158,218 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 4th-largest county in Mississippi. The median household income is $77,454, the median home value is $223,400, and the median age is 39.4.
The population of Rankin County has grown 12.7% since 2010 (142,518 → 160,573), a +0.86% annualized rate.
158,218
Population
+0.86%
Annual growth
204
People / sq mi
$77,454
Median Income
$223,400
Median Home Value
Rankin County covers 775 sq mi of land at 204.0 people per square mile.
About Rankin County, MS
Educational attainment is the headline number in Rankin County: 32.8% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. With 158,218 residents, Rankin County is a county in Mississippi. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Mississippi in the country, at #4 by population.
Median household income is $77,454, near the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 6.3%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $223,400, with typical rent around $1,210.
College attainment is above the local norm at 32.8%, below the national 35.0%. Around 6.4% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in Rankin County usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.
Rankin County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Rankin County had a population of 142,518 in 2010 and 160,573 in 2024, a 12.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 160,573 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.86%.
160,573
Population (2024)
142,518
Population (2010)
160,573
Peak (2024)
0.86%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 142,518 |
| 2011 | 144,209 |
| 2012 | 145,833 |
| 2013 | 147,361 |
| 2014 | 148,464 |
| 2015 | 149,507 |
| 2016 | 152,093 |
| 2017 | 152,902 |
| 2018 | 154,277 |
| 2019 | 155,342 |
| 2020 | 157,175 |
| 2021 | 157,600 |
| 2022 | 158,733 |
| 2023 | 160,184 |
| 2024 | 160,573 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 72.1% |
| Black or African American | 21.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.4
Median Age
51.7%
Female
48.3%
Male
16.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.3% · Seniors (65+): 16.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $77,454+$22,539 vs state |
| Mean household income | $97,152 |
| Per-capita income | $37,662 |
| Poverty rate | 6.3%-8.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 60.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Rankin County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
1.2%
Carpool
82.2%
Public transit
6.4%
Work from home
26.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$223,400+$62,000 vs state
Median home value
$1,210
Median rent
77.6%
Homeownership rate
64,076
Total housing units
93.1%
Occupied
6.9%
Vacant
22.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.8%
With health insurance
96.3%
With broadband internet
22.5%
Foreign-born
7.4%
Veterans (18+)
14.3%
With a disability
94.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.3%
High School+
32.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Mississippi
Other counties in Mississippi
Part of Mississippi
Metro areas in Mississippi
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Rankin County, Mississippi has a population of 158,218 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 4th-largest county in Mississippi. Population density is 204 people per square mile.
The population of Rankin County has grown 12.7% since 2010 (142,518 → 160,573), a +0.86% annualized rate.
The median household income in Rankin County, Mississippi is $77,454, with mean (average) household income of $97,152 and per-capita income of $37,662. 6.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Rankin County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (72.1%), Black or African American (21.6%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Rankin County, Mississippi is 39.4 years. Residents are 51.7% female and 48.3% male.
The median home value in Rankin County is $223,400 and median monthly rent is $1,210. 77.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 64,076 total housing units, 6.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Rankin County, Mississippi is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Jackson is among the largest cities associated with Rankin 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.