Sharkey County, Mississippi Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 81st-largest in Mississippi
The population of Sharkey County, Mississippi is 3,848 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 81st-largest county in Mississippi. The median household income is $35,741, the median home value is $108,000, and the median age is 36.6.
The population of Sharkey County has declined 33.8% since 2010 (4,886 → 3,234), a -2.90% annualized rate.
3,848
Population
-2.90%
Annual growth
9
People / sq mi
$35,741
Median Income
$108,000
Median Home Value
Sharkey County covers 432 sq mi of land at 8.9 people per square mile.
About Sharkey County, MS
Sharkey County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 8.2% of the population. With 3,848 residents, Sharkey County is a county in Mississippi.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $35,741, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US counties: 27.2%, above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $108,000, with typical rent around $622.
College attainment is 15.4%, below the national 35.0%. Almost everyone commutes — only 2.0% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Sharkey County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Sharkey County had a population of 4,886 in 2010 and 3,234 in 2024, a -33.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 4,886 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -2.86%.
3,234
Population (2024)
4,886
Population (2010)
4,886
Peak (2010)
-2.86%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 4,886 |
| 2011 | 4,877 |
| 2012 | 4,788 |
| 2013 | 4,681 |
| 2014 | 4,615 |
| 2015 | 4,568 |
| 2016 | 4,513 |
| 2017 | 4,419 |
| 2018 | 4,342 |
| 2019 | 4,312 |
| 2020 | 3,774 |
| 2021 | 3,629 |
| 2022 | 3,483 |
| 2023 | 3,378 |
| 2024 | 3,234 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 25.6% |
| Black or African American | 73.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
36.6
Median Age
50.2%
Female
49.8%
Male
18.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.9% · Seniors (65+): 18.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $35,741$-19,174 vs state |
| Mean household income | $58,845 |
| Per-capita income | $23,081 |
| Poverty rate | 27.2%+12.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 49.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Sharkey County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.6%
Carpool
79.8%
Public transit
2.0%
Work from home
20.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$108,000$-53,400 vs state
Median home value
$622
Median rent
62.9%
Homeownership rate
1,673
Total housing units
83.7%
Occupied
16.3%
Vacant
37.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
85.8%
With health insurance
86.6%
With broadband internet
8.2%
Foreign-born
3.4%
Veterans (18+)
15.4%
With a disability
99.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
81.0%
High School+
15.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Mississippi
Other counties in Mississippi
Part of Mississippi
Metro areas in Mississippi
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Sharkey County, Mississippi has a population of 3,848 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 81st-largest county in Mississippi. Population density is 9 people per square mile.
The population of Sharkey County has declined 33.8% since 2010 (4,886 → 3,234), a -2.90% annualized rate.
The median household income in Sharkey County, Mississippi is $35,741, with mean (average) household income of $58,845 and per-capita income of $23,081. 27.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Sharkey County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Black or African American (73.7%), White (25.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Sharkey County, Mississippi is 36.6 years. Residents are 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
The median home value in Sharkey County is $108,000 and median monthly rent is $622. 62.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,673 total housing units, 16.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Sharkey County, Mississippi is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 5.8%.
Jackson is among the largest cities associated with Sharkey 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.