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 a county in Mississippi with a population of 3,848. It ranks #81 among counties in Mississippi by population. The median age is 36.6, younger than the national median. The population is 49.8% male and 50.2% female.
The median household income in Sharkey County is $35,741, below the US median of $74,580. 27.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $108,000, with monthly rent averaging $622. The homeownership rate of 62.9% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Sharkey County reflects 15.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 2.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 20.8 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.