Sunflower County, Mississippi Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 36th-largest in Mississippi
The population of Sunflower County, Mississippi is 25,328 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 36th-largest county in Mississippi. The median household income is $40,265, the median home value is $103,400, and the median age is 37.6.
The population of Sunflower County has declined 20.5% since 2010 (28,983 → 23,029), a -1.63% annualized rate.
25,328
Population
-1.63%
Annual growth
36
People / sq mi
$40,265
Median Income
$103,400
Median Home Value
Sunflower County covers 698 sq mi of land at 36.3 people per square mile.
About Sunflower County, MS
Sunflower County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 10.8% of the population. With 25,328 residents, Sunflower County is a county in Mississippi. It ranks #36 among counties in Mississippi by population.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $40,265, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US counties: 23.2%, above the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $103,400, with typical rent around $670.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 16.9%, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.4% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
Sunflower County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Sunflower County had a population of 28,983 in 2010 and 23,029 in 2024, a -20.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 28,983 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.62%.
23,029
Population (2024)
28,983
Population (2010)
28,983
Peak (2010)
-1.62%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 28,983 |
| 2011 | 28,519 |
| 2012 | 28,415 |
| 2013 | 27,910 |
| 2014 | 27,408 |
| 2015 | 26,883 |
| 2016 | 26,519 |
| 2017 | 26,149 |
| 2018 | 26,254 |
| 2019 | 25,131 |
| 2020 | 25,702 |
| 2021 | 24,681 |
| 2022 | 24,314 |
| 2023 | 23,940 |
| 2024 | 23,029 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 23.4% |
| Black or African American | 73.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
37.6
Median Age
46.7%
Female
53.3%
Male
14.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.2% · Seniors (65+): 14.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $40,265$-14,650 vs state |
| Mean household income | $55,026 |
| Per-capita income | $19,429 |
| Poverty rate | 23.2%+8.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 43.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Sunflower County is professional & business services, accounting for 29.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
1.3%
Carpool
81.3%
Public transit
5.4%
Work from home
19.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$103,400$-58,000 vs state
Median home value
$670
Median rent
56.3%
Homeownership rate
9,415
Total housing units
85.6%
Occupied
14.4%
Vacant
43.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.6%
With health insurance
87.6%
With broadband internet
10.8%
Foreign-born
3.7%
Veterans (18+)
15.1%
With a disability
97.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
75.8%
High School+
16.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Mississippi
Other counties in Mississippi
Part of Mississippi
Metro areas in Mississippi
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunflower County, Mississippi has a population of 25,328 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 36th-largest county in Mississippi. Population density is 36 people per square mile.
The population of Sunflower County has declined 20.5% since 2010 (28,983 → 23,029), a -1.63% annualized rate.
The median household income in Sunflower County, Mississippi is $40,265, with mean (average) household income of $55,026 and per-capita income of $19,429. 23.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Sunflower County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Black or African American (73.0%), White (23.4%), 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 Sunflower County, Mississippi is 37.6 years. Residents are 46.7% female and 53.3% male.
The median home value in Sunflower County is $103,400 and median monthly rent is $670. 56.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,415 total housing units, 14.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Sunflower County, Mississippi is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 29.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 5.3%.
Jackson is among the largest cities associated with Sunflower 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.