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 a county in Mississippi with a population of 25,328. It ranks #36 among counties in Mississippi by population. The median age is 37.6, younger than the national median. The population is 53.3% male and 46.7% female.
The median household income in Sunflower County is $40,265, below the US median of $74,580. 23.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $103,400, with monthly rent averaging $670. The homeownership rate of 56.3% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Sunflower County reflects 16.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.1 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.