Washington County, Mississippi Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 17th-largest in Mississippi
The population of Washington County, Mississippi is 43,674 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 17th-largest county in Mississippi. The median household income is $40,117, the median home value is $99,300, and the median age is 38.3.
The population of Washington County has declined 19.4% since 2010 (51,098 → 41,181), a -1.53% annualized rate.
43,674
Population
-1.53%
Annual growth
60
People / sq mi
$40,117
Median Income
$99,300
Median Home Value
Washington County covers 724 sq mi of land at 60.3 people per square mile.
About Washington County, MS
Homeownership is the standout figure in Washington County: 56.8% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. With 43,674 residents, Washington County is a county in Mississippi. It ranks #17 among counties in Mississippi by population.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $40,117, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US counties: 21.6%, above the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $99,300, with typical rent around $786.
Roughly 20.5% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Almost everyone commutes — only 3.2% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
Washington County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Washington County had a population of 51,098 in 2010 and 41,181 in 2024, a -19.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 51,098 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.52%.
41,181
Population (2024)
51,098
Population (2010)
51,098
Peak (2010)
-1.52%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 51,098 |
| 2011 | 50,465 |
| 2012 | 50,035 |
| 2013 | 49,679 |
| 2014 | 49,032 |
| 2015 | 47,991 |
| 2016 | 47,214 |
| 2017 | 46,238 |
| 2018 | 45,097 |
| 2019 | 43,973 |
| 2020 | 44,648 |
| 2021 | 43,605 |
| 2022 | 42,490 |
| 2023 | 41,902 |
| 2024 | 41,181 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 24.3% |
| Black or African American | 72.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.3
Median Age
53.3%
Female
46.7%
Male
17.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 21.1% · Seniors (65+): 17.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $40,117$-14,798 vs state |
| Mean household income | $58,434 |
| Per-capita income | $24,162 |
| Poverty rate | 21.6%+7.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 47.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Washington County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.8%
Drive alone
1.8%
Carpool
85.5%
Public transit
3.2%
Work from home
19.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$99,300$-62,100 vs state
Median home value
$786
Median rent
56.8%
Homeownership rate
20,894
Total housing units
82.4%
Occupied
17.6%
Vacant
43.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
87.8%
With health insurance
82.3%
With broadband internet
12.4%
Foreign-born
4.3%
Veterans (18+)
24.7%
With a disability
97.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
79.2%
High School+
20.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Mississippi
Other counties in Mississippi
Part of Mississippi
Metro areas in Mississippi
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Washington County, Mississippi has a population of 43,674 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 17th-largest county in Mississippi. Population density is 60 people per square mile.
The population of Washington County has declined 19.4% since 2010 (51,098 → 41,181), a -1.53% annualized rate.
The median household income in Washington County, Mississippi is $40,117, with mean (average) household income of $58,434 and per-capita income of $24,162. 21.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Washington County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Black or African American (72.2%), White (24.3%), Hispanic or Latino (0.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Washington County, Mississippi is 38.3 years. Residents are 53.3% female and 46.7% male.
The median home value in Washington County is $99,300 and median monthly rent is $786. 56.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 20,894 total housing units, 17.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Washington County, Mississippi is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.7%.
Jackson is among the largest cities associated with Washington County, Mississippi, with a population of 149,827.
Washington County, MS Climate
Washington County, MS has an average annual temperature of 17.7°C (64°F) and receives about 1381 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
17.7°C
Avg Temp
1381
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6° / 43° | 129 mm |
| February | 9° / 48° | 121 mm |
| March | 13° / 56° | 149 mm |
| April | 18° / 64° | 133 mm |
| May | 23° / 73° | 131 mm |
| June | 26° / 80° | 107 mm |
| July | 28° / 82° | 106 mm |
| August | 27° / 81° | 67 mm |
| September | 24° / 76° | 73 mm |
| October | 18° / 65° | 90 mm |
| November | 12° / 54° | 134 mm |
| December | 8° / 46° | 141 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Washington County, MS
The most comfortable months to visit Washington County, MS are typically September, October and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 34°C high). The coldest is January (near 1°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Washington County
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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.