Winston County, Mississippi Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 52nd-largest in Mississippi
The population of Winston County, Mississippi is 17,609 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 52nd-largest county in Mississippi. The median household income is $49,071, the median home value is $121,200, and the median age is 42.3.
The population of Winston County has declined 9.3% since 2010 (19,202 → 17,418), a -0.69% annualized rate.
17,609
Population
-0.69%
Annual growth
29
People / sq mi
$49,071
Median Income
$121,200
Median Home Value
Winston County covers 607 sq mi of land at 29.0 people per square mile.
About Winston County, MS
The poverty rate is what most separates Winston County from the typical county: 25.4% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Winston County is a county in Mississippi with a population of 17,609.
The typical household earns $49,071, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 25.4%, is among the steepest of comparable US counties and above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $121,200, with typical rent around $654.
Roughly 18.6% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is rare here (2.4%, below the national 14.0%), and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Winston County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
Winston County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Winston County had a population of 19,202 in 2010 and 17,418 in 2024, a -9.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 19,202 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.69%.
17,418
Population (2024)
19,202
Population (2010)
19,202
Peak (2010)
-0.69%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 19,202 |
| 2011 | 19,045 |
| 2012 | 18,981 |
| 2013 | 18,764 |
| 2014 | 18,610 |
| 2015 | 18,452 |
| 2016 | 18,357 |
| 2017 | 18,232 |
| 2018 | 18,154 |
| 2019 | 17,993 |
| 2020 | 17,686 |
| 2021 | 17,573 |
| 2022 | 17,527 |
| 2023 | 17,476 |
| 2024 | 17,418 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 49.7% |
| Black or African American | 47.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.3
Median Age
51.6%
Female
48.4%
Male
21.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.9% · Seniors (65+): 21.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $49,071$-5,844 vs state |
| Mean household income | $68,306 |
| Per-capita income | $28,856 |
| Poverty rate | 25.4%+11.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 46.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Winston County is professional & business services, accounting for 19.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
0.6%
Carpool
84.4%
Public transit
2.4%
Work from home
24.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$121,200$-40,200 vs state
Median home value
$654
Median rent
69.7%
Homeownership rate
8,231
Total housing units
85.9%
Occupied
14.1%
Vacant
30.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.3%
With health insurance
87.1%
With broadband internet
12.2%
Foreign-born
6.4%
Veterans (18+)
23.9%
With a disability
98.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
83.6%
High School+
18.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Mississippi
Other counties in Mississippi
Part of Mississippi
Metro areas in Mississippi
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Winston County, Mississippi has a population of 17,609 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 52nd-largest county in Mississippi. Population density is 29 people per square mile.
The population of Winston County has declined 9.3% since 2010 (19,202 → 17,418), a -0.69% annualized rate.
The median household income in Winston County, Mississippi is $49,071, with mean (average) household income of $68,306 and per-capita income of $28,856. 25.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Winston County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (49.7%), Black or African American (47.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Winston County, Mississippi is 42.3 years. Residents are 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
The median home value in Winston County is $121,200 and median monthly rent is $654. 69.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,231 total housing units, 14.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Winston County, Mississippi is manufacturing, employing 19.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.0%.
Jackson is among the largest cities associated with Winston County, Mississippi, with a population of 149,827.
Winston County, MS Climate
Winston County, MS has an average annual temperature of 16.7°C (62°F) and receives about 1461 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.7°C
Avg Temp
1461
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6° / 42° | 142 mm |
| February | 8° / 47° | 128 mm |
| March | 13° / 55° | 161 mm |
| April | 17° / 62° | 149 mm |
| May | 21° / 70° | 122 mm |
| June | 25° / 76° | 92 mm |
| July | 27° / 80° | 138 mm |
| August | 26° / 79° | 86 mm |
| September | 23° / 74° | 91 mm |
| October | 17° / 62° | 90 mm |
| November | 12° / 53° | 120 mm |
| December | 8° / 46° | 142 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 Winston County, MS
The most comfortable months to visit Winston County, MS are typically May, September and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near 0°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Winston 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.