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
Winston County is a county in Mississippi with a population of 17,609. It ranks #52 among counties in Mississippi by population. The median age is 42.3, older than the national median. The population is 48.4% male and 51.6% female.
The median household income in Winston County is $49,071, below the US median of $74,580. 25.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $121,200, with monthly rent averaging $654. The homeownership rate of 69.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Winston County reflects 18.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 2.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.0 minutes each way.
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.
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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.