Carthage, MS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,866
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$42,254/yr
-10.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,565
-3.8% year-over-year change

Carthage population

How many people live in Carthage

Carthage is home to 4,866 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.1% of Carthage locals are male, and 53.9% are female.

Total population
4,866
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.1%
2,243
Female
53.9%
2,623
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,243 46.1% 2.2%
Female 2,623 53.9% -1.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Carthage is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 23.4% are children under 15, then 14.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20% of the population, while another 21.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.4%
15 to 24
14.7%
25 to 44
20%
45 to 64
21.2%
Over 65
20.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,140 23.4% 6.5%
15 to 24 714 14.7% 4.7%
25 to 44 973 20% -10.5%
45 to 64 1,032 21.2% -2.9%
Over 65 1,007 20.7% 5.2%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Carthage, 90.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.9% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 2.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
90.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.2%
Non-citizens
7.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,424 90.9% -1.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 58 1.2% 262.5%
Non-citizens 384 7.9% 3.0%
Racial breakdown
White
32.9%
Black or African American
44.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.1%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.7%
Other
18.8%
Value Percent
White 1,602 32.9%
Black or African American 2,167 44.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 53 1.1%
Two or more races 131 2.7%
Other 913 18.8%

Households in Carthage

A peek inside Carthage households

Carthage has 1,458 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 64.5% are families, while the remaining 35.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,458
-0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
518
Family households
940
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 518 35.5% 13.8%
Family households 940 64.5% -6.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Carthage

The housing landscape of Carthage

Carthage's housing consists of 1,565 units, with 81% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,565
-3.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,268 81%
2 units 10 0.6%
3 or 4 units 55 3.5%
5 to 9 units 60 3.8%
10 to 19 units 40 2.6%
20 to 49 units 44 2.8%
Mobile home 39 2.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 49 3.1%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Carthage

In Carthage, the median construction year is 1979. About 3.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 61 3.9% 13.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 35 2.2% -25.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 74 4.7% 25.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 265 16.9% 17.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 386 24.7% -26.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 354 22.6% 4.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 170 10.9% -31.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 152 9.7% 52.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 68 4.4% 134.5%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Carthage occupancy rates

Out of the 1,458 occupied housing units in Carthage, 65.4% are owner-occupied, while 34.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,458
-0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
505
Owner occupied
953
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 505 34.6% 10.5%
Owner occupied 953 65.4% -5.4%
Unoccupied housing units
6.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Carthage housing costs

Housing costs in Carthage come to a median of $842 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $705.

Median housing costs per month
$842/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Carthage
$705/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Carthage

Carthage education at a glance

About 44.9% of the population in Carthage went to high school, while 24.7% pursued college studies. Another 8.3% earned an associate degree and 6.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 192 5.4% -37.7%
High school diploma 1,590 44.9% -6.4%
College diploma 874 24.7% 11.1%
Associate degree 294 8.3% -15.5%
Bachelor's degree 231 6.5% -10.5%
Graduate degree 360 10.2% 17.6%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Carthage

How much people earn in Carthage

The average annual household income in Carthage was $53,928 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -5.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $42,254, reflecting a -10.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Carthage
$53,928/year
-5.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Carthage
$42,254/year
-10.7% year-over-year change

Carthage income by age

In Carthage, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $48,077. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $48,882 overall. Overall, 71% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $48,077 55.5%
45 - 64 $48,882 -5.5%
Over 65 $41,454 0.1%
Above poverty level
3,112
Below poverty level
1,274
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,112 71% 0.3%
Below poverty level 1,274 29% 2.6%

Employment in Carthage

Workforce and job types in Carthage

The job market in Carthage is powered by 1,633 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 57.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 42.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.9% run their own businesses, 72.4% are employed by private companies, and 11.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,633
-7.3% year-over-year change
White collar
937
Blue collar
696
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 937 57.4% -14.6%
Blue collar 696 42.6% 4.7%
Employer type
Self employees
11.9%
Private companies
72.4%
Governmental workers
11.1%
Not for profit companies
4.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 194 11.9% 2.6%
Private companies 1,182 72.4% -5.4%
Governmental workers 181 11.1% -15.4%
Not for profit companies 76 4.6% -30.3%
Unemployment rate
7.8%
-6.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Carthage stands at 7.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Carthage

How people get around in Carthage

Commuting methods vary: 70.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,108 70.6% -14.4%
Bus or trolleybus 59 3.8% 22.9%
Walk 30 1.9% -3.2%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Carthage by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
39051 14,986 5,327 $48,547 $66,874

Explore more communities

FAQs about Carthage demographics 

What is the total population of Carthage?

Carthage has a total population of 4,866 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Carthage?

The gender ratio in Carthage is as follows:
  • 46.1% males (2,243 residents)
  • 53.9% females (2,623 residents)

What is the median age in Carthage?

The median age in Carthage is 35.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Carthage?

The age distribution in Carthage is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23.4% (1,140 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.7% (714 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20% (973 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.2% (1,032 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.7% (1,007 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Carthage?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Carthage is as follows:
  • White: 32.9% (1,602 residents)
  • Black or African American: 44.5% (2,167 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.1% (53 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.7% (131 residents)
  • Other: 18.8% (913 residents)

What percentage of the population in Carthage are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 90.9% of the population in Carthage.

How many housing units are there in Carthage?

There are 1,565 housing units in Carthage, reflecting a -3.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Carthage and what is the average household size?

Carthage has a total of 1,458 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Carthage?

Carthage has a median household income of $42,254, representing a -10.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Carthage?

The employment rate is 92.2% in Carthage, with a workforce of 1,633 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 57.4% (937 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 42.6% (696 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.9% (194 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.4% (1,182 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.1% (181 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.6% (76 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025