Covington County, MS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
18,148
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$45,051/yr
-4.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
8,397
0.4% year-over-year change

Covington County population

How many people live in Covington County

Covington County is home to 18,148 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52% of Covington County locals are male, and 48% are female.

Total population
18,148
-0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52%
9,430
Female
48%
8,718
Value Percent YoY change
Male 9,430 52% 2.9%
Female 8,718 48% -3.8%
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 Covington County is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.2% are children under 15, then 12.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.2% of the population, while another 24.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.2%
15 to 24
12.4%
25 to 44
25.2%
45 to 64
24.5%
Over 65
17.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,665 20.2% 0.2%
15 to 24 2,248 12.4% -3.9%
25 to 44 4,583 25.2% 2.9%
45 to 64 4,453 24.5% -2.4%
Over 65 3,199 17.6% -0.4%
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 Covington County, 98.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 60% of locals are Caucasian, 34.8% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.6%
Non-citizens
1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 17,849 98.4% -0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 116 0.6% -54.7%
Non-citizens 183 1% 258.8%
Racial breakdown
White
60%
Black or African American
34.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.3%
Two or more races
3.2%
Other
1.5%
Value Percent
White 10,880 60%
Black or African American 6,313 34.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 5 0%
Asian 44 0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 54 0.3%
Two or more races 584 3.2%
Other 268 1.5%

Households in Covington County

A peek inside Covington County households

Covington County has 7,323 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 71.1% are families, while the remaining 28.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,323
3.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,117
Family households
5,206
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,117 28.9% -1.7%
Family households 5,206 71.1% 5.7%
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 Covington County

The housing landscape of Covington County

Covington County's housing consists of 8,397 units, with 62.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 32% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
8,397
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,252 62.6%
1 unit, attached 103 1.2%
2 units 88 1%
3 or 4 units 96 1.1%
5 to 9 units 70 0.8%
10 to 19 units 8 0.1%
20 to 49 units 13 0.2%
50 or more units 44 0.5%
Mobile home 2,687 32%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 36 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
137
90.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Covington County

In Covington County, the median construction year is 1989. About 4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 334 4% -11.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 318 3.8% 14.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 155 1.8% -22.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 566 6.7% -20.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,499 17.8% -2.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,472 17.5% 0.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,685 20.1% -1.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,236 14.7% 19.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 995 11.8% 2.6%
Built in 2020 or later 137 1.6% 90.3%
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.

Covington County occupancy rates

Out of the 7,323 occupied housing units in Covington County, 77.5% are owner-occupied, while 22.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,323
3.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,646
Owner occupied
5,677
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,646 22.5% -3.2%
Owner occupied 5,677 77.5% 5.5%
Unoccupied housing units
12.8%
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.

Covington County housing costs

Housing costs in Covington County come to a median of $609 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $662.

Median housing costs per month
$609/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 Covington County
$662/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 Covington County

Covington County education at a glance

About 44% of the population in Covington County went to high school, while 23.2% pursued college studies. Another 11.5% earned an associate degree and 10.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 741 5.4% 10.9%
High school diploma 6,042 44% 1.7%
College diploma 3,180 23.2% -9.3%
Associate degree 1,585 11.5% -9.5%
Bachelor's degree 1,488 10.8% 14.9%
Graduate degree 702 5.1% 3.2%
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 Covington County

How much people earn in Covington County

The average annual household income in Covington County was $68,677 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $45,051, reflecting a -4.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Covington County
$68,677/year
4.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Covington County
$45,051/year
-4.2% year-over-year change

Covington County income by age

In Covington County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $65,625. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $55,032 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $31,826, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $27,552 in earnings. Overall, 80.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $31,826 N/A
25 - 44 $65,625 -6.7%
45 - 64 $55,032 -4.8%
Over 65 $27,552 -21.6%
Above poverty level
14,211
Below poverty level
3,500
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 14,211 80.2% -2.7%
Below poverty level 3,500 19.8% 11.1%

Employment in Covington County

Workforce and job types in Covington County

The job market in Covington County is powered by 7,275 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 64.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 35.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.6% run their own businesses, 71.4% are employed by private companies, and 16.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
7,275
-4.2% year-over-year change
White collar
4,718
Blue collar
2,557
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,718 64.8% -5.7%
Blue collar 2,557 35.2% -1.4%
Employer type
Self employees
8.6%
Private companies
71.4%
Governmental workers
16.5%
Not for profit companies
3.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 623 8.6% -27.5%
Private companies 5,193 71.4% 3.5%
Governmental workers 1,198 16.5% -16.8%
Not for profit companies 261 3.6% -6.1%
Unemployment rate
3.4%
-30.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Covington County stands at 3.4%, 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 Covington County

How people get around in Covington County

Commuting methods vary: 89.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% 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 6,395 89.2% -8.2%
Bus or trolleybus 90 1.2% -2.2%
Ferryboat 23 0.3% -8.0%
Walk 89 1.2% 2.3%
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 Covington County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
39119 5,739 2,057 $49,766 $67,189
39168 6,270 2,645 $45,298 $62,200
39428 8,977 3,668 $46,466 $66,374
39479 5,513 2,267 $47,426 $68,726

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FAQs about Covington County demographics 

What is the total population of Covington County?

Covington County has a total population of 18,148 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 -0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Covington County?

The gender ratio in Covington County is as follows:
  • 52% males (9,430 residents)
  • 48% females (8,718 residents)

What is the median age in Covington County?

The median age in Covington County is 37.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Covington County?

The age distribution in Covington County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.2% (3,665 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.4% (2,248 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.2% (4,583 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.5% (4,453 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.6% (3,199 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Covington County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Covington County is as follows:
  • White: 60% (10,880 residents)
  • Black or African American: 34.8% (6,313 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (5 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (44 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.3% (54 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.2% (584 residents)
  • Other: 1.5% (268 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.4% of the population in Covington County.

How many housing units are there in Covington County?

There are 8,397 housing units in Covington County, reflecting a +0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Covington County has a total of 7,323 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Covington County?

Covington County has a median household income of $45,051, representing a -4.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Covington County?

The employment rate is 96.6% in Covington County, with a workforce of 7,275 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 64.8% (4,718 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 35.2% (2,557 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.6% (623 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.4% (5,193 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.5% (1,198 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.6% (261 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