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

Total population
16,191
-1.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$32,538/yr
10.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,595
0.3% year-over-year change

Holmes County population

How many people live in Holmes County

Holmes County is home to 16,191 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.5% of Holmes County locals are male, and 52.5% are female.

Total population
16,191
-1.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.5%
7,695
Female
52.5%
8,496
Value Percent YoY change
Male 7,695 47.5% -2.9%
Female 8,496 52.5% -0.8%
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 Holmes County is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.7% are children under 15, then 15.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.4% of the population, while another 23.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.7%
15 to 24
15.4%
25 to 44
24.4%
45 to 64
23.7%
Over 65
16.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,191 19.7% -3.3%
15 to 24 2,502 15.4% -1.9%
25 to 44 3,948 24.4% 0.2%
45 to 64 3,835 23.7% -4.8%
Over 65 2,715 16.8% 1.8%
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 Holmes County, 99.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 14.6% of locals are Caucasian, 81% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.3%
Non-citizens
0.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 16,117 99.5% -1.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 51 0.3% 2.0%
Non-citizens 23 0.1% -4.2%
Racial breakdown
White
14.6%
Black or African American
81%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 2,368 14.6%
Black or African American 13,116 81%
American Indian and Alaska Native 19 0.1%
Asian 46 0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 3 0%
Two or more races 639 4%

Households in Holmes County

A peek inside Holmes County households

Holmes County has 6,157 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 63.2% are families, while the remaining 36.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,157
2.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,266
Family households
3,891
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,266 36.8% -9.4%
Family households 3,891 63.2% 11.1%
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 Holmes County

The housing landscape of Holmes County

Holmes County's housing consists of 7,595 units, with 60.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.5% 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 25.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,595
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,616 60.8%
1 unit, attached 35 0.5%
2 units 40 0.5%
3 or 4 units 337 4.4%
5 to 9 units 455 6%
10 to 19 units 89 1.2%
20 to 49 units 86 1.1%
Mobile home 1,937 25.5%
Homes built since 2020
10
25.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Holmes County

In Holmes County, the median construction year is 1982. About 7.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 537 7.1% 2.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 174 2.3% -12.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 682 9% 10.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 799 10.5% -3.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,222 16.1% 0.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,563 20.6% -0.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,181 15.6% 16.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 954 12.6% -12.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 473 6.2% -5.2%
Built in 2020 or later 10 0.1% 25.0%
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.

Holmes County occupancy rates

Out of the 6,157 occupied housing units in Holmes County, 61% are owner-occupied, while 39% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 18.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,157
2.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,400
Owner occupied
3,757
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,400 39% 1.4%
Owner occupied 3,757 61% 3.4%
Unoccupied housing units
18.9%
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.

Holmes County housing costs

Housing costs in Holmes County come to a median of $581 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $590.

Median housing costs per month
$581/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 Holmes County
$590/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 Holmes County

Holmes County education at a glance

About 50.5% of the population in Holmes County went to high school, while 26.3% pursued college studies. Another 7.1% earned an associate degree and 7.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 487 4% -23.7%
High school diploma 6,172 50.5% 3.1%
College diploma 3,216 26.3% -6.4%
Associate degree 872 7.1% 5.8%
Bachelor's degree 967 7.9% -9.5%
Graduate degree 518 4.2% 15.6%
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 Holmes County

How much people earn in Holmes County

The average annual household income in Holmes County was $57,698 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $32,538, reflecting a +10.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Holmes County
$57,698/year
4.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Holmes County
$32,538/year
10.6% year-over-year change

Holmes County income by age

In Holmes County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $40,033. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $33,047 overall. Overall, 63.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $40,033 30.0%
45 - 64 $33,047 5.8%
Over 65 $31,546 18.8%
Above poverty level
9,632
Below poverty level
5,481
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 9,632 63.7% 0.5%
Below poverty level 5,481 36.3% -5.5%

Employment in Holmes County

Workforce and job types in Holmes County

The job market in Holmes County is powered by 5,170 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 61.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 38.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.8% run their own businesses, 64.7% are employed by private companies, and 23% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,170
-1.3% year-over-year change
White collar
3,197
Blue collar
1,973
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,197 61.8% 3.1%
Blue collar 1,973 38.2% -7.8%
Employer type
Self employees
6.8%
Private companies
64.7%
Governmental workers
23%
Not for profit companies
5.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 351 6.8% 4.8%
Private companies 3,347 64.7% -0.4%
Governmental workers 1,188 23% -4.7%
Not for profit companies 284 5.5% -5.0%
Unemployment rate
9.5%
7.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Holmes County stands at 9.5%, 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 Holmes County

How people get around in Holmes County

Commuting methods vary: 91.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 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 4,653 91.3% -2.8%
Taxicab 73 1.4% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 43 0.8% -14.0%
Walk 102 2% -9.7%
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 Holmes County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
39063 2,828 1,068 $30,967 $48,198
39079 1,353 373 $16,914 $29,871
39095 6,726 2,404 $43,077 $76,881
39146 2,614 1,147 $31,436 $49,965
39169 2,565 1,080 $36,231 $41,961
39192 1,573 445 $48,750 $74,505
38924 709 314 $43,750 $74,260

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FAQs about Holmes County demographics 

What is the total population of Holmes County?

Holmes County has a total population of 16,191 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 -1.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Holmes County?

The gender ratio in Holmes County is as follows:
  • 47.5% males (7,695 residents)
  • 52.5% females (8,496 residents)

What is the median age in Holmes County?

The median age in Holmes County is 36.3.

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

The age distribution in Holmes County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.7% (3,191 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.4% (2,502 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.4% (3,948 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.7% (3,835 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.8% (2,715 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Holmes County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Holmes County is as follows:
  • White: 14.6% (2,368 residents)
  • Black or African American: 81% (13,116 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (19 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (46 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (3 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4% (639 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.5% of the population in Holmes County.

How many housing units are there in Holmes County?

There are 7,595 housing units in Holmes County, reflecting a +0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Holmes County has a total of 6,157 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Holmes County?

Holmes County has a median household income of $32,538, representing a +10.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 90.5% in Holmes County, with a workforce of 5,170 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 61.8% (3,197 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 38.2% (1,973 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.8% (351 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.7% (3,347 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 23% (1,188 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.5% (284 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