Jackson, MS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
146,631
-2.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$42,071/yr
-2.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
74,871
-0.3% year-over-year change

Jackson population

How many people live in Jackson

Jackson is home to 146,631 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.3% of Jackson locals are male, and 53.7% are female.

Total population
146,631
-2.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.3%
67,859
Female
53.7%
78,772
Value Percent YoY change
Male 67,859 46.3% -1.1%
Female 78,772 53.7% -3.0%
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 Jackson is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 20% are children under 15, then 15.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.7% of the population, while another 22.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
20%
15 to 24
15.1%
25 to 44
27.7%
45 to 64
22.3%
Over 65
15%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 29,273 20% -2.1%
15 to 24 22,130 15.1% -5.4%
25 to 44 40,555 27.7% 0.3%
45 to 64 32,665 22.3% -3.6%
Over 65 22,008 15% -0.9%
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 Jackson, 98.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 13.4% of locals are Caucasian, 82% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.7%
Non-citizens
1.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 143,882 98.1% -2.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 999 0.7% -9.7%
Non-citizens 1,750 1.2% 9.7%
Racial breakdown
White
13.4%
Black or African American
82%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3%
Other
1.1%
Value Percent
White 19,674 13.4%
Black or African American 120,254 82%
American Indian and Alaska Native 408 0.3%
Asian 416 0.3%
Two or more races 4,324 3%
Other 1,555 1.1%

Households in Jackson

A peek inside Jackson households

Jackson has 61,415 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54.3% are families, while the remaining 45.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
61,415
-0.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
28,072
Family households
33,343
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 28,072 45.7% 0.7%
Family households 33,343 54.3% -2.2%
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 Jackson

The housing landscape of Jackson

Jackson's housing consists of 74,871 units, with 66.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.6% 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 1.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
74,871
-0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 49,475 66.1%
1 unit, attached 1,915 2.6%
2 units 2,508 3.4%
3 or 4 units 3,893 5.2%
5 to 9 units 7,705 10.3%
10 to 19 units 3,278 4.4%
20 to 49 units 1,969 2.6%
50 or more units 3,259 4.4%
Mobile home 851 1.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 18 0%
Homes built since 2020
253
166.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Jackson

In Jackson, the median construction year is 1969. About 4.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,409 4.6% 4.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 4,933 6.6% -1.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 15,490 20.7% -3.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 14,577 19.5% 1.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 16,070 21.5% -1.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 8,587 11.5% -1.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,910 5.2% -8.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 5,372 7.2% 8.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,270 3% 6.5%
Built in 2020 or later 253 0.3% 166.3%
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.

Jackson occupancy rates

Out of the 61,415 occupied housing units in Jackson, 48.6% are owner-occupied, while 51.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 18% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
61,415
-0.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
31,537
Owner occupied
29,878
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 31,537 51.4% -1.0%
Owner occupied 29,878 48.6% -0.7%
Unoccupied housing units
18.0%
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.

Jackson housing costs

Housing costs in Jackson come to a median of $978 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,055.

Median housing costs per month
$978/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 Jackson
$1,055/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 Jackson

Jackson education at a glance

About 35.1% of the population in Jackson went to high school, while 25.7% pursued college studies. Another 8.8% earned an associate degree and 15.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 4,867 4.4% -0.3%
High school diploma 39,184 35.1% -1.9%
College diploma 28,714 25.7% -6.9%
Associate degree 9,774 8.8% 8.2%
Bachelor's degree 17,078 15.3% -0.7%
Graduate degree 11,949 10.7% -0.5%
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 Jackson

How much people earn in Jackson

The average annual household income in Jackson was $62,734 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $42,071, reflecting a -2.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Jackson
$62,734/year
-1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Jackson
$42,071/year
-2.7% year-over-year change

Jackson income by age

In Jackson, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $39,738. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $51,250 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $27,592, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $37,689 in earnings. Overall, 72.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $27,592 11.8%
25 - 44 $39,738 -8.8%
45 - 64 $51,250 2.3%
Over 65 $37,689 -3.0%
Above poverty level
100,653
Below poverty level
38,491
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 100,653 72.3% -3.4%
Below poverty level 38,491 27.7% 2.4%

Average renter income in Jackson

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Jackson, their median household income was $29,239 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 43.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$29,239
Rent-to-income ratio
43.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Jackson

Workforce and job types in Jackson

The job market in Jackson is powered by 62,956 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 75.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.8% run their own businesses, 62.4% are employed by private companies, and 21.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
62,956
-2.3% year-over-year change
White collar
47,612
Blue collar
15,344
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 47,612 75.6% -2.1%
Blue collar 15,344 24.4% -3.0%
Employer type
Self employees
8.8%
Private companies
62.4%
Governmental workers
21.7%
Not for profit companies
7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 5,524 8.8% -3.0%
Private companies 39,319 62.4% -3.5%
Governmental workers 13,688 21.7% 3.1%
Not for profit companies 4,425 7% -7.2%
Unemployment rate
9.3%
-4.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Jackson stands at 9.3%, 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 Jackson

How people get around in Jackson

In Jackson, the average commute time is 20 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 88% 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.

Commute time
20 min
-1.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 54,330 88% -3.5%
Taxicab 111 0.2% 101.8%
Bus or trolleybus 266 0.4% -27.1%
Bicycle 110 0.2% -10.6%
Walk 1,229 2% 38.1%
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 Jackson by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
39174 485 0 $0 $0
39201 858 682 $59,063 $58,795
39202 6,832 3,457 $38,554 $65,385
39203 4,019 1,749 $26,569 $35,691
39204 13,249 5,450 $30,237 $39,448
39206 23,257 10,120 $42,686 $57,767
39209 25,776 10,139 $36,344 $51,791
39211 23,838 10,093 $69,426 $105,552
39212 25,659 10,227 $50,722 $66,487
39213 18,691 8,418 $29,541 $44,275

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FAQs about Jackson demographics 

What is the total population of Jackson?

Jackson has a total population of 146,631 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 -2.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Jackson?

The gender ratio in Jackson is as follows:
  • 46.3% males (67,859 residents)
  • 53.7% females (78,772 residents)

What is the median age in Jackson?

The median age in Jackson is 34.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Jackson?

The age distribution in Jackson is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20% (29,273 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.1% (22,130 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.7% (40,555 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.3% (32,665 residents)
  • Over 65: 15% (22,008 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Jackson?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Jackson is as follows:
  • White: 13.4% (19,674 residents)
  • Black or African American: 82% (120,254 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (408 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (416 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3% (4,324 residents)
  • Other: 1.1% (1,555 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.1% of the population in Jackson.

How many housing units are there in Jackson?

There are 74,871 housing units in Jackson, 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 Jackson and what is the average household size?

Jackson has a total of 61,415 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Jackson?

Jackson has a median household income of $42,071, representing a -2.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 90.7% in Jackson, with a workforce of 62,956 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75.6% (47,612 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24.4% (15,344 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.8% (5,524 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.4% (39,319 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.7% (13,688 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7% (4,425 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