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

Total population
8,729
-1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$46,431/yr
6.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,948
0.3% year-over-year change

Kemper County population

How many people live in Kemper County

Kemper County is home to 8,729 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.8% of Kemper County locals are male, and 49.2% are female.

Total population
8,729
-1.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.8%
4,438
Female
49.2%
4,291
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,438 50.8% -1.1%
Female 4,291 49.2% -1.8%
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 Kemper County is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 15% are children under 15, then 16.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.9% of the population, while another 23.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
15%
15 to 24
16.4%
25 to 44
22.9%
45 to 64
23.6%
Over 65
22.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,310 15% -2.4%
15 to 24 1,436 16.4% -5.7%
25 to 44 2,001 22.9% 1.2%
45 to 64 2,056 23.6% -3.0%
Over 65 1,926 22.1% 1.7%
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 Kemper County, 99.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.1% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 4.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.6%
Non-citizens
0.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,668 99.3% -1.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 53 0.6% 76.7%
Non-citizens 8 0.1% -27.3%
Racial breakdown
White
33.4%
Black or African American
59.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.8%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.2%
Other
0.2%
Value Percent
White 2,918 33.4%
Black or African American 5,187 59.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 240 2.8%
Two or more races 365 4.2%
Other 19 0.2%

Households in Kemper County

A peek inside Kemper County households

Kemper County has 3,223 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 67.1% are families, while the remaining 32.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,223
0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,059
Family households
2,164
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,059 32.9% -0.8%
Family households 2,164 67.1% 1.1%
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 Kemper County

The housing landscape of Kemper County

Kemper County's housing consists of 3,948 units, with 70.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.2% 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 21.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,948
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,790 70.7%
1 unit, attached 9 0.2%
2 units 31 0.8%
3 or 4 units 153 3.9%
5 to 9 units 80 2%
50 or more units 12 0.3%
Mobile home 864 21.9%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 9 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
31
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Kemper County

In Kemper County, the median construction year is 1979. About 4.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 164 4.2% -40.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 82 2.1% -11.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 258 6.5% 50.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 533 13.5% 2.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,004 25.4% -3.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 533 13.5% -4.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 728 18.4% 15.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 315 8% -22.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 300 7.6% 21.9%
Built in 2020 or later 31 0.8% N/A
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.

Kemper County occupancy rates

Out of the 3,223 occupied housing units in Kemper County, 79% are owner-occupied, while 21% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 18.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,223
0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
677
Owner occupied
2,546
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 677 21% -6.0%
Owner occupied 2,546 79% 2.3%
Unoccupied housing units
18.4%
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.

Kemper County housing costs

Housing costs in Kemper County come to a median of $588 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $677.

Median housing costs per month
$588/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 Kemper County
$677/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 Kemper County

Kemper County education at a glance

About 42.2% of the population in Kemper County went to high school, while 23.2% pursued college studies. Another 11.6% earned an associate degree and 9.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 288 4% -17.9%
High school diploma 3,007 42.2% -2.9%
College diploma 1,650 23.2% -1.8%
Associate degree 826 11.6% 5.2%
Bachelor's degree 670 9.4% 3.5%
Graduate degree 678 9.5% -0.9%
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 Kemper County

How much people earn in Kemper County

The average annual household income in Kemper County was $59,763 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $46,431, reflecting a +6.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Kemper County
$59,763/year
6.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Kemper County
$46,431/year
6.5% year-over-year change

Kemper County income by age

In Kemper County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $44,929. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $51,231 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $11,091, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $37,250 in earnings. Overall, 75.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $11,091 -0.1%
25 - 44 $44,929 -8.4%
45 - 64 $51,231 23.8%
Over 65 $37,250 -14.1%
Above poverty level
5,980
Below poverty level
1,910
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 5,980 75.8% -0.4%
Below poverty level 1,910 24.2% 2.0%

Employment in Kemper County

Workforce and job types in Kemper County

The job market in Kemper County is powered by 3,420 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.6% run their own businesses, 61.3% are employed by private companies, and 21.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,420
2.1% year-over-year change
White collar
2,380
Blue collar
1,040
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,380 69.6% -0.7%
Blue collar 1,040 30.4% 9.0%
Employer type
Self employees
9.6%
Private companies
61.3%
Governmental workers
21.1%
Not for profit companies
8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 328 9.6% 85.3%
Private companies 2,096 61.3% -6.8%
Governmental workers 723 21.1% -6.3%
Not for profit companies 273 8% 80.8%
Unemployment rate
10.8%
-0.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Kemper County stands at 10.8%, 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 Kemper County

How people get around in Kemper County

Commuting methods vary: 94.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% 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 3,183 94.3% 3.5%
Taxicab 4 0.1% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 45 1.3% N/A
Walk 53 1.6% 60.6%
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 Kemper County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
39320 1,930 603 $70,852 $102,281
39325 5,997 2,330 $88,112 $94,849
39326 260 137 $58,789 $74,983
39328 4,657 1,871 $42,930 $49,544
39335 2,564 1,077 $85,804 $88,174
39352 380 97 $68,801 $98,305
39354 1,820 731 $66,758 $76,991
39358 1,174 288 $51,786 $82,954

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FAQs about Kemper County demographics 

What is the total population of Kemper County?

Kemper County has a total population of 8,729 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 -1.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Kemper County?

The gender ratio in Kemper County is as follows:
  • 50.8% males (4,438 residents)
  • 49.2% females (4,291 residents)

What is the median age in Kemper County?

The median age in Kemper County is 40.6.

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

The age distribution in Kemper County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15% (1,310 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.4% (1,436 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.9% (2,001 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.6% (2,056 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.1% (1,926 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Kemper County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Kemper County is as follows:
  • White: 33.4% (2,918 residents)
  • Black or African American: 59.4% (5,187 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2.8% (240 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.2% (365 residents)
  • Other: 0.2% (19 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.3% of the population in Kemper County.

How many housing units are there in Kemper County?

There are 3,948 housing units in Kemper 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 Kemper County and what is the average household size?

Kemper County has a total of 3,223 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Kemper County?

Kemper County has a median household income of $46,431, representing a +6.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 89.2% in Kemper County, with a workforce of 3,420 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.6% (2,380 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.4% (1,040 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.6% (328 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.3% (2,096 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.1% (723 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8% (273 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