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

Total population
58,327
2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$67,185/yr
4.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
28,714
1.0% year-over-year change

Lafayette County population

How many people live in Lafayette County

Lafayette County is home to 58,327 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.5% of Lafayette County locals are male, and 52.5% are female.

Total population
58,327
2.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.5%
27,724
Female
52.5%
30,603
Value Percent YoY change
Male 27,724 47.5% 1.7%
Female 30,603 52.5% 3.1%
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 Lafayette County is 31, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.9% are children under 15, then 26.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.3% of the population, while another 19.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
30.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.9%
15 to 24
26.8%
25 to 44
25.3%
45 to 64
19.3%
Over 65
13.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 8,698 14.9% 0.9%
15 to 24 15,655 26.8% 2.7%
25 to 44 14,738 25.3% 3.6%
45 to 64 11,255 19.3% -0.2%
Over 65 7,981 13.7% 5.8%
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 Lafayette County, 96.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 69.6% of locals are Caucasian, 22.7% are African American and 2.3% have Asian roots. Another 0.1% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 4.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.5%
Non-citizens
2.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 56,209 96.4% 3.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 862 1.5% -10.3%
Non-citizens 1,256 2.2% -10.5%
Racial breakdown
White
69.6%
Black or African American
22.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
2.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
4.3%
Other
1%
Value Percent
White 40,594 69.6%
Black or African American 13,220 22.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 58 0.1%
Asian 1,317 2.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 67 0.1%
Two or more races 2,514 4.3%
Other 557 1%

Households in Lafayette County

A peek inside Lafayette County households

Lafayette County has 19,044 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 60% are families, while the remaining 40% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
19,044
2.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
7,623
Family households
11,421
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 7,623 40% -1.8%
Family households 11,421 60% 6.3%
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 Lafayette County

The housing landscape of Lafayette County

Lafayette County's housing consists of 28,714 units, with 60.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.6% 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 8.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
28,714
1.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 17,455 60.8%
1 unit, attached 457 1.6%
2 units 1,017 3.5%
3 or 4 units 1,626 5.7%
5 to 9 units 2,547 8.9%
10 to 19 units 1,655 5.8%
20 to 49 units 995 3.5%
50 or more units 551 1.9%
Mobile home 2,411 8.4%
Homes built since 2020
831
87.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lafayette County

In Lafayette County, the median construction year is 2000. About 2.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 22.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 24.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 662 2.3% -17.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 410 1.4% 1.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 974 3.4% -2.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,373 4.8% -1.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,774 9.7% 7.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,025 10.5% 5.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 5,261 18.3% -12.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 6,371 22.2% 14.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 7,033 24.5% -4.6%
Built in 2020 or later 831 2.9% 87.2%
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.

Lafayette County occupancy rates

Out of the 19,044 occupied housing units in Lafayette County, 63.8% are owner-occupied, while 36.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 33.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
19,044
2.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
6,899
Owner occupied
12,145
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 6,899 36.2% 1.4%
Owner occupied 12,145 63.8% 3.8%
Unoccupied housing units
33.7%
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.

Lafayette County housing costs

Housing costs in Lafayette County come to a median of $1,064 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,085.

Median housing costs per month
$1,064/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 Lafayette County
$1,085/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 Lafayette County

Lafayette County education at a glance

About 27.2% of the population in Lafayette County went to high school, while 27.4% pursued college studies. Another 8% earned an associate degree and 19% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 16.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 834 1.8% -6.3%
High school diploma 12,974 27.2% 7.1%
College diploma 13,114 27.4% -5.2%
Associate degree 3,828 8% 5.6%
Bachelor's degree 9,075 19% 2.5%
Graduate degree 7,965 16.7% 11.0%
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 Lafayette County

How much people earn in Lafayette County

The average annual household income in Lafayette County was $103,704 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $67,185, reflecting a +4.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lafayette County
$103,704/year
4.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lafayette County
$67,185/year
4.4% year-over-year change

Lafayette County income by age

In Lafayette County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $66,814. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $92,028 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $15,088, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $65,589 in earnings. Overall, 81.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $15,088 25.0%
25 - 44 $66,814 2.9%
45 - 64 $92,028 4.1%
Over 65 $65,589 6.3%
Above poverty level
42,236
Below poverty level
9,563
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 42,236 81.5% 2.5%
Below poverty level 9,563 18.5% 1.6%

Employment in Lafayette County

Workforce and job types in Lafayette County

The job market in Lafayette County is powered by 26,306 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 80.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.4% run their own businesses, 57.7% are employed by private companies, and 25.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
26,306
2.7% year-over-year change
White collar
21,265
Blue collar
5,041
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 21,265 80.8% 0.5%
Blue collar 5,041 19.2% 13.3%
Employer type
Self employees
9.4%
Private companies
57.7%
Governmental workers
25.9%
Not for profit companies
6.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,483 9.4% 1.6%
Private companies 15,178 57.7% 8.4%
Governmental workers 6,824 25.9% -2.8%
Not for profit companies 1,821 6.9% -15.1%
Unemployment rate
2.1%
20.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Lafayette County stands at 2.1%, 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 Lafayette County

How people get around in Lafayette County

Commuting methods vary: 86.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3% 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 22,244 86.2% -0.1%
Taxicab 7 0% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 173 0.7% -29.1%
Ferryboat 50 0.2% 16.3%
Motorcycle 32 0.1% 60.0%
Bicycle 24 0.1% -44.2%
Walk 784 3% 1.9%
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 Lafayette County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
38619 5,366 1,817 $35,379 $57,758
38627 1,145 590 $62,826 $77,015
38655 46,156 16,685 $68,235 $108,300
38673 1,056 468 $92,350 $99,788
38677 5,395 0 $0 $0
38601 2,507 832 $47,941 $56,802
38965 8,963 3,403 $58,258 $73,137
38871 2,337 941 $63,906 $65,468
38949 287 96 $0 $132,145

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FAQs about Lafayette County demographics 

What is the total population of Lafayette County?

Lafayette County has a total population of 58,327 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 +2.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Lafayette County?

The gender ratio in Lafayette County is as follows:
  • 47.5% males (27,724 residents)
  • 52.5% females (30,603 residents)

What is the median age in Lafayette County?

The median age in Lafayette County is 30.7.

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

The age distribution in Lafayette County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.9% (8,698 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 26.8% (15,655 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.3% (14,738 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.3% (11,255 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.7% (7,981 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lafayette County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lafayette County is as follows:
  • White: 69.6% (40,594 residents)
  • Black or African American: 22.7% (13,220 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (58 residents)
  • Asian: 2.3% (1,317 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (67 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.3% (2,514 residents)
  • Other: 1% (557 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.4% of the population in Lafayette County.

How many housing units are there in Lafayette County?

There are 28,714 housing units in Lafayette County, reflecting a +1.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Lafayette County has a total of 19,044 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lafayette County?

Lafayette County has a median household income of $67,185, representing a +4.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.9% in Lafayette County, with a workforce of 26,306 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80.8% (21,265 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.2% (5,041 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.4% (2,483 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.7% (15,178 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 25.9% (6,824 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.9% (1,821 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