Pickens, MS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
969
-21.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$30,036/yr
-3.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
487
-3.4% year-over-year change

Pickens population

How many people live in Pickens

Pickens is home to 969 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 40.6% of Pickens locals are male, and 59.4% are female.

Total population
969
-21.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
40.6%
393
Female
59.4%
576
Value Percent YoY change
Male 393 40.6% -19.1%
Female 576 59.4% -23.1%
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 Pickens is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.6% are children under 15, then 10.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.1% of the population, while another 17.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
37
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.6%
15 to 24
10.1%
25 to 44
28.1%
45 to 64
17.8%
Over 65
25.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 180 18.6% -44.3%
15 to 24 98 10.1% -16.2%
25 to 44 272 28.1% -8.7%
45 to 64 172 17.8% -28.3%
Over 65 247 25.5% -3.9%
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 Pickens, 99.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. As for race, 3.9% of locals are Caucasian, 95% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 0.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.2%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 967 99.8% -21.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2 0.2% -33.3%
Racial breakdown
White
3.9%
Black or African American
95%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
0.8%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 38 3.9%
Black or African American 921 95%
Asian 2 0.2%
Two or more races 8 0.8%

Households in Pickens

A peek inside Pickens households

Pickens has 419 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 73.5% are families, while the remaining 26.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
419
-3.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
111
Family households
308
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 111 26.5% -2.6%
Family households 308 73.5% -3.1%
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 Pickens

The housing landscape of Pickens

Pickens's housing consists of 487 units, with 81.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
487
-3.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 396 81.3%
5 to 9 units 47 9.6%
20 to 49 units 5 1%
Mobile home 39 8%
Homes built since 2020
3
-25.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Pickens

In Pickens, the median construction year is 1978. About 4.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 16.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 21 4.3% -27.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 20 4.1% 5.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 54 11.1% 5.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 34 7% 79.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 149 30.6% 5.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 81 16.6% -23.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 19 3.9% 11.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 82 16.8% -8.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 24 4.9% -14.3%
Built in 2020 or later 3 0.6% -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.

Pickens occupancy rates

Out of the 419 occupied housing units in Pickens, 63.7% are owner-occupied, while 36.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
419
-3.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
152
Owner occupied
267
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 152 36.3% -11.1%
Owner occupied 267 63.7% 2.3%
Unoccupied housing units
14.0%
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.

Pickens housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$472/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.

Education in Pickens

Pickens education at a glance

About 47.2% of the population in Pickens went to high school, while 15.2% pursued college studies. Another 11.2% earned an associate degree and 9.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 104 13.7% -28.8%
High school diploma 358 47.2% 2.9%
College diploma 115 15.2% 13.9%
Associate degree 85 11.2% -14.1%
Bachelor's degree 73 9.6% -44.3%
Graduate degree 24 3.2% -14.3%
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 Pickens

How much people earn in Pickens

The average annual household income in Pickens was $42,475 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $30,036, reflecting a -3.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Pickens
$42,475/year
2.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Pickens
$30,036/year
-3.4% year-over-year change

Pickens income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $37,763 overall. Overall, 65.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $37,763 5.9%
Over 65 $16,875 -1.4%
Above poverty level
615
Below poverty level
324
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 615 65.5% -20.9%
Below poverty level 324 34.5% -8.0%

Employment in Pickens

Workforce and job types in Pickens

The job market in Pickens is powered by 276 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 1.4% run their own businesses, 57.2% are employed by private companies, and 32.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
276
-14.3% year-over-year change
White collar
194
Blue collar
82
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 194 70.3% -10.6%
Blue collar 82 29.7% -21.9%
Employer type
Self employees
1.4%
Private companies
57.2%
Governmental workers
32.2%
Not for profit companies
9.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 4 1.4% 100.0%
Private companies 158 57.2% -9.7%
Governmental workers 89 32.2% -27.1%
Not for profit companies 25 9.1% 8.7%
Unemployment rate
12.1%
-17.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Pickens stands at 12.1%, 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 Pickens

How people get around in Pickens

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 238 87.2% -14.4%
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 Pickens by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
39146 2,614 1,147 $31,436 $49,965

Explore more communities

FAQs about Pickens demographics 

What is the total population of Pickens?

Pickens has a total population of 969 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 -21.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Pickens?

The gender ratio in Pickens is as follows:
  • 40.6% males (393 residents)
  • 59.4% females (576 residents)

What is the median age in Pickens?

The median age in Pickens is 37.

What is the age distribution of the population in Pickens?

The age distribution in Pickens is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.6% (180 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.1% (98 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.1% (272 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 17.8% (172 residents)
  • Over 65: 25.5% (247 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Pickens?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Pickens is as follows:
  • White: 3.9% (38 residents)
  • Black or African American: 95% (921 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (2 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 0.8% (8 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.8% of the population in Pickens.

How many housing units are there in Pickens?

There are 487 housing units in Pickens, reflecting a -3.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Pickens has a total of 419 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Pickens?

Pickens has a median household income of $30,036, representing a -3.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 87.9% in Pickens, with a workforce of 276 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.3% (194 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.7% (82 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 1.4% (4 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.2% (158 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 32.2% (89 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.1% (25 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