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

Total population
3,872
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$40,000/yr
11.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,650
-1.4% year-over-year change

Sharkey County population

How many people live in Sharkey County

Sharkey County is home to 3,872 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50% of Sharkey County locals are male, and 50% are female.

Total population
3,872
0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50%
1,936
Female
50%
1,936
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,936 50% 1.0%
Female 1,936 50% 0.2%
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 Sharkey County is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.6% are children under 15, then 17.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.4% of the population, while another 23.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.6%
15 to 24
17.6%
25 to 44
23.4%
45 to 64
23.1%
Over 65
18.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 682 17.6% -6.3%
15 to 24 682 17.6% 0.4%
25 to 44 907 23.4% 1.2%
45 to 64 893 23.1% 8.5%
Over 65 708 18.3% -1.9%
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

At the same time, 0.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 23.4% of locals are Caucasian, 75.8% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 0.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,865 99.8% 0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1 0% -66.7%
Non-citizens 6 0.2% N/A
Racial breakdown
White
23.4%
Black or African American
75.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.3%
Two or more races
0.4%
Other
0.1%
Value Percent
White 904 23.4%
Black or African American 2,933 75.8%
Asian 6 0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 12 0.3%
Two or more races 14 0.4%
Other 3 0.1%

Households in Sharkey County

A peek inside Sharkey County households

Sharkey County has 1,422 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 63.8% are families, while the remaining 36.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,422
1.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
514
Family households
908
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 514 36.2% 8.0%
Family households 908 63.8% -1.7%
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 Sharkey County

The housing landscape of Sharkey County

Sharkey County's housing consists of 1,650 units, with 65.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.2% 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 23.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,650
-1.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,076 65.2%
1 unit, attached 37 2.2%
2 units 75 4.6%
3 or 4 units 12 0.7%
5 to 9 units 41 2.5%
10 to 19 units 20 1.2%
Mobile home 389 23.6%
Homes built since 2020
32
300.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sharkey County

In Sharkey County, the median construction year is 1977. About 3.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 2.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 65 3.9% 18.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 106 6.4% 146.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 111 6.7% -11.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 98 5.9% -37.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 608 36.8% -5.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 246 14.9% 67.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 211 12.8% 8.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 44 2.7% -63.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 129 7.8% -26.3%
Built in 2020 or later 32 1.9% 300.0%
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.

Sharkey County occupancy rates

Out of the 1,422 occupied housing units in Sharkey County, 66.5% are owner-occupied, while 33.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,422
1.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
476
Owner occupied
946
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 476 33.5% -8.3%
Owner occupied 946 66.5% 7.4%
Unoccupied housing units
13.8%
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.

Sharkey County housing costs

Housing costs in Sharkey County come to a median of $639 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $623.

Median housing costs per month
$639/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 Sharkey County
$623/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 Sharkey County

Sharkey County education at a glance

About 56.5% of the population in Sharkey County went to high school, while 17.4% pursued college studies. Another 6.4% earned an associate degree and 9.9% 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 161 5.4% 29.8%
High school diploma 1,679 56.5% 8.1%
College diploma 518 17.4% -14.8%
Associate degree 191 6.4% -14.7%
Bachelor's degree 295 9.9% 37.2%
Graduate degree 126 4.2% -22.2%
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 Sharkey County

How much people earn in Sharkey County

The average annual household income in Sharkey County was $55,572 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -5.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $40,000, reflecting a +11.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sharkey County
$55,572/year
-5.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sharkey County
$40,000/year
11.9% year-over-year change

Sharkey County income by age

In Sharkey County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $32,331. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $44,375 overall. Overall, 69.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $32,331 N/A
45 - 64 $44,375 -2.5%
Over 65 $30,000 -17.0%
Above poverty level
2,609
Below poverty level
1,147
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,609 69.5% 2.1%
Below poverty level 1,147 30.5% -2.6%

Employment in Sharkey County

Workforce and job types in Sharkey County

The job market in Sharkey County is powered by 1,557 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 60.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 39.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.3% run their own businesses, 60.1% are employed by private companies, and 25.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,557
3.4% year-over-year change
White collar
947
Blue collar
610
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 947 60.8% -2.4%
Blue collar 610 39.2% 13.8%
Employer type
Self employees
5.3%
Private companies
60.1%
Governmental workers
25.4%
Not for profit companies
9.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 82 5.3% -31.7%
Private companies 936 60.1% 11.4%
Governmental workers 396 25.4% 11.2%
Not for profit companies 143 9.2% -24.7%
Unemployment rate
9.0%
-11.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Sharkey County stands at 9%, 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 Sharkey County

How people get around in Sharkey County

Commuting methods vary: 90.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.3% 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 1,390 90.4% 2.4%
Bus or trolleybus 1 0.1% 0.0%
Bicycle 55 3.6% 77.4%
Walk 20 1.3% -16.7%
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 Sharkey County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
38721 1,000 431 $31,385 $49,946
38765 128 30 $67,344 $71,883
39054 337 109 $0 $42,191
39088 21 8 $0 $0
39159 2,888 951 $45,995 $60,644

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FAQs about Sharkey County demographics 

What is the total population of Sharkey County?

Sharkey County has a total population of 3,872 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 +0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sharkey County?

The gender ratio in Sharkey County is as follows:
  • 50% males (1,936 residents)
  • 50% females (1,936 residents)

What is the median age in Sharkey County?

The median age in Sharkey County is 38.4.

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

The age distribution in Sharkey County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.6% (682 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 17.6% (682 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.4% (907 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.1% (893 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.3% (708 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sharkey County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sharkey County is as follows:
  • White: 23.4% (904 residents)
  • Black or African American: 75.8% (2,933 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (6 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.3% (12 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 0.4% (14 residents)
  • Other: 0.1% (3 residents)

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

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

How many housing units are there in Sharkey County?

There are 1,650 housing units in Sharkey County, reflecting a -1.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Sharkey County has a total of 1,422 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sharkey County?

Sharkey County has a median household income of $40,000, representing a +11.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 91% in Sharkey County, with a workforce of 1,557 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 60.8% (947 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 39.2% (610 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.3% (82 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.1% (936 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 25.4% (396 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.2% (143 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