Shaw, MS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,508
-4.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$30,469/yr
27.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
815
9.5% year-over-year change

Shaw population

How many people live in Shaw

Shaw is home to 1,508 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.2% of Shaw locals are male, and 53.8% are female.

Total population
1,508
-4.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.2%
696
Female
53.8%
812
Value Percent YoY change
Male 696 46.2% 3.7%
Female 812 53.8% -11.3%
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 Shaw is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 19% are children under 15, then 12.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.3% of the population, while another 22.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
19%
15 to 24
12.2%
25 to 44
28.3%
45 to 64
22.7%
Over 65
17.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 286 19% -7.4%
15 to 24 184 12.2% -25.8%
25 to 44 427 28.3% 6.8%
45 to 64 342 22.7% 2.1%
Over 65 269 17.8% -8.5%
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

There’s also a share of 4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
100%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,508 100% -4.9%
Racial breakdown
White
0.9%
Black or African American
95.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 13 0.9%
Black or African American 1,435 95.2%
Two or more races 60 4%

Households in Shaw

A peek inside Shaw households

Shaw has 672 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 70.1% are families, while the remaining 29.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
672
5.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
201
Family households
471
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 201 29.9% 30.5%
Family households 471 70.1% -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 Shaw

The housing landscape of Shaw

Shaw's housing consists of 815 units, with 70.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.1% 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 9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
815
9.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 578 70.9%
1 unit, attached 25 3.1%
2 units 47 5.8%
3 or 4 units 28 3.4%
5 to 9 units 17 2.1%
10 to 19 units 24 2.9%
20 to 49 units 23 2.8%
Mobile home 73 9%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Shaw

In Shaw, the median construction year is 1976. About 2.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 20 2.4% -64.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 36 4.4% 20.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 134 16.4% 204.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 67 8.2% -9.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 258 31.7% 8.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 130 16% 34.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 62 7.6% -23.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 24 2.9% -25.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 84 10.3% -6.7%
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.

Shaw occupancy rates

Out of the 672 occupied housing units in Shaw, 62.8% are owner-occupied, while 37.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 17.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
672
5.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
250
Owner occupied
422
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 250 37.2% -1.2%
Owner occupied 422 62.8% 9.0%
Unoccupied housing units
17.5%
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.

Shaw housing costs

Housing costs in Shaw come to a median of $567 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $556.

Median housing costs per month
$567/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 Shaw
$556/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 Shaw

Shaw education at a glance

About 37.1% of the population in Shaw went to high school, while 36.7% pursued college studies. Another 7.5% earned an associate degree and 8.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 37 3.4% -21.3%
High school diploma 410 37.1% -12.0%
College diploma 406 36.7% 18.7%
Associate degree 83 7.5% -25.2%
Bachelor's degree 90 8.1% 2.3%
Graduate degree 79 7.2% 8.2%
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 Shaw

How much people earn in Shaw

The average annual household income in Shaw was $42,853 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +12.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $30,469, reflecting a +27.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Shaw
$42,853/year
12.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Shaw
$30,469/year
27.4% year-over-year change

Shaw income by age

In Shaw, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $23,125. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $32,432 overall. Overall, 62.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $23,125 60.4%
45 - 64 $32,432 -1.8%
Over 65 $23,700 10.7%
Above poverty level
926
Below poverty level
566
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 926 62.1% -0.3%
Below poverty level 566 37.9% -12.1%

Average renter income in Shaw

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Shaw, their median household income was $19,453 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$19,453
Rent-to-income ratio
34.3%
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 Shaw

Workforce and job types in Shaw

The job market in Shaw is powered by 555 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 61.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 38.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 3.1% run their own businesses, 69.4% are employed by private companies, and 25% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
555
-1.1% year-over-year change
White collar
339
Blue collar
216
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 339 61.1% -11.7%
Blue collar 216 38.9% 22.0%
Employer type
Self employees
3.1%
Private companies
69.4%
Governmental workers
25%
Not for profit companies
2.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 17 3.1% -10.5%
Private companies 385 69.4% 10.9%
Governmental workers 139 25% -21.5%
Not for profit companies 14 2.5% -22.2%
Unemployment rate
8.7%
-10.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Shaw stands at 8.7%, 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 Shaw

How people get around in Shaw

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 555 100% -1.1%
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 Shaw by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
38773 2,201 1,052 $30,661 $42,154

Explore more communities

FAQs about Shaw demographics 

What is the total population of Shaw?

Shaw has a total population of 1,508 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 -4.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Shaw?

The gender ratio in Shaw is as follows:
  • 46.2% males (696 residents)
  • 53.8% females (812 residents)

What is the median age in Shaw?

The median age in Shaw is 38.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Shaw?

The age distribution in Shaw is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19% (286 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.2% (184 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.3% (427 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.7% (342 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.8% (269 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Shaw?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Shaw is as follows:
  • White: 0.9% (13 residents)
  • Black or African American: 95.2% (1,435 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4% (60 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 100% of the population in Shaw.

How many housing units are there in Shaw?

There are 815 housing units in Shaw, reflecting a +9.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Shaw has a total of 672 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Shaw?

Shaw has a median household income of $30,469, representing a +27.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 91.3% in Shaw, with a workforce of 555 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 61.1% (339 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 38.9% (216 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 3.1% (17 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.4% (385 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 25% (139 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 2.5% (14 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