South - West Memphis, Memphis, TN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
36,450
-3.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$33,864/yr
1.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
17,387
-1.5% year-over-year change

South - West Memphis population

How many people live in South - West Memphis

South - West Memphis is home to 36,450 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.3% of South - West Memphis locals are male, and 53.7% are female.

Total population
36,450
-3.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.3%
16,877
Female
53.7%
19,573
Value Percent YoY change
Male 16,877 46.3% -4.7%
Female 19,573 53.7% -2.2%
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 South - West Memphis is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.1% are children under 15, then 11.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.9% of the population, while another 24.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
40
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.1%
15 to 24
11.6%
25 to 44
24.9%
45 to 64
24.4%
Over 65
19.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 7,322 20.1% -5.4%
15 to 24 4,217 11.6% 0.7%
25 to 44 9,073 24.9% -2.2%
45 to 64 8,891 24.4% -5.5%
Over 65 6,947 19.1% -2.1%
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 South - West Memphis, 98.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.8% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 2.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.4%
Non-citizens
0.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 36,024 98.8% -3.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 152 0.4% -1.9%
Non-citizens 275 0.8% 60.8%
Racial breakdown
White
2%
Black or African American
94.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.1%
Other
1.2%
Value Percent
White 723 2%
Black or African American 34,480 94.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 39 0.1%
Two or more races 774 2.1%
Other 434 1.2%

Households in South - West Memphis

A peek inside South - West Memphis households

South - West Memphis has 14,538 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 55.2% are families, while the remaining 44.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
14,538
-2.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
6,509
Family households
8,029
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,509 44.8% -3.6%
Family households 8,029 55.2% -1.3%
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 South - West Memphis

The housing landscape of South - West Memphis

South - West Memphis's housing consists of 17,387 units, with 83.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.3% 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 1.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
17,387
-1.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 14,551 83.7%
1 unit, attached 579 3.3%
2 units 164 0.9%
3 or 4 units 668 3.8%
5 to 9 units 512 2.9%
10 to 19 units 220 1.3%
20 to 49 units 106 0.6%
50 or more units 396 2.3%
Mobile home 191 1.1%
Homes built since 2020
77
-2.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in South - West Memphis

In South - West Memphis, the median construction year is 1959. About 4.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 16.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 779 4.5% -2.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,839 16.3% -9.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 6,115 35.2% 2.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,108 17.9% 8.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,225 12.8% -1.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 620 3.6% 8.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 572 3.3% -36.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 780 4.5% -5.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 275 1.6% 17.5%
Built in 2020 or later 77 0.4% -2.5%
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.

South - West Memphis occupancy rates

Out of the 14,538 occupied housing units in South - West Memphis, 49.4% are owner-occupied, while 50.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
14,538
-2.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
7,361
Owner occupied
7,177
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 7,361 50.6% -5.8%
Owner occupied 7,177 49.4% 1.4%
Unoccupied housing units
16.4%
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.

South - West Memphis housing costs

Housing costs in South - West Memphis come to a median of $812 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $996.

Median housing costs per month
$812/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 South - West Memphis
$996/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 South - West Memphis

South - West Memphis education at a glance

About 57.5% of the population in South - West Memphis went to high school, while 20.5% pursued college studies. Another 5.8% earned an associate degree and 8.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,103 4% -5.6%
High school diploma 15,805 57.5% -3.2%
College diploma 5,648 20.5% -6.6%
Associate degree 1,606 5.8% 9.0%
Bachelor's degree 2,259 8.2% -3.1%
Graduate degree 1,079 3.9% -12.6%
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 South - West Memphis

How much people earn in South - West Memphis

The average annual household income in South - West Memphis was $51,054 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $33,864, reflecting a +1.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in South - West Memphis
$51,054/year
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in South - West Memphis
$33,864/year
1.5% year-over-year change

South - West Memphis income by age

In South - West Memphis, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $33,166. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $39,452 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $46,380, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $31,082 in earnings. Overall, 64.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $46,380 9.6%
25 - 44 $33,166 4.3%
45 - 64 $39,452 0.7%
Over 65 $31,082 5.1%
Above poverty level
23,069
Below poverty level
12,765
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 23,069 64.4% -4.8%
Below poverty level 12,765 35.6% -0.9%

Employment in South - West Memphis

Workforce and job types in South - West Memphis

65.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6% run their own businesses, 72.4% are employed by private companies, and 17.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
8,125
Blue collar
4,346
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 8,125 65.2% -2.2%
Blue collar 4,346 34.8% -6.7%
Employer type
Self employees
6%
Private companies
72.4%
Governmental workers
17.2%
Not for profit companies
4.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 749 6% -3.1%
Private companies 9,033 72.4% -6.5%
Governmental workers 2,145 17.2% 11.7%
Not for profit companies 544 4.4% -11.0%

Transportation in South - West Memphis

How people get around in South - West Memphis

In South - West Memphis, the average commute time is 26 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 96.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
26 min
-3.7% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 10,803 96.8% -5.4%
Taxicab 6 0% -76.0%
Bus or trolleybus 187 1.7% 3.3%
Bicycle 5 0% -44.4%
Walk 165 1.5% -9.8%
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 South - West Memphis by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
38106 20,962 8,640 $30,232 $44,527
38109 42,452 16,616 $37,496 $53,952

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FAQs about South - West Memphis demographics 

What is the total population of South - West Memphis?

South - West Memphis has a total population of 36,450 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 -3.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in South - West Memphis?

The gender ratio in South - West Memphis is as follows:
  • 46.3% males (16,877 residents)
  • 53.7% females (19,573 residents)

What is the median age in South - West Memphis?

The median age in South - West Memphis is 40.

What is the age distribution of the population in South - West Memphis?

The age distribution in South - West Memphis is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.1% (7,322 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.6% (4,217 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.9% (9,073 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.4% (8,891 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.1% (6,947 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of South - West Memphis?

The racial and ethnic makeup of South - West Memphis is as follows:
  • White: 2% (723 residents)
  • Black or African American: 94.6% (34,480 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (39 residents)
  • Asian: 0% ( residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.1% (774 residents)
  • Other: 1.2% (434 residents)

What percentage of the population in South - West Memphis are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.8% of the population in South - West Memphis.

How many housing units are there in South - West Memphis?

There are 17,387 housing units in South - West Memphis, reflecting a -1.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in South - West Memphis and what is the average household size?

South - West Memphis has a total of 14,538 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in South - West Memphis?

South - West Memphis has a median household income of $33,864, representing a +1.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for South - West Memphis?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 65.2% (8,125 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34.8% (4,346 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6% (749 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.4% (9,033 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.2% (2,145 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.4% (544 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