Hernando, Mississippi Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Hernando, Mississippi had a total population of 17,949, the 23rd largest city in Mississippi, with a median household income of $76,950, which is 36% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 8.8%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 36% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in Mississippi.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 2.5%.
Hernando Quick Facts
How Hernando Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 17,580 | 17,949 | +2.1% |
| Median household income | $71,451 | $76,950 | +7.7% |
| Median home value | $282,200 | $315,900 | +11.9% |
How Hernando Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 56 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Hernando Rankings in Mississippi
Explore Mississippi Rankings
Other Cities in DeSoto County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southaven | 56,226 | $78,483 | 12.6% | $236,300 |
| Olive Branch | 47,019 | $100,606 | 4.6% | $290,000 |
| Horn Lake | 26,647 | $53,311 | 19.0% | $171,400 |
| Bridgetown | 3,195 | $139,224 | 1.0% | $344,500 |
| Lynchburg | 2,161 | $88,750 | 7.1% | $222,300 |
| Walls | 1,426 | $58,920 | 16.2% | $193,300 |
| Eudora | 620 | $89,391 | 8.2% | $263,900 |
| Lakeview | 596 | N/A | 10.1% | N/A |
Cities Similar to Hernando
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean Springs | 18,646 | $79,712 | $259,400 | 46.3% | 5.5% |
| Long Beach | 17,009 | $70,332 | $215,200 | 35.6% | 11.5% |
| Gautier | 19,046 | $61,926 | $166,400 | 21.9% | 17.5% |
| Laurel | 17,679 | $47,661 | $125,800 | 21.8% | 23.3% |
| Byram | 12,799 | $70,445 | $206,600 | 32.2% | 9.1% |
Population Overview
Hernando is a small city located in Mississippi, within DeSoto County. The total population is 17,949. It ranks as the 23rd most populous out of 420 Census-designated places in Mississippi.
Age Demographics
The median age in Hernando is 38.6 years. This is about the same as the state median of 38.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Hernando is $76,950. This is 36% higher than the state median of $56,447. It is also 5% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 8.8%. This is 53% lower than the state poverty rate of 18.9%. The unemployment rate is 2.5%. This is 57% lower than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $315,900. Housing costs are 86% higher than the state median of $169,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x. 81.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 16% higher than the state average of 70.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Hernando is White (non-Hispanic), making up 74.0% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 14.5%. The Black or African American population (14.5%) is well below the state average of 36.3%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (7.0% vs 3.7%).
Education
34.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 37% higher than the state rate of 25.1%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 89.1%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Hernando, Mississippi is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Mississippi state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 420 Census-designated places in Mississippi. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Hernando, Mississippi?
Hernando, Mississippi has a population of 17,949 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Hernando, MS?
The median household income in Hernando is $76,950, which is 5% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Hernando, MS?
The poverty rate in Hernando is 8.8%. This means approximately 1,571 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Hernando, Mississippi?
Hernando's population is 74.0% White, 14.5% Black, 7.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in Hernando, MS?
The median home value in Hernando is $315,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x.
How educated is Hernando, Mississippi?
34.5% of adults (25+) in Hernando hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 12.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.