Lauderdale County, Mississippi Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Lauderdale County is located in Mississippi with a total population of 71,984. It is the 9th most populous county out of 82 in Mississippi.

Age Demographics

The median age in Lauderdale County is 39.5 years. This is 3% higher than the state median of 38.4 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Lauderdale County is $50,033. This is 9% lower than the state median of $54,915. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 36% lower. The poverty rate stands at 25.1%. This is 31% higher than the state poverty rate of 19.1%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 5.6%. This is 7% lower than the state rate of 6.0%. The median home value is $124,500. Housing costs are 23% lower than the state median of $161,400. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.5x, Lauderdale County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 63.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 9% lower than the state average of 69.5%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Lauderdale County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 50.7% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 41.9%.

Education

21.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 10% lower than the state rate of 24.2%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 85.2%.