Leake County, Mississippi Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Leake County is located in Mississippi with a total population of 21,288. It is the 43rd most populous county out of 82 in Mississippi.

Age Demographics

The median age in Leake County is 40.0 years. This is 4% higher than the state median of 38.4 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Leake County is $48,418. This is 12% lower than the state median of $54,915. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 38% lower. The poverty rate stands at 19.9%. This is 4% higher than the state poverty rate of 19.1%. The unemployment rate is 6.7%. This is 12% higher than the state rate of 6.0%. The median home value is $114,600. Housing costs are 29% lower than the state median of $161,400. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.4x, Leake County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 75.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 9% higher than the state average of 69.5%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Leake County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 46.7% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 39.1%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (5.9% vs 3.6%). The Asian population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 1.0%.

Education

17.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 27% 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 82.2%.