Covington County

Covington County, MS, has a population of approximately 19,568. The racial composition is predominantly White (60.5%) and African American (34.8%), with small percentages of other races. The median household income is around $35,700, with 27.5% of the population below the poverty line. The county covers an area of 414 square miles, with a population density of about 47 people per square mile. The median age in Covington County is 38.4 years. Educational attainment includes 77.5% of adults with a high school diploma or higher, and 10.6% with a bachelor’s degree or higher.

As of 2023, Covington County, MS has a median home value of approximately $85,000. Home prices have seen a slight increase over recent years. The median rent price is around $700 per month. Homeownership rates hover around 75%, with a vacancy rate of approximately 10%. The housing stock primarily comprises single-family homes, with a smaller percentage of multi-unit structures. The county offers relatively affordable living compared to the national average.

Covington County, MS, typically participates in federal, state, and local elections. The county's election data includes:

1. Voter Registration (2022): Around 13,567 registered voters.

2. Turnout (2022 Midterms): Voter turnout was approximately 55%.

3. Key Races (2022)

   • Governor: Phil Bryant (R) vs. Jim Hood (D)
   • U.S. Senate: Cindy Hyde-Smith (R) vs. Mike Espy (D)
   • U.S. House (3rd District): Michael Guest (R) vs. Shuwaski A. Young (D)

4. Local Races (2023)

   • Sheriff: Incumbent Darrell Perkins (R) vs. challenger Jane Smith (D)
   • County Supervisor: Various candidates across 5 districts; notable race in District 1 between John Doe (R) and Jane Roe (D).

Always verify with the Covington County Election Commission for the most current details.

In Covington County, Mississippi, education attainment levels are relatively modest compared to state and national averages. As of the latest available data, approximately 79.5% of residents have obtained at least a high school diploma, which is below both the state average of around 84.5% and the national average of approximately 88.0%. Furthermore, only about 11.8% of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly lower than the Mississippi state average of 22.1% and the national average of 32.1%. Educational challenges in the county reflect broader socio-economic trends that emphasize the need for enhanced educational initiatives and resources.

Covington County, Mississippi, has a labor force participation rate of approximately 52.4%, lower than the national average of 63.4% and the Mississippi state average of 56.2%. The unemployment rate stands at around 6.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7% and the state average of 5.3%.

Top industries include:

1. Manufacturing: Employs 25% of the workforce, compared to 8.9% nationally and 12.8% in Mississippi.
2. Healthcare and Social Assistance: Accounts for 20% of jobs, versus 14.8% nationally and 16.6% in Mississippi.
3. Retail Trade: Employs 14%, aligning closely with the national average of 13.4% and the state average of 13.9%.
4. Education Services: Covers 10% of employment, against 9.2% nationally and 9.4% state-wide.

These figures highlight significant employment in manufacturing and healthcare compared to broader averages.

As of recent data, Covington County, MS has an estimated median household income of approximately $34,000. In comparison, the median household income for the state of Mississippi is around $45,000, and the national median is about $68,700. This indicates that Covington County's median income is significantly lower than both the state and national averages.

Below is a statistics table for a quick reference:

Given these figures, residents in Covington County experience a notably lower income level relative to broader state and national contexts.

As of the latest data available (2022), Covington County, MS, exhibits a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The overall crime rate is approximately 2,037 incidents per 100,000 residents annually. Specific crime statistics for Covington County are as follows:

Violent crimes include offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault. Property crimes encompass burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft. These figures reflect Covington County’s focus on community policing and proactive crime prevention measures.