Forrest County

As of the 2020 Census, Forrest County, Mississippi, had a population of approximately 78,158. The racial composition was 59.1% White, 36.2% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race comprised around 2.7% of the population. The median household income was approximately $38,405, and the poverty rate was around 23.1%. The county seat is Hattiesburg, which is also home to the University of Southern Mississippi.

As of the latest data, Forrest County, MS, has a median home value of approximately $121,000. The median rent is around $800 per month. The homeownership rate is about 56%, with approximately 44% of homes being rented. Household size averages at 2.5 people per home. The housing market has seen a modest annual appreciation rate of around 2-3%. The vacancy rate is roughly 12%, reflecting available inventory for new residents.

For the 2023 elections in Forrest County, Mississippi, key races include local and some state positions.

1. Sheriff:

   • Charlie Sims (Democrat)
   • David Bassett (Republican)

2. County Supervisor (District 1):

   • David Hogan (Incumbent)
   • Glenn Carlisle

3. State Representatives for District 87:

   • Billy Andrews (Democrat)
   • John Doe (Republican)

4. Turnout Data (Previous Election):

   • Voters: 30,000 (approx.)
   • Percentage: 55%

5. Important Dates:

   • Primary Election: August 8, 2023
   • General Election: November 7, 2023

These pieces of information will help you plan and participate in upcoming elections actively. For comprehensive details, visit the official Forrest County election website.

(Note: The candidates listed are fictional examples; for actual candidates, please refer to local election resources.)

Forrest County, MS, has a mixed education profile. According to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data:

• High school diploma or higher: Approximately 85.6% of residents aged 25 and over have at least a high school diploma, compared to the national average of 88.5% and the Mississippi state average of 84.5%.
• Bachelor's degree or higher: About 23.2% of residents aged 25 and over hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is close to the Mississippi state average of 22.7% but below the national average of 32.1%.

In summary, while Forrest County's high school graduation rate is slightly below the national average but above the state average, the county's residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher also lag behind the national average but are on par with the state average.

As of recent data, Forrest County, MS, has a workforce participation rate of approximately 57.4%, with an unemployment rate close to 5.2%. The top industries in the county include healthcare and social assistance, education, and retail trade. Specifically, healthcare and social assistance employ about 25% of the workforce, education around 20%, and retail trade approximately 15%.

Comparatively, the national workforce participation rate is higher at around 61%, with a lower unemployment rate of roughly 3.7%. In Mississippi, the workforce participation rate is similar to Forrest County at about 56.3%, but with a slightly higher unemployment rate of around 6.2%. On a broader scale, Forrest County shows a strong emphasis on healthcare and education sectors, reflective of local institutional strengths like the University of Southern Mississippi and Forrest General Hospital.

As of the latest data, Forrest County, MS has a median household income of approximately $39,000 per year. This is lower than the national median household income, which is around $68,700, and also lower than the Mississippi state median household income of about $46,600.

The lower income levels in Forrest County reflect broader socio-economic trends in Mississippi, which traditionally has lower income averages compared to the national figures. However, these numbers are important for understanding local economic conditions and for tailoring policies and programs aimed at income growth and economic development in the area.

As of the latest available data, Forrest County, MS, has a crime rate higher than the national average. In 2021, the violent crime rate was approximately 590 incidents per 100,000 people, while the property crime rate was about 2,950 per 100,000 people.

These figures highlight a considerable incidence of property crimes compared to violent crimes, although both are notable areas of concern.