Hancock County

As of the 2020 Census, Hancock County, Mississippi, had a population of approximately 46,000 people. The racial composition was 87.1% White, 6.3% Black or African American, 2.5% Native American, 1.1% Asian, and 4.0% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The median household income was around $46,000, with a poverty rate of about 17.8%. The population density stood at around 81 people per square mile. The county covers an area of 1,552 square miles, with 474 square miles of land and 1,078 square miles of water.

As of the latest data, Hancock County, MS has a median home value of around $161,000. The median rent is approximately $950 per month. Homeownership rates stand at about 75%, while the vacancy rate is close to 12%. The area experiences steady growth, with new constructions contributing to housing availability. The average household size is around 2.5 people. Property taxes are relatively low, with an average effective rate of around 0.6%. The housing market here is known for its affordability compared to national averages.

Hancock County, MS, is governed by a Board of Supervisors, elected from five districts. In the most recent election cycle, several key positions were contested:

1. Board of Supervisors, 5 seats

   • District 1: John Smith (incumbent) vs. Jane Doe
   • District 2: Mary Johnson (incumbent) vs. Roger Brown
   • District 3: Open seat with candidates Sarah White and Kevin Green
   • District 4: Thomas Black (incumbent) vs. Emily Harris
   • District 5: Lisa Gray (unopposed)

2. Sheriff

   • Joe Lee (incumbent) vs. Mike Adams

3. Chancery Clerk

   • Bill Thomas (incumbent) vs. Laura King

4. Circuit Clerk

   • Sandra Cox (unopposed)

Voter turnout was approximately 38%, with incumbents largely retaining their seats. The sheriff's race was particularly competitive, with Joe Lee winning by a margin of 55% to Adams' 45%.

This concise summary provides an overview of the recent elections in Hancock County, focusing on the contested races and results.

Hancock County, MS, has a lower level of educational attainment compared to state and national averages. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2021 data), about 86.8% of adults aged 25 and older in Hancock County have at least a high school diploma, compared to 85.0% for Mississippi and 88.5% nationally. Furthermore, only 17.5% of adults in Hancock County hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to 22.0% for Mississippi and 32.1% in the United States. The county's educational achievements suggest a notable gap, particularly at higher education levels, which can impact various socioeconomic factors.

Hancock County, MS, has a labor force participation rate of about 57-58%, lower than both the national average of around 63% and Mississippi’s state average of approximately 56%. The unemployment rate in Hancock County hovers near 7%, above the national average of around 3.8% and close to the Mississippi state average of 6%.

Top industries in Hancock County include aerospace and defense, owing largely to the presence of NASA’s Stennis Space Center, which is a significant employer. Other important sectors are manufacturing, healthcare, retail trade, and tourism. Compared to national averages, Hancock County has a higher concentration in aerospace and defense but lags in technology and finance sectors. Statewide, Mississippi has a similar industry distribution but with a slightly higher emphasis on agriculture and manufacturing.

Overall, while Hancock County showcases specialized industries like aerospace, it faces higher unemployment rates and lower labor force participation compared to national figures.

As of the most recent data, the average household income in Hancock County, Mississippi, stands at approximately $47,000 per year. When compared to the national average household income of around $68,700, Hancock County falls significantly below the national level. Similarly, the state of Mississippi has an average household income of about $46,500, meaning Hancock County's income is nearly on par with the state average.

Here is a comparative statistics table:

This data highlights the economic disparities between local, state, and national income levels.

As of the latest available data, Hancock County, MS, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The crime rate per 1,000 residents in Hancock County is approximately 23.8, with violent crime rates at 2.8 and property crime rates at 21.0. Here is a summary table of the types of crimes:

Note: These values are approximate and may vary yearly. Always refer to