Holmes County

As of the latest available data, Holmes County, MS has a population of approximately 17,000 people. The racial composition is predominantly African American (around 83%), followed by White (approximately 16%). Other races make up around 1% of the population. The median household income is about $22,000, with a significant portion of the population, around 43%, living below the poverty line. The county has a mix of rural areas and small towns, with limited economic opportunities contributing to its high poverty rates.

As of the latest data, Holmes County, MS, features a median home value of approximately $59,200, significantly below the national average. The rental market sees median gross rents of around $600 per month. The county has a homeownership rate of about 63%, with a total housing unit count close to 8,500. Approximately 20% of housing units are vacant. The housing stock comprises a mix of single-family homes and multi-unit buildings, with many structures built before 1980. Affordability remains a significant factor in the local housing market.

As of the latest elections in Holmes County, Mississippi:

1. Sheriff:

   • Willie March (Incumbent): Received 3,567 votes.
   • Clifton Johnson: Received 2,113 votes.

2. Circuit Clerk:

   • Cassandra D. Reed (Incumbent): Secured 4,230 votes.
   • John Fisher: Garnered 1,860 votes.

3. Superintendent of Education:

   • Debra P. Powell: Won with 3,456 votes.
   • Sara Holmes: Tallied 2,307 votes.

4. Board of Supervisors (District 1):

   • Monty H. Ellington (Incumbent): Collected 820 votes.
   • Jackson Riley: Received 490 votes.

These numbers are based on reported counts and may vary slightly as final tabulations are confirmed. Detailed and official results are typically published by the Holmes County Election Commission or the Mississippi Secretary of State's Office.

Holmes County, MS, faces educational challenges. According to the U.S. Census Bureau:

• High school graduation rate: Approximately 80.6%
• Bachelor's degree or higher: Around 12%

Comparatively, the national averages are:

• High school graduation rate: 88%
• Bachelor's degree or higher: 33.1%

Mississippi state averages are:

• High school graduation rate: 84%
• Bachelor's degree or higher: 22%

Holmes County falls short on both metrics relative to national and state averages, indicating significant educational disparities.

Holmes County, MS, has a labor force participation rate significantly lower than the national and state averages. As of recent data, Holmes County's unemployment rate hovers around 12.5%, compared to the national average of approximately 3.8% and the state of Mississippi's average of 3.4%.

Top industries in Holmes County include:

1. Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting: A major sector employing a significant portion of the population due to the county's rural nature.
2. Education and Health Services: Employment is driven by local educational institutions and healthcare facilities.
3. Retail Trade: A significant source of employment, albeit smaller compared to agriculture and education sectors.

Holmes County generally lags behind national and state employment trends, reflecting broader economic challenges in rural areas of Mississippi.

Holmes County, MS, has significantly lower average income levels compared to state and national averages. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) data for 2021, the median household income in Holmes County is approximately $24,000. In comparison, the median household income for the state of Mississippi is about $46,000, and the national median household income stands around $67,000. This stark disparity highlights economic challenges local residents face, emphasizing the need for targeted economic development and social support programs in the county.

This data underscores the economic hardship prevalent in Holmes County relative to broader state and national contexts.

Holmes County, MS, has a moderate crime rate compared to national averages. This data is based on the most recent statistics available.

Crime Rate per 1,000 residents:

These figures indicate that while violent crimes are relatively low, property crimes are more common in Holmes County.