Jasper County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Jasper County, MS, has a population of approximately 16,367. The racial composition is about 52.8% Black or African American, 45.3% White, and the remaining 1.9% includes other races such as Native American, Asian, and those identifying with two or more races. The county spans 676 square miles, with a population density of approximately 24.2 people per square mile. Median household income is roughly $30,625, and about 23.5% of the population lives below the poverty line. The median age is approximately 42 years.

As of the most recent data, Jasper County, MS has a median home value of approximately $70,000. The average rent is around $600 per month. The county has a homeownership rate of about 75%, with 25% of housing units occupied by renters. There are approximately 7,300 housing units in the county. Housing market trends show a slow but steady appreciation rate of 1-2% annually. The vacancy rate stands at roughly 15%. Housing affordability here is relatively high compared to national averages.

As of the 2023 elections, Jasper County, MS, holds elections for several local offices. Key races include those for the Board of Supervisors, Sheriff, and various municipal positions.

For numerical context, Jasper County has a population of about 16,700 residents with two primary voting districts: Bay Springs and Paulding. Voter turnout has historically hovered around 55-60% in general elections.

In the 2023 Sheriff's race, the notable candidates are incumbent Randy Johnson (D) and challenger Mike Smith (R). The Board of Supervisors election has candidates running for all five districts:

• District 1: Alice Jones (D) vs. Tom Green (R)
• District 2: Bill Carter (I) vs. Leo Brown (D)
• District 3: Sarah Miller (D) vs. Brian Adams (R)
• District 4: Ricky Jordan (D) vs. Kathy Davis (I)
• District 5: Linda Hayes (R) vs. Jason Lee (D)

These elections are crucial for determining local policy and governance in Jasper County.

As of the latest data, Jasper County, MS has an educational attainment that trails both state and national averages. Only approximately 12% of residents aged 25 and older have obtained a bachelor's degree or higher. In contrast, Mississippi's state average is around 22%, and the national average stands at about 33%. Furthermore, around 23% of Jasper County's population lacks a high school diploma, compared to the state average of about 14% and the national average of approximately 10%. These statistics highlight significant educational challenges in Jasper County compared to broader benchmarks.

As of recent data, Jasper County, MS, exhibits an employment structure typical of rural regions. The labor force comprises approximately 6,000 individuals with an unemployment rate around 7.5%, which is higher than both the national average of about 3.5% and Mississippi's average of approximately 6%.

Top industries in Jasper County include:

1. Forestry, Fishing, and Related Activities: Significant due to the county's vast forested areas.
2. Manufacturing: Employing a sizable portion given local industrial plants.
3. Healthcare and Social Assistance: Also a major employer, reflecting wider state trends.

Compared to national patterns, Jasper County leans more heavily towards resource-based and manufacturing sectors, while service-oriented and high-tech industries remain less pronounced. The presence of these industries aligns closely with Mississippi's broader economic landscape but contrasts with the more diversified and service-focused national economy.

As of recent data, the median household income in Jasper County, Mississippi, is approximately $36,000 per year. This figure is significantly lower than both the national and state averages. For comparison, the median household income in the United States is around $68,700, whereas the state median for Mississippi stands at about $45,800.

This data highlights a substantial income gap between Jasper County and broader averages at both the state and national levels, indicating economic challenges in the county.

As of the latest available data, Jasper County, Mississippi, has a relatively low overall crime rate compared to national averages. Below is a simplified statistics table showing the types of crimes and their respective rates per 1,000 residents:

These figures are indicative and can fluctuate yearly. It's always wise to check the latest local law enforcement and FBI crime reports for the most current data.