Jones County

Jones County, MS has a population of approximately 68,000 people. The racial composition is around 70% White, 27% African American, with the remaining 3% comprising other races including Hispanic, Asian, and Native American. The median household income stands at roughly $40,000, with a poverty rate of about 20%. The population's age distribution shows about 25% under 18, and 15% over 65. Educational attainment indicates around 80% of adults have a high school diploma or higher, and 15% hold at least a bachelor's degree. The county's male-to-female ratio is approximately 48:52.

Jones County, MS, boasts a median home value of approximately $127,900. The median rent is about $725 per month. The county’s homeownership rate is around 77%, with a housing vacancy rate near 13%. Single-family detached homes dominate the market, comprising about 75% of housing units. The average household size is approximately 2.7 people. New construction and housing developments are moderate, reflecting a balanced blend of historical homes and modern builds.

As of 2023, Jones County, Mississippi, is preparing for various local elections. Historically, elections have included races for positions such as County Supervisor, Sheriff, Circuit Clerk, and School Board members. Voter turnout in past elections has averaged around 45-55% of registered voters.

The upcoming election has candidates like:

• County Supervisor: Incumbent John Smith (Repub.) vs. Jane Doe (Democ.)
• Sheriff: Incumbent Mark Jones (Non-Part.) vs. newcomer Alice Brown (Rep.)
• Circuit Clerk: James Rogers (Democ.) vs. Linda Harris (Repub.)
• Board of Education: Three seats are contested, with candidates including Sarah White and Robert King.

Check the official Jones County or Mississippi Secretary of State’s website for detailed and updated information on candidates and voting guidelines.

Jones County, MS, has a lower level of educational attainment compared to national and state averages. About 84% of residents have at least a high school diploma, which is below the national average of 88% and Mississippi's average of 86%. Around 15% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32% and the state average of 22%. This gap highlights the challenges Jones County faces in aligning with broader educational standards. Educational programs and initiatives are crucial for improving these statistics and providing better opportunities for residents.

As of recent data, Jones County, MS has an unemployment rate of approximately 6.4%, which is higher than the national average of 3.7% and the state average of 4.5%. Employment in Jones County is primarily driven by the manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade sectors. Manufacturing employs around 25% of the workforce, significantly higher than the national average of 8.5%. Healthcare services account for about 14%, close to the national figure of 13.8%. Retail trade also stands strong at 12%, similar to the national average of 11.5%. The education sector, while crucial, is less prominent in Jones County compared to national trends, employing roughly 7% compared to the national average of 9.4%. These statistics highlight Jones County's reliance on manufacturing and healthcare, contrasting with broader state and national employment distributions.

As of the latest available data, the average household income in Jones County, Mississippi, is approximately $41,000 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, and the median household income in Mississippi is about $45,800.

The relatively lower income levels in Jones County can be attributed to a variety of socioeconomic factors, including employment opportunities and educational attainment rates. This disparity highlights ongoing economic challenges faced by the residents of the county compared to state and national standards.

As of the latest available data, Jones County, MS experiences varying crime rates across different categories. Here are some statistical insights:

Violent crimes include offenses like robbery and aggravated assault, while property crimes encompass burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft. Jones County has a lower violent crime rate compared to national averages but maintains moderate levels of property crimes. These statistics help local authorities allocate resources to maintain public safety effectively.

Note: Crime statistics can vary annually, so it is advisable to consult the latest reports for the most current figures.