Pontotoc County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Pontotoc County, Mississippi, has a population of approximately 31,184 residents. The racial makeup is predominantly White (81.0%), followed by Black or African American (8.1%), Native American (0.4%), Asian (0.4%), and those identifying as two or more races (2.4%). Hispanic or Latino residents of any race make up 7.2% of the population. The median household income is around $48,482, and the poverty rate stands at approximately 15.1%. The county's total area is about 501 square miles.

As of the latest data, Pontotoc County, MS features a median home value of approximately $130,000. The region has around 12,000 housing units, with a homeownership rate of roughly 75%. The median rent is about $650 per month. The county's housing market is characterized by a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and a few multi-family dwellings. Growth trends and affordability make it an attractive area for both buyers and renters. Data may vary, so consulting local real estate sources for the most current information is recommended.

As of the latest elections, Pontotoc County, MS, features various local and state races. For example, in the 2022 elections, the Pontotoc County Sheriff's race saw incumbent Sheriff Leo Mask running against challenger Scott Millstead. In Board of Supervisors elections, each of the five districts had its own candidates, with tight races especially in District 3. In state-level elections, Pontotoc County voters participated in choosing representatives for the Mississippi House and Senate. In the 2023 elections, expect updated candidate lists, including those for offices such as the Circuit Clerk and Chancery Clerk. Numerical values, such as voter turnout percentages and specific vote counts for each candidate, are typically detailed in post-election official reports but commonly see participation rates around 55-60% during major elections. For the most accurate and current information, consult the Pontotoc County election commission or their official website.

As of the most recent data, Pontotoc County, MS, demonstrates the following educational statistics:

• High School Graduate or Higher: About 84.1% of residents aged 25 and older have completed high school, compared to the national average of approximately 88% and the Mississippi state average of 84.5%.
• Bachelor's Degree or Higher: About 16.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Nationally, this figure is around 32.1%, while the Mississippi state average stands at roughly 20.4%.

In comparison, Pontotoc County has a slightly lower high school graduation rate than the national average but is close to the state average. The percentage of residents with a bachelor's degree or higher is notably lower than both the national and state averages, indicating that the county trails behind in higher education attainment.

Pontotoc County, MS, has diverse employment sectors. The top industries include manufacturing, accounting for about 37% of employment, significantly higher than the national average of around 8.5% and the state average of 15%. Retail trade is another major employer, comprising roughly 14%, aligning closely with national and state averages. Healthcare and social assistance also play a crucial role, employing about 13%, which is slightly below the national (16.8%) and state (14.5%) averages. The county's overall unemployment rate is relatively low, hovering around 4.5% as of the latest data, which is below both the national average of approximately 6% and the Mississippi state average of around 6.5%. This robust manufacturing sector, with a strong presence of furniture production, notably drives Pontotoc County's economic landscape.

As of the latest data, the median household income in Pontotoc County, MS is approximately $44,000. Comparatively, the median household income for the state of Mississippi is around $45,081, while the national median is $68,703. Pontotoc County's average is noticeably below both the state and national medians.

Income Comparison Table:

As of the latest available data, Pontotoc County, MS, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The overall crime rate is about 1,945 per 100,000 people annually. Violent crimes are significantly lower than the national average, while property crimes are also below average, making it a relatively safe place to live.

Pontotoc County, MS Crime Statistics Table

Note: Crime rates are subject to change; always refer to the latest data for accurate information.