Sunflower County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Sunflower County, Mississippi has a population of approximately 25,971. The racial composition is 73.4% Black or African American, 24.8% White, and 1.8% other races including Native American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino. The median household income is around $25,000, with a poverty rate of approximately 36.9%. The county covers an area of 707 square miles. Notably, the region has a high percentage of residents employed in agriculture, education, and correctional facilities.

As of the latest data, Sunflower County, MS, has a median home value of approximately $69,500. About 59.2% of housing units are owner-occupied, while 40.8% are renter-occupied. The median rent is around $641 per month. The homeownership rate is lower than the national average, reflecting economic challenges. The vacancy rate is around 17.6%, indicating a significant number of unoccupied homes. The housing market remains relatively affordable compared to national standards.

Sunflower County, Mississippi holds elections for various offices including local, state, and federal positions. The most recent election took place on November 8, 2022.

1. U.S. House of Representatives (2nd District):

   • Bennie Thompson (Democrat, incumbent) won with 61,303 votes (71.0%)
   • Brian Flowers (Republican) received 25,085 votes (29.0%)

2. State Senate (Senate District 23, includes Sunflower County):

   • Sarita Simmons (Democrat) ran unopposed and won 12,235 votes (100%)

3. Local Elections:

   • Sheriff:
     • James Haywood (Democrat, incumbent) retained his position.

4. Board of Supervisors:

   • Five districts elect supervisors; recent races saw mainly Democratic incumbents re-elected.

For detailed results, visit the Sunflower County Election Commission's website or the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office. Please verify if newer elections have occurred post-2022.

Sunflower County, MS, offers a mixed educational landscape. The county's high school graduation rate stands at approximately 75%, lower than the national average of 88% and the state average of around 85%. In terms of higher education, about 11% of Sunflower County residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average, which is roughly 33%, and the Mississippi state average of around 22%. These figures highlight that Sunflower County trails both national and state averages in key educational attainment metrics, suggesting potential areas for growth and development in the county's educational infrastructure.

As of recent data, Sunflower County, MS, has an employment base reflective of its rural and agricultural roots. Key industries in Sunflower County include agriculture, healthcare, education, and public administration.

Agriculture remains a cornerstone, particularly with crops like cotton, soybeans, and corn. The healthcare and social assistance sector, bolstered by local medical facilities, also employs a significant number of residents.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 17% of the employed population in Sunflower County works in agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting, significantly higher than the national average of about 1.3% and the Mississippi state average of around 3%.

Educational services and healthcare employ around 25% of the workforce, fairly comparable to state and national averages. Public administration employs around 10%, again reflecting local trends more than national patterns.

For deeper insights, consulting the Mississippi Department of Employment Security and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics would provide comprehensive and up-to-date figures.

Sunflower County, Mississippi, has an average household income of approximately $30,000. This figure is significantly lower compared to both the state and national averages. The average household income in Mississippi is around $45,000, while the national average stands at approximately $68,700. This disparity highlights the economic challenges faced by residents of Sunflower County in comparison to broader state and national contexts.

Sunflower County, Mississippi has varying crime rates across different types of offenses. Based on the latest available statistics, the crime rates per 1,000 residents are as follows:

These rates are indicative of trends within the county and are subject to change as new data becomes available. While property crimes like larceny-theft and burglary are more frequent, violent crimes, including homicide and assault, also present significant concerns for residents and law enforcement.