Washington County

Washington County, MS has a population of approximately 44,000 people. The racial composition is about 71% Black or African American, 27% White, 1% Hispanic or Latino, and 1% other races. The median household income is around $28,000, with about 30% of the population living below the poverty line. The county encompasses cities like Greenville and Leland. The median age is roughly 36 years.

As of the latest data, Washington County, MS has around 22,000 housing units. The median home value is approximately $80,000. About 58% of these units are owner-occupied, while 42% are rentals. The median monthly rent is around $750. Vacancy rate stands at 15%. Around 29% of homeowners have a mortgage. Housing costs account for approximately 32% of household income on average. The area has seen moderate growth, with an annual increase in property values of about 3-4%.

(Data based on the latest available statistics and may vary. Always check the most recent sources for up-to-date information.)

Washington County, MS, holds local elections for various positions, including county supervisors, sheriff, and other county officials. As elections are dependent on the year, the list of candidates and numerical values can vary. For instance, in the 2020 elections, the Presidential race turnout in the county showed:

• Joe Biden (Democrat): 12,589 votes
• Donald Trump (Republican): 5,199 votes

For local offices, you would typically find candidates from different parties running for positions like County Supervisor and Sheriff. In a past election, the sheriff candidates were:

• Milton "Polo" Ford (Incumbent, Democrat)
• Gary Edwards (Challenger, Independent)

To get the most accurate and updated information, it would be best to refer to the Washington County official website or the Mississippi Secretary of State's office. Local news outlets also provide detailed candidate lists and numerical data close to the election dates.

Washington County, MS, has lower educational attainment compared to state and national averages. Approximately 79.3% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, compared to 85.0% in Mississippi and 88.5% nationally. The county has a bachelor's degree attainment rate of about 11.3%, lower than Mississippi's 21.3% and the national average of 32.1%.

These figures indicate that Washington County lags behind both the state and the nation in terms of educational achievement, which can affect local economic opportunities and overall quality of life. Efforts to improve education access and quality in the county could help bridge this gap.

Employment in Washington County, MS, tallies about 16,000 individuals in the workforce. As of 2022, the unemployment rate hovers around 8.6%, significantly higher than the national average of 3.6% and the Mississippi state average of 4.5%. Key industries include agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade.

Agriculture stands out, with Washington County part of the Mississippi Delta, known for its fertile soil and robust farming sector. The manufacturing sector, although smaller, is vital for local employment, particularly in food processing and textiles. Healthcare services also play a critical role, driven by regional hospitals and clinics.

Nationally, top industries include healthcare, retail, and professional services, whereas Mississippi aligns more closely with Washington County but has a broader manufacturing presence due to its larger urban centers. Washington County’s economic structure reflects its rural characteristics, with a heavy reliance on agriculture compared to state and national trends.

As of recent data, the average household income in Washington County, Mississippi, is approximately $31,000 per year. This is significantly lower than the national average household income of about $68,700. Similarly, it trails the state average for Mississippi, which is around $45,800.

Income Comparison Table:

This considerable disparity highlights the economic challenges faced by residents of Washington County compared to the broader state and national levels.

As of the latest data available, Washington County, Mississippi, has experienced varying crime rates across different types of offenses. Here is a summary of the crime rates, represented per 100,000 residents:

These statistics provide a snapshot of the area's public safety concerns, emphasizing a higher incidence of property crimes compared to violent crimes. The county's local law enforcement agencies are working continuously to implement strategies and programs aimed at reducing these crime rates.