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Mississippi Population Overview (2026 Projection)
Mississippi is a state in the Southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Alabama to the east, the Gulf of Mexico to the south, Louisiana to the southwest, and Arkansas to the northwest.
Mississippi is the 34th most populous state in the United States. It covers a total land area of 46,952 square miles (121,607 sq. km), with an average population density of 64 people per square mile, ranking it as the 32nd most densely populated state.
According to the United States Census Bureau, Mississippi had a population of 2,961,279 (2.96 million) in 2020. As of July 1, 2024, the estimated population of Mississippi is 2,943,045, or approximately 3 million people.
👉 Projected Population of Mississippi (2026): ~3.02 million
Mississippi Population Growth (2010–2020)
Mississippi recorded virtually no population growth between 2010 and 2020, with a slight decrease of 6,018 residents over the decade. This reflects a relatively stable population, influenced by migration patterns and demographic trends.
The median age in Mississippi is approximately 36.7 years, indicating a moderately young population. In terms of gender distribution, the state is slightly female-majority, with 51.5% females and 48.5% males.
Mississippi Census Snapshot (2020)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 2,961,279 (2.96 million) |
| Percentage Change since 2010 | 0% |
| Population Rank | 34th |
| Total Land Area | 46,952 sq mi (121,607 km²) |
| Area Rank | 32nd |
| Population Density | 63.5/sq mi (24.5/km²) |
| Capital City | Jackson |
| Largest City | Jackson |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020)
Mississippi Historical Population
Mississippi’s population has grown steadily over the past two centuries. In 1900, the state had 1.55 million residents, and by 2020, it reached almost 3 million, reflecting an increase of nearly 1.5 million people over 120 years.
Mississippi Population by Decade
| Census Year | Population | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1800 | 7,600 | — |
| 1810 | 31,306 | 311.9% |
| 1820 | 75,448 | 141.0% |
| 1830 | 136,621 | 81.1% |
| 1840 | 375,651 | 175.0% |
| 1850 | 606,526 | 61.5% |
| 1860 | 791,305 | 30.5% |
| 1870 | 827,922 | 4.6% |
| 1880 | 1,131,597 | 36.7% |
| 1890 | 1,289,600 | 14.0% |
| 1900 | 1,551,270 | 20.3% |
| 1910 | 1,797,114 | 15.8% |
| 1920 | 1,790,618 | −0.4% |
| 1930 | 2,009,821 | 12.2% |
| 1940 | 2,183,796 | 8.7% |
| 1950 | 2,178,914 | −0.2% |
| 1960 | 2,178,141 | 0.0% |
| 1970 | 2,216,912 | 1.8% |
| 1980 | 2,520,638 | 13.7% |
| 1990 | 2,573,216 | 2.1% |
| 2000 | 2,844,658 | 10.5% |
| 2010 | 2,967,297 | 4.3% |
| 2020 | 2,961,279 | −0.2% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2020
Mississippi Demographics (Summary)
Religion and Affiliations
Christianity is the majority religion in Mississippi, followed by 83% of the population. Among Christians, the largest denominations are:
Protestant: 77%
Roman Catholic: 4%
Mormonism: 1%
Next comes the Unaffiliated population, accounting for 22% of residents, who do not adhere to any religion. Other non-Christian religions—including Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, and smaller faiths—make up approximately 2% of the population.
Source: Pew Research Center
For more details, read Religion in Mississippi
Race and Ethnicity
In 2020, the racial and ethnic composition of Mississippi was:
White alone (non-Hispanic): 55.35%
Black or African American: 36.44%
Hispanic or Latino: 3.55%
Two or more races: 3.57%
Asian: 1.09%
Ancestry in Mississippi
According to Census studies and estimates, the five largest ancestry groups in Mississippi are:
American
English
Irish
German
French
For more details, read Race and Ethnicity in Mississippi
Top Cities and Counties in Mississippi
As of 2022, Mississippi is divided into 82 counties. The most populous counties in the state are:
Hinds County: 239,479
Harrison County: 205,027
DeSoto County: 178,751
The largest city in Mississippi is Jackson, with a population exceeding 100,000. Two other cities with populations over 50,000 are:
Hattiesburg
Gulfport
Mississippi’s counties and cities vary widely in size and population density, reflecting both urban and rural characteristics across the state.
For more details, read Cities and Counties in Mississippi
FAQs about Mississippi Demography
1. What is the population of Mississippi?
As of 2024, Mississippi has an estimated population of approximately 2.94 million people.
2. What is the largest city in Mississippi?
The largest city in Mississippi is Jackson, with a population of over 100,000.
3. What are the major religions in Mississippi?
The majority of Mississippi residents follow Christianity (83%), predominantly Protestant (77%). About 22% are unaffiliated, and 2% follow other religions.
4. Which are the most populous counties in Mississippi?
The largest counties by population are Hinds, Harrison, and DeSoto counties.
5. What is the racial and ethnic composition of Mississippi?
In 2020, Mississippi’s population was 55.35% White (non-Hispanic), 36.44% Black or African American, 3.55% Hispanic or Latino, with smaller percentages of other racial groups.
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