Brookhaven, MS
Population 11,656 · Mississippi
About Brookhaven, MS
Brookhaven is a mid-sized city located in Mississippi with a population of 11,656 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $36,269 per year, which is 52% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.6 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Brookhaven features a median home value of $111,500, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Brookhaven one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $736, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,594 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (2,508 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (2,038 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Brookhaven shows an unemployment rate of 5.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 27.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Brookhaven have an average one-way commute time of 18.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.4% of Brookhaven residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 1.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Brookhaven Ranks in Mississippi
Cost of Living in Brookhaven, MS
Compared to national averages, Brookhaven has a median household income of $36,269 (52% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $111,500, which is 54% below the national median. Monthly rent at $736 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within Mississippi, Brookhaven's income is 27% below the state average of $49,929, and home values are 11% below the state median of $125,705.
Why Live in Brookhaven, MS?
Brookhaven offers affordable housing with a median home value of $111,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $736/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($36,269) that falls below the national average. However, Brookhaven’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Brookhaven has a population of 11,656 with a median age of 42.6 years. Compare Brookhaven with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Mississippi.
Similar Cities Near Brookhaven
Cities in Mississippi with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picayune | 11,839 | $37,270 | $146,500 | Compare |
| Moss Point | 12,066 | $46,684 | $107,700 | Compare |
| Petal | 11,195 | $72,845 | $161,400 | Compare |
| McComb | 12,202 | $40,515 | $102,100 | Compare |
| Canton | 10,863 | $34,812 | $111,800 | Compare |
| Cleveland | 10,855 | $43,519 | $162,300 | Compare |
| Grenada | 12,484 | $42,470 | $152,100 | Compare |
| Byram | 12,847 | $74,103 | $177,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Mississippi
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Brookhaven With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Brookhaven
What is the population of Brookhaven, MS?
The population of Brookhaven, MS is 11,656 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Mississippi.
What is the median household income in Brookhaven?
The median household income in Brookhaven, MS is $36,269 per year, which is 52% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Brookhaven?
The median home value in Brookhaven, MS is $111,500, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Brookhaven?
The median monthly rent in Brookhaven, MS is $736, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Brookhaven?
The unemployment rate in Brookhaven, MS is 5.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Brookhaven, MS a good place to live?
Brookhaven offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 11,656 and a median age of 42.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Brookhaven, MS?
21.4% of residents in Brookhaven aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Brookhaven?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Brookhaven, MS: median home value is $111,500 (54% below national), median rent is $736/month, and median household income is $36,269. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Brookhaven?
The poverty rate in Brookhaven, MS is 27.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Brookhaven, MS?
Brookhaven's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 53.9% two or more races. 1.6% of residents are foreign-born.