Canton, MS
Population 10,863 · Mississippi
About Canton, MS
Canton is a mid-sized city located in Mississippi with a population of 10,863 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $34,812 per year, which is 54% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Canton features a median home value of $111,800, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Canton one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $949, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,997 total housing units, 35% are owner-occupied (1,627 units) and 65% are renter-occupied (2,984 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Canton shows an unemployment rate of 3.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 33.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Canton have an average one-way commute time of 23.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.1% of Canton 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 4.0% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.1% Asian residents, with 3.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Canton Ranks in Mississippi
Cost of Living in Canton, MS
Compared to national averages, Canton has a median household income of $34,812 (54% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $111,800, which is 54% below the national median. Monthly rent at $949 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within Mississippi, Canton's income is 30% below the state average of $49,929, and home values are 11% below the state median of $125,705.
Why Live in Canton, MS?
Canton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $111,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $949/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($34,812) that falls below the national average. However, Canton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Canton has a population of 10,863 with a median age of 35 years. Compare Canton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Mississippi.
Similar Cities Near Canton
Cities in Mississippi with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland | 10,855 | $43,519 | $162,300 | Compare |
| Petal | 11,195 | $72,845 | $161,400 | Compare |
| Flowood | 10,384 | $83,204 | $288,400 | Compare |
| Yazoo City | 10,270 | $28,722 | $93,000 | Compare |
| Brookhaven | 11,656 | $36,269 | $111,500 | Compare |
| Bay St. Louis | 9,971 | $70,082 | $231,900 | Compare |
| West Point | 9,967 | $35,055 | $119,300 | Compare |
| Picayune | 11,839 | $37,270 | $146,500 | 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 Canton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Canton
What is the population of Canton, MS?
The population of Canton, MS is 10,863 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 Canton?
The median household income in Canton, MS is $34,812 per year, which is 54% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Canton?
The median home value in Canton, MS is $111,800, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Canton?
The median monthly rent in Canton, MS is $949, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Canton?
The unemployment rate in Canton, MS is 3.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Canton, MS a good place to live?
Canton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 10,863 and a median age of 35, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Canton, MS?
22.1% of residents in Canton 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 Canton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Canton, MS: median home value is $111,800 (54% below national), median rent is $949/month, and median household income is $34,812. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Canton?
The poverty rate in Canton, MS is 33.0%, 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 Canton, MS?
Canton's population is 4.0% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 74.7% two or more races. 3.0% of residents are foreign-born.