Clarksdale, MS
Population 14,423 · Mississippi
About Clarksdale, MS
Clarksdale is a mid-sized city located in Mississippi with a population of 14,423 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $35,210 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.6 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 Clarksdale features a median home value of $84,200, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Clarksdale one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $762, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,101 total housing units, 47% are owner-occupied (2,751 units) and 53% are renter-occupied (3,165 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 Clarksdale shows an unemployment rate of 10.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 40.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Clarksdale have an average one-way commute time of 17.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
18.8% of Clarksdale 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 1.2% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Clarksdale Ranks in Mississippi
Cost of Living in Clarksdale, MS
Compared to national averages, Clarksdale has a median household income of $35,210 (53% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $84,200, which is 66% below the national median. Monthly rent at $762 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Mississippi, Clarksdale's income is 29% below the state average of $49,929, and home values are 33% below the state median of $125,705.
Why Live in Clarksdale, MS?
Clarksdale offers affordable housing with a median home value of $84,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $762/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($35,210) that falls below the national average. However, Clarksdale’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Clarksdale has a population of 14,423 with a median age of 34.6 years. Compare Clarksdale with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Mississippi.
Similar Cities Near Clarksdale
Cities in Mississippi with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corinth | 14,450 | $41,243 | $164,200 | Compare |
| Natchez | 14,207 | $35,613 | $114,100 | Compare |
| Greenwood | 13,983 | $34,659 | $98,500 | Compare |
| D'Iberville | 13,033 | $65,712 | $199,000 | Compare |
| Byram | 12,847 | $74,103 | $177,200 | Compare |
| Grenada | 12,484 | $42,470 | $152,100 | Compare |
| McComb | 12,202 | $40,515 | $102,100 | Compare |
| Moss Point | 12,066 | $46,684 | $107,700 | 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 Clarksdale With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Clarksdale
What is the population of Clarksdale, MS?
The population of Clarksdale, MS is 14,423 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 Clarksdale?
The median household income in Clarksdale, MS is $35,210 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Clarksdale?
The median home value in Clarksdale, MS is $84,200, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Clarksdale?
The median monthly rent in Clarksdale, MS is $762, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Clarksdale?
The unemployment rate in Clarksdale, MS is 10.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Clarksdale, MS a good place to live?
Clarksdale offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 14,423 and a median age of 34.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Clarksdale, MS?
18.8% of residents in Clarksdale 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 Clarksdale?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Clarksdale, MS: median home value is $84,200 (66% below national), median rent is $762/month, and median household income is $35,210. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Clarksdale?
The poverty rate in Clarksdale, MS is 40.2%, 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 Clarksdale, MS?
Clarksdale's population is 1.2% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 80.8% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.