Hernando, MS
Population 17,580 · Mississippi
About Hernando, MS
Hernando is a mid-sized city located in Mississippi with a population of 17,580 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $71,451 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Hernando features a median home value of $282,200, which is 15% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Hernando in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,163, 0% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,273 total housing units, 81% are owner-occupied (5,629 units) and 19% are renter-occupied (1,335 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hernando shows an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Hernando have an average one-way commute time of 26.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
35.9% of Hernando residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 5.6% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 5.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Hernando Ranks in Mississippi
Cost of Living in Hernando, MS
Compared to national averages, Hernando has a median household income of $71,451 (5% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $282,200, which is 15% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,163 is 0% below the US average of $1,163. Within Mississippi, Hernando's income is 43% above the state average of $49,929, and home values are 124% above the state median of $125,705.
Why Live in Hernando, MS?
Hernando offers a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.5%, and a well-educated community where 35.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 9.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($71,451) that falls below the national average. However, Hernando’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hernando has a population of 17,580 with a median age of 38.9 years. Compare Hernando with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Mississippi.
Similar Cities Near Hernando
Cities in Mississippi with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laurel | 17,129 | $37,781 | $110,200 | Compare |
| Long Beach | 16,876 | $71,121 | $205,300 | Compare |
| Ocean Springs | 18,561 | $78,929 | $235,100 | Compare |
| Gautier | 19,026 | $62,480 | $162,700 | Compare |
| Corinth | 14,450 | $41,243 | $164,200 | Compare |
| Clarksdale | 14,423 | $35,210 | $84,200 | Compare |
| Vicksburg | 20,944 | $42,484 | $117,000 | Compare |
| Natchez | 14,207 | $35,613 | $114,100 | 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 Hernando With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hernando
What is the population of Hernando, MS?
The population of Hernando, MS is 17,580 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 Hernando?
The median household income in Hernando, MS is $71,451 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hernando?
The median home value in Hernando, MS is $282,200, which is 15% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hernando?
The median monthly rent in Hernando, MS is $1,163, which is 0% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hernando?
The unemployment rate in Hernando, MS is 2.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Hernando, MS a good place to live?
Hernando offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 17,580 and a median age of 38.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Hernando, MS?
35.9% of residents in Hernando aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Hernando?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hernando, MS: median home value is $282,200 (15% above national), median rent is $1,163/month, and median household income is $71,451. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Hernando?
The poverty rate in Hernando, MS is 9.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Hernando, MS?
Hernando's population is 5.6% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 15.0% two or more races. 5.4% of residents are foreign-born.