Itta Bena, MS
Population 1,735 · Mississippi
About Itta Bena, MS
Itta Bena is a small town located in Mississippi with a population of 1,735 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $32,898 per year, which is 56% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43 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 Itta Bena features a median home value of $100,200, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Itta Bena one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $548, 53% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 912 total housing units, 34% are owner-occupied (239 units) and 66% are renter-occupied (458 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 Itta Bena shows an unemployment rate of 28.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 29.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Itta Bena have an average one-way commute time of 19.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
12.8% of Itta Bena 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 0.5% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Itta Bena Ranks in Mississippi
Cost of Living in Itta Bena, MS
Compared to national averages, Itta Bena has a median household income of $32,898 (56% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $100,200, which is 59% below the national median. Monthly rent at $548 is 53% below the US average of $1,163. Within Mississippi, Itta Bena's income is 34% below the state average of $49,929, and home values are 20% below the state median of $125,705.
Why Live in Itta Bena, MS?
Itta Bena offers affordable housing with a median home value of $100,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $548/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($32,898) that falls below the national average. However, Itta Bena’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Itta Bena has a population of 1,735 with a median age of 43 years. Compare Itta Bena with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Mississippi.
Similar Cities Near Itta Bena
Cities in Mississippi with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mantachie | 1,745 | $81,818 | $131,900 | Compare |
| Shannon | 1,719 | $42,208 | $120,200 | Compare |
| Shelby | 1,709 | $27,728 | $82,400 | Compare |
| Purvis | 1,691 | $34,688 | $122,500 | Compare |
| Calhoun City | 1,804 | $45,439 | $85,600 | Compare |
| Belzoni | 1,664 | $45,000 | $103,400 | Compare |
| Terry | 1,809 | $48,354 | $155,800 | Compare |
| Pelahatchie | 1,648 | $52,957 | $183,300 | 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 Itta Bena With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Itta Bena
What is the population of Itta Bena, MS?
The population of Itta Bena, MS is 1,735 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Mississippi.
What is the median household income in Itta Bena?
The median household income in Itta Bena, MS is $32,898 per year, which is 56% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Itta Bena?
The median home value in Itta Bena, MS is $100,200, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Itta Bena?
The median monthly rent in Itta Bena, MS is $548, which is 53% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Itta Bena?
The unemployment rate in Itta Bena, MS is 28.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Itta Bena, MS a good place to live?
Itta Bena offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,735 and a median age of 43, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Itta Bena, MS?
12.8% of residents in Itta Bena 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 Itta Bena?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Itta Bena, MS: median home value is $100,200 (59% below national), median rent is $548/month, and median household income is $32,898. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Itta Bena?
The poverty rate in Itta Bena, MS is 29.5%, 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 Itta Bena, MS?
Itta Bena's population is 0.5% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 91.6% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.