Pickens, MS
Population 1,235 · Mississippi
About Pickens, MS
Pickens is a small town located in Mississippi with a population of 1,235 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $31,107 per year, which is 59% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.9 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 Pickens features a median home value of $104,200, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Pickens one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 504 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (261 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (171 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pickens shows an unemployment rate of 12.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 31.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Pickens have an average one-way commute time of 43.1 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
16.7% of Pickens 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 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Pickens, MS
Compared to national averages, Pickens has a median household income of $31,107 (59% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $104,200, which is 57% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Mississippi, Pickens's income is 38% below the state average of $49,929, and home values are 17% below the state median of $125,705.
Why Live in Pickens, MS?
Pickens offers affordable housing with a median home value of $104,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($31,107) that falls below the national average. However, Pickens’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pickens has a population of 1,235 with a median age of 34.9 years. Compare Pickens with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Mississippi.
Similar Cities Near Pickens
Cities in Mississippi with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goodman | 1,237 | $14,722 | $37,200 | Compare |
| Victoria | 1,208 | $67,854 | $175,600 | Compare |
| Lexington | 1,202 | $39,375 | $90,300 | Compare |
| Mount Olive | 1,268 | $0 | $57,100 | Compare |
| Monticello | 1,277 | $28,920 | $114,200 | Compare |
| Gloster | 1,189 | $22,500 | $73,400 | Compare |
| Caledonia | 1,283 | $81,741 | $175,000 | Compare |
| Courtland | 1,184 | $47,167 | $97,800 | 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 Pickens With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pickens
What is the population of Pickens, MS?
The population of Pickens, MS is 1,235 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 Pickens?
The median household income in Pickens, MS is $31,107 per year, which is 59% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pickens?
The median home value in Pickens, MS is $104,200, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Pickens?
The median monthly rent in Pickens, MS is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pickens?
The unemployment rate in Pickens, MS is 12.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Pickens, MS a good place to live?
Pickens offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,235 and a median age of 34.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Pickens, MS?
16.7% of residents in Pickens 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 Pickens?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pickens, MS: median home value is $104,200 (57% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $31,107. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Pickens?
The poverty rate in Pickens, MS is 31.2%, 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 Pickens, MS?
Pickens's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 95.2% two or more races. 0.2% of residents are foreign-born.