Pontotoc, MS
Population 5,717 · Mississippi
About Pontotoc, MS
Pontotoc is a small town located in Mississippi with a population of 5,717 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,230 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.9 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 Pontotoc features a median home value of $144,300, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Pontotoc one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $830, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,327 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (944 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (1,031 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 Pontotoc shows an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 18.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Pontotoc have an average one-way commute time of 21.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.8% of Pontotoc 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 9.3% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 7.5% Asian residents, with 7.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Pontotoc, MS
Compared to national averages, Pontotoc has a median household income of $50,230 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $144,300, which is 41% below the national median. Monthly rent at $830 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Mississippi, Pontotoc's income is 1% above the state average of $49,929, and home values are 15% above the state median of $125,705.
Why Live in Pontotoc, MS?
Pontotoc offers affordable housing with a median home value of $144,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $830/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,230) that falls below the national average. However, Pontotoc’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pontotoc has a population of 5,717 with a median age of 33.9 years. Compare Pontotoc with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Mississippi.
Similar Cities Near Pontotoc
Cities in Mississippi with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia | 5,804 | $34,328 | $112,100 | Compare |
| Leakesville | 5,564 | $65,745 | $111,300 | Compare |
| Pass Christian | 5,942 | $74,302 | $257,300 | Compare |
| Louisville | 6,018 | $37,679 | $135,800 | Compare |
| Ripley | 5,415 | $56,641 | $132,500 | Compare |
| Forest | 5,365 | $51,082 | $129,100 | Compare |
| Vancleave | 5,196 | $71,000 | $218,900 | Compare |
| Saltillo | 4,962 | $84,063 | $200,800 | 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 Pontotoc With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pontotoc
What is the population of Pontotoc, MS?
The population of Pontotoc, MS is 5,717 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 Pontotoc?
The median household income in Pontotoc, MS is $50,230 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pontotoc?
The median home value in Pontotoc, MS is $144,300, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Pontotoc?
The median monthly rent in Pontotoc, MS is $830, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pontotoc?
The unemployment rate in Pontotoc, MS is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Pontotoc, MS a good place to live?
Pontotoc offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,717 and a median age of 33.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Pontotoc, MS?
19.8% of residents in Pontotoc 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 Pontotoc?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pontotoc, MS: median home value is $144,300 (41% below national), median rent is $830/month, and median household income is $50,230. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Pontotoc?
The poverty rate in Pontotoc, MS is 18.4%, 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 Pontotoc, MS?
Pontotoc's population is 9.3% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 7.5% Asian, and 26.6% two or more races. 7.8% of residents are foreign-born.