Shaw, MS
Population 1,586 · Mississippi
About Shaw, MS
Shaw is a small town located in Mississippi with a population of 1,586 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $23,913 per year, which is 68% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.8 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 Shaw features a median home value of $84,200, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Shaw one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $518, 55% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 744 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (387 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (253 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Shaw shows an unemployment rate of 9.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 40.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Shaw have an average one-way commute time of 23.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.6% of Shaw 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, 3.1% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Shaw Ranks in Mississippi
Cost of Living in Shaw, MS
Compared to national averages, Shaw has a median household income of $23,913 (68% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $84,200, which is 66% below the national median. Monthly rent at $518 is 55% below the US average of $1,163. Within Mississippi, Shaw's income is 52% below the state average of $49,929, and home values are 33% below the state median of $125,705.
Why Live in Shaw, MS?
Shaw 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 $518/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($23,913) that falls below the national average. However, Shaw’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Shaw has a population of 1,586 with a median age of 35.8 years. Compare Shaw with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Mississippi.
Similar Cities Near Shaw
Cities in Mississippi with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayette | 1,602 | $25,383 | $73,800 | Compare |
| Ecru | 1,566 | $68,500 | $200,900 | Compare |
| Rawls Springs | 1,554 | $49,573 | $101,200 | Compare |
| Mound Bayou | 1,526 | $23,194 | $63,100 | Compare |
| Pelahatchie | 1,648 | $52,957 | $183,300 | Compare |
| Glendale | 1,519 | $55,438 | $113,700 | Compare |
| Lumberton | 1,515 | $40,050 | $78,000 | Compare |
| DeLisle | 1,514 | $90,288 | $228,100 | 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 Shaw With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Shaw
What is the population of Shaw, MS?
The population of Shaw, MS is 1,586 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 Shaw?
The median household income in Shaw, MS is $23,913 per year, which is 68% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shaw?
The median home value in Shaw, MS is $84,200, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Shaw?
The median monthly rent in Shaw, MS is $518, which is 55% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shaw?
The unemployment rate in Shaw, MS is 9.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Shaw, MS a good place to live?
Shaw offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,586 and a median age of 35.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Shaw, MS?
15.6% of residents in Shaw 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 Shaw?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Shaw, MS: median home value is $84,200 (66% below national), median rent is $518/month, and median household income is $23,913. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Shaw?
The poverty rate in Shaw, MS is 40.6%, 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 Shaw, MS?
Shaw's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 3.1% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 96.2% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.