2023 Hancock County, Mississippi Demographics | Data & Analysis

Ready-to-use reports, analytics, and visualizations covering Hancock County, Mississippi, including population, race, income, and more. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.

Hancock County, Mississippi Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)

Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).

Total Population
46,057
Median Age
45.7 years
Median Household Income
$67,728
Bachelor's Degree+
24.59%
Uninsured Rate
9.2%
Total Households
19,911
Total Workers
21,105
Citizenship Rate
99.1%
Total Veterans
3,606
Top Veteran Era
Vietnam Era Only
Poverty Rate
9.4%
Families in Poverty
1,249
SNAP Recipients
10.64%
Households w/ SNAP
2,119

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates

Hancock County, Mississippi 2023 Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution

Bar chart showing the population distribution of Hancock County, Mississippi by age group and gender, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the total population of Hancock County, Mississippi is 46,057. The median age of the population in Hancock County, Mississippi is 45.7 years. The median age for males is 44.9 years, and for females it is 46.8 years.

The age distribution of the population in Hancock County, Mississippi by age group is as follows:

Population Percentage by Age Group in Hancock County, Mississippi, 2023
Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years 4.86%
5–17 years (children) 14.70%
18–24 years (young adults) 7.03%
25–34 years 11.45%
35–54 years 24.15%
55–64 years 15.92%
65 years and over (seniors) 21.89%

Understanding the Demographic Dependency Ratio in Hancock County, Mississippi

The total dependency ratio in Hancock County, Mississippi is 70.78. The youth dependency ratio is 33.41, and the old-age dependency ratio is 37.38. In demographic terms, the dependency ratio measures the size of the population typically not in the labor force (children under 18 and older adults 65+) relative to the working age (18-64) population. A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support the non-working age groups.

For more detailed reports, explore the demographics for each of the most populated ZIP Codes in Hancock County, Mississippi, including Picayune (39466) (28,292), Carriere (39426) (17,555), and Bay Saint Louis (39520) (15,471).


What is the Racial and Ethnic Breakdown of Hancock County, Mississippi?

Race and Ethnicity Distribution Chart for Hancock County, Mississippi
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

The racial makeup and ethnic composition (racial demographics) of Hancock County, Mississippi is detailed below, based on the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates.

The Diversity Index for Hancock County, Mississippi is calculated at 29.35, suggesting a low level of racial and ethnic diversity. This index measures the probability that two people chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.

The following table provides the breakdown of the population of Hancock County, Mississippi by race and ethnicity:

Population Percentage by Racial and Ethnic Group in Hancock County, Mississippi, 2023
Racial/Ethnic Group Percentage
White Alone (Non-Hispanic) 83.58%
Black/African American Alone 6.70%
Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) 4.18%
Two or More Races 3.98%
Asian Alone 0.62%
Some Other Race Alone 0.58%
American Indian and Alaska Native Alone 0.35%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone 0.00%

Hancock County, Mississippi 2023 Demographics: Household Income Distribution

Horizontal bar chart showing household income distribution in Hancock County, Mississippi.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the median household income in Hancock County, Mississippi over the past 12 months, adjusted for 2023 inflation, was $67,728. This figure is based on a total of 19,911 households.

The distribution of household income in Hancock County, Mississippi across various income brackets is as follows:

Household Income Distribution in Hancock County, Mississippi, 2023
Income Range Percentage of Households
Less than $20,000 13.39%
$20,000 to $34,999 11.03%
$35,000 to $49,999 14.29%
$50,000 to $74,999 15.34%
$75,000 to $149,999 30.98%
$150,000 or more 14.95%

For detailed household income distribution reports on the ZIP Codes with the highest median household income in Hancock County, Mississippi, explore the data for: Carriere (39426) ($71,000), Bay Saint Louis (39520) ($65,139), and Pass Christian (39571) ($64,469).


Hancock County, Mississippi 2023 Demographics: Property Value Distribution

Line chart showing the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Hancock County, Mississippi.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Hancock County, Mississippi is based on a total of 15,678 properties.

The property value distribution in Hancock County, Mississippi across various value brackets is as follows:

Property Value Distribution in Hancock County, Mississippi, 2023
Property Value Range Percentage of Properties
Less than $25,000 6.95%
$25,000 to $49,999 1.08%
$50,000 to $99,999 13.25%
$100,000 to $199,999 26.25%
$200,000 to $499,999 45.76%
$500,000 to $999,999 6.61%
$1,000,000 or more 0.10%

Educational Attainment in Hancock County, Mississippi (2023 Data)

Treemap chart illustrating the educational attainment breakdown for population 25 years and over in Hancock County, Mississippi.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the educational attainment data covers the population 25 years and older in Hancock County, Mississippi, totaling 33,810 individuals.

89.74% of Hancock County, Mississippi population has a high school diploma or higher. Furthermore, the percentage of individuals who hold a Bachelor's Degree or a higher professional/graduate degree is 24.59%.

The detailed breakdown by educational level is presented below:

Educational Attainment Distribution in Hancock County, Mississippi, 2023
Educational Attainment Level Percentage of Population 25+
Less than high school graduate 10.26%
High school graduate (incl. equivalency) 30.73%
Some college or associate's degree 34.42%
Bachelor's Degree 13.73%
Graduate or professional degree 10.86%

What is the Health Insurance Coverage Rate in Hancock County, Mississippi?

Pyramid chart showing health insurance coverage by age and sex in Hancock County, Mississippi.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the health insurance coverage data for Hancock County, Mississippi shows that 9.2% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 4,199 individuals out of a total population of 45,532 people.

The uninsured rates vary significantly by age group. Young adults (18-34 years) have uninsured rates of 29.8% for males and 11.2% for females. In the 35-64 age bracket, 11.6% of males and 12.1% of females are uninsured.

Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare. In Hancock County, Mississippi, uninsured rates for children are 4.1% for males and 4.4% for females, while seniors have rates of 0.1% for males and 0.5% for females.

Uninsured Rates by Age Group and Sex in Hancock County, Mississippi, 2023
Age Group Male Uninsured % Female Uninsured %
Under 18 4.1% 4.4%
18-34 years 29.8% 11.2%
35-64 years 11.6% 12.1%
65+ years 0.1% 0.5%

Hancock County, Mississippi 2023 Population by Nativity and Citizenship Status

Treemap showing the population distribution by nativity and citizenship status in Hancock County, Mississippi based on U.S. Census data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the nativity and citizenship data for Hancock County, Mississippi shows that 99.1% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes both native-born and naturalized citizens, representing 45,663 individuals out of a total population of 46,057 people.

The nativity breakdown reveals diverse origins: 96.7% were born in the United States, 0.0% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, and 0.8% were born abroad of American parent(s).

Among the foreign-born population, 1.6% of the total population have become naturalized U.S. citizens (744 individuals), while 0.9% are non-citizens (394 individuals).

Nativity and Citizenship Distribution in Hancock County, Mississippi, 2023
Nativity/Citizenship Status Percentage
Born in the United States 96.7%
Born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas 0.0%
Born abroad of American parent(s) 0.8%
U.S. citizen by naturalization 1.6%
Not a U.S. citizen 0.9%
Total U.S. Citizens 99.1%

Hancock County, Mississippi 2023 Demographics: Means of Transportation to Work

Treemap showing means of transportation to work distribution in Hancock County, Mississippi.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the commuting patterns for Hancock County, Mississippi show that 86.2% of workers commute by car, truck, or van. This represents 18,109 workers out of a total workforce of 21,020 people.

Public transportation usage stands at 0.0% (10 workers), which includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries, but excludes taxicabs. Active transportation methods include walking (1.0%) and bicycling (0.0%).

10.6% of workers in Hancock County, Mississippi report working from home. An additional 2.2% use other means such as taxicabs, motorcycles, or other forms of transportation. These alternative commuting patterns reflect changing work arrangements and transportation preferences in the modern workforce.

Commuting Methods Distribution in Hancock County, Mississippi, 2023
Transportation Method Percentage Number of Workers
Car, truck, or van 86.2% 18,109
Public transportation 0.0% 10
Bicycle 0.0% 5
Walked 1.0% 212
Taxicab, motorcycle, or other means 2.2% 461
Worked from home 10.6% 2,223
Total Workers - 21,020

Hancock County, Mississippi 2023 Demographics: Employment by Class of Worker

Horizontal bar chart showing employment distribution by class of worker and gender in Hancock County, Mississippi, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Hancock County, Mississippi totals 21,105 workers. Of these, 10,361 (49.1%) are male and 10,744 (50.9%) are female.

The employment distribution by class of worker in Hancock County, Mississippi is as follows:

Employment Distribution by Class of Worker and Sex in Hancock County, Mississippi, 2023
Employment Class Male Workers Female Workers
Private For-Profit 7,560 (35.8%) 7,251 (34.4%)
Private Non-Profit 529 (2.5%) 821 (3.9%)
Government (All Levels) 1,737 (8.2%) 1,991 (9.4%)
  • Local Government 892 973
  • State Government 463 498
  • Federal Government 382 520
Self-Employed 535 (2.5%) 532 (2.5%)

Class of worker categorizes employed civilians by their employment arrangement. Private sector workers are employed by for-profit or non-profit companies. Government workers include those employed at local, state, or federal levels. Self-employed workers operate their own unincorporated businesses. Understanding the class of worker distribution provides insights into the economic structure and employment diversity of Hancock County, Mississippi.


Hancock County, Mississippi 2023 Demographics: Veterans by Period of Service

Horizontal bar chart showing veteran distribution by period of military service in Hancock County, Mississippi, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 3,606 civilian veterans aged 18 and over in Hancock County, Mississippi.

The largest group of veterans served during Vietnam Era Only, accounting for 1,168 veterans (32.4% of all veterans). The second-largest group served during Post-9/11 Only, with 624 veterans (17.3%).

The complete distribution of veterans by period of military service in Hancock County, Mississippi is as follows:

Veteran Distribution by Period of Military Service in Hancock County, Mississippi, 2023
Period of Service Number of Veterans Percentage
Vietnam Era Only (August 1964 to April 1975) 1,168 32.4%
Post-9/11 Only (September 2001 or later) 624 17.3%
Between Gulf War and Vietnam Era 429 11.9%
Gulf War Only (August 1990 to August 2001) 413 11.5%
Post-9/11 and Gulf War (August 1990 to August 2001) 405 11.2%
Post-9/11, Gulf War, and Vietnam Era 229 6.4%
Between Vietnam Era and Korean War 161 4.5%
Korean War Only (July 1950 to January 1955) 103 2.9%
Vietnam Era, Korean War, and World War II 32 0.9%
World War II Only (December 1941 to December 1946) 22 0.6%
Gulf War and Vietnam Era 15 0.4%
Between Korean War and World War II 5 0.1%
Total Veterans 3,606 100.0%

Period of military service categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Veterans may have served during multiple periods, including World War II (December 1941–December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950–January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964–April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990–August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Understanding veteran demographics helps communities provide appropriate services, benefits, and support to those who have served.


Hancock County, Mississippi 2023 Demographics: Families by Income-to-Poverty Ratio

Horizontal bar chart showing family distribution by income-to-poverty ratio in Hancock County, Mississippi, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 13,277 families in Hancock County, Mississippi.

Of these families, 1,249 (9.4%) live below the poverty line (income less than 100% of the federal poverty level). An additional 4,317 families (32.5%) are at or near poverty (100-199% of poverty). Meanwhile, 7,711 families (58.1%) have incomes at least twice the poverty level.

The complete distribution of families by income-to-poverty ratio in Hancock County, Mississippi is as follows:

Family Distribution by Income-to-Poverty Ratio in Hancock County, Mississippi, 2023
Income-to-Poverty Ratio Number of Families Percentage
Below 50% of Poverty 608 4.6%
50-74% of Poverty 259 2.0%
75-99% of Poverty 382 2.9%
100-124% of Poverty 607 4.6%
125-149% of Poverty 576 4.3%
150-174% of Poverty 312 2.3%
175-184% of Poverty 53 0.4%
185-199% of Poverty 259 2.0%
200-299% of Poverty 2,510 18.9%
300-399% of Poverty 1,831 13.8%
400-499% of Poverty 1,452 10.9%
500%+ of Poverty 4,428 33.4%
Total Families 13,277 100.0%

Income-to-poverty ratio measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold, which varies by family size and composition. A ratio below 1.00 (100%) indicates the family lives in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 represent families with low incomes who may still struggle financially despite being technically above the poverty line. Families with ratios of 2.00 (200%) or higher generally have more economic security. Understanding poverty distribution helps communities allocate resources and develop programs to support families in need.


Hancock County, Mississippi 2023 Demographics: SNAP/Food Stamps Recipients

Stacked bar chart showing SNAP/Food Stamps recipient household composition by presence of children under 18 in Hancock County, Mississippi, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 19,911 total households in Hancock County, Mississippi. Of these, 2,119 households (10.64%) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months.

Among SNAP-recipient households, 1,090 (51.44%) have children under 18 years, while 1,029 (48.56%) do not have children under 18 years.

Household Composition of SNAP Recipients

SNAP Recipient Household Composition in Hancock County, Mississippi, 2023
Household Type With Children Under 18 No Children Under 18
Married-Couple Family 285 (13.45%) 52 (2.45%)
Male Householder, No Spouse 63 (2.97%) 69 (3.26%)
Female Householder, No Spouse 742 (35.02%) 33 (1.56%)
Nonfamily Households 0 (0.00%) 875 (41.29%)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. The program aims to help eligible households purchase nutritious food. SNAP participation rates and household composition patterns provide important insights into economic hardship and food security challenges in Hancock County, Mississippi. Households with children under 18 often face greater nutritional needs, while households without children may include seniors, disabled individuals, or working adults facing economic challenges.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The age breakdown for the population of Hancock County, Mississippi is detailed below, showing the percentage of the total population for each group:

Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years4.86%
5–17 years (children)14.70%
18–24 years (young adults)7.03%
25–34 years11.45%
35–54 years24.15%
55–64 years15.92%
65 years and over (seniors)21.89%

The racial and ethnic composition of Hancock County, Mississippi is dominated by: White Alone (Non-Hispanic): 83.58%, Black/African American Alone: 6.70%, Hispanic or Latino (Any Race): 4.18%. The complete breakdown includes 8 distinct racial and ethnic categories.

The median household income in Hancock County, Mississippi is $67,728. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the area, meaning half of households earn more than this amount and half earn less.

The household income distribution in Hancock County, Mississippi is: Very Low Income (under $20,000): 13.39%, Low Income ($20,000-$34,999): 11.03%, Lower Middle Income ($35,000-$49,999): 14.29%, Middle Income ($50,000-$74,999): 15.34%, Upper Middle Income ($75,000-$149,999): 30.98%, High Income ($150,000+): 14.95%.

Approximately 34.01% of households in Hancock County, Mississippi earn over $100,000 annually. This includes households earning between $100,000 and $124,999, $125,000 and $149,999, $150,000 and $199,999, and $200,000 or more.

The property value distribution for owner-occupied housing units in Hancock County, Mississippi is: Less than $25,000: 6.95%, $25,000-$49,999: 1.08%, $50,000-$99,999: 13.25%, $100,000-$199,999: 26.25%, $200,000-$499,999: 45.76%, $500,000-$999,999: 6.61%, $1,000,000 or more: 0.10%.

There are 15,678 owner-occupied housing units in Hancock County, Mississippi. This represents homes that are owned by the people living in them, as opposed to rental properties or vacant units.

Approximately 6.71% of owner-occupied housing units in Hancock County, Mississippi are valued over $500,000. This includes properties valued between $500,000 and $749,999, $750,000 and $999,999, $1,000,000 and $1,499,999, $1,500,000 and $1,999,999, and $2,000,000 or more.

In Hancock County, Mississippi, 24.59% of the population aged 25 and older holds a bachelor's degree or higher. This includes those with bachelor's degrees as well as those with graduate or professional degrees.

The educational attainment breakdown for Hancock County, Mississippi (population 25+) is: Less than high school graduate: 10.26%, High school graduate (including equivalency): 30.73%, Some college or associate's degree: 34.42%, Bachelor's degree: 13.73%, Graduate or professional degree: 10.86%.

In Hancock County, Mississippi, 89.74% of the population aged 25 and older has completed at least a high school education. This includes high school graduates, those with some college, associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and graduate degrees.

In Hancock County, Mississippi, 9.2% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 4,199 individuals out of a total population of 45,532 people.

The uninsured rates vary by age group in Hancock County, Mississippi. For young adults (18-34 years), 29.8% of males and 11.2% of females lack coverage. In the 35-64 age group, 11.6% of males and 12.1% of females are uninsured. These working-age populations typically face different coverage challenges than children or seniors.

Children under 18 in Hancock County, Mississippi have uninsured rates of 4.1% for males and 4.4% for females. Seniors aged 65 and older, who are typically covered by Medicare, have uninsured rates of 0.1% for males and 0.5% for females. These age groups generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs.

In Hancock County, Mississippi, 99.1% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes native-born citizens and naturalized citizens. Out of a total population of 46,057 people, 45,663 are U.S. citizens.

Hancock County, Mississippi has 744 naturalized U.S. citizens, representing 1.6% of the total population. These are foreign-born individuals who have gone through the naturalization process to become U.S. citizens.

The nativity and citizenship breakdown for Hancock County, Mississippi is: 96.7% were born in the United States, 0.0% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, 0.8% were born abroad of American parent(s), 1.6% are foreign-born naturalized U.S. citizens, and 0.9% are foreign-born non-citizens.

In Hancock County, Mississippi, 86.2% of workers commute by car, truck, or van, making it the most common means of transportation to work. Out of 21,020 total workers, 18,109 use personal vehicles for their commute.

10 workers in Hancock County, Mississippi use public transportation (excluding taxicabs) to commute to work, representing 0.0% of all workers. This includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries.

Alternative commute methods in Hancock County, Mississippi include: 10.6% work from home, 1.0% walk to work, 0.0% bicycle, and 2.2% use other means such as taxicabs or motorcycles. These alternatives to driving alone help reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact.

"Class of worker" refers to the type of employer or work arrangement for employed civilians aged 16 and over in Hancock County, Mississippi. It categorizes workers into private sector (for-profit and non-profit), government (local, state, and federal), self-employed, and unpaid family workers. This classification helps understand the employment structure and economic composition of the workforce.

According to the American Community Survey, Hancock County, Mississippi has 21,105 employed civilians aged 16 and over. The private for-profit sector employs the largest share of workers, with 35.8% of male workers and 34.4% of female workers in this category.

In Hancock County, Mississippi, there are 1,737 male government workers and 1,991 female government workers. Government employment includes local, state, and federal positions. This represents 8.2% of male workers and 9.4% of female workers.

Self-employment in Hancock County, Mississippi includes 535 males (2.5%) and 532 females (2.5%). Self-employed workers operate their own businesses that are not legally incorporated.

In Hancock County, Mississippi, 2,119 households (10.64% of all households) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months. Out of 19,911 total households, these families rely on this federal nutrition assistance program to help purchase food.

Of the SNAP-receiving households in Hancock County, Mississippi, 1,090 (51.44%) have children under 18 years. These families face additional nutritional needs and food security challenges as they work to provide adequate nutrition for growing children.

SNAP recipients in Hancock County, Mississippi include diverse household types. Among households with children, 742 (35.02%) are headed by a female householder with no spouse present, while 285 (13.45%) are married-couple families. The program also serves households without children, including seniors, disabled individuals, and working adults facing economic challenges.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is a federal program that provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. Eligibility is based on household income, resources, and size. In Hancock County, Mississippi, SNAP helps eligible households purchase nutritious food at authorized retailers. The program aims to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition and health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, there are 3,606 civilian veterans aged 18 and over living in Hancock County, Mississippi. These individuals have served on active duty in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. This number does not include those with only National Guard or Reserves training without active duty service.

The most common period of military service for veterans in Hancock County, Mississippi is Vietnam Era Only, with 1,168 veterans (32.4% of all veterans) who served during this period. The second most common period is Post-9/11 Only, with 624 veterans (17.3%).

"Period of service" categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Major periods include World War II (December 1941-December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950-January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964-April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990-August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Veterans may have served during multiple periods. Understanding the distribution of service periods helps communities in Hancock County, Mississippi provide appropriate services and support to their veteran population.

Veterans who served during the Gulf War era (1990-2001) and Post-9/11 era (2001-present) represent approximately 58.7% of all veterans in Hancock County, Mississippi. These more recent-era veterans, totaling around 2,115 individuals, often have different service experiences and support needs compared to veterans of earlier conflicts. They may benefit from targeted programs addressing issues such as transition to civilian life, employment assistance, and access to VA healthcare services.

In Hancock County, Mississippi, 1,249 families (9.4% of all families) live below the federal poverty line. This means their household income is less than 100% of the poverty threshold established by the U.S. Census Bureau, which varies by family size and composition. Out of 13,277 total families, these households face significant economic challenges meeting basic needs.

"Income-to-poverty ratio" measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold. A ratio of 1.00 (100%) means the family's income equals the poverty line. Below 1.00 indicates poverty, while ratios above 1.00 show income levels relative to poverty. For example, a ratio of 2.00 (200%) means the family earns twice the poverty threshold. In Hancock County, Mississippi, this data helps identify not just families in poverty, but also those who are economically vulnerable despite being above the official poverty line.

Beyond families living in poverty, Hancock County, Mississippi has 4,317 families (32.5%) with incomes between 100% and 199% of the poverty level. These families are often called 'near poverty' or low-income households. Specifically, 1,495 families (11.3%) have incomes between 100% and 149% of poverty. While technically above the poverty line, these families often struggle with housing costs, healthcare, childcare, and other expenses, making them economically vulnerable.

In Hancock County, Mississippi, 608 families (4.6%) live in extreme poverty, with incomes below 50% of the federal poverty threshold. These families face severe economic hardship and often require comprehensive assistance programs. On the other end of the spectrum, 7,711 families (58.1%) have incomes at least 200% above the poverty level, indicating greater financial stability and economic security.