RANK #879 / 996 · POP 67,152 · MS
PROJECTED GROWTH: -1.4%
Jones County, Mississippi, in the state's southeastern Piney Woods region, is perhaps best known for Laurel, a city recognized by *Southern Living* as a top small town in the South. Laurel boasts the largest collection of Craftsman-style houses in Mississippi within its historic district. The county, with its dual seats of Laurel and Ellisville, is about two hours northeast of New Orleans. Commutes within Jones County average under 22 minutes, shorter than the national average. The area offers outdoor recreation at places like De Soto National Forest, Big Creek Water Park, and Lake Bogue Homa, providing opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping.
Life in Jones County offers a community-focused environment, with residents often citing a sense of belonging and friendly neighborhoods. Public schools in the Jones County School District are generally well-regarded. The economy, historically rooted in timber and agriculture, is experiencing shifts. While manufacturing remains a sector, with companies like Laurel Machine & Foundry expanding operations, there is also investment in other industrial areas. The county also sees some public transit options, including demand-response services for various needs.
Prices declining
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 2.8x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Proposed 600-acre Data Center Campus
Company Not Disclosed (backed by Thomas and Huntton Engineering)
|
$500M | Proposed |
|
Howard Industries Expansion
Howard Industries
|
$100M | Under Construction |
|
Amick Farms Expansion
Amick Farms
|
$74M | Planned |
|
New Marriott Hotel Development (TownePlace Suites & Fairfield Inn)
Delta Lodging Group
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Jones County has a Boom Town Index score of 12/100, ranking #879 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +2.5% and a median household income of $49,451, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Jones County is $120,100 with median rent at $779/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.4117, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.3% year-over-year. Job growth: +2.5%. Home values changed -4.8% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.48% of Jones County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.