Since the 2010 U.S. Census, Calhoun County has lost on average 70 people per year in total population, according to estimates released last week by the U.S. Census Bureau.
The population projection for Calhoun County by July 1 is 14,492, which is a three percent loss from the 2010 U.S. Census. That decrease continues a trend that dates back to 2000 when the county’s population was 15,052.
The Census Bureau conducts a census every 10 years, with the next Decennial Census scheduled for 2020. Population estimates are released on an annual basis as a way to reflect changes in the population, taking into account census data along with other sources, such as vital statistics on births and deaths.
Four of the six counties surrounding Calhoun have also experienced population decreases since 2010. The two exceptions are Pontotoc and Lafayette.
Lafayette County is the third fastest growing county in the state according to the Census data. While the data suggests Calhoun is losing approximately 70 people each year, Lafayette is gaining 1,000 every year in total population. Since 2010, Lafayette has jumped from 47,351 to 54,374.
Pontotoc County’s increase is less dramatic at 6%, moving from 29,957 in 2010 to 31,640 currently.
Among the other surrounding counties, Webster experienced the biggest drop over the last seven years at 5%. Grenada County has lost 4%. Yalobusha and Chickasaw are both at minus 1%.
Other demographics for Calhoun County from the Census data show the racial breakdown of the county’s population at 65% white, 30% black and 5% Hispanic.
The educational attainment is 74% of the population over age 22 has a high school diploma while 10% of that demographic has a bachelors degree from a four-year college.