Prentiss County, Mississippi

Prentiss County is a county located in the U.S. state of Mississippi. As of the 2020 census, the population was 25,008. Its county seat is Booneville. The county is named for Seargent Smith Prentiss, a noted speaker and US Congressman from Natchez.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 418 sqmi, of which 415 sqmi is land and 3.2 sqmi (0.8%) is water.

Major highways

 * US 45.svg U.S. Highway 45
 * Circle sign 4.svg Mississippi Highway 4
 * Circle sign 30.svg Mississippi Highway 30
 * Circle sign 145.svg Mississippi Highway 145

Adjacent counties

 * Alcorn County (north)
 * Tishomingo County (east)
 * Itawamba County (southeast)
 * Lee County (southwest)
 * Union County (west)
 * Tippah County (northwest)

National protected area

 * Natchez Trace Parkway (part)

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 25,008 people, 9,145 households, and 6,092 families residing in the county.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 25,556 people, 9,821 households, and 7,169 families living in the county. The population density was 62 /mi2. There were 10,681 housing units at an average density of 26 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 85.85% White, 12.94% Black or African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.16% Asian, 0.17% from other races, and 0.70% from two or more races. 0.69% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

In 2000 there were 9,821 households, out of which 33.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.30% were married couples living together, 12.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.00% were non-families. 24.90% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 25.00% under the age of 18, 11.60% from 18 to 24, 27.10% from 25 to 44, 22.40% from 45 to 64, and 13.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 94.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $28,446, and the median income for a family was $35,125. Males had a median income of $26,862 versus $19,766 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,131. About 13.10% of families and 16.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.60% of those under age 18 and 22.40% of those age 65 or over.

Cities

 * Baldwyn (partly in Lee County)
 * Booneville (county seat)

Towns

 * Jumpertown
 * Marietta

Census-designated places

 * New Site
 * Wheeler

Unincorporated communities

 * Altitude
 * Blackland
 * Cairo
 * Hills Chapel
 * Hobo Station
 * Osborne Creek
 * Thrasher

Education
School districts include:
 * Baldwyn School District
 * Booneville School District
 * Prentiss County School District