quick facts
TUNICA COUNTY
Tunica County, Mississippi is located in northwest Mississippi. The county is bordered by DeSoto County to the north, Coahoma County to the south and Quitman County, Tate and Panola Counties to the east, and the Mississippi River to the west. The 2010 U.S. Census reported 10,778 people living in the county. The Town of Tunica is the county seat for Tunica County. The 2010 U.S. Census estimated the population of the municipality at 1,030 people.
The county has a variety of major four-lane and interstate highways. Interstate 69 that in the future will provide transportation from the Canadian border to the Mexican border, and U.S. Highway 61, the nation’s Blues Highway is the primary transportation corridor for the county. The highway provides access to Memphis, Tennessee located 25 miles to the north, Mississippi State Highway 4 provides additional transportation routes in the county.
Tunica County’s greatest asset is tourism. The area possesses a rich culture and history, and the area is known for the gaming industry and the mighty Mississippi River. The casino market has helped revitalize the small Delta community. The county has an abundant amount of recreational and retail opportunities that range from golfing to touring museums displaying the history of the county.
Total Population
9,949
Tunica County
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
Tunica County
High School Graduate or Higher
84.05%
Tunica County
Civilian Labor Force
4,672
Tunica County
DEMOGRAPHIC & ECONOMIC PROFILE
HISTORICAL SUMMARY
In 1836, Tunica County was founded and named for an Indian tribe living in the area along the Yazoo River. The county was has a land area 460 square miles or 1,191 kilometers. In 1885, the rail line was completed in the Town of Tunica. The Town of Tunica was named the county seat. It was the third seat of county government since the county’s inception.
Like many other counties, Tunica County was known for its strong agricultural roots. Cotton was a dominant crop for the county. The change in farming in the mid to late 1900s created a rise in manufacturing. Today, the gaming industry is the dominate employer for the county.
DEMOGRAPHIC & ECONOMIC PROFILE
POPULATION TRENDS
The population of Tunica County was 9,227 people in the 2000 U.S. Census. The current population of the county is 10,778 people. The population of the county grew by 1,551 people from 2000 to 2010. The county’s growth equals about 155 people per year.
AGE DISTRIBUTION
The largest age distribution in Tunica County is under 5 years old. The 2010 U.S. Census reported the age interval represented 962 people (8.9%) in the county.
EDUCATION
Tunica County has one public school district with six schools. There are 2,270 students enrolled in Tunica County School District according to the Mississippi Department of Education.
There are no post secondary education facilities located in the county. Several post secondary education schools are in a 30 mile area of the county.
POVERTY
According to the 2010 U.S. Census, 25.7% of all people in Tunica County live in poverty. Families with related children under 18 years old accounted for 33.8% of the families living in poverty. 46.1% of families with female households are living in poverty.
% People Living in Poverty
% Families Living in Poverty
INCOME
PER CAPITA PERSONAL INCOME
The per capita personal income for Tunica County was $29,093 according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis in 2010. The PCPI of the county ranked 94 percent of the state average, $31,071, and 73 percent of the national average, $39,937.
INCOME
The median household income in Tunica County was estimated to be $29,994 from the 2010 U.S. Census. Out of the 4,039 households, 18.9% of them made $15,000 to $24,999. 5.0% of the household population made $100,000 to $149,999. The chart is a breakdown of the household income for Tunica County.