Grenada County

Grenada County, Mississippi — Key Demographics (Latest Data, U.S. Census Bureau 2022 Estimates):

• Population: 21,626
• Age:
  • Median age: 41.3 years
  • Under 18: 21.8%
  • 65 and over: 18.8%
• Gender:
  • Female: 52.1%
  • Male: 47.9%
• Racial/Ethnic Composition:
  • Black or African American: 49.8%
  • White (non-Hispanic): 46.8%
  • Hispanic or Latino: 2.2%
  • Two or more races: 0.7%
  • Asian: 0.4%
  • Other races: 0.1%
• Households:
  • Total households: 8,343
  • Average household size: 2.47
  • Family households: 5,250 (62.9% of all households)
  • Households with individuals under 18: 28.9%
  • Households with individuals 65 and over: 31.5%

Grenada County features a near-even split between Black and White populations, a slightly higher proportion of female residents, and a notable portion of older adults. Household sizes trend slightly below the national average.

Email usage in Grenada County, MS aligns with broader rural digital trends in the state. Approximately 75-80% of adults report regular email use, with an estimated 11,000-12,000 users among the county’s 21,000 residents. Usage is highest among adults aged 25-54, accounting for about 55% of users, while seniors (65+) represent roughly 15% as digital adoption grows in older demographics. The gender split is nearly even, with women comprising about 52% and men 48% of email users, mirroring the county’s general population makeup.

Broadband and smartphone adoption affect digital access. As of 2023, around 67% of Grenada County households have high-speed internet, which is below the national average but above some rural Mississippi counterparts. Public initiatives and telecommunications providers have expanded broadband coverage, yet digital gaps remain more pronounced in outlying areas. The county seat, Grenada city, has notably higher connectivity, supporting dense digital access among residents and businesses. Compared to statewide rates, Grenada County demonstrates moderate digital engagement, with rising connectivity fueling increased email and overall internet adoption.

Mobile phone usage in Grenada County, Mississippi, reflects both growth and unique demographic patterns compared to statewide trends. As of early 2024, an estimated 85% of Grenada County’s approximately 20,000 residents use mobile phones—slightly below the Mississippi state average of 89%, according to FCC and U.S. Census Bureau data.

Demographically, mobile phone adoption among Grenada County adults ages 25–54 is high, reaching 94%, which aligns with state urban centers. However, seniors (65+) exhibit lower adoption rates at 65%, about 7 percentage points below the state senior average. Usage among African American residents, who comprise about 46% of the county’s population, is strong, with 88% estimated penetration, mirroring statewide African American rates. Among youth ages 12–18, usage approaches 97%, consistent with broader generational trends.

Digital infrastructure in Grenada County emphasizes cellular connectivity over broadband due to limited fiber or cable internet access, especially in rural townships around the city of Grenada. Four major carriers—AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and C Spire—report 4G LTE coverage to approximately 95% of the county. However, only parts of Grenada city experience widespread 5G, and some rural pockets report signal reliability issues or cellular “dead zones.” Public Wi-Fi access remains scarce outside Grenada city proper, further supporting the reliance on mobile networks for internet browsing and communication.

A notable trend setting Grenada County apart from state averages is the persistence of prepaid mobile plans, favored by over 40% of households—10 percentage points higher than the state norm. This reflects both economic considerations and the prevalence of multi-generational households. Additionally, Grenada County has seen a slower decline in landline usage than the Mississippi average, with 19% of households still maintaining a home phone, compared to just 11% statewide.

Overall, while Grenada County’s mobile phone usage largely mirrors rural Mississippi, its higher reliance on prepaid plans, lower senior adoption, and slower landline phaseout represent distinct deviations, underscoring a local digital ecosystem shaped by demography, economic profile, and infrastructure constraints.

Social Media Usage in Grenada County, MS – 2024 Breakdown

User Stats & Demographics:
Grenada County, with a population of approximately 21,500, reflects rural Mississippi’s digital trends. Around 72% of residents report regular use of social media platforms, equating to roughly 15,500 users. Of these, mobile device usage accounts for 86%, highlighting the importance of smartphone-friendly content.

Age Groups:

• Ages 13–24: 19%
• Ages 25–44: 30%
• Ages 45–64: 34%
• Ages 65+: 17%

Usage is heaviest among those 25–64, with younger adults increasingly active and older adults participating more than previous years.

Gender Breakdown:

• Female: 54%
• Male: 46%

Women in Grenada County are more engaged with social media, particularly in community and family-centered groups.

Most-Used Platforms:

• Facebook: 82% of social media users
• Instagram: 38%
• TikTok: 22%
• YouTube: 51%
• Snapchat: 11%
• Twitter/X: 9%

Facebook dominates, serving as a digital town square for local news, events, and commerce. YouTube’s strong presence highlights an appetite for video content and tutorials. Instagram and TikTok’s growing use points to increased interest in short-form and visual media, particularly among ages 18–35.

Behavioral Trends:
Grenada County users favor community-oriented groups, religious content, and buy/sell/trade pages. Posting frequency averages 3–5 times per week. Local businesses leverage Facebook and Instagram to reach customers, while residents rely on shared posts and comments for recommendations and community updates. Participation in live videos, especially for church services and civic events, continues to rise. There is a visible trend toward privacy, with more users engaging in closed groups or private messaging rather than public posts.