Sunflower County
countySunflower County is located in the Mississippi Delta region. As of the 2020 census, the population was 25,971, and was estimated to be 23,029 in 2024. The county seat and largest city is Indianola. The county is known for its flat lands and agricultural roots, particularly cotton production. Agriculture remains a key part of Sunflower County's economy, with cotton, soybeans, rice, and wheat being major crops. The county also has a significant number of people working in hospitals and healthcare. The Mississippi State Penitentiary (Parchman Farm) is a major institution located within the county. Sunflower County is notable for its rich history and contributions to the blues music scene, with Indianola being the hometown of B.B. King. It also played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, being the home of activist Fannie Lou Hamer.
Sunflower County, Mississippi
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 28133
- Country
- United States
- County
- Sunflower County
- Region
- Mississippi Delta
- Total Area
- 706.928 sq mi
- Land Area
- 697.759 sq mi
- Water Area
- 9.169 sq mi
- Latitude
- 33.605529
- Longitude
- -90.59509
- Notable Features
- Sunflower River · Indian Bayou · Mississippi Delta
- Neighboring Areas
- Bolivar County · Coahoma County · Humphreys County · Leflore County · Tallahatchie County · Washington County
- Population (2020)
- 25,971
- Est. Population (2024)
- 23,029
- Median Age
- 37.6
- Median Income
- $40,265
- Poverty Rate
- 29.9%
- Owner-Occupied
- 56.3%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- In 2023, the racial makeup was 73% Black or African American (Non-Hispanic), 23.3% White (Non-Hispanic), 2.03% Two Races Including Other (Hispanic).
- Government Type
- Unit
- Governing Body
- Board of Supervisors
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Sunflower County Consolidated School District
- Unemployment Rate
- 4.1%
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Educational Services · Manufacturing
- Schools
- 13
- Students
- 2,863
- Teachers
- 213
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.2:1
- Graduation Rate
- 87.1%
- School Districts
- Sunflower County Consolidated School District
- Colleges & Universities
- Mississippi Delta Community College
- Transportation
- US 49W · MS 3 · MS 8
- Major Recreation Areas
- B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center · Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area
- Founded
- 1844
- Named After
- Sunflower River
- Historical Significance
- Historically significant in cotton production and the Civil Rights Movement.
- Key Events
- County formed from Bolivar County · County seat moved to Indianola in 1882 · Home of Fannie Lou Hamer, Civil Rights Activist