Data Services

CPS helps Mississippians access free, publicly available data to make informed decisions in their local communities.

CPS team members in department meeting. — "We provide leaders and organizations in Mississippi with the data they need to catalyze meaningful impact, helping them to shape a better future for our state."

Lynn Woo, Associate Director, CPS

Improving Mississippi through public data

The main function of CPS is to help community leaders and organizations access free, public data. CPS assists these individuals and groups at no or reduced cost and with no restrictions on their location, affiliations, or group or community size.

How you can use data in your community

Leaders and nonprofits can use this data, when, among other things:

Developing local ordinances or other policy;
Creating a strategic plan for their community or organization;
Applying for a grant for a community-oriented project.

Types of data we can help you access

The types of data CPS works with includes:

Any public data collected by the federal government: This is free and available for anyone to access, but can be difficult to sort through and interpret. CPS is here to help.
Secondary data collected by CPS: In the course of its work, CPS runs research projects, such as focus groups in Mississippi communities, and gathers data. We share this with community partners when relevant.
Restricted public data: We can access this data but, due to logistical and financial difficulties, rarely do so. Rest assured, the vast majority of data needs can be served by public sources.

Explore Your Mississippi County’s Data

The link below takes you to a county-level map of Mississippi on the Census Bureau’s database. Click on the county that you are interested in, then “View Profile.” In the profile, you’ll find total population, median income, education level and more.

Explore Census Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions CPS gets about data access, Mississippi demographics and the Census.

What does it cost to access data through CPS?

CPS can fulfill most community-based requests from individuals, governments and nonprofits at no cost. For more intensive requests from larger nonprofit organizations, businesses and consultants, CPS has affordable fees. Get in touch to learn more.

Where can I find population size projections?

You can find more information about the estimated population of Mississippi counties, cities and towns on the U.S. Census website.

Was Mississippi undercounted in the 2020 Census?

Yes, Mississippi was among six states that the Census Bureau said were significantly undercounted in the most recent U.S. Census. The Census Bureau estimated that Mississippi’s population was undercounted by 4.1%. This discrepancy primarily impacts funding and political representation.

What groups or places in Mississippi were most undercounted?

The Census Bureau found that children aged 0-4 were the most undercounted group. International immigrants and minorities, including Black/African-American, American Indian, Hispanic/Latino and Asian/Pacific Islander households, were also severely undercounted. People in rural areas and living in poverty were undercounted at a high rate, too.

Will the Mississippi undercount be corrected?

The U.S. Census is taken every 10 years, so there will not be an opportunity to officially correct the undercount before 2030. The numbers collected in 2020, unfortunately, will become even more inaccurate as time passes.

Need Help Accessing Data?

Whether you’re trying to craft a data-driven plan for your community or drafting a grant to fund a local project, CPS is here for you. We’re committed to making data accessible to Mississippi through collaboration and education. Get in touch today.

Jamiko Deleveaux

Interim Director