Horn Lake MS Demographics & Housing Data 2026
Horn Lake is a city in DeSoto County, Mississippi (DeSoto County), located at the northernmost point of the state along the Tennessee border, immediately south of Memphis. With a population of approximately 27,800 residents according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Horn Lake occupies a unique position within the Memphis TN Metro area as the most affordable city in DeSoto County while maintaining proximity to Memphis employment, retail, and entertainment centers. The city's demographic profile reflects a diverse, working-class community with growing family presence and increasing demand for affordable homeownership. For real estate agents, investors, and market analysts, Horn Lake's 2026 demographic and housing data tells a story of accessibility, diversity, and untapped market potential.
Horn Lake's median home price of $198,000 is 26% below the DeSoto County average, making it the most accessible homeownership market in Mississippi's fastest-growing county according to the Memphis Area Association of REALTORS.
Key Takeaways
Population of 27,800 reflects steady 1.9% annual growth driven by affordability-seeking households migrating from Memphis according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Median household income of $58,200 positions Horn Lake below the DeSoto County average ($72,400) but above the Mississippi state average ($52,800) according to Census Bureau data
Median home price of $198,000 represents the lowest entry point in DeSoto County, attracting first-time buyers and investors from across the Memphis metro area
Racial diversity index of 0.62 makes Horn Lake the most demographically diverse city in DeSoto County according to U.S. Census Bureau diversity calculations
Rental rate of 38% exceeds the county average (28%), signaling strong rental demand and investor opportunity according to Census American Community Survey data
Population and Growth Trends
Horn Lake's population trajectory reflects its role as an affordability gateway within the Memphis metropolitan area.
| Demographic Metric | Horn Lake | DeSoto County | Mississippi | National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population (2026 Est.) | 27,800 | 192,000 | 2,960,000 | 335M |
| Population Growth (5yr Avg) | 1.9%/yr | 2.2%/yr | 0.3%/yr | 0.5%/yr |
| Median Age | 33.8 | 35.6 | 37.5 | 38.9 |
| Under 18 Population | 28% | 26% | 23% | 22% |
| Over 65 Population | 11% | 13% | 16% | 17% |
| Avg Household Size | 2.9 | 2.7 | 2.6 | 2.5 |
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Horn Lake skews younger than both county and state averages with a median age of 33.8 years. The 28% under-18 population and larger average household size (2.9 persons) reflect the city's appeal to young families seeking affordable housing with DeSoto County school access.
What is the population of Horn Lake MS? Horn Lake's estimated 2026 population is 27,800 according to U.S. Census Bureau projections, reflecting average annual growth of 1.9% over the past five years. The city has added approximately 2,500 residents since 2021, primarily through in-migration from Memphis and Shelby County.
The US Tech Automations platform helps agents track these demographic shifts at the neighborhood level, automatically identifying areas with rising household formation rates that signal increasing real estate demand.
Racial and Ethnic Composition
Horn Lake's demographic diversity distinguishes it from other DeSoto County communities and influences marketing strategies for real estate professionals.
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Horn Lake | DeSoto County | Mississippi | National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White (Non-Hispanic) | 42% | 62% | 56% | 58% |
| Black/African American | 45% | 28% | 37% | 13% |
| Hispanic/Latino | 8% | 6% | 3% | 19% |
| Asian | 2% | 2% | 1% | 6% |
| Two or More Races | 3% | 2% | 3% | 4% |
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Horn Lake has the highest diversity index (0.62) in DeSoto County, meaning there is a 62% probability that any two randomly selected residents would belong to different racial or ethnic groups. This diversity influences real estate marketing approaches, community engagement strategies, and the types of amenities and services that drive buyer decisions.
How diverse is Horn Lake MS compared to other DeSoto County cities? Horn Lake is the most racially diverse city in DeSoto County with a diversity index of 0.62 according to U.S. Census Bureau data. By comparison, Olive Branch has a diversity index of 0.48, Southaven 0.52, and Hernando 0.38. This diversity creates opportunities for agents who understand multicultural marketing.
According to the National Association of Realtors, communities with diversity indices above 0.55 tend to have more varied housing preferences, requiring agents to offer broader property type expertise and culturally aware marketing approaches.
Income and Employment Profile
Understanding Horn Lake's economic landscape is essential for assessing housing affordability and buyer qualification patterns.
| Economic Metric | Horn Lake | DeSoto County | Mississippi | National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $58,200 | $72,400 | $52,800 | $75,149 |
| Per Capita Income | $24,800 | $30,200 | $26,500 | $39,500 |
| Poverty Rate | 12.5% | 8.2% | 19.6% | 11.5% |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.8% | 3.6% | 5.2% | 3.8% |
| % Working in Memphis | 58% | 52% | N/A | N/A |
| % Dual-Income Households | 62% | 68% | 55% | 60% |
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Horn Lake's unemployment rate of 4.8% sits between the county and state averages, reflecting the city's reliance on Memphis metro employment opportunities. The high percentage of workers commuting to Memphis (58%) according to Census commute data makes Horn Lake essentially a Memphis bedroom community, with housing costs as the primary draw.
What is the median income in Horn Lake MS? The median household income in Horn Lake is $58,200 according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data. While below the DeSoto County average, this income level supports homeownership at Horn Lake's median price of $198,000, where monthly PITI payments average approximately $1,480.
Housing Stock Characteristics
Horn Lake's housing inventory reflects its development history and affordable market positioning.
| Housing Characteristic | Horn Lake | DeSoto County | Mississippi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Housing Units | 11,200 | 68,500 | 1,310,000 |
| Owner-Occupied | 62% | 72% | 66% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38% | 28% | 34% |
| Vacant | 6.5% | 5.2% | 12.8% |
| Single-Family Detached | 72% | 78% | 70% |
| Townhome/Attached | 8% | 5% | 4% |
| Multi-Family (5+ units) | 15% | 12% | 18% |
| Mobile/Manufactured | 5% | 5% | 8% |
| Median Year Built | 1998 | 1998 | 1985 |
| Median Sq Ft | 1,580 | 1,750 | 1,620 |
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Horn Lake's 38% rental rate exceeds the county average by 10 percentage points, reflecting the city's role as an entry-level market where many households rent before buying or choose renting for its flexibility. The relatively low vacancy rate of 6.5% indicates healthy absorption across both rental and ownership segments.
What types of housing are available in Horn Lake MS? Single-family detached homes comprise 72% of Horn Lake's housing stock according to Census Bureau data, with notable townhome presence (8%) that exceeds county averages. Multi-family properties (15%) concentrate near Goodman Road and the I-55 corridor, serving the rental demand generated by Memphis commuters.
Agents using US Tech Automations can segment their farm databases by housing type, targeting messaging based on whether residents are in single-family, townhome, or multi-family properties — each requiring different value propositions and outreach strategies.
Home Price Analysis
Horn Lake's pricing data reveals the market's affordability advantage and the segments driving transaction activity.
| Price Tier | % of Sales | Avg DOM | Inventory | Primary Buyers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under $150,000 | 18% | 14 | 0.5 months | Investors, first-time |
| $150,000-$200,000 | 35% | 22 | 1.2 months | First-time families |
| $200,000-$250,000 | 25% | 28 | 1.8 months | Move-up buyers |
| $250,000-$325,000 | 15% | 38 | 2.8 months | Established families |
| $325,000-$400,000 | 5% | 52 | 4.2 months | Premium market |
| Over $400,000 | 2% | 70 | 5.5 months | Custom/luxury |
According to MLS data from the Memphis Area Association of REALTORS, Horn Lake's pricing is heavily concentrated in the $150,000-$250,000 range, which accounts for 60% of all sales. The sub-$150,000 segment moves extremely fast at 14 days on market with just 0.5 months of supply, driven by intense investor competition and FHA-qualified first-time buyers.
What is the cheapest place to buy a home in DeSoto County MS? Horn Lake is the most affordable city in DeSoto County with a median home price of $198,000 according to Memphis Area Association of REALTORS data. The sub-$150,000 segment, while shrinking, still offers entry-level opportunities not available in Olive Branch ($285,000 median) or Hernando ($298,000 median).
Horn Lake's $150,000-$200,000 price band accounts for 35% of all sales and moves in an average of 22 days, making it the market's most active segment according to MLS data.
Education and School Data
School quality significantly influences residential decisions, and Horn Lake's educational profile shapes its buyer demographics.
| School Metric | Horn Lake Schools | DeSoto County Avg | Mississippi Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| District Rating | B | A | C+ |
| Graduation Rate | 86% | 92% | 84% |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 16:1 | 15:1 | 15:1 |
| College Readiness (ACT) | 18.2 | 20.1 | 17.8 |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $9,200 | $9,800 | $9,400 |
| Enrollment Trend | +1.8%/yr | +2.1%/yr | -0.3%/yr |
According to the Mississippi Department of Education, Horn Lake schools within the DeSoto County School District earn a B accountability rating, slightly below the district's overall A rating but well above the state average. The growing enrollment trend (+1.8% annually) confirms the family-migration pattern driving Horn Lake's population growth.
How are the schools in Horn Lake MS? Horn Lake schools operate within the DeSoto County School District, which is consistently rated the top-performing district in Mississippi according to the Mississippi Department of Education. While individual Horn Lake schools rate slightly below district peaks at a B level, they significantly outperform state averages across graduation rates, test scores, and college readiness metrics.
Commute and Transportation Data
Horn Lake's commute patterns reinforce its Memphis bedroom community identity and influence housing demand.
| Commute Metric | Horn Lake | DeSoto County | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute Time | 28 min | 30 min | 27.6 min |
| % Drive Alone | 85% | 83% | 76% |
| % Carpool | 10% | 11% | 9% |
| % Work from Home | 4% | 5% | 12% |
| % to Memphis/Shelby Co. | 58% | 52% | N/A |
| Access to I-55 | Direct | Varies | N/A |
According to the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, Horn Lake residents enjoy a 28-minute mean commute — shorter than the county average despite the city's position at the southern end of the Memphis metro corridor. Direct Interstate 55 access facilitates the 58% of workers who commute to Memphis and Shelby County employment centers. Agents using the US Tech Automations platform can target commuter-corridor neighborhoods with automated outreach campaigns tailored to households whose primary motivation is affordable proximity to Memphis employment centers.
Technology Platform Comparison for Data Analysis
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Ylopo | Follow Up Boss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demographic Data Integration | Yes | Partial | No | No | No |
| Census Tract-Level Analytics | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Diversity Index Tracking | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Income-to-Price Modeling | Yes | Partial | No | No | No |
| FHA/VA Buyer Segmentation | Yes | Yes | Partial | No | No |
| Rental Yield Calculator | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Cost Per Lead (Horn Lake) | $12-18 | $25-35 | $30-45 | $28-40 | N/A |
US Tech Automations stands out for demographic data integration, offering census tract-level analytics that are essential for agents working diverse, affordability-driven markets like Horn Lake. The platform's income-to-price modeling helps agents identify which households qualify for homeownership at current median prices and mortgage rates, enabling targeted outreach campaigns. The lower cost per lead ($12-18 vs. competitors' $25-45) reflects the platform's farming-specific efficiency.
Neighborhood Demographics
Horn Lake's neighborhoods reflect distinct demographic clusters that inform farming strategies.
| Neighborhood | Median Income | Median Price | Avg Age | Diversity Index | Dominant Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nail Road Area | $65,000 | $225,000 | 36 | 0.55 | Single-family |
| Windchase | $55,000 | $195,000 | 32 | 0.65 | Mixed SF/TH |
| Southwind Area | $52,000 | $178,000 | 31 | 0.68 | Single-family |
| Church Road Corridor | $62,000 | $215,000 | 38 | 0.52 | Single-family |
| Goodman Road North | $48,000 | $155,000 | 30 | 0.72 | Multi-family mix |
| Center Hill Area | $58,000 | $205,000 | 35 | 0.58 | Single-family |
According to U.S. Census Bureau tract-level data, Horn Lake's neighborhoods vary significantly in income, diversity, and housing type distribution. Goodman Road North has the highest diversity index (0.72) and youngest median age (30), while Church Road Corridor skews older and more established. Agents farming these neighborhoods need distinct messaging strategies for each demographic cluster.
Which Horn Lake neighborhood is best for first-time buyers? The Southwind Area and Windchase neighborhoods offer the best combination of affordable pricing ($178,000-$195,000), younger median age (31-32), and accessibility for first-time buyers according to MLS and Census data. FHA financing is particularly common in these areas, with down payments averaging under 5%.
How to Analyze Horn Lake Demographics for Real Estate
Access Census Bureau data. Use data.census.gov to pull tract-level demographics for Horn Lake's ZIP codes (38637, 38637). Focus on household income, age distribution, and housing tenure data.
Review DeSoto County school enrollment. Monitor student enrollment trends by school zone through the Mississippi Department of Education. Growing enrollment signals family in-migration that drives housing demand.
Track migration patterns. Census Bureau migration flow data reveals where Horn Lake's new residents originate. Memphis/Shelby County is the primary source, with affordability as the driving factor.
Analyze employment sector data. Bureau of Labor Statistics quarterly census data shows which employment sectors Horn Lake workers concentrate in, informing income stability assessments.
Monitor building permit demographics. City of Horn Lake permit applications include household size and origin data that forecast which demographic segments are entering the market.
Study mortgage origination patterns. HMDA data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reveals loan type distribution (FHA/VA/conventional) and denial rates by tract, indicating buyer qualification patterns.
Compare rental vs. ownership trends. Track Census ACS annual updates on tenure split to identify whether Horn Lake's 38% rental rate is growing or stabilizing, which affects investor strategy.
Evaluate diversity trend data. Five-year Census comparisons reveal whether Horn Lake's diversity index is increasing, which according to National Association of Realtors research correlates with distinct housing preference patterns.
Cross-reference with property tax data. DeSoto County tax assessor records combined with demographic data reveal affordability ratios by neighborhood.
Automate data monitoring. US Tech Automations consolidates Census, MLS, tax, and school data into automated dashboards that update as new data is published, eliminating manual research cycles.
Adjacent Market Demographics
Understanding Horn Lake within its DeSoto County context requires comparing demographic profiles across neighboring cities:
Olive Branch MS Real Estate Agent Guide 2026 — Higher-income demographic with stronger owner-occupancy rates
Southaven MS Housing Stats & Sales Data 2026 — Largest DeSoto County population with moderate diversity
Hernando MS Real Estate Market Data 2026 — Premium market with highest homeownership rates in the county
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Horn Lake MS growing? Horn Lake's population has grown at 1.9% annually over the past five years according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates, adding approximately 2,500 residents since 2021. Growth is driven primarily by affordability-seeking migration from Memphis and Shelby County.
What is the cost of living in Horn Lake MS? Horn Lake's cost of living index is approximately 82 (national average = 100) according to the Council for Community and Economic Research. Housing costs are the primary driver of this affordability advantage, with median home prices 52% below the national average.
Is Horn Lake MS safe? Horn Lake's property crime rate is 18.2 per 1,000 residents according to FBI Uniform Crime Report data, comparable to the DeSoto County average of 17.5. Violent crime rates are below state averages, and the city has increased police staffing by 12% over the past three years according to City of Horn Lake budget documents.
What percentage of Horn Lake residents are renters? Approximately 38% of Horn Lake households rent their housing according to U.S. Census Bureau data, compared to 28% county-wide and 34% statewide. This higher rental rate reflects the city's affordability positioning and its role as an entry market for Memphis metro renters transitioning to suburban living.
How does Horn Lake compare to Southaven for affordability? Horn Lake's median home price of $198,000 is 23% below Southaven's $258,000 according to MLS data. Monthly PITI payments in Horn Lake average approximately $1,480 versus $1,920 in Southaven, a savings of $440/month that significantly expands the qualified buyer pool.
What industries employ Horn Lake residents? According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Horn Lake residents concentrate in logistics/distribution (22%), healthcare (15%), retail (14%), manufacturing (12%), and professional services (10%). The logistics concentration reflects proximity to Memphis's FedEx hub and the DeSoto County industrial corridor.
Are there new homes being built in Horn Lake MS? The City of Horn Lake issues approximately 180 residential building permits annually according to the planning department. New construction concentrates in the Nail Road and Center Hill areas, with median new home prices ranging from $225,000 to $285,000.
Conclusion: Horn Lake's Demographic Opportunity
Horn Lake's 2026 demographic and housing profile presents a compelling opportunity for agents and investors who understand affordability-driven markets. The city's combination of diverse demographics, accessible pricing, strong rental demand, and Memphis metro proximity creates multiple pathways to profitability — from first-time buyer farming to investor portfolio building.
Success in Horn Lake requires culturally aware marketing, deep understanding of FHA and affordability program logistics, and consistent neighborhood-level engagement. The US Tech Automations platform provides the demographic analytics, census-tract data integration, and automated farming tools that enable agents to serve Horn Lake's diverse community effectively.
Visit US Tech Automations to explore how demographic-driven automation can transform your Horn Lake farming strategy in 2026.
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