15 Miss. Code. R. 9-99-1.2.4
Mississippi demographics include high poverty levels (22.3% compared to 14.9% for the nation), a large African American population (37.7%), low education levels, very limited industry in many rural areas, poor local tax bases, and diminishing state dollars. Rural residents and minorities are population groups affected by health disparities. According to the American Community Survey, the median age is 36 years and persons aged 65 or older makes up 12.9% of the population. Mississippi's gender composition is 48.5% male and 51.5% female. The poverty rate for the elderly was 14.6% compared to 9.4% is the nation. Eighty-one percent of Mississippians over the age of 25 are high school graduates or higher and 20% of Mississippians in this age group have a bachelor's degree or higher. Both levels are less than the respective national average at 85.7% and 28.5%.
15 Miss. Code. R. 9-99-1.2.4