Median Income
$46,468
38% lower than US avg
Home Value
$98,500
65% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.6%
74% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$852
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.2%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.4%
189% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.7%
27% higher than US avg
How Nicholson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,523
Median Age45.8 yrs
Density418/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 73%
Veterans7.1%
Economy
C
Median Income$46,468
Per Capita$24,731
Unemployment10.4%
Poverty15.7%
County GDP$2,271M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$98,500
Rent$852
Ownership70.9%
Zillow$190,590
Housing Units1,262
Rent Burden24.1%
Health
Obesity42.2%
Uninsured22.5%
Smoking23.8%
Depression23.3%
Heart Disease7.9%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F (19°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain66.7 in/yr
Elevation48 ft (15 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.6%
High School+71.0%
Graduate+4.1%
School Score5.30
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 20%
Commute29 min
Broadband83.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Nicholson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Nicholson receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Nicholson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Nicholson is $46,468, 38% below the national average of $75,149. At 10.4%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 15.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Nicholson is $98,500, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $852 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
8.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 71.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Nicholson enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 50°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 66.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Nicholson has a population of 2,523 with a density of 418 people per square mile, spread across 6.4 square miles. The median age is 45.8 years, 18% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.3% female and 53.7% male. The city is predominantly White (73%), with 13% Hispanic, 7.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.1% of residents, while 6.8% speak Spanish. 7.1% of the population are veterans. 21.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 77.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,523
Total Population
2023 Census
45.8yrs
Median Age
18% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Nicholson vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.1%
14% above US avg
Spanish
6.8%
49% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Nicholson vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Nicholson is $46,468, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,731 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,196, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 15.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,042 business establishments, including 118 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 7.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Nicholson vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,468 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,731 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,196 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,214 |
| Gini Index | 0.471 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.4% |
| 189% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,042 |
| County GDP | $2,271M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 118 |
| Healthcare | 70 |
| Retail | 144 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,691 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.75% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.5% |
The median home value in Nicholson is $98,500, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $190,590, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $200,000 with homes selling in an average of 42 days. Homes sell for 91.3% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $852 (27% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $782 for a one-bedroom to $924 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,262 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1995. The average annual property tax is $3,691. 24.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $98,500 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $190,590 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $200,000 |
| Median List Price | $177,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $200,000 |
| Median List Price | $177,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $130 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 42 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 91.3% |
| Price Drops | 20.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $852 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $751 |
| 1 Bedroom | $782 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $924 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,177 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.1% |
| Housing Units | 1,262 |
| Median Year Built | 1995 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,691 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.75% |
In Nicholson, 42.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.9% of residents, above the national average. 41.6% have high blood pressure. 23.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.8% report binge drinking. 39.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.8% experience frequent mental distress. 22.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,303. The dentist ratio is 1:3,841. 54.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Nicholson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.2% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.9% |
| Heart Disease | 7.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 41.6% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 10.7% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 4.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.8% |
| 70% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 39.2% |
| Depression | 23.3% |
| Mental Distress | 20.8% |
| Physical Distress | 17.7% |
| Short Sleep | 43.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 77.5% |
| Uninsured | 22.5% |
| 162% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,303 |
| Dentists | 1:3,841 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,098 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.4% |
| Dental Visits | 6.5% |
| Premature Death | 11,583/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 70 |
Nicholson enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 50°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 66.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. 69% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 48 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
50°F Jan (10°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 66.4°F |
| 23% above US avg |
| January Average | 50°F (10°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 48 ft (15 m) |
| Area | 6.4 sq mi (16.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 418/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.4874°N, 89.6981°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hancock County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gulfport-Biloxi International (GPT)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
66.7"
76% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
6.55"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 68.6% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0477 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 82.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 74.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 73.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.0. Most recent: M3.0 on Aug 2, 2010.
| Aug 2, 2010 |
16 km ESE of Clinton, Louisiana |
M3.0 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
24 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Francine (2024, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Francine |
Category 2 |
152 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
101 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
37 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
185 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
250 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
68 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
144 km |
| 2009 |
Ida |
Category 1 |
241 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
173 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 4 |
23 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 4 |
232 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
148 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 4 |
176 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 3 |
256 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
77 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
263 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
110 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 4 |
237 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
211 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 4 |
192 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
688 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 30 fatalities, 770 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 2020 |
EF4 |
70 km |
1 |
| Apr 12, 2020 |
EF4 |
99 km |
4 |
| Feb 10, 2013 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Dec 6, 1983 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 2022 |
EF3 |
75 km |
1 |
| Feb 7, 2017 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 2017 |
EF3 |
80 km |
4 |
| Dec 23, 2014 |
EF3 |
83 km |
3 |
| Dec 25, 2012 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2011 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2006 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1992 |
EF3 |
86 km |
2 |
| Mar 20, 1983 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1982 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1980 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1980 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1980 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Dec 10, 1971 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Nov 3, 1968 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WHITE DOG (12,306 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
WHITE DOG |
12,306 |
89 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
10,363 |
97 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
10,170 |
96 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
9,932 |
89 km |
| 2010 |
DESOTO 0902 |
8,713 |
100 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
7,660 |
82 km |
| 2010 |
DESOTO 1057 |
7,148 |
83 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
7,059 |
96 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
6,802 |
100 km |
| 2000 |
COW PEN |
6,502 |
88 km |
| 2010 |
CRIPPLE CHINOOK |
6,035 |
90 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,819 |
97 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
5,803 |
96 km |
| 2010 |
DESOTO 1064 |
5,695 |
82 km |
| 1987 |
MACHINE GUN |
5,601 |
88 km |
| 1990 |
PIERCES CREEK |
5,544 |
89 km |
| 2020 |
369 D |
5,362 |
92 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
5,230 |
73 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
5,097 |
76 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
5,061 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
50°F (10°C) |
6.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
53°F (12°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| March |
60°F (15°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| April |
66°F (19°C) |
5.9 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
6.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
6.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
6.4 in |
|
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| October |
68°F (20°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| November |
58°F (14°C) |
4.3 in |
Driest |
| December |
52°F (11°C) |
5.7 in |
|
Nicholson has a seasonal temperature swing of 31°F / from 50°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 66.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (6.6") and November the driest (4.3").
Average costs for common services in Nicholson. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$218 ($131-$348) |
| Specialist Visit |
$305 ($174-$479) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$174 ($87-$305) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,914 ($696-$4,350) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$113 ($65-$174) |
| Dental Filling |
$218 ($131-$348) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$39 ($22-$65) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$65 ($44-$104) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$261 ($131-$435) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($17-$65) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$522 ($348-$870) |
| Battery Replacement |
$174 ($87-$305) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$87 ($52-$131) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$78 ($44-$122) |
| HVAC Repair |
$348 ($131-$696) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,090 ($3,480-$10,440) |
| Roof Repair |
$870 ($348-$1,740) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,830 ($4,785-$13,050) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,305 ($435-$3,045) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,050 ($4,350-$26,100) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,350 ($1,740-$8,700) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,305 ($696-$2,610) |
| Will Preparation |
$435 ($174-$870) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,175 ($870-$4,350) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$39) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26-$87) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$131 ($65-$218) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$39) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22-$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44-$113) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.57 ($2.61-$4.79) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.05 ($2.18-$4.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.31 ($2.18-$4.79) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.92 ($2.61-$5.66) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.79 ($3.48-$6.53) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.87 ($0.52-$1.57) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$122 ($70-$218) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$131) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$104) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$87) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26-$87) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$74 ($44-$131) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$174 ($65-$435) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,740 ($1,044-$3,045) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$113) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($6.96-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$87 ($26-$218) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13-$65) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,044 ($522-$2,175) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$870 ($435-$1,740) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$348 ($174-$609) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22-$87) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$870 ($348-$2,175) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,875 ($4,350-$26,100) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$52 ($26-$87) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$87 ($44-$174) |
| Dog Grooming |
$52 ($26-$87) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($17-$65) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$261 ($131-$435) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$174 ($87-$348) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $646 |
| Toddler | $602 |
| Preschool | $550 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Nicholson
What is the population of Nicholson?
Nicholson has a population of 2,523 residents and is located in Mississippi. The population density is 418 people per square mile, spread across 6.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.3% female and 53.7% male.
Is Nicholson expensive to live in?
Nicholson is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $46,468, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $98,500 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $852 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Nicholson?
Nicholson enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 50°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 66.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Nicholson?
The job market in Nicholson faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,196. There are 1,042 business establishments in the area, including 118 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 7.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Nicholson?
The median home value in Nicholson is $98,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $190,590. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $200,000, with homes typically selling within 42 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $852. Fair market rent is $782 for a 1-bedroom and $924 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,691.
How are the schools in Nicholson?
Schools in Nicholson score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.6% of adults in Nicholson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 71.0% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Nicholson?
The obesity rate in Nicholson is 42.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.8% of adults are smokers. 39.2% are physically inactive. 23.3% of residents report depression. 22.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 54.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,303.
What is transportation like in Nicholson?
The average commute in Nicholson is 29 minutes. 69.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Nicholson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Nicholson is 73% White, 7.6% Black or African American, 13% Hispanic or Latino. 89.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.8% speak Spanish. 7.1% of the population are military veterans. 21.6% of residents have a disability. 77.5% have health insurance coverage.