Median Income
$84,079
12% higher than US avg
Home Value
$303,000
7% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.4%
39% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,055
9% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.7%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.3%
19% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.2%
58% lower than US avg
How Pearl Beach Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,846
Median Age52.3 yrs
Density1,007/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans8.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$84,079
Per Capita$49,155
Unemployment4.3%
Poverty5.2%
County GDP$54,177M
Commute37 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$303,000
Rent$1,055
Ownership90.8%
Zillow$250,518
Housing Units2,629
Rent Burden14.6%
Health
Obesity34.7%
Uninsured9.3%
Smoking15.6%
Depression28.8%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain34.6 in/yr
Elevation578 ft (176 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.4%
High School+92.8%
Graduate+7.7%
School Score5.23
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 42%
Commute37 min
Broadband95.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries26
Is Pearl Beach a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pearl Beach receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include long commute times. Pearl Beach offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Pearl Beach is $84,079, 12% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 4.3%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Pearl Beach is $303,000, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,055 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
20.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Pearl Beach experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.6 inches, including 32.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Pearl Beach has a population of 4,846 with a density of 1,007 people per square mile, spread across 4.8 square miles. The median age is 52.3 years, 34% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.8% female and 53.2% male. The city is predominantly White (96.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 8.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
4,846
Total Population
2023 Census
52.3yrs
Median Age
34% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Pearl Beach vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.4%
82% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Pearl Beach vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Pearl Beach is $84,079, which is 12% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $49,155 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,366. The unemployment rate is 4.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 19,678 business establishments, including 1,797 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 7.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Pearl Beach vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $84,079 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $49,155 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,366 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,437 |
| Gini Index | 0.426 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.2% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 19,678 |
| County GDP | $54,177M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,797 |
| Healthcare | 2,734 |
| Retail | 2,687 |
| Manufacturing | 1,515 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,390 |
| 54% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.78% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 36.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.5% |
The median home value in Pearl Beach is $303,000, 7% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $250,518, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,055 (9% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,629 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $5,390 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 14.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $303,000 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $250,518 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,055 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 14.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.2% |
| Housing Units | 2,629 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,390 |
| 54% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.78% |
In Pearl Beach, 34.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 18.9% report binge drinking. 22.0% are physically inactive. 28.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 9.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,842. The dentist ratio is 1:1,066. 96.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Pearl Beach vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.7% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.0% |
| Depression | 28.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 35.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.7% |
| Uninsured | 9.3% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,842 |
| Dentists | 1:1,066 |
| Mental Health | 1:410 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.7% |
| Dental Visits | 68.5% |
| Premature Death | 8,360/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 96.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 2,734 |
Pearl Beach experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.6 inches. The area receives 32.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. 71% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 578 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.7°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 578 ft (176 m) |
| Area | 4.8 sq mi (12.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,007/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.6316°N, 82.5864°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Macomb County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Clair County International (PHN) 20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.6"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 70.8% |
| Unhealthy Days | 3 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0436 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 96.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 27.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
26 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 18, 2024.
| Jun 10, 2019 |
1 km NW of Timberlake, Ohio |
M4.0 |
141 km |
| Jun 30, 2003 |
6 km NW of Perry, Ohio |
M3.6 |
147 km |
| Mar 15, 1992 |
15 km NW of North Perry, Ohio |
M3.5 |
136 km |
| Jun 20, 2006 |
9 km WNW of North Perry, Ohio |
M3.5 |
142 km |
| Apr 20, 2018 |
Michigan |
M3.4 |
67 km |
| Jul 1, 2013 |
5 km NNW of Fairport Harbor, Ohio |
M3.2 |
142 km |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
8 km NNW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M3.1 |
137 km |
| Jan 9, 2008 |
6 km WNW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M3.1 |
139 km |
| Feb 23, 2011 |
18 km NE of Leamington, Canada |
M3.0 |
54 km |
| Apr 12, 2007 |
11 km NW of Put-in-Bay, Ohio |
M2.8 |
105 km |
| Sep 22, 1999 |
16 km NW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M2.8 |
128 km |
| Jan 4, 2022 |
3 km NW of Timberlake, Ohio |
M2.8 |
140 km |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
Ohio |
M2.7 |
133 km |
| Mar 8, 2013 |
5 km NNW of Timberlake, Ohio |
M2.7 |
138 km |
| May 14, 2017 |
18 km ENE of Leamington, Canada |
M2.6 |
57 km |
| Jan 6, 2006 |
10 km NW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M2.6 |
134 km |
| Jun 10, 2010 |
8 km NW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M2.6 |
136 km |
| Feb 10, 2006 |
6 km NW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M2.6 |
138 km |
| May 20, 2023 |
3 km SSE of Walbridge, Ohio |
M2.6 |
141 km |
| Mar 8, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Grosse Ile, Michigan |
M2.5 |
66 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
188 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 23 fatalities, 757 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
69 km |
1 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF4 |
20 km |
11 |
| Jul 4, 1957 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
98 km |
3 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1953 |
EF4 |
32 km |
2 |
| Sep 14, 1990 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 1984 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF3 |
32 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1972 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1969 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Nov 20, 1957 |
EF3 |
49 km |
1 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
2 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 2.7 m (9 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1823 |
LAKE ERIE |
Unknown |
2.7 m |
- |
136 km |
| 1952 |
LAKE HURON, MI |
Avalanche |
1.5 m |
- |
54 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.3 in |
|
Pearl Beach has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 25°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.6") and February the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in Pearl Beach. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144-$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192-$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96-$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770-$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72-$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144-$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24-$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48-$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144-$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385-$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96-$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58-$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48-$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144-$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848-$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385-$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291-$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481-$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810-$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924-$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770-$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192-$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962-$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29-$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72-$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24-$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48-$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89-$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41-$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41-$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89-$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85-$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58-$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77-$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29-$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48-$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72-$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154-$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29-$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14-$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577-$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481-$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192-$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24-$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385-$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810-$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29-$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48-$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29-$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144-$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96-$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $775 |
| Toddler | $775 |
| Preschool | $767 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $828 |
| Toddler | $828 |
| Preschool | $769 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pearl Beach
What is the population of Pearl Beach?
Pearl Beach has a population of 4,846 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,007 people per square mile, spread across 4.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.8% female and 53.2% male.
Is Pearl Beach expensive to live in?
Pearl Beach has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $84,079, 12% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $303,000 (7% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,055 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Pearl Beach?
Pearl Beach has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 34.6 inches, with 32.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Pearl Beach?
Pearl Beach has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,366. There are 19,678 business establishments in the area, including 1,797 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 37 minutes, and 7.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Pearl Beach?
The median home value in Pearl Beach is $303,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $250,518. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,055. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 90.8%. The average annual property tax is $5,390.
How are the schools in Pearl Beach?
Schools in Pearl Beach score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.4% of adults in Pearl Beach hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.8% have completed high school. 7.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pearl Beach?
The obesity rate in Pearl Beach is 34.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 22.0% are physically inactive. 28.8% of residents report depression. 9.3% lack health insurance. 96.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,842.
What is transportation like in Pearl Beach?
The average commute in Pearl Beach is 37 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Pearl Beach?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pearl Beach is 96.2% White, 0.9% Asian. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 8.5% of the population are military veterans. 16.0% of residents have a disability. 90.7% have health insurance coverage.