Median Income
$54,167
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$54,200
81% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
123/100K
68% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
1.3%
96% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.8%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.6%
55% lower than US avg
How Pearl Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population101
Median Age56.7 yrs
Density67/mi²
Male / Female48% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans83.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$54,167
Per Capita$24,875
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty5.6%
County GDP$208M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$54,200
Ownership97.1%
Zillow$121,020
Housing Units63
Rent Burden18.1%
Crime
F
Violent123/100K
Property841/100K
Health
Obesity40.8%
Uninsured9.8%
Smoking19.4%
Depression24.1%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.5 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation599 ft (183 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+1.3%
High School+73.7%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.14
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 19%
Commute31 min
Broadband34.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Pearl a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pearl receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Pearl has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Pearl is $54,167, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Pearl is $54,200, 81% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Pearl is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 123 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 841 per 100,000, 57% below the national average.
Education
1.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 73.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Pearl experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.5 inches, including 11.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Pearl has a population of 101 with a density of 67 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 56.7 years, 46% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.5% female and 47.5% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 83.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
56.7yrs
Median Age
46% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Pearl is $54,167, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,875 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $956, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 101 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 33.3% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,167 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,875 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $956 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,393 |
| Gini Index | 0.399 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.6% |
| 55% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 101 |
| County GDP | $208M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 3 |
| Retail | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,350 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.18% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 63.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 33.3% |
The median home value in Pearl is $54,200, 81% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $121,020, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 97.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 63 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1945. The average annual property tax is $3,350. 18.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $54,200 |
| 81% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $121,020 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 97.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 97.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 2.9% |
| Housing Units | 63 |
| Median Year Built | 1945 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,350 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.18% |
In Pearl, 40.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 33.9% have high blood pressure. 19.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.8% report binge drinking. 26.1% are physically inactive. 24.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 9.8% of residents lack health insurance. The dentist ratio is 1:4,790. 8.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Pearl vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.9% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 8.5% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.4% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.1% |
| Depression | 24.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
| Short Sleep | 37.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.8% |
| Uninsured | 9.8% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:4,790 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.9% |
| Dental Visits | 57.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,555/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 8.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3 |
Pearl has a violent crime rate of 123 per 100,000 residents, 68% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 841 per 100,000, 57% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Pearl receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Pearl vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 122.6/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 840.8/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Pearl experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 302 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 38.5 inches. The area receives 11.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 599 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 54.4°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 599 ft (183 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 67/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.4627°N, 90.6197°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Scott County County |
| Nearest Airport | Quincy Regional-Baldwin Field (UIN)
45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.5"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 2.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.6 on Sep 19, 2024.
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
142 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
145 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
138 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
109 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
104 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 |
1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois |
M2.8 |
137 km |
| May 5, 2008 |
3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.8 |
110 km |
| Sep 5, 2015 |
5 km SE of High Ridge, Missouri |
M2.7 |
116 km |
| Mar 7, 2009 |
7 km S of Miramiguoa Park, Missouri |
M2.6 |
149 km |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
1 km S of Old Monroe, Missouri |
M2.6 |
62 km |
| Jan 15, 1998 |
1 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.5 |
108 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
573 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 24 fatalities, 660 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 22, 2011 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1981 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
87 km |
3 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
85 km |
2 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
92 km |
6 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2006 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2006 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1984 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Pearl has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 28°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Pearl. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Pearl
What is the population of Pearl?
Pearl has a population of 101 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 67 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.5% female and 47.5% male.
Is Pearl expensive to live in?
Pearl has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $54,167, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $54,200 (81% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Pearl safe?
Pearl is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 123 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 841 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Pearl receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Pearl?
Pearl has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.5 inches, with 11.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Pearl?
The job market in Pearl is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $956. There are 101 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 33.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Pearl?
The median home value in Pearl is $54,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $121,020. The homeownership rate is 97.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,350.
How are the schools in Pearl?
Schools in Pearl score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 1.3% of adults in Pearl hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 73.7% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pearl?
The obesity rate in Pearl is 40.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.4% of adults are smokers. 26.1% are physically inactive. 24.1% of residents report depression. 9.8% lack health insurance. 8.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Pearl?
The average commute in Pearl is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 63.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 33.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Pearl?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pearl is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 83.0% of the population are military veterans. 22.6% of residents have a disability. 96.8% have health insurance coverage.
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