Median Income
$51,719
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$108,700
61% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
686/100K
80% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.9%
65% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.5%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.8%
60% higher than US avg
How Pearlington Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population989
Median Age48.8 yrs
Density108/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 64%
Veterans4.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$51,719
Per Capita$26,911
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty19.8%
County GDP$2,271M
Commute34 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$108,700
Ownership92.7%
Zillow$154,419
Housing Units583
Rent Burden28.2%
Crime
F
Violent686/100K
Property5,133/100K
Health
Obesity40.5%
Uninsured13.0%
Smoking20.1%
Depression20.9%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F (19°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain64.0 in/yr
Sunny Days313/yr
Elevation5 ft (2 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.9%
High School+66.9%
Graduate+2.7%
School Score5.30
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 20%
Commute34 min
Broadband81.3%
EV Stations4
Libraries5
Is Pearlington a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pearlington receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Pearlington has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Pearlington is $51,719, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. The poverty rate of 19.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Pearlington is $108,700, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 686 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,133 per 100,000, 162% above the national average.
Education
11.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 66.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Pearlington enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 50°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 313 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 64.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Pearlington has a population of 989 with a density of 108 people per square mile, spread across 9.5 square miles. The median age is 48.8 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.2% female and 57.8% male. The city is predominantly White (64.4%), with 2.8% Hispanic, 31.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.5% of residents. 4.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 31.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 72.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.8yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Pearlington vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.5%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.5%
81% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Pearlington vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Pearlington is $51,719, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,911 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,196, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 19.8% 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 34 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 2.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Pearlington vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,719 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,911 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,196 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,214 |
| Gini Index | 0.471 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.8% |
| 60% 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 | 3.40% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 34.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.7% |
The median home value in Pearlington is $108,700, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $154,419, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $782 for a one-bedroom to $924 for a two-bedroom apartment. 92.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 583 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2003. The average annual property tax is $3,691. 28.2% 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 | $108,700 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $154,419 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $751 |
| 1 Bedroom | $782 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $924 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,177 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 92.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.3% |
| Housing Units | 583 |
| Median Year Built | 2003 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,691 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.40% |
In Pearlington, 40.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 40.1% have high blood pressure. 20.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.5% report binge drinking. 34.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.9% report depression. 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 13.0% 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: Pearlington vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.5% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.1% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 8.4% |
| Cancer | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.1% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.9% |
| Depression | 20.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.2% |
| Short Sleep | 39.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 72.7% |
| Uninsured | 13.0% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,303 |
| Dentists | 1:3,841 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,098 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.6% |
| Dental Visits | 8.0% |
| Premature Death | 11,583/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 70 |
Pearlington has a violent crime rate of 686 per 100,000 residents, 80% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,133 per 100,000, 162% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 16 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Pearlington receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Pearlington vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 685.7/100K |
| 80% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,133.4/100K |
| 162% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 16 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Pearlington enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 50°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 313 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 64.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 5 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
50°F Jan (10°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 65.6°F |
| 21% above US avg |
| January Average | 50°F (10°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 313 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 5 ft (2 m) |
| Area | 9.5 sq mi (24.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 108/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.2508°N, 89.6048°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hancock County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gulfport-Biloxi International (GPT)
34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
64.0"
68% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
6.38"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.0. Most recent: M2.6 on Nov 10, 2012.
| Aug 2, 2010 |
16 km ESE of Clinton, Louisiana |
M3.0 |
135 km |
| Oct 18, 1997 |
69 km SSW of Dauphin Island, Alabama |
M2.9 |
137 km |
| Nov 10, 2012 |
16 km S of Dauphin Island, Alabama |
M2.6 |
146 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 |
144 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
103 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
29 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
166 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
245 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
55 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
128 km |
| 2009 |
Ida |
Category 1 |
214 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
158 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 4 |
6 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 4 |
229 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
126 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 4 |
164 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 3 |
261 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
70 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
236 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
82 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 4 |
223 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
206 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 4 |
193 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
558 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 478 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 2020 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| Dec 6, 1983 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 2022 |
EF3 |
59 km |
1 |
| Feb 7, 2017 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 2012 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2011 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1992 |
EF3 |
84 km |
2 |
| Mar 20, 1983 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1980 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1980 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1980 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Nov 3, 1968 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Oct 30, 1967 |
EF3 |
52 km |
4 |
| Apr 18, 1966 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jan 28, 1966 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2024 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Dec 14, 2022 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Dec 14, 2022 |
EF2 |
91 km |
1 |
| Mar 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (7,660 ac, 2013).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
7,660 |
84 km |
| 2010 |
DESOTO 1057 |
7,148 |
86 km |
| 2010 |
DESOTO 1064 |
5,695 |
83 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
5,230 |
76 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
5,097 |
75 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
5,061 |
77 km |
| 2010 |
DESOTO 1051 |
4,864 |
72 km |
| 2010 |
DESOTO 0865 |
4,494 |
93 km |
| 2010 |
DESOTO 1053 |
3,726 |
71 km |
| 2020 |
DE SOTO - BB 9370 |
3,719 |
85 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,646 |
78 km |
| 2006 |
KILN (BAYOU BACON) |
3,576 |
22 km |
| 2010 |
DESOTO 1052 |
3,428 |
75 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,359 |
95 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,345 |
84 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
3,325 |
81 km |
| 2006 |
SANDY FOX FIRE |
3,167 |
45 km |
| 2010 |
DESOTO 1063 |
3,103 |
91 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,011 |
82 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,914 |
71 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
50°F (10°C) |
5.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
54°F (12°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| March |
60°F (16°C) |
5.9 in |
|
| April |
66°F (19°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| May |
74°F (23°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
6.4 in |
Wettest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
6.1 in |
Warmest |
| September |
78°F (25°C) |
5.7 in |
|
| October |
69°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
60°F (16°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| December |
54°F (12°C) |
5.2 in |
|
Pearlington has a seasonal temperature swing of 31°F / from 50°F in January to 81°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 62.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (6.4") and October the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Pearlington. 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 Pearlington
What is the population of Pearlington?
Pearlington has a population of 989 residents and is located in Mississippi. The population density is 108 people per square mile, spread across 9.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.2% female and 57.8% male.
Is Pearlington expensive to live in?
Pearlington 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 $51,719, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $108,700 (61% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Pearlington safe?
Public safety is a concern in Pearlington, with a violent crime rate of 686 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,133 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Pearlington receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Pearlington?
Pearlington 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 80°F in July. The area receives 313 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 64.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Pearlington?
The job market in Pearlington is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below 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 34 minutes, and 2.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Pearlington?
The median home value in Pearlington is $108,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $154,419. The homeownership rate is 92.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,691.
How are the schools in Pearlington?
Schools in Pearlington score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.9% of adults in Pearlington hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 66.9% have completed high school. 2.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pearlington?
The obesity rate in Pearlington is 40.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.1% of adults are smokers. 34.9% are physically inactive. 20.9% of residents report depression. 13.0% 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 Pearlington?
The average commute in Pearlington is 34 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Pearlington?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pearlington is 64.4% White, 31.2% Black or African American, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino. 97.5% of residents speak only English at home. 4.0% of the population are military veterans. 31.4% of residents have a disability. 72.7% have health insurance coverage.
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