Median Income
$30,815
59% lower than US avg
Home Value
$64,700
77% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
73/100K
81% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.4%
90% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$753
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.2%
44% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
48.6%
292% higher than US avg
How Pearson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,978
Median Age33.1 yrs
Density590/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 36%
Veterans3.1%
Economy
C
Median Income$30,815
Per Capita$22,337
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty48.6%
County GDP$362M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$64,700
Rent$753
Ownership51.6%
Zillow$123,304
Housing Units838
Rent Burden32.5%
Crime
F
Violent73/100K
Property3,141/100K
Health
Obesity46.2%
Uninsured28.4%
Smoking21.5%
Depression20.5%
Heart Disease7.9%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F (19°C)
AQI44 (Good)
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation200 ft (61 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.4%
High School+66.0%
Graduate+1.4%
School Score4.99
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 23%
Commute23 min
Broadband76.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Pearson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pearson receives an overall livability score of 2.4 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 an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Pearson has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Pearson is $30,815, 59% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. The poverty rate of 48.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Pearson is $64,700, 77% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $753 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.
Safety & Crime
Pearson is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 73 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,141 per 100,000, 60% above the national average.
Education
3.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 66.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Pearson enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Pearson has a population of 1,978 with a density of 590 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age is 33.1 years, 15% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.8% female and 52.2% male. The city is predominantly White (36.4%), with 25.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 62.8% of residents, while 37.2% speak Spanish. 3.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.4% of residents have a disability. 64.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.1yrs
Median Age
15% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
62.8%
20% below US avg
Spanish
37.2%
178% above US avg
The median household income in Pearson is $30,815, which is 59% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,337 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $955, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 48.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 126 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.3, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $30,815 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,337 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $955 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $41,598 |
| Gini Index | 0.441 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 48.6% |
| 292% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 126 |
| County GDP | $362M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 5 |
| Retail | 23 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,800 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.78% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.7% |
The median home value in Pearson is $64,700, 77% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $123,304, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $753 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,023 for a one-bedroom to $1,203 for a two-bedroom apartment. 51.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 838 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $1,800 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 32.5% 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 | $64,700 |
| 77% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $123,304 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $753 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $979 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,023 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,203 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,524 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 51.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 51.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 48.4% |
| Housing Units | 838 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,800 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.78% |
In Pearson, 46.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 18.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.9% of residents, above the national average. 42.5% have high blood pressure. 21.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.3% report binge drinking. 41.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.5% report depression. 20.9% experience frequent mental distress. 28.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:8,183. The food environment index is 5.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Pearson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 18.3% |
| Heart Disease | 7.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 42.5% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 9.7% |
| Cancer | 5.6% |
| Stroke | 5.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.5% |
| 54% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 41.9% |
| Depression | 20.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.9% |
| Physical Distress | 19.1% |
| Short Sleep | 42.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 64.1% |
| Uninsured | 28.4% |
| 230% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:8,183 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.1% |
| Dental Visits | 38.1% |
| Premature Death | 15,714/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.8/10 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5 |
Pearson has a violent crime rate of 73 per 100,000 residents, 81% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,141 per 100,000, 60% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Pearson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Pearson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 73.1/100K |
| 81% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,141.0/100K |
| 60% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Pearson enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 308 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44. The city sits at an elevation of 200 feet.
Temperature
49°F Jan (10°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 66.4°F |
| 23% above US avg |
| January Average | 49°F (10°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 200 ft (61 m) |
| Area | 3.4 sq mi (8.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 590/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.2972°N, 82.8540°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Atkinson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Valdosta Regional (VLD)
44 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jul)
6.14"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 7.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 47.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 15.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M3.9 on Jun 18, 2022.
| Jun 18, 2022 |
7 km E of Stillmore, Georgia |
M3.9 |
145 km |
| Jul 13, 2003 |
6 km N of Cobbtown, Georgia |
M3.6 |
134 km |
| Mar 4, 1996 |
9 km SW of Soperton, Georgia |
M2.5 |
115 km |
| May 17, 1997 |
9 km SW of Soperton, Georgia |
M2.5 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
12 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
42 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
164 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
45 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
300 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
133 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 3 |
216 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
156 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
237 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
299 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
292 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
65 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
226 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 1 |
286 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
336 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 16 fatalities, 208 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jan 22, 2017 |
EF3 |
77 km |
11 |
| Mar 3, 2012 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Nov 18, 1968 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
65 km |
1 |
| May 11, 1952 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Mar 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Feb 4, 2024 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 2023 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 2021 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
| Dec 17, 2019 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 2014 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 2009 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Dec 5, 2005 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 2005 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2002 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
| Feb 14, 2000 |
EF2 |
74 km |
1 |
| Oct 26, 1997 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1988 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX (328,827 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX |
328,827 |
91 km |
| 2007 |
BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX (FLOYDS ISLAND PRAIRIE) |
215,381 |
65 km |
| 2017 |
WEST MIMS |
166,737 |
90 km |
| 2011 |
HONEY PRAIRIE |
147,065 |
85 km |
| 2011 |
CRAVENS HAMMOCK |
142,688 |
74 km |
| 2002 |
BLACKJACK BAY COMPLEX |
107,076 |
85 km |
| 1999 |
FRIENDLY |
75,089 |
95 km |
| 2007 |
SWEAT FARM ROAD |
52,495 |
46 km |
| 2012 |
COUNTY LINE |
35,440 |
95 km |
| 1990 |
SHORTS |
21,413 |
78 km |
| 2011 |
SESSOM COMMUNITY FIRE |
20,916 |
35 km |
| 2011 |
GA-19 (SAW FLY RD) |
19,730 |
71 km |
| 2011 |
SWEAT FARM AGAIN |
19,698 |
33 km |
| 2011 |
DURDIN PRAIRIE |
19,487 |
81 km |
| 1989 |
PIN HOOK |
16,471 |
99 km |
| 1999 |
HICKORY IS |
14,656 |
66 km |
| 2002 |
BAY CREEK |
11,917 |
64 km |
| 2011 |
ARABIA BAY |
10,971 |
21 km |
| 2011 |
RACEPOND |
7,951 |
67 km |
| 2024 |
OSF CPT 114 PINHOOK WEST 2 RX 0202 |
6,495 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
49°F (10°C) |
4.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
53°F (12°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| March |
60°F (15°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| April |
66°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
78°F (26°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
6.1 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
6.1 in |
|
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
67°F (20°C) |
2.2 in |
Driest |
| November |
59°F (15°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
52°F (11°C) |
3.7 in |
|
Pearson has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 49°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 49.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (6.1") and October the driest (2.2").
Average costs for common services in Pearson. 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 ($193–$530) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$193 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,119 ($770–$4,815) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$193) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$116) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$482) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$578 ($385–$963) |
| Battery Replacement |
$193 ($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 |
$6,741 ($3,852–$11,556) |
| Roof Repair |
$963 ($385–$1,926) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,667 ($5,297–$14,445) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,445 ($482–$3,371) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,445 ($4,815–$28,890) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,815 ($1,926–$9,630) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,445 ($770–$2,889) |
| Will Preparation |
$482 ($193–$963) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,408 ($963–$4,815) |
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 |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.95 ($2.89–$5.30) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.82) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.30) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.26) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.30 ($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 ($39–$116) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($39–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$193 ($72–$482) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,926 ($1,156–$3,371) |
| 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) |
$1,156 ($578–$2,408) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$963 ($482–$1,926) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($193–$674) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$963 ($385–$2,408) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,038 ($4,815–$28,890) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$193) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$482) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$193 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $470 |
| Toddler | $442 |
| Preschool | $442 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $446 |
| Toddler | $420 |
| Preschool | $420 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pearson
What is the population of Pearson?
Pearson has a population of 1,978 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 590 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.8% female and 52.2% male.
Is Pearson expensive to live in?
Pearson has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.3 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $30,815, 59% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $64,700 (77% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $753 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.
Is Pearson safe?
Pearson is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 73 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,141 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Pearson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Pearson?
Pearson enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 49°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44.
How is the job market in Pearson?
The job market in Pearson is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $955. There are 126 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 4.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Pearson?
The median home value in Pearson is $64,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $123,304. For renters, the median monthly rent is $753. Fair market rent is $1,023 for a 1-bedroom and $1,203 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 51.6%. The average annual property tax is $1,800.
How are the schools in Pearson?
Schools in Pearson score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.4% of adults in Pearson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 66.0% have completed high school. 1.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pearson?
The obesity rate in Pearson is 46.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.5% of adults are smokers. 41.9% are physically inactive. 20.5% of residents report depression. 28.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Pearson?
The average commute in Pearson is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Pearson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pearson is 36.4% White, 25.4% Black or African American. 62.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 37.2% speak Spanish. 3.1% of the population are military veterans. 10.4% of residents have a disability. 64.1% have health insurance coverage.
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