Median Income
$31,107
59% lower than US avg
Home Value
$104,200
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
59/100K
85% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.7%
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
54.6%
70% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.3%
47% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
29.2%
135% higher than US avg
How Pickens Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,235
Median Age34.9 yrs
Density965/mi²
Male / Female39% / 61%
Largest GroupWhite 5%
Veterans5.0%
Economy
C
Median Income$31,107
Per Capita$15,634
Unemployment5.3%
Poverty29.2%
County GDP$897M
Commute43 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$104,200
Ownership60.4%
Zillow$118,535
Housing Units513
Rent Burden26.4%
Crime
F
Violent59/100K
Property1,028/100K
Health
Obesity54.6%
Uninsured17.2%
Smoking25.8%
Depression18.7%
Heart Disease8.8%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F (18°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Sunny Days323/yr
Elevation236 ft (72 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.7%
High School+73.5%
Graduate+4.8%
School Score3.60
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 38%
Commute43 min
Broadband60.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Pickens a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pickens receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Pickens has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Pickens is $31,107, 59% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 29.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 43 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Pickens is $104,200, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Pickens is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 59 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,028 per 100,000, 48% below the national average.
Education
16.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 73.5% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.6/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Pickens enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 323 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Pickens has a population of 1,235 with a density of 965 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 34.9 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 60.6% female and 39.4% male. The city is predominantly Black (95.2%), with 4.5% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 5.0% of the population are veterans. 42.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.9yrs
Median Age
10% below 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 Pickens is $31,107, which is 59% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $15,634 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $755, 47% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 29.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 350 business establishments, including 31 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 43 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 12.3% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $31,107 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $15,634 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $755 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $47,638 |
| Gini Index | 0.504 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.3% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 29.2% |
| 135% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 350 |
| County GDP | $897M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 31 |
| Healthcare | 34 |
| Retail | 85 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,405 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.31% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 43.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.3% |
The median home value in Pickens is $104,200, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $118,535, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $782 for a one-bedroom to $924 for a two-bedroom apartment. 60.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 513 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $2,405 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 26.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $104,200 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $118,535 |
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 | 60.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.6% |
| Housing Units | 513 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,405 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.31% |
In Pickens, 54.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 23.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.8% of residents, above the national average. 56.0% have high blood pressure. 25.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 9.6% report binge drinking. 47.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 18.7% report depression. 21.6% experience frequent mental distress. 17.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,239. The dentist ratio is 1:3,522. 34.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Pickens vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 54.6% |
| 70% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 23.5% |
| Heart Disease | 8.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 56.0% |
| Asthma | 12.3% |
| COPD | 11.9% |
| Cancer | 4.7% |
| Stroke | 7.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 25.8% |
| 84% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 9.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 47.8% |
| Depression | 18.7% |
| Mental Distress | 21.6% |
| Physical Distress | 19.0% |
| Short Sleep | 46.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.3% |
| Uninsured | 17.2% |
| 100% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,239 |
| Dentists | 1:3,522 |
| Mental Health | 1:10,629 |
| Checkup Rate | 83.9% |
| Dental Visits | 5.3% |
| Premature Death | 14,204/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 34.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 34 |
Pickens has a violent crime rate of 59 per 100,000 residents, 85% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,028 per 100,000, 48% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Pickens receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Pickens vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 58.7/100K |
| 85% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,028.5/100K |
| 48% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 14 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Pickens enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 323 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 43. The city sits at an elevation of 236 feet.
Temperature
45°F Jan (7°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 63.5°F |
| 18% above US avg |
| January Average | 45°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 323 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 236 ft (72 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 965/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.8913°N, 89.9688°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Leake County County |
| Nearest Airport | Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International (JAN)
41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 55.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 95.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 11.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
12 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.0 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jan 8, 2019 |
8 km WNW of Hollandale, Mississippi |
M3.7 |
96 km |
| Mar 25, 1996 |
11 km NNE of Quitman, Mississippi |
M3.5 |
148 km |
| May 3, 2015 |
7 km SSW of Canton, Mississippi |
M3.2 |
39 km |
| Jun 29, 2015 |
6 km SSW of Canton, Mississippi |
M3.2 |
38 km |
| Aug 11, 1996 |
9 km WSW of Shaw, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
114 km |
| Oct 26, 2002 |
3 km SE of Alligator, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
147 km |
| May 3, 2015 |
8 km WSW of Canton, Mississippi |
M3.0 |
37 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
5 km NNE of Magee, Mississippi |
M3.0 |
111 km |
| Aug 9, 2019 |
Mississippi |
M2.8 |
41 km |
| Feb 25, 1999 |
10 km NE of Oakland, Mississippi |
M2.8 |
138 km |
| Feb 11, 1991 |
10 km SSW of Clarksdale, Mississippi |
M2.7 |
147 km |
| Aug 17, 2015 |
9 km N of Madison, Mississippi |
M2.6 |
41 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
7 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Ida (2021, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 2 |
267 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 2 |
194 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
292 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 3 |
123 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 3 |
270 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
274 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
244 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
808 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 156 fatalities, 1,692 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF5 |
81 km |
3 |
| Mar 3, 1966 |
EF5 |
96 km |
58 |
| Mar 24, 2023 |
EF4 |
97 km |
17 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF4 |
50 km |
10 |
| Nov 24, 2001 |
EF4 |
56 km |
2 |
| Mar 9, 1992 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jan 19, 1988 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| Feb 23, 1977 |
EF4 |
70 km |
2 |
| Mar 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
42 km |
3 |
| Feb 21, 1971 |
EF4 |
95 km |
13 |
| Dec 2, 1967 |
EF4 |
66 km |
2 |
| Mar 11, 1963 |
EF4 |
43 km |
2 |
| Mar 24, 2023 |
EF3 |
47 km |
3 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
77 km |
1 |
| Oct 17, 2012 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIEN 75-78 (4,658 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
BIEN 75-78 |
4,658 |
79 km |
| 2021 |
BIENVILLE - CPT 38-39-40 |
4,545 |
65 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
4,007 |
62 km |
| 2010 |
COMP 222-223-224 |
3,745 |
70 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,547 |
48 km |
| 2010 |
BIEN 1-4 |
2,983 |
47 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,935 |
69 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,887 |
92 km |
| 2021 |
BIENVILLE CPT 1-4 |
2,761 |
48 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,436 |
54 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,388 |
64 km |
| 2022 |
508 |
2,386 |
49 km |
| 2022 |
BIENVILLE CPT 89/90 |
2,341 |
92 km |
| 2021 |
BIENVILLE - CPT 76/77 |
2,246 |
80 km |
| 2013 |
BIEN 42-46 55 |
2,215 |
69 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,162 |
91 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,128 |
69 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
2,094 |
80 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,982 |
87 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,945 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
45°F (7°C) |
5.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
47°F (8°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| March |
55°F (13°C) |
6.1 in |
Wettest |
| April |
62°F (17°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (26°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
75°F (24°C) |
3.1 in |
Driest |
| October |
64°F (18°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| December |
47°F (8°C) |
5.6 in |
|
Pickens has a seasonal temperature swing of 35°F / from 45°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 56.1 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.1") and September the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in Pickens. 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 | $508 |
| Toddler | $463 |
| Preschool | $463 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pickens
What is the population of Pickens?
Pickens has a population of 1,235 residents and is located in Mississippi. The population density is 965 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 60.6% female and 39.4% male.
Is Pickens expensive to live in?
Pickens 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 $31,107, 59% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $104,200 (63% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Pickens safe?
Pickens is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 59 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,028 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Pickens receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Pickens?
Pickens enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 45°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 323 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Pickens?
The unemployment rate in Pickens is 5.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $755. There are 350 business establishments in the area, including 31 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 43 minutes, and 12.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Pickens?
The median home value in Pickens is $104,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $118,535. The homeownership rate is 60.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,405.
How are the schools in Pickens?
Schools in Pickens have an average test score of 3.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 16.7% of adults in Pickens hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 73.5% have completed high school. 4.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pickens?
The obesity rate in Pickens is 54.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 25.8% of adults are smokers. 47.8% are physically inactive. 18.7% of residents report depression. 17.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 34.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,239.
What is transportation like in Pickens?
The average commute in Pickens is 43 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Pickens?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pickens is 4.5% White, 95.2% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 5.0% of the population are military veterans. 42.8% of residents have a disability. 93.3% have health insurance coverage.
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