Median Income
$80,595
7% higher than US avg
Home Value
$119,700
58% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
33.9%
1% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$813
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.9%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.9%
12% lower than US avg
How Pope Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population544
Median Age37.4 yrs
Density375/mi²
Male / Female41% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 76%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$80,595
Per Capita$28,465
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty10.9%
County GDP$1,416M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$119,700
Rent$813
Ownership64.8%
Zillow$189,926
Housing Units217
Rent Burden14.7%
Health
Obesity42.9%
Uninsured10.1%
Smoking19.7%
Depression23.4%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (17°C)
Rain55.3 in/yr
Elevation272 ft (83 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+33.9%
High School+88.0%
Graduate+7.6%
School Score4.31
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 42%
Commute27 min
Broadband85.7%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is Pope a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pope receives an overall livability score of 4.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Pope stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Pope is $80,595, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Pope is $119,700, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $813 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 33.9% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 88.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Pope enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 55.3 inches.
Pope has a population of 544 with a density of 375 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 37.4 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 59% female and 41% male. The city is predominantly White (75.6%), with 6.8% Hispanic, 24.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 21.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
544
Total Population
2023 Census
37.4yrs
Median Age
4% 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 Pope is $80,595, which is 7% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,465 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $850, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 653 business establishments, including 57 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 8.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $80,595 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,465 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $850 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $51,055 |
| Gini Index | 0.484 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.9% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 653 |
| County GDP | $1,416M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 57 |
| Healthcare | 67 |
| Retail | 147 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,153 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.80% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.8% |
The median home value in Pope is $119,700, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $189,926, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $813 (30% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $782 for a one-bedroom to $924 for a two-bedroom apartment. 64.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 217 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $2,153 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 14.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $119,700 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $189,926 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $813 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 14.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $751 |
| 1 Bedroom | $782 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $924 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,177 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.2% |
| Housing Units | 217 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,153 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.80% |
In Pope, 42.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 40.2% have high blood pressure. 19.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.9% report binge drinking. 34.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 10.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,693. The dentist ratio is 1:2,177. 33.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Pope vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.9% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.2% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.7% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.7% |
| Depression | 23.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 15.3% |
| Short Sleep | 36.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.9% |
| Uninsured | 10.1% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,693 |
| Dentists | 1:2,177 |
| Mental Health | 1:883 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.3% |
| Dental Visits | 8.4% |
| Premature Death | 14,531/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 33.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 67 |
Pope enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 55.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 272 feet.
Temperature
41°F Jan (5°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 61.7°F |
| 14% above US avg |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 272 ft (83 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 375/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.2158°N, 89.9448°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Panola County County |
| Nearest Airport | Memphis International (MEM)
57 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
55.3"
46% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
5.99"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 69.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 94.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 23.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
19 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M3.7 on Jan 8, 2019.
| Oct 29, 2012 |
8 km SW of Parkin, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
127 km |
| Jan 8, 2019 |
8 km WNW of Hollandale, Mississippi |
M3.7 |
146 km |
| Aug 19, 1994 |
9 km WSW of Gilt Edge, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
144 km |
| May 10, 2008 |
1 km SSE of Sherman, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
103 km |
| Aug 11, 1996 |
9 km WSW of Shaw, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
111 km |
| Oct 26, 2002 |
3 km SE of Alligator, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
71 km |
| Aug 7, 2015 |
16 km W of Millington, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
129 km |
| Feb 25, 1999 |
10 km NE of Oakland, Mississippi |
M2.8 |
13 km |
| Aug 11, 2002 |
8 km ESE of Darling, Mississippi |
M2.8 |
26 km |
| Jan 3, 1993 |
4 km SW of Sunset, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
112 km |
| Feb 11, 1991 |
10 km SSW of Clarksdale, Mississippi |
M2.7 |
61 km |
| Apr 11, 1996 |
9 km ENE of Biscoe, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
144 km |
| Oct 2, 1995 |
9 km ENE of Clarkedale, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
126 km |
| Jul 9, 2000 |
10 km WNW of Wynne, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
145 km |
| Jun 25, 2016 |
2 km SSE of Jericho, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
119 km |
| Sep 2, 2013 |
0 km SW of Jericho, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
122 km |
| Nov 9, 2009 |
3 km SE of Marion, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
110 km |
| Apr 6, 2007 |
6 km NW of Earle, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
133 km |
| Oct 20, 1999 |
8 km NE of Clarendon, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
135 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Katrina (2005, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 1 |
263 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
413 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 94 fatalities, 903 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 23, 2015 |
EF4 |
48 km |
9 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
77 km |
16 |
| Dec 23, 2015 |
EF3 |
74 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
81 km |
4 |
| May 2, 2010 |
EF3 |
95 km |
3 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
59 km |
6 |
| Jan 3, 2000 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
96 km |
3 |
| Mar 22, 1991 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Dec 21, 1990 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Nov 19, 1988 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1984 |
EF3 |
82 km |
15 |
| Apr 24, 1976 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COMP 109 (3,663 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
COMP 109 |
3,663 |
55 km |
| 2014 |
C-55 CHILLI LAKE |
3,555 |
89 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,152 |
82 km |
| 2014 |
C-39 EAST CHEWALLA |
3,107 |
82 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,031 |
90 km |
| 2022 |
HOLLY SPRINGS BB 119/90/88 |
2,955 |
58 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,848 |
79 km |
| 2006 |
WITCHDCE W |
2,846 |
98 km |
| 2014 |
C-84 BAGLEY BOTTOMS |
2,766 |
57 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,645 |
56 km |
| 2013 |
MIDWAY CEM PRESCRIBED BURN |
2,513 |
60 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,376 |
36 km |
| 2007 |
WITCHDANCE EAST |
2,285 |
100 km |
| 2013 |
PUSKUS LAKE |
2,271 |
60 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,248 |
74 km |
| 2021 |
TOMBIGBEE CPT - 18/19/23/24 |
2,201 |
98 km |
| 2022 |
HOLLY SPRINGS BB 51/52/53 |
2,182 |
92 km |
| 2010 |
COMP 42 |
2,142 |
79 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,073 |
58 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,972 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
41°F (5°C) |
4.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
45°F (7°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| March |
53°F (12°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| April |
62°F (16°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| June |
78°F (25°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (26°C) |
3.1 in |
Driest |
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| November |
52°F (11°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| December |
44°F (7°C) |
6.0 in |
Wettest |
Pope has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 41°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 55.4 inches, with December being the wettest month (6.0") and August the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in Pope. 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 | $503 |
| Toddler | $457 |
| Preschool | $457 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pope
What is the population of Pope?
Pope has a population of 544 residents and is located in Mississippi. The population density is 375 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.4 years. The population is 59% female and 41% male.
Is Pope expensive to live in?
Pope 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 $80,595, 7% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $119,700 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $813 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Pope?
Pope enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 41°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 55.3 inches.
How is the job market in Pope?
Pope has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $850. There are 653 business establishments in the area, including 57 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 8.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Pope?
The median home value in Pope is $119,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $189,926. For renters, the median monthly rent is $813. Fair market rent is $782 for a 1-bedroom and $924 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.8%. The average annual property tax is $2,153.
How are the schools in Pope?
Schools in Pope have an average test score of 4.3 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 33.9% of adults in Pope hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. 7.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pope?
The obesity rate in Pope is 42.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.7% of adults are smokers. 34.7% are physically inactive. 23.4% of residents report depression. 10.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 33.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,693.
What is transportation like in Pope?
The average commute in Pope is 27 minutes. 86.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Pope?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pope is 75.6% White, 24.4% Black or African American, 6.8% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 21.0% of residents have a disability. 89.9% have health insurance coverage.