Median Income
$34,688
54% lower than US avg
Home Value
$122,500
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
261/100K
31% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.1%
46% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$862
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.8%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
24.7%
99% higher than US avg
How Purvis Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,691
Median Age32.5 yrs
Density404/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 75%
Veterans7.6%
Economy
C+
Median Income$34,688
Per Capita$22,211
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty24.7%
County GDP$2,777M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$122,500
Rent$862
Ownership62.1%
Zillow$238,510
Housing Units810
Rent Burden38.2%
Crime
F
Violent261/100K
Property5,758/100K
Health
Obesity39.8%
Uninsured11.3%
Smoking16.7%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F (19°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain64.4 in/yr
Sunny Days313/yr
Elevation365 ft (111 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.1%
High School+80.1%
Graduate+9.8%
School Score5.63
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 25%
Commute26 min
Broadband80.1%
EV Stations16
Libraries4
Is Purvis a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Purvis receives an overall livability score of 2.7 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, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Purvis has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Purvis is $34,688, 54% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. The poverty rate of 24.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Purvis is $122,500, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $862 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Purvis is below the national average at 261 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,758 per 100,000, 194% above the national average.
Education
18.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Purvis 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 313 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 64.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Purvis has a population of 1,691 with a density of 404 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age is 32.5 years, 16% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.6% female and 46.4% male. The city is predominantly White (75.2%), with 21.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.6% of residents. 7.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.5yrs
Median Age
16% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.6%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.4%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Purvis is $34,688, which is 54% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,211 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $851, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 24.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,576 business establishments, including 151 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 2.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $34,688 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,211 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $851 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,272 |
| Gini Index | 0.472 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 24.7% |
| 99% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,576 |
| County GDP | $2,777M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 151 |
| Healthcare | 196 |
| Retail | 280 |
| Manufacturing | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,950 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.22% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 92.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.7% |
The median home value in Purvis is $122,500, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $238,510, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $862 (26% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $782 for a one-bedroom to $924 for a two-bedroom apartment. 62.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 810 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $3,950. 38.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $122,500 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $238,510 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $862 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 38.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $751 |
| 1 Bedroom | $782 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $924 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,177 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.9% |
| Housing Units | 810 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,950 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.22% |
In Purvis, 39.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 39.3% have high blood pressure. 16.7% are current smokers. 16.0% report binge drinking. 31.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.9% report depression. 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 11.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:807. The dentist ratio is 1:914. 63.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Purvis vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.8% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.3% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.1% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 39.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.1% |
| Uninsured | 11.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:807 |
| Dentists | 1:914 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,698 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.6% |
| Dental Visits | 9.5% |
| Premature Death | 8,657/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 196 |
Purvis has a violent crime rate of 261 per 100,000 residents, 31% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,758 per 100,000, 194% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Purvis receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Purvis vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 260.8/100K |
| 31% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,758.4/100K |
| 194% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 34 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Purvis 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 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 64.4 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 365 feet.
Temperature
49°F Jan (9°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 66.4°F |
| 23% above US avg |
| January Average | 49°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 313 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 365 ft (111 m) |
| Area | 3.9 sq mi (10.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 404/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.1464°N, 89.4063°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lamar County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hattiesburg/Laurel Regional (PIB)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
64.4"
70% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.42"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 65.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 55.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 55.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.0 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jul 16, 1993 |
2 km SSW of Silas, Alabama |
M3.7 |
121 km |
| Mar 25, 1996 |
11 km NNE of Quitman, Mississippi |
M3.5 |
130 km |
| Mar 22, 2005 |
9 km NNE of Coffeeville, Alabama |
M3.3 |
149 km |
| May 16, 2008 |
10 km W of Coffeeville, Alabama |
M3.1 |
134 km |
| Aug 2, 2010 |
16 km ESE of Clinton, Louisiana |
M3.0 |
143 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
5 km NNE of Magee, Mississippi |
M3.0 |
90 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
19 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 |
224 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
146 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
56 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
187 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
92 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
221 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
243 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 4 |
19 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 4 |
205 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
227 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 3 |
161 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
78 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
163 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 3 |
239 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
192 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 4 |
231 km |
| 1988 |
Florence |
Category 1 |
205 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
62 km |
| 1985 |
Juan |
Category 1 |
250 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
831 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 64 fatalities, 1,540 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 2020 |
EF4 |
54 km |
1 |
| Apr 12, 2020 |
EF4 |
74 km |
4 |
| Apr 12, 2020 |
EF4 |
49 km |
7 |
| Feb 10, 2013 |
EF4 |
16 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
99 km |
7 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 1987 |
EF4 |
42 km |
6 |
| Apr 18, 1978 |
EF4 |
81 km |
4 |
| Mar 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2023 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Nov 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 2020 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Dec 16, 2019 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Dec 16, 2019 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Dec 16, 2019 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 2017 |
EF3 |
8 km |
4 |
| Dec 23, 2014 |
EF3 |
42 km |
3 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 2012 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2011 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WHITE DOG (12,306 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
WHITE DOG |
12,306 |
27 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
10,363 |
58 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
10,170 |
50 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
9,932 |
28 km |
| 2010 |
DESOTO 0902 |
8,713 |
57 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
7,660 |
76 km |
| 2010 |
DESOTO 1057 |
7,148 |
74 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
7,059 |
52 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
6,802 |
56 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
6,712 |
44 km |
| 2000 |
COW PEN |
6,502 |
25 km |
| 2010 |
CRIPPLE CHINOOK |
6,035 |
30 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,819 |
33 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
5,803 |
47 km |
| 2010 |
DESOTO 1064 |
5,695 |
79 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
5,657 |
48 km |
| 1987 |
MACHINE GUN |
5,601 |
28 km |
| 1990 |
PIERCES CREEK |
5,544 |
29 km |
| 2020 |
369 D |
5,362 |
28 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
5,230 |
68 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
49°F (9°C) |
6.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
52°F (11°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| March |
59°F (15°C) |
6.4 in |
Wettest |
| April |
65°F (18°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| May |
72°F (22°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
6.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| September |
76°F (25°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
66°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
Driest |
| November |
57°F (14°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| December |
51°F (11°C) |
5.6 in |
|
Purvis has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 49°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 63.2 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.4") and October the driest (3.5").
Average costs for common services in Purvis. 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 | $631 |
| Toddler | $589 |
| Preschool | $537 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Purvis
What is the population of Purvis?
Purvis has a population of 1,691 residents and is located in Mississippi. The population density is 404 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.6% female and 46.4% male.
Is Purvis expensive to live in?
Purvis 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 $34,688, 54% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $122,500 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $862 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Purvis safe?
Purvis is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 261 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,758 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Purvis receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Purvis?
Purvis 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 313 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 64.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Purvis?
The job market in Purvis is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $851. There are 1,576 business establishments in the area, including 151 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 2.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Purvis?
The median home value in Purvis is $122,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $238,510. For renters, the median monthly rent is $862. Fair market rent is $782 for a 1-bedroom and $924 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,950.
How are the schools in Purvis?
Schools in Purvis score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.1% of adults in Purvis hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.1% have completed high school. 9.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Purvis?
The obesity rate in Purvis is 39.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.7% of adults are smokers. 31.1% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 11.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 63.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:807.
What is transportation like in Purvis?
The average commute in Purvis is 26 minutes. 92.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Purvis?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Purvis is 75.2% White, 21.3% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 98.6% of residents speak only English at home. 7.6% of the population are military veterans. 21.6% of residents have a disability. 91.1% have health insurance coverage.
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