Median Income
$71,000
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$218,900
22% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.0%
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.9%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.2%
44% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.6%
95% lower than US avg
How Vancleave Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,196
Median Age39.8 yrs
Density120/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans10.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$71,000
Per Capita$36,971
Unemployment5.2%
Poverty0.6%
County GDP$10,873M
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$218,900
Ownership95.0%
Zillow$285,991
Housing Units2,168
Rent Burden30.5%
Health
Obesity36.9%
Uninsured11.7%
Smoking13.9%
Depression21.3%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp68°F (20°C)
AQI44 (Good)
Rain70.9 in/yr
Elevation21 ft (6 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.0%
High School+93.9%
Graduate+5.6%
School Score5.15
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute33 min
Broadband85.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Vancleave a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Vancleave receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Vancleave stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Vancleave is $71,000, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 0.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Vancleave is $218,900, 22% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
26.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Vancleave enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F. Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 70.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Vancleave has a population of 5,196 with a density of 120 people per square mile, spread across 44.1 square miles. The median age is 39.8 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.7% female and 50.3% male. The city is predominantly White (93.7%), with 3.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 10.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
5,196
Total Population
2023 Census
39.8yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Vancleave vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
1.6%
88% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Vancleave vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Vancleave is $71,000, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,971. The average weekly wage is $1,147, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,762 business establishments, including 293 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 10.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Vancleave vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,000 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,971 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,147 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,247 |
| Gini Index | 0.465 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.6% |
| 95% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,762 |
| County GDP | $10,873M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 293 |
| Healthcare | 307 |
| Retail | 429 |
| Manufacturing | 59 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,676 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.68% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.4% |
The median home value in Vancleave is $218,900, 22% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $285,991, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $260,500 with homes selling in an average of 208 days. Homes sell for 99.3% of their list price. Fair market rent ranges from $782 for a one-bedroom to $924 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,168 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2000. The average annual property tax is $3,676. 30.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $218,900 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $285,991 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $260,500 |
| Median List Price | $437,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $260,500 |
| Median List Price | $437,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $118 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Days on Market | 208 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.3% |
| Price Drops | 54.6% |
| Inventory | 11 |
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 | 95.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 5.0% |
| Housing Units | 2,168 |
| Median Year Built | 2000 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,676 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.68% |
In Vancleave, 36.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 37.1% have high blood pressure. 13.9% are current smokers. 19.0% report binge drinking. 24.4% are physically inactive. 21.3% report depression. 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 11.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,182. The dentist ratio is 1:2,377. 74.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Vancleave vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.1% |
| Asthma | 9.2% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.4% |
| Depression | 21.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 35.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.3% |
| Uninsured | 11.7% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,182 |
| Dentists | 1:2,377 |
| Mental Health | 1:557 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.2% |
| Dental Visits | 12.4% |
| Premature Death | 11,607/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 307 |
Vancleave enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 70.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44. 65% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 21 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
52°F Jan (11°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 67.8°F |
| 26% above US avg |
| January Average | 52°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 21 ft (6 m) |
| Area | 44.1 sq mi (114.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 120/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.5459°N, 88.6734°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jackson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Trent Lott International (PGL)
11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
70.9"
87% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
7.91"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 65.0% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0460 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 6.6 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | -0.32 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 92.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 52.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
14 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 12, 2019.
| Oct 24, 1997 |
15 km NNW of Flomaton, Alabama |
M4.8 |
142 km |
| Jul 16, 1993 |
2 km SSW of Silas, Alabama |
M3.7 |
137 km |
| Oct 26, 1997 |
11 km NNW of Flomaton, Alabama |
M3.7 |
145 km |
| Feb 18, 2011 |
22 km SSE of Dauphin Island, Alabama |
M3.5 |
83 km |
| Sep 30, 2003 |
10 km NNW of Atmore, Alabama |
M3.3 |
127 km |
| May 16, 2008 |
10 km W of Coffeeville, Alabama |
M3.1 |
144 km |
| May 4, 1997 |
9 km ESE of Atmore, Alabama |
M3.1 |
132 km |
| Mar 11, 2019 |
4 km N of Flomaton, Alabama |
M3.1 |
145 km |
| Oct 28, 1997 |
11 km NNW of Flomaton, Alabama |
M3.0 |
145 km |
| Oct 18, 1997 |
69 km SSW of Dauphin Island, Alabama |
M2.9 |
103 km |
| Sep 25, 2003 |
14 km N of Atmore, Alabama |
M2.9 |
129 km |
| Mar 24, 2019 |
2 km ESE of Century, Florida |
M2.7 |
145 km |
| Nov 10, 2012 |
16 km S of Dauphin Island, Alabama |
M2.6 |
74 km |
| Apr 12, 2019 |
13 km NW of Flomaton, Alabama |
M2.6 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
23 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 |
239 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
198 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
97 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
97 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 4 |
286 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
35 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
196 km |
| 2009 |
Ida |
Category 1 |
228 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
246 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 4 |
93 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 4 |
134 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
203 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 4 |
84 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
22 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
217 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
67 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 4 |
145 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
113 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 4 |
288 km |
| 1988 |
Florence |
Category 1 |
155 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
583 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 16 fatalities, 384 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 2012 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2011 |
EF3 |
65 km |
4 |
| Oct 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Nov 21, 1997 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1983 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1982 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1982 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1980 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1980 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1980 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1980 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1976 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Nov 3, 1968 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Nov 3, 1968 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Oct 30, 1967 |
EF3 |
43 km |
4 |
| Apr 18, 1966 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Feb 26, 1958 |
EF3 |
90 km |
4 |
| Apr 18, 1950 |
EF3 |
47 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 |
77 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
10,363 |
48 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
10,170 |
57 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
9,932 |
76 km |
| 2010 |
DESOTO 0902 |
8,713 |
53 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
7,660 |
21 km |
| 2010 |
DESOTO 1057 |
7,148 |
23 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
7,059 |
55 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
6,802 |
53 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
6,744 |
32 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
6,712 |
71 km |
| 2000 |
COW PEN |
6,502 |
78 km |
| 2010 |
CRIPPLE CHINOOK |
6,035 |
75 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,819 |
78 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
5,803 |
60 km |
| 2010 |
DESOTO 1064 |
5,695 |
19 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
5,657 |
66 km |
| 1987 |
MACHINE GUN |
5,601 |
76 km |
| 1990 |
PIERCES CREEK |
5,544 |
75 km |
| 2020 |
369 D |
5,362 |
79 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
52°F (11°C) |
6.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
56°F (13°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| March |
61°F (16°C) |
6.1 in |
|
| April |
67°F (19°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| May |
74°F (23°C) |
6.1 in |
|
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
7.3 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
7.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
7.8 in |
|
| September |
79°F (26°C) |
6.8 in |
|
| October |
69°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
59°F (15°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| December |
54°F (12°C) |
5.1 in |
|
Vancleave has a seasonal temperature swing of 30°F / from 52°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 70.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (7.9") and October the driest (4.0").
Average costs for common services in Vancleave. 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 | $642 |
| Toddler | $599 |
| Preschool | $547 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Vancleave
What is the population of Vancleave?
Vancleave has a population of 5,196 residents and is located in Mississippi. The population density is 120 people per square mile, spread across 44.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.8 years. The population is 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
Is Vancleave expensive to live in?
Vancleave 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 $71,000, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $218,900 (22% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Vancleave?
Vancleave enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 52°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 70.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44.
How is the job market in Vancleave?
The unemployment rate in Vancleave is 5.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,147. There are 2,762 business establishments in the area, including 293 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 10.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Vancleave?
The median home value in Vancleave is $218,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $285,991. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $260,500, with homes typically selling within 208 days. The homeownership rate is 95.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,676.
How are the schools in Vancleave?
Schools in Vancleave score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.0% of adults in Vancleave hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.9% have completed high school. 5.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Vancleave?
The obesity rate in Vancleave is 36.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.9% of adults are smokers. 24.4% are physically inactive. 21.3% of residents report depression. 11.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 74.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,182.
What is transportation like in Vancleave?
The average commute in Vancleave is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Vancleave?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Vancleave is 93.7% White, 3.4% Black or African American, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 10.9% of the population are military veterans. 17.0% of residents have a disability. 88.3% have health insurance coverage.