MississippiPop. 27,737Small cities
Is Pearl a Good Place to Live? Pearl, Mississippi: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Pearl ranks #453 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #83 of 208 small cities and #4 of 20 in Mississippi. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (96%, #9 of 191) and low unemployment (2.6%, #11 of 184), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Pearl by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Pearl's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Pearl?
Pearl's cost of living index is 89, 11% below the US level of 100 and #166 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,175/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $211,439, 7% above the typical Mississippi home ($197,606).
| Measure | Pearl | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 89#166 of 1,308 | 87 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $211,439#140 of 1,187 | $197,606 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,524/mo#355 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $182,500#172 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,175/mo#413 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3x#182 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 22.9%#769 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Pearl housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Pearl is in the Jackson, MS metro.
Mississippi housing market →Is Pearl safe?
Pearl recorded 83 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 75% below the US rate of 328 and 63% below Mississippi's 227. That ranks #95 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #28 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Pearl Police Department. Property crime runs 646 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Pearl | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 83#95 of 1,085 | 227 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 646#66 of 1,085 | 1,264 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Pearl?
The median household in Pearl earns $61,695, 26% below the US figure of $83,163 and 4% above Mississippi ($59,127). Unemployment is 2.6% (US 4.3%). 12.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Pearl | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $61,695#1009 of 1,312 | $59,127 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 2.6%#33 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 12.2%#666 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.2%#198 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Pearl?
The median resident of Pearl is 36.4 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 28.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #870 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Pearl | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 36.4 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 28.1%#870 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 61.6% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Pearl's schools and health?
Pearl's 5 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (Mississippi 88.9%), with 14.3 students per teacher and $10,831 spent per pupil. 38.6% of adults are obese and 12.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Pearl | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 96%#29 of 1,063 | 88.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 14.3#337 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $10,831#1078 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 38.6%#1047 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.9%#933 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 17.2%#675 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 10.8%#756 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 4,190 students are enrolled in Pearl's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Pearl?
The average commute in Pearl is 23.8 minutes (Mississippi 26.4); 0% of workers take transit and 7.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Pearl scores 6.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #1277 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.2°F and winters 49°F, with 57.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Pearl | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 23.8 min#664 of 1,312 | 26.4 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 6%#714 of 1,312 | 7.7% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 81.9% | 81.2% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.5% | 1.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 7.2% | 6.2% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 6.5#1277 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 57.4 | 36.6 | 5.4 |
| Feb | 62 | 39.8 | 5.1 |
| Mar | 69.4 | 46.4 | 5.7 |
| Apr | 76.5 | 53.3 | 5.8 |
| May | 83.8 | 62.1 | 4.4 |
| Jun | 89.9 | 69.4 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 92.1 | 72.2 | 5 |
| Aug | 92.2 | 71.5 | 4.7 |
| Sep | 87.8 | 66 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 78.3 | 54.2 | 3.8 |
| Nov | 67.2 | 43.6 | 4.4 |
| Dec | 59.6 | 38.7 | 5.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Jackson International Airport.
| Measure | Pearl | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 65.4°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 81.2°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 49°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 57.3 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Jackson International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Pearl?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Pearl's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Rankin County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 56% of US counties.
| Measure | Pearl | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.16%#758 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Rankin County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Rankin County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.027% | 97% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.024% | 93% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0024% | 78% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0048% | 74% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0074% | 71% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.005% | 66% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.071% | 36% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Pearl compare with similar-size cities?
Pearl is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #83 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 27,737.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pearl, MSPop. 27,737 | #453 | 58.9 | $61,695 | $1,175/mo | 83 | 23.8 min |
| Aberdeen, SDPop. 28,189 | #415 | 59.8 | $64,405 | $762/mo | 425 | 11.9 min |
| Williston, NDPop. 28,056 | #380 | 60.4 | $79,381 | $1,122/mo | 432 | 17.6 min |
| Henderson, KYPop. 27,852 | #1029 | 49.6 | $48,186 | $771/mo | 278 | 19.8 min |
| Garden City, KSPop. 27,819 | #613 | 56.5 | $72,865 | $1,052/mo | 486 | 14 min |
| Mililani Town, HIPop. 27,668 | #255 | 63.1 | $127,363 | $2,384/mo | no data | 29.9 min |
| Marshalltown, IAPop. 27,626 | #761 | 54.0 | $69,068 | $891/mo | 283 | 17.2 min |
| New Iberia, LAPop. 27,571 | #1298 | 36.8 | $47,087 | $894/mo | 1,088 | 19.7 min |
| Fremont, NEPop. 27,567 | #560 | 57.2 | $71,152 | $1,080/mo | 200 | 17.4 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Pearl compare with the rest of Mississippi?
Pearl ranks #4 of the 20 Mississippi cities we track, with a score of 58.9 against Mississippi's statewide 41.9. Its households earn 4% above the Mississippi median. Violent crime is 63% below the statewide rate. Homes are 7% above the typical Mississippi home.
| City | Rank in MS | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison, MSPop. 27,946 | #1 | 68.8 | $119,338 | $1,853/mo | 21 |
| Brandon, MSPop. 25,542 | #2 | 63.2 | $92,783 | $1,382/mo | 50 |
| Olive Branch, MSPop. 47,019 | #3 | 60.3 | $100,606 | $1,829/mo | 175 |
| Pearl, MSPop. 27,737 | #4 | 58.9 | $61,695 | $1,175/mo | 83 |
| Clinton, MSPop. 27,195 | #5 | 57.8 | $74,745 | $1,118/mo | 95 |
| Oxford, MSPop. 26,411 | #6 | 57.3 | $64,451 | $1,071/mo | 140 |
| Southaven, MSPop. 56,226 | #7 | 56.0 | $78,483 | $1,445/mo | 266 |
| Tupelo, MSPop. 37,791 | #8 | 55.5 | $66,257 | $976/mo | 310 |
| Ridgeland, MSPop. 24,587 | #9 | 52.6 | $66,038 | $1,336/mo | 320 |
| Biloxi, MSPop. 48,861 | #10 | 52.2 | $57,204 | $1,089/mo | 351 |
| Starkville, MSPop. 25,721 | #11 | 52.0 | $42,125 | $916/mo | 58 |
| Horn Lake, MSPop. 26,647 | #12 | 50.6 | $53,311 | $1,435/mo | 79 |
| Hattiesburg, MSPop. 48,619 | #13 | 49.3 | $46,342 | $1,005/mo | 256 |
| Gulfport, MSPop. 73,003 | #14 | 47.2 | $49,919 | $1,086/mo | 569 |
| Columbus, MSPop. 23,348 | #15 | 46.5 | $42,235 | $897/mo | 470 |
| Jackson, MSPop. 146,631 | #16 | 45.4 | $42,071 | $1,055/mo | 400 |
| Pascagoula, MSPop. 21,710 | #17 | 44.7 | $52,222 | $894/mo | 431 |
| Meridian, MSPop. 34,137 | #18 | 44.3 | $36,562 | $910/mo | 554 |
| Vicksburg, MSPop. 20,589 | #19 | 40.6 | $45,781 | $820/mo | 681 |
| Greenville, MSPop. 28,166 | #20 | 37.6 | $40,083 | $872/mo | part year |
All 20 Mississippi cities we track, by overall score. Mississippi statewide: median income $59,127, violent crime 226.9 per 100,000.
How is Pearl's score calculated?
Pearl scores 58.9 out of 100, #453 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Mississippi's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Pearl. Similar-size median 52.9.
55.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Pearl's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
96.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Pearl. Similar-size median 52.2.
45.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Pearl's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
63.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Pearl's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
82.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Pearl. Similar-size median 46.7.
44.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Pearl. Similar-size median 44.2.
58.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Pearl. Similar-size median 47.3.
39.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Pearl's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
28.9 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 54.8.
44.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Pearl's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Pearl has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Pearl
Is Pearl, MS a good place to live?
Pearl ranks #453 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #83 of 208 small cities and #4 of 20 in Mississippi. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (96%, #9 of 191) and low unemployment (2.6%, #11 of 184), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Pearl?
Pearl's cost of living index is 89, 11% below the US level of 100 and #166 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,175/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $211,439, 7% above the typical Mississippi home ($197,606).
What is the crime rate in Pearl?
Pearl recorded 83 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 75% below the US rate of 328 and 63% below Mississippi's 227. That ranks #95 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #28 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Pearl Police Department. Property crime runs 646 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Pearl?
The median household in Pearl earns $61,695, 26% below the US figure of $83,163 and 4% above Mississippi ($59,127). Unemployment is 2.6% (US 4.3%). 12.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Pearl?
Median rent in Pearl is $1,175/mo (Census), #413 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,524/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Pearl?
The typical home value in Pearl is $211,439, up 4.4% in a year, against $197,606 for Mississippi and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $182,500.
How are the public schools in Pearl?
Pearl's 5 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (Mississippi 88.9%), with 14.3 students per teacher and $10,831 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Pearl?
The average commute is 23.8 minutes, #664 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.4 minutes across Mississippi. 6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Pearl?
Pearl averages 65.4°F over the year, 81.2°F in summer and 49°F in winter, with 57.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Pearl walkable?
Pearl scores 6.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1277 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Pearl at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Rankin County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 56% of US counties.
Who lives in Pearl?
Pearl has 27,737 residents. The median resident of Pearl is 36.4 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 28.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #870 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Pearl compare with the rest of Mississippi?
Pearl ranks #4 of the 20 Mississippi cities we track, with a score of 58.9 against Mississippi's statewide 41.9. Its households earn 4% above the Mississippi median. Violent crime is 63% below the statewide rate. Homes are 7% above the typical Mississippi home.
What cities are similar in size to Pearl?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Pearl's population of 27,737 are Aberdeen, SD (#415 overall), Williston, ND (#380 overall), Henderson, KY (#1029 overall), Garden City, KS (#613 overall), and Mililani Town, HI (#255 overall). Pearl is #453.