Pascagoula, MS
Population 21,812 · Mississippi
About Pascagoula, MS
Pascagoula is a mid-sized city located in Mississippi with a population of 21,812 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $43,286 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.6 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Pascagoula features a median home value of $132,500, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Pascagoula one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $896, 23% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,218 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (4,497 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (4,183 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pascagoula shows an unemployment rate of 9.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 28.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Pascagoula have an average one-way commute time of 18.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.6% of Pascagoula residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 2.0% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 4.9% Black or African American, and 7.1% Asian residents, with 5.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Pascagoula Ranks in Mississippi
Cost of Living in Pascagoula, MS
Compared to national averages, Pascagoula has a median household income of $43,286 (42% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $132,500, which is 46% below the national median. Monthly rent at $896 is 23% below the US average of $1,163. Within Mississippi, Pascagoula's income is 13% below the state average of $49,929, and home values are 5% above the state median of $125,705.
Why Live in Pascagoula, MS?
Pascagoula offers affordable housing with a median home value of $132,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $896/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($43,286) that falls below the national average. However, Pascagoula’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pascagoula has a population of 21,812 with a median age of 34.6 years. Compare Pascagoula with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Mississippi.
Similar Cities Near Pascagoula
Cities in Mississippi with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vicksburg | 20,944 | $42,484 | $117,000 | Compare |
| Columbus | 23,616 | $40,588 | $121,200 | Compare |
| Ridgeland | 24,548 | $63,470 | $259,600 | Compare |
| Gautier | 19,026 | $62,480 | $162,700 | Compare |
| Ocean Springs | 18,561 | $78,929 | $235,100 | Compare |
| Brandon | 25,352 | $93,073 | $255,900 | Compare |
| Starkville | 25,611 | $39,751 | $265,900 | Compare |
| Hernando | 17,580 | $71,451 | $282,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Mississippi
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Pascagoula With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pascagoula
What is the population of Pascagoula, MS?
The population of Pascagoula, MS is 21,812 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Mississippi.
What is the median household income in Pascagoula?
The median household income in Pascagoula, MS is $43,286 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pascagoula?
The median home value in Pascagoula, MS is $132,500, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Pascagoula?
The median monthly rent in Pascagoula, MS is $896, which is 23% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pascagoula?
The unemployment rate in Pascagoula, MS is 9.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Pascagoula, MS a good place to live?
Pascagoula offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 21,812 and a median age of 34.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Pascagoula, MS?
19.6% of residents in Pascagoula aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Pascagoula?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pascagoula, MS: median home value is $132,500 (46% below national), median rent is $896/month, and median household income is $43,286. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Pascagoula?
The poverty rate in Pascagoula, MS is 28.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Pascagoula, MS?
Pascagoula's population is 2.0% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 4.9% Black or African American, 7.1% Asian, and 37.4% two or more races. 5.2% of residents are foreign-born.