Pearl, MS
Population 27,458 · Mississippi
About Pearl, MS
Pearl is a mid-sized city located in Mississippi with a population of 27,458 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,643 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Pearl features a median home value of $170,900, which is 30% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Pearl in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,152, 1% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 12,362 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (6,817 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (4,684 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pearl shows an unemployment rate of 5.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 12.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Pearl have an average one-way commute time of 24.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
26.3% of Pearl residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 3.2% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 2.2% Asian residents, with 3.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Pearl Ranks in Mississippi
Cost of Living in Pearl, MS
Compared to national averages, Pearl has a median household income of $54,643 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $170,900, which is 30% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,152 is 1% below the US average of $1,163. Within Mississippi, Pearl's income is 9% above the state average of $49,929, and home values are 36% above the state median of $125,705.
Why Live in Pearl, MS?
Pearl offers affordable housing with a median home value of $170,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,152/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,643) that falls below the national average. However, Pearl’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pearl has a population of 27,458 with a median age of 36.6 years. Compare Pearl with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Mississippi.
Similar Cities Near Pearl
Cities in Mississippi with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clinton | 27,418 | $70,913 | $220,400 | Compare |
| Madison | 27,775 | $120,918 | $334,700 | Compare |
| Horn Lake | 26,622 | $56,847 | $158,900 | Compare |
| Oxford | 26,086 | $59,901 | $333,400 | Compare |
| Greenville | 28,833 | $36,297 | $100,800 | Compare |
| Starkville | 25,611 | $39,751 | $265,900 | Compare |
| Brandon | 25,352 | $93,073 | $255,900 | Compare |
| Ridgeland | 24,548 | $63,470 | $259,600 | 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 Pearl With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pearl
What is the population of Pearl, MS?
The population of Pearl, MS is 27,458 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 Pearl?
The median household income in Pearl, MS is $54,643 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pearl?
The median home value in Pearl, MS is $170,900, which is 30% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Pearl?
The median monthly rent in Pearl, MS is $1,152, which is 1% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pearl?
The unemployment rate in Pearl, MS is 5.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Pearl, MS a good place to live?
Pearl offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 27,458 and a median age of 36.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Pearl, MS?
26.3% of residents in Pearl 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 Pearl?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pearl, MS: median home value is $170,900 (30% below national), median rent is $1,152/month, and median household income is $54,643. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Pearl?
The poverty rate in Pearl, MS is 12.6%, 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 Pearl, MS?
Pearl's population is 3.2% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 2.2% Asian, and 29.5% two or more races. 3.3% of residents are foreign-born.