Petal, MS
Population 11,195 · Mississippi
About Petal, MS
Petal is a mid-sized city located in Mississippi with a population of 11,195 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $72,845 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Petal features a median home value of $161,400, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Petal in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $958, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,282 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (2,733 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (1,045 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Petal shows an unemployment rate of 5.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 13.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Petal have an average one-way commute time of 21.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
29.1% of Petal 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 2.6% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 1.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Petal Ranks in Mississippi
Cost of Living in Petal, MS
Compared to national averages, Petal has a median household income of $72,845 (3% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $161,400, which is 34% below the national median. Monthly rent at $958 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within Mississippi, Petal's income is 46% above the state average of $49,929, and home values are 28% above the state median of $125,705.
Why Live in Petal, MS?
Petal offers affordable housing with a median home value of $161,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $958/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($72,845) that falls below the national average. However, Petal’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Petal has a population of 11,195 with a median age of 37.2 years. Compare Petal with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Mississippi.
Similar Cities Near Petal
Cities in Mississippi with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canton | 10,863 | $34,812 | $111,800 | Compare |
| Cleveland | 10,855 | $43,519 | $162,300 | Compare |
| Brookhaven | 11,656 | $36,269 | $111,500 | Compare |
| Picayune | 11,839 | $37,270 | $146,500 | Compare |
| Flowood | 10,384 | $83,204 | $288,400 | Compare |
| Moss Point | 12,066 | $46,684 | $107,700 | Compare |
| Yazoo City | 10,270 | $28,722 | $93,000 | Compare |
| McComb | 12,202 | $40,515 | $102,100 | 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 Petal With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Petal
What is the population of Petal, MS?
The population of Petal, MS is 11,195 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 Petal?
The median household income in Petal, MS is $72,845 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Petal?
The median home value in Petal, MS is $161,400, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Petal?
The median monthly rent in Petal, MS is $958, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Petal?
The unemployment rate in Petal, MS is 5.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Petal, MS a good place to live?
Petal offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 11,195 and a median age of 37.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Petal, MS?
29.1% of residents in Petal 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 Petal?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Petal, MS: median home value is $161,400 (34% below national), median rent is $958/month, and median household income is $72,845. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Petal?
The poverty rate in Petal, MS is 13.3%, 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 Petal, MS?
Petal's population is 2.6% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 16.6% two or more races. 1.5% of residents are foreign-born.