Picayune, MS
Population 11,839 · Mississippi
About Picayune, MS
Picayune is a mid-sized city located in Mississippi with a population of 11,839 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $37,270 per year, which is 50% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Picayune features a median home value of $146,500, which is 40% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Picayune one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $907, 22% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,384 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (2,735 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (1,597 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Picayune shows an unemployment rate of 6.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 25.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Picayune have an average one-way commute time of 33.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.2% of Picayune 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 1.3% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 2.3% Asian residents, with 1.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Picayune Ranks in Mississippi
Cost of Living in Picayune, MS
Compared to national averages, Picayune has a median household income of $37,270 (50% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $146,500, which is 40% below the national median. Monthly rent at $907 is 22% below the US average of $1,163. Within Mississippi, Picayune's income is 25% below the state average of $49,929, and home values are 17% above the state median of $125,705.
Why Live in Picayune, MS?
Picayune offers affordable housing with a median home value of $146,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $907/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($37,270) that falls below the national average. However, Picayune’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Picayune has a population of 11,839 with a median age of 39.3 years. Compare Picayune with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Mississippi.
Similar Cities Near Picayune
Cities in Mississippi with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookhaven | 11,656 | $36,269 | $111,500 | Compare |
| Moss Point | 12,066 | $46,684 | $107,700 | Compare |
| McComb | 12,202 | $40,515 | $102,100 | Compare |
| Petal | 11,195 | $72,845 | $161,400 | Compare |
| Grenada | 12,484 | $42,470 | $152,100 | Compare |
| Canton | 10,863 | $34,812 | $111,800 | Compare |
| Cleveland | 10,855 | $43,519 | $162,300 | Compare |
| Byram | 12,847 | $74,103 | $177,200 | 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 Picayune With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Picayune
What is the population of Picayune, MS?
The population of Picayune, MS is 11,839 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 Picayune?
The median household income in Picayune, MS is $37,270 per year, which is 50% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Picayune?
The median home value in Picayune, MS is $146,500, which is 40% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Picayune?
The median monthly rent in Picayune, MS is $907, which is 22% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Picayune?
The unemployment rate in Picayune, MS is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Picayune, MS a good place to live?
Picayune offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 11,839 and a median age of 39.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Picayune, MS?
14.2% of residents in Picayune 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 Picayune?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Picayune, MS: median home value is $146,500 (40% below national), median rent is $907/month, and median household income is $37,270. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Picayune?
The poverty rate in Picayune, MS is 25.8%, 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 Picayune, MS?
Picayune's population is 1.3% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 2.3% Asian, and 39.1% two or more races. 1.5% of residents are foreign-born.