Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Pearl, MS
Considering a move to Pearl, MS? With a welcoming population of 26,510 and median home prices around $164,000, Pearl offers affordable living just outside Jackson. Residents enjoy a quick 21-minute average commute, mild winters, and 62% sunny days each year. The area features strong public schools, convenient access to major hospitals, and a cost of living well below the national average. While property crime rates are higher than average, Pearl’s family-friendly neighborhoods and affordable housing make it a great choice for new arrivals.
Demographics - Pearl, MS
Pearl, Mississippi is home to 26,510 residents, featuring a balanced blend of White and Black communities and a median age of 35.7 years. The city presents a moderate population density and a small but notable percentage of non-English speakers, fostering a welcoming and diverse atmosphere. With more females than males, Pearl offers a family-oriented environment ideal for newcomers.
Population:
26,510
Density:
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.7
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
55.2%
Black:
39.5%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
4.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Pearl, MS?
Pearl boasts a cost of living index of 85.6, making it more affordable than the national average. Median home values are around $164,000, and renters pay approximately $1,120 per month, allowing residents to stretch their budgets further. Lower state taxes and reasonable utility costs contribute to the city’s overall affordability.
Median House Value:
$164,000
Gross Rent:
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,370
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$380
State Taxes:
Low:
3%
|
High:
5%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.6
Grocery:
93.1
Housing:
72.3
Utilities:
98.7
Transportation:
91.8
Health Care:
88.2
Miscellaneous:
92.4
Crime
Is Pearl, MS a safe place to live?
While Pearl enjoys a relatively low violent crime rate with a 1 in 318 chance, property crime is more prevalent, occurring at a rate of 3,100 incidents per 100,000 residents. Newcomers should be mindful of these statistics and consider local safety measures, as the overall crime index is higher than the national median. Still, many residents find the city’s family-friendly neighborhoods a strong draw.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
314
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,100
Crime Index:
3,414
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 318
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 32
Weather
What is the weather like in Pearl, MS year-round?
Pearl experiences mild winters with lows around 36°F and warm summers peaking near 92°F, offering a comfortable climate year-round. The city receives about 55 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunny weather 62% of the year. Residents appreciate the pleasant seasonal transitions and abundant sunshine.

Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
58°F

Spring
Min:
54°F
Max:
78°F

Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
56°F
Max:
79°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
55.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The typical Pearl household earns about $57,300 annually, with a poverty rate of 12.8% and an unemployment rate of 4.5%. Most residents drive, averaging a 21-minute commute, and the community values education, with nearly 87% holding a high school diploma or higher. The area supports a tight-knit, working-class population with a modest cost of living.
Median Income:
$26,000
Household Income:
$57,300
Family Income:
$66,500
Per Capita Income:
$27,900
Income Male:
$39,700
Income Female:
$33,100
Poverty Rate:
12.8%
Non English Speakers:
5.5%
Rent:
$1,120
Unemployment Rate:
4.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
21.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
86.7%
Bachelors or More:
20.4%
Education
How are the schools in Pearl, MS?
Pearl offers strong educational opportunities, with well-regarded public schools like Pearl High School and Pearl Junior High, both featuring favorable student-teacher ratios. Families can also choose from local private schools, and higher education is easily accessible with colleges such as Jackson State University and Hinds Community College located nearby. The community’s commitment to education supports lifelong learning for all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Pearl High School
Street:
500 Pirate Cove
Phone:
601-932-7931
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.7
Name:
Pearl Junior High School
Street:
200 Mary Ann Dr
Phone:
601-932-7952
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.9

Private Schools
Name:
Park Place Christian Academy
Street:
201 Park Place Dr
Phone:
601-939-6229
Students:
800

Colleges
Name:
Hinds Community College – Raymond Campus
City:
Raymond
State:
MS
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
12,000
Name:
Jackson State University
City:
Jackson
State:
MS
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
7,000
Healthcare
Pearl residents have convenient access to quality healthcare services, including the nearby Merit Health River Oaks hospital. With 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, the city offers reliable medical care for families and individuals alike. The healthcare index of 71.2 reflects generally positive health resources in the area.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Merit Health River Oaks
Address:
1030 River Oaks Dr, Flowood, MS 39232
Phone:
(601) 932-1030
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.6%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Pearl, MS?
Pearl’s housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $164,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,120. The majority of homes are owner-occupied, and property values have appreciated by 7.1% in the past year. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates make the area attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$164,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate:
64.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Driver services in Pearl are managed by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, conveniently located in nearby Jackson. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other essential DMV services both in person and online. The department is committed to efficient and helpful service for all Mississippi drivers.
State:
Mississippi
Department:
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Address:
1900 E Woodrow Wilson Ave, Jackson, MS 39216
Phone:
601-987-1212
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.