Cost of Living in Pascagoula, MS

Population 21,812 · Mississippi · Data vintage 2023

53
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Pascagoula's median household income of $43,286 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (29% here). At 9.5%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Pascagoula is about 35 miles southwest of Mobile, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 22% lower than Mobile's $170,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 43
Rent 68

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Pascagoula

The median home value in Pascagoula is $132,500 — 57% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $896/month, 32% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $43,286/year is 42% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.5%, above the national average of 4.8%. Mississippi's top state income tax rate is 4.7% and the combined sales tax is 7.1%. The climate averages highs of 78.3°F and lows of 57.4°F. Overall, Pascagoula has a cost of living index of 53 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 47% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$132,500
57% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$143,071
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$896/mo
32% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,180/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
12.3x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$770
1 BR
$802
2 BR
$933
3 BR
$1,238
4 BR
$1,321
Owner-occupied 51.8%
Renter-occupied 48.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$896
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,510/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
21.0 min
22% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
2.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
87.7%
Carpooled
8.0%
Public transit
0.3%
Walked
0.8%
Bicycle
0.2%
Work from home
2.4%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 4.7%
Total Sales Tax 7.1%
State rate 7.0%
Avg local rate 0.1%
Property Tax 0.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$43,286
42% below avg
Per Capita Income
$25,731
Unemployment Rate
9.5%
97% above avg
Poverty Rate
28.5%
Labor Force Participation
56.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 13.3%
Graduate degree 6.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 34.6
Male median age 35.6
Female median age 34.3

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
78.3°F
Avg Low
57.4°F
Annual Precip
61.7"
40° 55° 70° 85° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 636672788490919188817165
Low °F 414550566371737369584743
Precip" 4.974.014.734.404.956.916.657.894.843.693.794.90

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 51 — Moderate
48.4%
Good air days/yr
108
Max AQI recorded
287
PM2.5 days
77
Ozone days

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

86%
4-Year Graduation Rate
13.2:1
Student-teacher ratio
19
Public schools
6,787
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Pascagoula, MS?

Pascagoula has a cost index of 53 (100 = national average). It is 47% below the national average.

What is average rent in Pascagoula, MS?

The median gross rent in Pascagoula is $896 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Pascagoula?

The median home value in Pascagoula is $132,500 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Pascagoula?

The median household income in Pascagoula is $43,286 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Pascagoula, MS?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Pascagoula is 7.1%. The Mississippi state income tax top rate is 4.7%.

Is Pascagoula, MS affordable?

Yes, Pascagoula is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 53 — about 47% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Pascagoula?

Pascagoula has average high temperatures of 78.3°F and average lows of 57.4°F. Annual precipitation is 61.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Pascagoula at a Glance

Population
21,812
Median Income
$43,286
Home Value
$132,500
Median Rent
$896/mo
Unemployment
9.5%
Avg High Temp
78.3°F
Sales Tax
7.1%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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