Cost of Living in Pearl River, MS

Population 4,403 · Mississippi · Data vintage 2023

27
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Pearl River's median household income of $46,295 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 (27% here). At 6.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Pearl River is about 65 miles northeast of Jackson, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 49% lower than Jackson's $108,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 18
Rent 41

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

About the Cost of Living in Pearl River

The median home value in Pearl River is $55,000 — 82% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $545/month, 59% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $46,295/year is 38% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.1%, 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%. Overall, Pearl River has a cost of living index of 27 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 73% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$55,000
82% below avg
Median Rent
$545/mo
59% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
8.4x
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 82.4%
Renter-occupied 17.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$545
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,159/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
17.9 min
34% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
1.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
75.7%
Carpooled
12.8%
Public transit
1.3%
Work from home
1.6%

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
$46,295
38% below avg
Per Capita Income
$16,409
Unemployment Rate
6.1%
26% above avg
Poverty Rate
26.9%
Labor Force Participation
61.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 3.9%
Graduate degree 6.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 30.5
Male median age 27.3
Female median age 34

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Pearl River, MS?

Pearl River has a cost index of 27 (100 = national average). It is 73% below the national average.

What is average rent in Pearl River, MS?

The median gross rent in Pearl River is $545 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Pearl River?

The median home value in Pearl River is $55,000 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Pearl River?

The median household income in Pearl River is $46,295 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Pearl River, MS?

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

Is Pearl River, MS affordable?

Yes, Pearl River is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 27 — about 73% below the US national average of 100.

Pearl River at a Glance

Population
4,403
Median Income
$46,295
Home Value
$55,000
Median Rent
$545/mo
Unemployment
6.1%
Sales Tax
7.1%
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