Pearl River County, MS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
57,458
1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$58,135/yr
2.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
25,442
1.2% year-over-year change

Pearl River County population

How many people live in Pearl River County

Pearl River County is home to 57,458 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.3% of Pearl River County locals are male, and 50.7% are female.

Total population
57,458
1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.3%
28,321
Female
50.7%
29,137
Value Percent YoY change
Male 28,321 49.3% 1.7%
Female 29,137 50.7% 0.7%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Pearl River County is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.8% are children under 15, then 12.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.9% of the population, while another 26% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.8%
15 to 24
12.8%
25 to 44
22.9%
45 to 64
26%
Over 65
19.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 10,779 18.8% -0.7%
15 to 24 7,344 12.8% 5.4%
25 to 44 13,157 22.9% -0.5%
45 to 64 14,932 26% 0.9%
Over 65 11,246 19.6% 2.7%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Pearl River County, 97.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 80% of locals are Caucasian, 12% are African American and 0.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.4%
Non-citizens
0.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 56,188 97.8% 0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 773 1.4% 31.7%
Non-citizens 497 0.9% 17.2%
Racial breakdown
White
80%
Black or African American
12%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.6%
Other
1.9%
Value Percent
White 45,935 80%
Black or African American 6,888 12%
American Indian and Alaska Native 103 0.2%
Asian 199 0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 5 0%
Two or more races 3,227 5.6%
Other 1,101 1.9%

Households in Pearl River County

A peek inside Pearl River County households

Pearl River County has 21,880 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 67.5% are families, while the remaining 32.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
21,880
1.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
7,110
Family households
14,770
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 7,110 32.5% 1.2%
Family households 14,770 67.5% 2.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Pearl River County

The housing landscape of Pearl River County

Pearl River County's housing consists of 25,442 units, with 71% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.3% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 18.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
25,442
1.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 18,077 71%
1 unit, attached 330 1.3%
2 units 955 3.8%
3 or 4 units 443 1.7%
5 to 9 units 551 2.2%
10 to 19 units 114 0.4%
20 to 49 units 74 0.3%
50 or more units 78 0.3%
Mobile home 4,635 18.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 185 0.7%
Homes built since 2020
634
39.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Pearl River County

In Pearl River County, the median construction year is 1990. About 2.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 21.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 664 2.6% -28.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 543 2.1% -17.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,533 6% 10.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,591 10.2% 8.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,613 14.2% 6.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,884 15.3% 3.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 4,394 17.3% -2.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 5,508 21.6% -1.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,078 8.2% -0.6%
Built in 2020 or later 634 2.5% 39.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Pearl River County occupancy rates

Out of the 21,880 occupied housing units in Pearl River County, 80.4% are owner-occupied, while 19.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
21,880
1.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,291
Owner occupied
17,589
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,291 19.6% 16.4%
Owner occupied 17,589 80.4% -1.2%
Unoccupied housing units
14.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Pearl River County housing costs

Housing costs in Pearl River County come to a median of $733 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $906.

Median housing costs per month
$733/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Pearl River County
$906/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Pearl River County

Pearl River County education at a glance

About 42.8% of the population in Pearl River County went to high school, while 25.1% pursued college studies. Another 11.7% earned an associate degree and 11.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,073 4.7% -9.3%
High school diploma 18,984 42.8% -0.9%
College diploma 11,118 25.1% 1.8%
Associate degree 5,183 11.7% 1.8%
Bachelor's degree 5,099 11.5% 7.5%
Graduate degree 1,854 4.2% 12.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Pearl River County

How much people earn in Pearl River County

The average annual household income in Pearl River County was $75,551 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $58,135, reflecting a +2.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Pearl River County
$75,551/year
5.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Pearl River County
$58,135/year
2.8% year-over-year change

Pearl River County income by age

In Pearl River County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $71,564. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $67,176 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $17,417, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $42,622 in earnings. Overall, 83.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $17,417 -58.5%
25 - 44 $71,564 -4.7%
45 - 64 $67,176 8.1%
Over 65 $42,622 9.3%
Above poverty level
46,467
Below poverty level
9,140
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 46,467 83.6% 1.0%
Below poverty level 9,140 16.4% 1.4%

Employment in Pearl River County

Workforce and job types in Pearl River County

The job market in Pearl River County is powered by 24,202 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12% run their own businesses, 68.8% are employed by private companies, and 13.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
24,202
2.7% year-over-year change
White collar
16,746
Blue collar
7,456
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 16,746 69.2% 4.3%
Blue collar 7,456 30.8% -0.8%
Employer type
Self employees
12%
Private companies
68.8%
Governmental workers
13.8%
Not for profit companies
5.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,902 12% 3.6%
Private companies 16,651 68.8% 1.3%
Governmental workers 3,338 13.8% 0.1%
Not for profit companies 1,311 5.4% 31.1%
Unemployment rate
6.1%
9.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Pearl River County stands at 6.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Pearl River County

How people get around in Pearl River County

Commuting methods vary: 87.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 20,592 87.7% 1.4%
Bus or trolleybus 6 0% N/A
Motorcycle 11 0% N/A
Walk 366 1.6% 12.6%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Pearl River County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
39426 18,737 7,344 $73,571 $89,740
39455 7,937 3,125 $54,206 $73,112
39466 28,025 10,922 $52,765 $70,558
39470 13,926 4,660 $52,929 $71,599

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FAQs about Pearl River County demographics 

What is the total population of Pearl River County?

Pearl River County has a total population of 57,458 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Pearl River County?

The gender ratio in Pearl River County is as follows:
  • 49.3% males (28,321 residents)
  • 50.7% females (29,137 residents)

What is the median age in Pearl River County?

The median age in Pearl River County is 41.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Pearl River County?

The age distribution in Pearl River County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.8% (10,779 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.8% (7,344 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.9% (13,157 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26% (14,932 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.6% (11,246 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Pearl River County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Pearl River County is as follows:
  • White: 80% (45,935 residents)
  • Black or African American: 12% (6,888 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (103 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (199 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (5 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.6% (3,227 residents)
  • Other: 1.9% (1,101 residents)

What percentage of the population in Pearl River County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.8% of the population in Pearl River County.

How many housing units are there in Pearl River County?

There are 25,442 housing units in Pearl River County, reflecting a +1.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Pearl River County and what is the average household size?

Pearl River County has a total of 21,880 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Pearl River County?

Pearl River County has a median household income of $58,135, representing a +2.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Pearl River County?

The employment rate is 93.9% in Pearl River County, with a workforce of 24,202 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.2% (16,746 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.8% (7,456 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12% (2,902 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.8% (16,651 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.8% (3,338 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.4% (1,311 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025