Pearlington, MS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,278
29.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$44,507/yr
-13.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
683
18.4% year-over-year change

Pearlington population

How many people live in Pearlington

Pearlington is home to 1,278 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 61.2% of Pearlington locals are male, and 38.8% are female.

Total population
1,278
29.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
61.2%
782
Female
38.8%
496
Value Percent YoY change
Male 782 61.2% 36.7%
Female 496 38.8% 18.9%
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 Pearlington is 48, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.7% are children under 15, then 11.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 16% of the population, while another 32% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
48.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.7%
15 to 24
11.4%
25 to 44
16%
45 to 64
32%
Over 65
23.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 214 16.7% 52.9%
15 to 24 146 11.4% 62.2%
25 to 44 205 16% 20.6%
45 to 64 409 32% 20.3%
Over 65 304 23.8% 22.1%
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 Pearlington, 98.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 65.3% of locals are Caucasian, 30.9% are African American and 1.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.9%
Non-citizens
0.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,264 98.9% 29.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 11 0.9% 0.0%
Non-citizens 3 0.2% -25.0%
Racial breakdown
White
65.3%
Black or African American
30.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.7%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 834 65.3%
Black or African American 395 30.9%
Asian 14 1.1%
Two or more races 35 2.7%

Households in Pearlington

A peek inside Pearlington households

Pearlington has 594 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 56.2% are families, while the remaining 43.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
594
23.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
260
Family households
334
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 260 43.8% 22.6%
Family households 334 56.2% 24.6%
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 Pearlington

The housing landscape of Pearlington

Pearlington's housing consists of 683 units, with 83.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 16.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
683
18.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 568 83.2%
Mobile home 115 16.8%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Pearlington

In Pearlington, the median construction year is 2004. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1950 and 1959 13 1.9% 30.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 14 2% N/A
Built between 1970 and 1979 42 6.2% 10.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 9 1.3% 0.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 73 10.7% 40.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 509 74.5% 14.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 23 3.4% 4.5%
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.

Pearlington occupancy rates

Out of the 594 occupied housing units in Pearlington, 91.6% are owner-occupied, while 8.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
594
23.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
50
Owner occupied
544
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 50 8.4% 42.9%
Owner occupied 544 91.6% 22.2%
Unoccupied housing units
13.0%
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.

Pearlington housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$467/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.

Education in Pearlington

Pearlington education at a glance

About 69.4% of the population in Pearlington went to high school, while 15.5% pursued college studies. Another earned an associate degree and 7.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 37 3.7% 48.0%
High school diploma 702 69.4% 17.4%
College diploma 157 15.5% 68.8%
Bachelor's degree 72 7.1% 30.9%
Graduate degree 44 4.4% 25.7%
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 Pearlington

How much people earn in Pearlington

The average annual household income in Pearlington was $54,537 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $44,507, reflecting a -13.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Pearlington
$54,537/year
-3.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Pearlington
$44,507/year
-13.9% year-over-year change

Pearlington income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $55,774 overall. Overall, 77.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $55,774 -0.7%
Over 65 $35,000 -30.6%
Above poverty level
989
Below poverty level
289
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 989 77.4% 23.8%
Below poverty level 289 22.6% 52.1%

Employment in Pearlington

Workforce and job types in Pearlington

The job market in Pearlington is powered by 536 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 44.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 55.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 24.6% run their own businesses, 53.4% are employed by private companies, and 22% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
536
20.4% year-over-year change
White collar
239
Blue collar
297
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 239 44.6% 23.8%
Blue collar 297 55.4% 17.9%
Employer type
Self employees
24.6%
Private companies
53.4%
Governmental workers
22%
Not for profit companies
0%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 132 24.6% 30.7%
Private companies 286 53.4% 16.7%
Governmental workers 118 22% 19.2%
Unemployment rate
6.5%
94.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Pearlington stands at 6.5%, 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 Pearlington

How people get around in Pearlington

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 515 96.1% 22.0%
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 Pearlington by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
39572 1,321 611 $44,786 $57,021

Explore more communities

FAQs about Pearlington demographics 

What is the total population of Pearlington?

Pearlington has a total population of 1,278 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 +29.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Pearlington?

The gender ratio in Pearlington is as follows:
  • 61.2% males (782 residents)
  • 38.8% females (496 residents)

What is the median age in Pearlington?

The median age in Pearlington is 48.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Pearlington?

The age distribution in Pearlington is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.7% (214 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.4% (146 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 16% (205 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 32% (409 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.8% (304 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Pearlington?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Pearlington is as follows:
  • White: 65.3% (834 residents)
  • Black or African American: 30.9% (395 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1.1% (14 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.7% (35 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Pearlington are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.9% of the population in Pearlington.

How many housing units are there in Pearlington?

There are 683 housing units in Pearlington, reflecting a +18.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Pearlington and what is the average household size?

Pearlington has a total of 594 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Pearlington?

Pearlington has a median household income of $44,507, representing a -13.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Pearlington?

The employment rate is 93.5% in Pearlington, with a workforce of 536 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 44.6% (239 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 55.4% (297 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 24.6% (132 residents)
  • Private companies: 53.4% (286 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 22% (118 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 0% (0 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