Petal, MS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
11,294
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$74,750/yr
2.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,357
1.8% year-over-year change

Petal population

How many people live in Petal

Petal is home to 11,294 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.8% of Petal locals are male, and 53.2% are female.

Total population
11,294
0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.8%
5,285
Female
53.2%
6,009
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,285 46.8% 3.5%
Female 6,009 53.2% -1.3%
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 Petal is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.6% are children under 15, then 13.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.3% of the population, while another 24.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
37
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.6%
15 to 24
13.9%
25 to 44
26.3%
45 to 64
24.1%
Over 65
15.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,326 20.6% 5.6%
15 to 24 1,572 13.9% -3.6%
25 to 44 2,966 26.3% 0.4%
45 to 64 2,717 24.1% 1.9%
Over 65 1,713 15.2% -1.6%
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 Petal, 96.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 74.5% of locals are Caucasian, 16.1% are African American and 1.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.3%
Non-citizens
1.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 10,886 96.4% -1.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 259 2.3% 191.0%
Non-citizens 149 1.3% 38.0%
Racial breakdown
White
74.5%
Black or African American
16.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.7%
Asian
1.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.3%
Other
1.6%
Value Percent
White 8,418 74.5%
Black or African American 1,823 16.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 79 0.7%
Asian 195 1.7%
Two or more races 599 5.3%
Other 180 1.6%

Households in Petal

A peek inside Petal households

Petal has 4,022 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 74.5% are families, while the remaining 25.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,022
6.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,024
Family households
2,998
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,024 25.5% 13.7%
Family households 2,998 74.5% 4.2%
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 Petal

The housing landscape of Petal

Petal's housing consists of 4,357 units, with 82.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.8% 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 5.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,357
1.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,585 82.3%
1 unit, attached 35 0.8%
2 units 223 5.1%
3 or 4 units 63 1.4%
5 to 9 units 102 2.3%
10 to 19 units 69 1.6%
20 to 49 units 53 1.2%
Mobile home 227 5.2%
Homes built since 2020
48
77.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Petal

In Petal, the median construction year is 1977. About 4.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 188 4.3% -1.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 194 4.4% -17.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 398 9.1% -22.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 608 14% -12.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,117 25.6% 15.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 394 9% -6.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 425 9.8% -0.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 568 13% -0.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 417 9.6% 77.5%
Built in 2020 or later 48 1.1% 77.8%
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.

Petal occupancy rates

Out of the 4,022 occupied housing units in Petal, 70% are owner-occupied, while 30% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,022
6.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,205
Owner occupied
2,817
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,205 30% 15.3%
Owner occupied 2,817 70% 3.1%
Unoccupied housing units
7.7%
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.

Petal housing costs

Housing costs in Petal come to a median of $1,005 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,047.

Median housing costs per month
$1,005/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 Petal
$1,047/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 Petal

Petal education at a glance

About 35% of the population in Petal went to high school, while 24.5% pursued college studies. Another 13.4% earned an associate degree and 16.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 204 2.4% 4.1%
High school diploma 2,975 35% -6.1%
College diploma 2,077 24.5% 0.9%
Associate degree 1,140 13.4% 10.6%
Bachelor's degree 1,393 16.4% 5.1%
Graduate degree 700 8.2% -16.4%
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 Petal

How much people earn in Petal

The average annual household income in Petal was $84,315 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $74,750, reflecting a +2.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Petal
$84,315/year
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Petal
$74,750/year
2.6% year-over-year change

Petal income by age

In Petal, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $76,964. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $82,143 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $49,115, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $56,833 in earnings. Overall, 89% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $49,115 7.2%
25 - 44 $76,964 -1.7%
45 - 64 $82,143 1.2%
Over 65 $56,833 -10.6%
Above poverty level
9,893
Below poverty level
1,221
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 9,893 89% 3.8%
Below poverty level 1,221 11% -16.2%

Average renter income in Petal

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Petal, their median household income was $30,446 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 41.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$30,446
Rent-to-income ratio
41.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Petal

Workforce and job types in Petal

The job market in Petal is powered by 5,140 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 76.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.3% run their own businesses, 69.3% are employed by private companies, and 17.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,140
1.2% year-over-year change
White collar
3,919
Blue collar
1,221
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,919 76.2% 1.3%
Blue collar 1,221 23.8% 1.1%
Employer type
Self employees
8.3%
Private companies
69.3%
Governmental workers
17.6%
Not for profit companies
4.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 426 8.3% 22.1%
Private companies 3,560 69.3% 4.6%
Governmental workers 904 17.6% -14.3%
Not for profit companies 250 4.9% -8.1%
Unemployment rate
3.6%
-37.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Petal stands at 3.6%, 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 Petal

How people get around in Petal

In Petal, the average commute time is 22 minutes.

Commute time
22 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 4,749 93.4% 0.5%
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 Petal by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
39465 22,882 7,995 $74,035 $91,149

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FAQs about Petal demographics 

What is the total population of Petal?

Petal has a total population of 11,294 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 +0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Petal?

The gender ratio in Petal is as follows:
  • 46.8% males (5,285 residents)
  • 53.2% females (6,009 residents)

What is the median age in Petal?

The median age in Petal is 37.

What is the age distribution of the population in Petal?

The age distribution in Petal is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.6% (2,326 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.9% (1,572 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.3% (2,966 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.1% (2,717 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.2% (1,713 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Petal?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Petal is as follows:
  • White: 74.5% (8,418 residents)
  • Black or African American: 16.1% (1,823 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.7% (79 residents)
  • Asian: 1.7% (195 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.3% (599 residents)
  • Other: 1.6% (180 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.4% of the population in Petal.

How many housing units are there in Petal?

There are 4,357 housing units in Petal, reflecting a +1.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Petal has a total of 4,022 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Petal?

Petal has a median household income of $74,750, representing a +2.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.4% in Petal, with a workforce of 5,140 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 76.2% (3,919 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23.8% (1,221 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.3% (426 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.3% (3,560 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.6% (904 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.9% (250 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