CountyScore

Pearl River County

Mississippi · MS

#57 in Mississippi
65.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Pearl River County, Mississippi

Pearl River Outpaces National Standards

Pearl River County scores 65.6, surpassing the national median of 50.0 by 15.6 points and ranking in the 56th percentile nationally. The county demonstrates competitive livability across a broad U.S. comparison.

Slightly Below State Average

Pearl River's 65.6 falls 1.9 points short of Mississippi's 67.5 average, placing it in the middle range of state counties. The county represents typical Mississippi livability with minor headwinds.

Highest Incomes and Strongest Health

Pearl River leads the group with the highest income score (20.3) and median household income of $56,535, plus strong health outcomes (57.6). These advantages make it the group's economic standout, attracting professionals and established families.

Risk Profile Presents Economic Concern

Pearl River's risk score of just 13.9—the lowest among these counties—signals significant economic vulnerability and instability for residents. This weakness offsets the county's income and health advantages.

Perfect for Higher-Earning Stability-Seekers

Pearl River suits professionals and families with above-average incomes seeking good health services and established communities. It's ideal for those able to weather economic volatility while enjoying the county's income and healthcare advantages.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax83.2Cost82.6SafetyComing SoonHealth57.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome20.3Risk13.9WaterComing Soon
🏛83.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤57.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡13.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Pearl River County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Sebastian County
Arkansas
65.6
Median income: $56,450
St. Francis County
Arkansas
65.6
Median income: $41,784
St. Joseph County
Indiana
65.6
Median income: $64,885
Bourbon County
Kansas
65.6
Median income: $67,555
Bossier Parish
Louisiana
65.6
Median income: $66,336

Deep Dives

Pearl River County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Pearl River County

via TaxByCounty

Pearl River offers lowest regional rates

Pearl River County's effective tax rate of 0.677% is the lowest in its region and ranks well below the national median of roughly 0.95%. This county delivers genuine tax savings compared to most of the United States.

Second-lowest in Mississippi

At 0.677%, Pearl River's effective rate is the second-lowest statewide, trailing only Newton County (0.799%) and sitting 8.9% below Mississippi's 0.743% average. The county offers substantial tax relief for homeowners throughout the state.

Clear tax advantage regionally

Pearl River's 0.677% rate is the lowest among all regional neighbors—it undercuts Newton (0.799%), Panola (0.769%), Oktibbeha (0.768%), Montgomery (0.896%), Neshoba (0.886%), and Noxubee (1.011%) by meaningful margins.

Efficient tax on higher values

Pearl River's median home value of $174,500 is among the region's highest, yet the low effective rate yields a median annual tax of $1,181—about $98 monthly. Homeowners with mortgages typically see escrow payments around $1,457 per year.

Maintain your tax advantage

Pearl River's competitive tax environment is a significant asset, and homeowners should protect it by ensuring their assessments remain accurate. Regular review of your assessment against comparable properties helps you keep your tax bill fair.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pearl River County

via CostByCounty

Pearl River balances incomes and costs

Pearl River County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% sits comfortably below the national average, with the county's strongest median household income of $56,535 helping offset higher rents. At $887 monthly, the median rent is among the highest in this group, but local earning power keeps the burden manageable.

Strong income offsets above-average rents

Pearl River's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% slightly exceeds Mississippi's state average of 19.6%, but the county's median income of $56,535 is the strongest in this comparison. This higher earning power absorbs what would otherwise be a heavy rental burden.

Coastal proximity commands premium

Pearl River's $887 median rent is the second-highest in this eight-county group, but the county's median income of $56,535 is also the strongest, reflecting its proximity to employment hubs and coastal amenities. Neighboring Montgomery and Newton offer cheaper rents but earn less per household.

Pearl River's income powers affordability

Households here earn $56,535 annually and pay $887 in median rent—18.8% of income—staying within comfortable affordability ranges. Homeowners pay slightly less at $647 monthly, and the median home value of $174,500 reflects both residential quality and regional economic strength.

Pearl River rewards higher earners

If your household income is strong, Pearl River's $887 rent becomes manageable at 18.8% of the county's median of $56,535. The county offers better earning potential and quality housing than cheaper alternatives, making it ideal for those prioritizing economic opportunity over minimal rent.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pearl River County

via IncomeByCounty

Pearl River approaches national income

Pearl River County's median household income of $56,535 reaches 76% of the national median of $74,755, the strongest performance in this eight-county cohort. The county benefits from proximity to the Gulfport–Biloxi metro area and its more diverse economy.

Exceeds Mississippi average by 16%

At $56,535, Pearl River County earns 16% more than Mississippi's state median of $48,514, ranking it in the upper third of the state's 82 counties. The county's per capita income of $28,399 also surpasses the state average of $27,136.

Highest earner in the region

Pearl River County's $56,535 median leads all comparable counties here, outpacing Neshoba County ($53,087) by $3,400 and substantially exceeding Panola County ($43,990) and Noxubee County ($38,814). The advantage reflects the county's urban-influenced economy.

Housing costs remain reasonable

Pearl River County's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio keeps housing affordable despite the highest median home value ($174,500) in the cluster. The relative affordability reflects the county's higher incomes supporting its more expensive housing market.

Pearl River families can invest

Pearl River County's above-average incomes and manageable housing burden create genuine opportunities for wealth-building through retirement accounts, home equity, and diversified investments. Consider consulting a fee-only financial planner to maximize tax-advantaged strategies tailored to your household.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Pearl River County

via HealthByCounty

Above-average health despite lingering gaps

Pearl River County's 70.7-year life expectancy falls 5.4 years short of the U.S. median of 76.1 years, yet the county shows relative strength: only 20.9% report fair or poor health, the best rate in this eight-county analysis and well below the national 18% baseline. This suggests effective chronic disease management where coverage and access exist.

Slightly below state, strongest health perception

Pearl River's 70.7-year life expectancy matches Mississippi's 70.9-year state average almost exactly, placing it in the middle tier. Its 15.2% uninsured rate edges above the state's 13.9%, yet the county's 20.9% fair/poor health rate is the lowest in this analysis—indicating those with coverage enjoy better health management.

Strong perceived health among regional peers

Pearl River's 70.7-year life expectancy compares favorably to Panola (70.5 years) and trails only Noxubee (71.3 years) and Oktibbeha (75.2 years) among this group. Its 20.9% fair/poor health rate stands out as the region's best, suggesting effective management of the 25 primary care providers and 62 mental health specialists per 100,000.

Modest providers, strong health perception

Pearl River operates with 25 primary care providers and 62 mental health specialists per 100,000—respectable but not abundant—yet achieves the region's best health perception. Its 15.2% uninsured rate may limit some residents' access, but those with coverage appear to engage effectively with available prevention and care services.

Insurance maximizes your health advantage

Pearl River's strength lies in residents who stay engaged with preventive care; if you're among the 15.2% uninsured, coverage through Mississippi's marketplace or Medicaid will connect you to the providers and support that keep this county's health outcomes strong. Visit healthcare.gov or call your health department today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pearl River County

via RiskByCounty

Pearl River faces elevated U.S. disaster risk

Pearl River's 86.07 composite score and Relatively Moderate rating place it among the higher-risk American counties. Your county experiences substantial natural hazard exposure compared to typical U.S. communities.

Highest risk in all of Mississippi

At 86.07, Pearl River dramatically exceeds Mississippi's 50.94 state average, ranking as the most disaster-exposed county in the entire state. Your community faces the most significant natural hazard profile in Mississippi.

Significantly riskier than surrounding counties

Pearl River (86.07) far exceeds all neighbors including Panola (69.21), Oktibbeha (62.79), and every other nearby jurisdiction. Your county's risk substantially surpasses the regional baseline.

Hurricane dominates, wildfire and tornado amplify

Hurricane risk of 96.50 represents an extreme threat—the highest hurricane score among Mississippi counties—while wildfire (90.14) and tornado (82.79) add compounding dangers. Flood risk at 73.22 further elevates your county's exposure.

Comprehensive hazard coverage is non-negotiable

With hurricane risk of 96.50, robust homeowners insurance covering wind and water damage is absolutely critical; review your policy's hurricane deductibles and coverage limits. Flood insurance is essential given your 73.22 flood score; obtain it through NFIP or private markets before hurricane season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.