RANK #344 / 996 · POP 56,351 · MS
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.4%
Poplarville, the county seat of Pearl River County, Mississippi, is known as the "blueberry capital" of the state and is home to the Crosby Arboretum, which preserves 700 acres of natural areas. Located in the pine belt region, the county features rolling hills, deep ridges, and valleys. Pearl River County is about an hour's drive from New Orleans, Louisiana, and offers a quieter community feel. Outdoor recreation opportunities include fishing, hunting, and camping at places like Walkiah Bluff Water Park and the Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge.
Life in Pearl River County often appeals to families and those seeking a more relaxed pace. The county has several public school districts, including Pearl River County School District, Picayune School District, and Poplarville School District. Commute options primarily involve personal vehicles, though some public transit services exist for seniors and those with disabilities. Recent economic developments include significant investments in industrial and technology parks, with a focus on attracting industries in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and healthcare. These initiatives aim to create local job opportunities and reduce the need for residents to commute to neighboring cities for work.
Overvalued relative to economy
Above national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 8.1x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Pearl River Flood Control Project (Alternative D1)
Rankin-Hinds Pearl River Flood Control District / U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
|
$450M | Planned |
|
Pearl River Solar Park (Scott County)
EDP Renewables North America
|
$210M | Operating |
|
Broadband Expansion (Poplarville/Carriere)
CoastConnect, SwyftConnect
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Pearl River County has a Boom Town Index score of 66/100, ranking #344 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +2.0% and a median household income of $54,220, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Pearl River County is $167,700 with median rent at $909/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3233, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.7% year-over-year. Job growth: +2.0%. Home values changed +2.0% in the past 12 months.