District 5
RANK #85 / 996 NAT · #3 / 15 MS · POP 56,351
1YR FORECAST: +2.6%
5YR OUTLOOK: +37%
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.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| 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 ranks #85 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 92/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +2.0% and a median household income of $54,220 point to a county with active economic momentum.
Housing in Pearl River County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $167,700 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.32, with rents averaging $909/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Pearl River County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +0.7% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +2.0% clip. Home values shifted +2.0% in the past year.
Not particularly — 1.58% of Pearl River County's population moved in from another state, which is below the national average. Most residents are long-term locals rather than recent transplants.