What to know when moving to Pearl River, LA
TL;DR: Pearl River at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 25.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and only 15.5% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $62,046, making it a reasonably priced area for families.
- The Reality Check:
- Poverty rate sits at 15.2%, indicating some economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Public transit usage is at 0.0%, suggesting a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for an average rent of $858 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Pearl River is a small community with a population of about 13,290, where homeownership is common, as evidenced by a low renter percentage of 15.5%. The median gross rent is $858, making housing relatively affordable. However, the community faces a poverty rate of 15.2%, which is a notable factor to consider for potential residents. The area sees about 101 rainy days a year, so you might want to keep an umbrella handy.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for robust public transit options, as just 0.0% of residents use it.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $858, while the median owner-occupied home value is $219,900.
- 25.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, suggesting a moderately educated community.
- The poverty rate is 15.2%, indicating economic diversity.
- Renter percentage is low at 15.5%, highlighting a strong homeownership trend.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for Louisiana shows a mixed picture, with some trends improving over recent years.
- Violent crime rate is 466 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the national average of 325.3.
- Property crime rate is 1,879.3 per 100,000 residents, also above the national average of 1,546.9.
- However, the overall violent crime rate has dropped by 27.6% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Louisiana).
Schools & Higher Ed
There are a total of 2 postsecondary institutions nearby, both located within St. Tammany Parish.
- Delta College-Slidell Campus in Slidell, LA.
- Northshore Technical Community College in Lacombe, LA.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Pearl River experiences an annual precipitation of 51.2 inches, spread over approximately 101 rainy days. This means you'll want to prepare for wet weather. Local parks provide great outdoor options for residents and visitors alike.
- Heritage Park - 4.7 stars from 1,446 reviews.
- John Slidell Park - 4.5 stars from 710 reviews.
- Camp Salmen Nature Park - 4.6 stars from 483 reviews.
- Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge - 4.5 stars from 364 reviews.
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
The job market in St. Tammany Parish reflects a healthy local economy.
- Unemployment rate is 3.5% as of December 2025.
- There are 127,161 employed individuals in the parish.
- The total labor force consists of 131,788 people.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.