Photo: Wikipedia
Quality of Life in Pascagoula, MS
A high quality of life with strong walkability, manageable living costs, healthy neighborhood signals, and solid amenity access.
What does Quality of Life tell us?
Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.
What does this tell us?
Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.
Cost of Living
35% below national average
The Real Cost of Living in Pascagoula, MS for 2026
| Tier | Individual | Family (4) |
|---|---|---|
| Survival | $14k | $27k |
| Comfortable | $26k | $38k |
| Luxury | $78k+ | $121k+ |
| Elite (Top 5%) | $107k+ | $165k+ |
114%
The Area Signal
A metric tracking the socioeconomic signals of the area.
Hobbies
Explore the areaGroceries
2 within 10 miles
Gas
20 within 10 miles
Hospital
3 within 20 miles
Airport
ATL — Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International
Post Office
USPS — Pascagoula, MS
Critical Amenities
Quality-of-Life Analysis
Pascagoula, Mississippi, is a working-class coastal city where the cost of living is significantly below the national average, attracting a mix of shipyard workers, maritime professionals, and families seeking affordable waterfront living. The median household income hovers around $42,000, reflecting a community anchored by industrial employers like Ingalls Shipbuilding and Chevron Pascagoula Refinery rather than white-collar corporate sectors. This creates a blue-collar, family-oriented atmosphere where residents prioritize practical affordability over high-end amenities.
How housing costs and everyday expenses compare to nearby Gulf Coast cities
With a cost of living index of 65 (35% below the U.S. average), Pascagoula is one of the most affordable cities on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The median home value sits at $132,500, roughly half the national median and significantly cheaper than neighboring Ocean Springs ($220,000) or Biloxi ($175,000). Median rent is $896, making it a viable option for renters who would pay $1,100+ for a comparable unit in Gulfport or Mobile. The average commute of 18.7 minutes is notably short, as most residents work within Jackson County at the shipyard, refinery, or Singing River Health System. However, property taxes are low (averaging 0.7% of home value), and Mississippi's state income tax is a flat 4%—but sales tax in Pascagoula is 7%, slightly above the state average. Groceries and utilities also run about 10-15% below national norms, though the trade-off is a limited selection of upscale retail and dining options within city limits.
What daily life is like for families: schools, parks, and local rhythm
Daily life in Pascagoula revolves around outdoor recreation and community events. The city boasts over 20 parks, including the 200-acre Beach Park with a fishing pier and the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, which offers kayak launches into the largest unimpeded river system in the contiguous U.S. The Pascagoula-Gautier School District serves most families, with Pascagoula High School offering a maritime-focused career academy. For healthcare, Singing River Hospital provides emergency and specialty care, though complex cases often require a 30-minute drive to Ocean Springs Hospital. The cultural calendar is anchored by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Blues & Heritage Festival and the annual Pascagoula River Festival. Nightlife is minimal—most bars and restaurants close by 10 p.m.—and residents typically drive 15 minutes east to Ocean Springs for a broader dining scene or 30 minutes west to Biloxi for casinos and concerts. The city's walkability is low outside the downtown core, and most errands require a car.
Pascagoula is best suited for budget-conscious families, maritime industry workers, and retirees on fixed incomes who prioritize low housing costs and short commutes over cultural vibrancy or luxury amenities. Young professionals seeking nightlife or career growth outside shipbuilding and refining may find the area limiting. However, for those who value affordable waterfront living, strong community ties, and proximity to Gulf Coast beaches without the tourist crowds, Pascagoula offers a stable, low-stress quality of life that is increasingly rare in coastal America.
Crime in Pascagoula, MS
Higher crime rates than 73% of comparable U.S. locations.
Violent CrimeViolent Crime Analysis
Property CrimeProperty Crime Analysis
Crime Analysis
Pascagoula, Mississippi, reports a violent crime rate of 421.4 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 4,317.5 per 100,000. These figures place the city above both the Mississippi state average and the national median, indicating a higher-than-average risk environment. While not among the most dangerous cities in the state, the data signals that residents and visitors should exercise consistent situational awareness, particularly regarding property-related offenses.
Crime in context
Pascagoula’s violent crime rate is roughly 20% higher than the national average of about 380 per 100,000, while its property crime rate is nearly double the national figure of approximately 2,200 per 100,000. Compared to the Mississippi state average—which itself is elevated relative to the U.S. median—Pascagoula’s property crime rate stands out as a particular concern. The city’s location within Jackson County, near the larger Gulf Coast metro area, means it shares regional crime pressures, including drug trafficking routes and economic disparities. Property crime, especially theft and burglary, accounts for the vast majority of incidents, with rates that consistently exceed state benchmarks.
What residents experience
Daily life in Pascagoula involves navigating a community where property crime is a routine risk. Residents report that vehicle break-ins, package theft, and residential burglaries are common, particularly in areas with lower street lighting and less foot traffic. Violent crime, while less frequent, includes aggravated assault and robbery, often concentrated in specific neighborhoods or tied to domestic disputes. The presence of progressive judicial policies in Mississippi’s coastal counties has been a point of concern for some residents, as lenient sentencing and reduced incarceration for non-violent offenders can contribute to repeat property crimes and a perception of diminished public safety. Local law enforcement, including the Pascagoula Police Department, actively patrols and engages in community policing, but resource constraints limit proactive crime prevention.
Neighborhood-level safety varies noticeably. Areas closer to the downtown core and older residential districts near the port tend to report higher crime densities, while newer subdivisions on the city’s outskirts and gated communities see fewer incidents. Prospective residents should research specific blocks and consult local crime mapping tools before choosing a home, as a few streets can make a significant difference in daily security. Overall, Pascagoula requires a cautious approach to property security and awareness of surroundings, especially after dark.
* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-05-01T06:24:27.000Z
Narrative content on this page is AI-generated and may contain mistakes. Verify any details that matter before acting on them.
ReloMaps may earn a commission from affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
