STUDYING. PEARLAND. OVER. TIME.
On The SPOT
Pearland Growth & Modern Day
This section will focus on Pearland's growth into the 160,400 total population it has today and other aspects of Pearland today.
Population Growth
The Graph seen below depicts Pearland's exponential growth from 1,497 in 1960 to 125,828. More information can be found on the Pearland Economic Development Corporation website found in the resources section of the website.
Pearland 2040
Pearland 2040 is a comprehensive plan that addresses Pearland land use and development. By 2022, 76% of the land in the Pearland city limits has been developed. The plan addresses how the remaining 24% will likely be built out by 2040, along with other aspects of the Pearland 2040 plan. To download the plan, press the button below, or click the link in the resources section of the website to find the pearlandtx.gov site.
Pearland Ranked 3rd
According to the 2025-2026 US News and World Report, Pearland is ranked third in their “Best Places to live in the US.” Their rankings were decided based on quality of life, value, desirability, job market, and net migration. Another positive for Pearland is its reputation as one of the safest cities in America and its low unemployment rate of 3.6%.
Image Credit - istockphoto.com
Pearland Government Structure
Elections are held on the 2nd Saturday of May.
According to the Pearland Economic Development Corporation, The city of Pearland operates under a Council/Manager system. All powers of the city are vested in the City Council. There are seven Council Members. The City Council is responsible for:
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Enacting legislation
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Adopting budgets
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Determining policies
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Appointing the City Manager
The City Manager, City Attorney, and Municipal Court Judge are under the direction of the Mayor and City Council. Under Council/Manager form of government, the City Manager oversees City staff and daily operations.
Image Credit - Pete Hughes
Image of City Hall
List of Pearland Mayors
E. T. Gibbons, 1959 - 1964
John G. Kegley, 1965 - 1966
Lloyd C. Hawkins, 1966 - 1967
D. R. Keller, 1968 - 1972
Carlton McComb, 1973 - 1977
Tom Reid, 1978 - 1990, 1993 - 2020
Kevin Cole, 2020 - present
