During the 1960s and 1970s, Pearson was referred to as the "Chess Capital" of the state. The city has hosted four consecutive championships and a large percentage of Pearson residents make up one-fourth of the Georgia Chess Association membership.

According to 2000 Census, the City of Pearson had a population of 1,805 persons. Between 1990 and 2000, the city experienced a population increase of 5.3%, compared to the state growth during this period of 26.4%.