What to know when moving to Gulfport, MS
Gulfport at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A ZIP where 36.6% of residents live below the poverty line and 61.1% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Affordable housing with a median rent of $962 and a median home value of $115,300.
- The Reality Check:
- High poverty rate at 36.6% which may impact community resources.
- Commute:
- Only 1% use public transit, so plan on a car.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 54 rainy days a year, so invest in good rain gear.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Gulfport features a population of about 23,178, with a median household income of $33,491. The area has an educational landscape where only 13.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. With 61.1% of the population renting, housing options are plentiful and relatively affordable.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a high-income area with a strong educational presence, as the poverty rate is notably high at 36.6%.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent stands at $962, which is accessible for many residents.
- Median home value is $115,300, making homeownership feasible.
- 13.1% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, indicating a lower educational attainment level.
- The poverty rate is high at 36.6%, which may affect local services.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Mississippi's crime rates indicate some concern. The violent crime rate is 221.8 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average of 325.3. Property crime is also below the national average at 1272.4 per 100,000, compared to 1546.9 nationally.
- Violent crime: 221.8 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 325.3
- Property crime: 1272.4 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 1546.9
- Notable trend: Violent crime has decreased by 10.2% from 2022 to 2025.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Mississippi).
Schools & Higher Ed
Gulfport has access to educational facilities with two postsecondary institutions in the area.
- Postsecondary institutions: 2
- With College Scorecard data: 2
- Nearby institutions include: Blue Cliff College-Gulfport and Chris Beauty College.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
Harrison County sees about 28.9 inches of rain annually, with 54 rainy days. Winter and spring are particularly wet, contributing to the overall precipitation totals.
- Shaggy's Gulfport Beach - 4.9 stars (22,421 reviews)
- Gulf Islands Waterpark - 4.3 stars (2,600 reviews)
- Jones Park - 4.7 stars (1,972 reviews)
- Ocean Adventures Marine Park - 4.6 stars (1,316 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.