Also referred to as Coastal Mississippi, the Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula MSA is the state’s 2nd largest metropolitan region, spanning Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, and Stone counties along 62 miles of Gulf of Mexico coastline. The MSA’s current apartment inventory (50+ unit communities) totals 192 properties and 27,499 units. Harrison County, home to Gulfport and Biloxi, anchors the region with 217,136 residents, while Jackson County (Pascagoula, Ocean Springs, Gautier, Moss Point) adds 147,666. Ingalls Shipbuilding (the state’s largest manufacturing employer) and Keesler Air Force Base define the region’s economic identity, supported by a diversified base spanning maritime/shipbuilding, tourism and gaming, defense, healthcare, and energy. Tourism remains central to the region’s personality: 15.7 million annual visitors generate a $2.2 billion economic impact, and the coast is home to a dozen casino resorts, the Mississippi Aquarium, and miles of white-sand beaches. Relative affordability compared to peer Gulf Coast metros (New Orleans, Mobile), combined with a mild climate and coastal lifestyle, continue to draw both retirees and workforce migration.
