Mississippi Gulf Coast

Last updated on January 27th, 2023 at 01:04 am

Table of Contents

Landmass

The Mississippi Gulf Coast- Definition includes the geography between the Eastern border with the State of Louisiana and the Western border with the State of Alabama. Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson counties occupy the space between Louisiana and Alabama. On the Southside of the three counties lies the Gulf of Mexico.

Harrison County occupies 553 square miles, Harrison County 976 square miles, and Jackson the largest county with 1,043 square miles. The entire Mississippi Gulf Coast is comprised of 2,572 square miles. There is more to the Mississippi Gulf Coast than just landmass. The shoreline stretches 62 miles.

Population

Jackson County

There are 143,252 people living in Jackson County according to the 2020 U.S. Census. Compared to the 1890 population of 1,682. The largest growth in population was in 1960, previously 1880 held that position.

Harrison County

208,621 people lived in Jackson County according to the 2020 Census making it the most populous county on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. In 1850 the population was 4,875. The largest increase came in 1900 as a percentage of the existing population.1950 ranks second.

Hancock County

With only 47,967 people, Hancock County ranks as the lowest population county on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. In 1820, the population was 1,594 with the largest percentage growth taking place in 1880. The population grew at a 41.1% rate in 1980 vs the 1970 census.

Culture

Cajun, Creole, and Southern cultures dominate the area. The Mississippi Gulf Coast has one of the most uniquely American food cultures in the country. The culture is the outcome of both Spanish, French, and African American blending. The Roman Catholic Church and the Baptist church dominate the largely Christian landscape.

Conservatives(Republicans) outnumber liberals (Democrats) by a large margin. There are pockets where Democrats are in the majority but overall, the Mississippi Gulf Coast is red.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast is in the 2nd congressional district of the state of Mississippi. Steven Palazzo (R) is the current U.S. representative to the United States House of Representatives.

Fishing dominates the culture here as there are numerous venues for fishing. The Gulf yields some large billfish and the local Gulf waters and bays are worked for shrimp and blue crab. Oysters are farmed in some areas as they are recovering from the BP oil spill years ago. Many people have boats and other watercraft. Homes have boathouses and piers.

A Mississippi Gulf Coast – Definition must include mention of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is celebrated in all cities along the Mississippi Gulf Coast ending on Ash Wednesday every year. A wide variety of cultural events occur throughout the year including art festivals and many food festivals.

Economy

Shipbuilding, oil refining, and shipping through the ports and casinos provide a substantial job base. The U.S. Military is the largest employer with two substantial training bases on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Several hospitals including a VA hospital plus supporting clinics have large payrolls. The Stennis Space Center supports NASA and other government agencies. Support businesses for the above round-out employers.

Most of the economy is not cyclical except for the hospitality sector. The Mississippi Gulf Coast is a major venue for beach activities during the Summer. The coast is a destination for “snowbirds” during the winter. Casinos see visitors on a year-round basis. Concerts and conventions draw guests from around the South.

Farming and agricultural activities contribute to the Mississippi Gulf Coast economy. Most farming activities take place in the Northern end of the coastal counties.