Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bay Saint Louis, MS
Thinking of moving to Bay Saint Louis, MS? With a relaxed population of just under 15,000, Bay Saint Louis offers a scenic Gulf Coast lifestyle with a median home price of $222,000 and affordable rents. Residents enjoy mild winters, over 60% sunny days annually, and short commute times averaging 22 minutes. The area’s public schools are solid, and local healthcare is anchored by Ochsner Hancock Medical Center. While property crime is somewhat higher than the national average, the overall cost of living is low, making this laid-back coastal town a great option for those seeking affordability and Southern charm.
Demographics - Bay Saint Louis, MS
Demographics - Bay Saint Louis, MS
Bay Saint Louis is home to nearly 15,000 residents, with a population density of 750 people per square mile and a median age of 44.3 years. The community is predominantly White, with a modest representation of Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups, and about 5.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The gender ratio is balanced, making it a welcoming place for individuals and families alike.
Population:
14,866
Density:
750 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.3
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
78.2%
Black:
15.6%
Asian:
1.4%
Others:
4.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bay Saint Louis, MS?
Bay Saint Louis boasts a cost of living index of 87.4, making it more affordable than many U.S. cities. Median home values are around $222,000, and average rents are approximately $1,120, while state income tax rates remain relatively low. Everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and healthcare are also budget-friendly, appealing to those seeking a high quality of life without the high price tag.
Median House Value:
$222,000
Gross Rent:
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,380
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,340
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$405
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.4
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
71.0
Utilities:
96.3
Transportation:
85.2
Health Care:
93.0
Miscellaneous:
89.5
Crime
Is Bay Saint Louis, MS a safe place to live?
The city experiences a property crime rate of 2,070 incidents per 100,000 residents and a violent crime rate of 264 per 100,000, which is slightly above the national average. Residents face a 1 in 48 chance of property crime and a 1 in 379 chance of violent crime. While crime exists, the community remains proactive about safety and neighborhood watch programs.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
264
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,070
Crime Index:
2,334
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 379
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Bay Saint Louis, MS year-round?
Residents of Bay Saint Louis enjoy mild winters with lows in the mid-40s and warm summers peaking near 89°F. The area receives about 66 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunny weather 62% of the year. This climate supports a relaxed outdoor lifestyle along the Gulf Coast.
Winter
Min:
44°F
Max:
62°F
Spring
Min:
56°F
Max:
77°F
Summer
Min:
74°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
60°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
65.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Bay Saint Louis features a median household income of $58,500, with most residents enjoying a 22-minute average commute. Educational attainment is solid, with 87.5% having a high school diploma or higher, and the poverty rate stands at 13.9%. The area is characterized by a friendly, close-knit community with low public transit usage and affordable rental options.
Median Income:
$36,950
Household Income:
$58,500
Family Income:
$71,800
Per Capita Income:
$31,900
Income Male:
$42,300
Income Female:
$33,100
Poverty Rate:
13.9%
Non English Speakers:
5.5%
Rent:
$1,120
Unemployment Rate:
4.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
22.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.5%
Bachelors or More:
21.6%
Education
How are the schools in Bay Saint Louis, MS?
Bay Saint Louis offers solid public and private school options, with public schools like Bay High School and North Bay Elementary featuring student-teacher ratios around 15:1. Private education is available at Our Lady Academy, and higher education is accessible at the nearby Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College just 20 miles away. The area supports a strong educational foundation for families and individuals.
Public Schools
Name:
Bay High School
Street:
750 Blue Meadow Rd
Phone:
228-467-6611
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Name:
North Bay Elementary
Street:
602 Pine St
Phone:
228-467-2251
Students:
540
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.1
Private Schools
Name:
Our Lady Academy
Street:
222 S Beach Blvd
Phone:
228-467-7048
Students:
320
Colleges
Name:
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College - Harrison County Campus
City:
Gulfport
State:
MS
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
9,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Bay Saint Louis is anchored by Ochsner Hancock Medical Center, providing general and emergency services to the community. With 2 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 86% health insurance coverage, locals have access to quality care. The area’s healthcare index of 68.3 reflects reliable and accessible medical services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Ochsner Hancock Medical Center
Address:
149 Drinkwater Rd, Bay St Louis, MS 39520
Phone:
(228) 467-8600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.1%
Health Care Index:
68.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bay Saint Louis, MS?
The housing market in Bay Saint Louis is attractive, with a median home price of $222,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 70.6%. Rents for a two-bedroom average $1,120, while home values have appreciated by 5.4% over the past year. Low foreclosure and new construction rates contribute to a stable, appealing real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$222,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Bay Saint Louis residents are served by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, located in nearby Gulfport. The DMV offers comprehensive driver and vehicle services and can be reached by phone or through their user-friendly website. Access to state licensing and registration services is convenient for newcomers and long-term residents alike.
State:
Mississippi
Department:
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Address:
10441 Corporate Dr, Gulfport, MS 39503
Phone:
1-601-987-1212
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.