Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Gulfport, MS
Thinking of moving to Gulfport, MS? With a population of around 73,000, Gulfport offers affordable living—median home prices are $167,000 and average rents about $1,040. The city enjoys mild winters, warm summers, and over 60% sunny days annually. While crime rates are higher than average, Gulfport features good access to healthcare, a quick 20-minute average commute, and plenty of educational options, including colleges and public schools, making it a lively Gulf Coast community for newcomers.
Demographics - Gulfport, MS
Demographics - Gulfport, MS
Gulfport is home to nearly 73,000 residents, with a median age of 36.6 and a population density of 1,400 people per square mile. The city features a diverse community, with 56% identifying as White and 36% as Black, and a modest percentage of non-English speakers. This blend of ages and backgrounds creates a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
72,926
Density:
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.6
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
56.0%
Black:
36.0%
Asian:
1.6%
Others:
6.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Gulfport, MS?
Gulfport offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $167,000 and average rent around $1,040. Utility and insurance costs are moderate, and the overall cost of living index is below the national average at 83.7. Residents enjoy lower-than-average housing and day-to-day expenses, making the city an attractive option for budget-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$167,000
Gross Rent:
$1,040
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,600
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$345
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.7
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
66.5
Utilities:
89.2
Transportation:
89.7
Health Care:
91.4
Miscellaneous:
87.3
Crime
Is Gulfport, MS a safe place to live?
The crime rate in Gulfport is higher than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 464 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 3,254 per 100,000. This means there is a 1 in 216 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 31 chance for property crime. Those considering a move should stay informed about local safety resources and neighborhood conditions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
464
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,254
Crime Index:
3,718
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 216
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 31
Weather
What is the weather like in Gulfport, MS year-round?
Gulfport experiences mild winters with temperatures ranging from 45°F to 62°F and hot, humid summers peaking at 90°F. The city receives about 65 inches of rain annually and enjoys sunny weather 63% of the year. This coastal climate supports an active, outdoor lifestyle almost year-round.
Winter
Min:
45°F
Max:
62°F
Spring
Min:
58°F
Max:
77°F
Summer
Min:
75°F
Max:
90°F
Fall
Min:
60°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
65.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Typical household income in Gulfport is around $47,790, with a family median income of $60,900 and a poverty rate of 21.5%. Most residents commute about 20 minutes, and a high percentage have completed high school, while about 22% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The community is diverse, with a small portion using public transportation and a modest unemployment rate of 4.9%.
Median Income:
$27,500
Household Income:
$47,790
Family Income:
$60,900
Per Capita Income:
$25,200
Income Male:
$35,100
Income Female:
$29,200
Poverty Rate:
21.5%
Non English Speakers:
6.2%
Rent:
$1,040
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
20.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.7%
Bachelors or More:
21.5%
Education
How are the schools in Gulfport, MS?
Gulfport offers a variety of educational options, including several public and private schools with favorable student-to-teacher ratios. The city also hosts a local community college and is just a few miles from a university campus. These resources make Gulfport appealing for families and those pursuing higher education.
Public Schools
Name:
Gulfport High School
Street:
100 Perry St
Phone:
228-896-7876
Students:
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.9
Name:
Bayou View Middle School
Street:
212 43rd St
Phone:
228-865-4633
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.2
Private Schools
Name:
St. James Catholic School
Street:
603 West Avenue
Phone:
228-896-6631
Students:
380
Colleges
Name:
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College – Jefferson Davis Campus
City:
Gulfport
State:
MS
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
5,200
Name:
The University of Southern Mississippi – Gulf Park Campus
City:
Long Beach
State:
MS
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
1,500
Healthcare
Gulfport provides solid healthcare access, with two major hospitals offering full emergency and surgical services. With 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and 86.3% health insurance coverage, most people have convenient options for medical care. The city’s healthcare index of 67.2 reflects reliable services for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Memorial Hospital at Gulfport
Address:
4500 13th St, Gulfport, MS 39501
Phone:
(228) 867-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Garden Park Medical Center
Address:
15200 Community Rd, Gulfport, MS 39503
Phone:
(228) 575-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.3%
Health Care Index:
67.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Gulfport, MS?
The local housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $167,000 and average two-bedroom rent at $1,040. Over half the homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a 3.7% annual home appreciation rate. Moderate vacancy and foreclosure rates suggest a healthy environment for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$167,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,040
Owner Occupied Rate:
53.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Driving services in Gulfport are managed by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, with primary offices located in Jackson. Residents can access a range of driver and vehicle services online or by phone. The DMV provides essential resources for new residents and drivers in the area.
State:
Mississippi
Department:
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Address:
1300 W. Jefferson St., Jackson, MS 39269
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.