MississippiPop. 73,003Smaller cities
Is Gulfport a Good Place to Live? Gulfport, Mississippi: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Gulfport ranks #1133 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #469 of 524 smaller cities and #14 of 20 in Mississippi. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.2%, #37 of 468) and low living costs (90, #45 of 524), and trails on low household income ($49,919, #505 of 524) and high poverty (22.8%, #480 of 524).
Gulfport by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Gulfport's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Gulfport?
Gulfport's cost of living index is 90, 10% below the US level of 100 and #206 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,086/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $206,071, 4% above the typical Mississippi home ($197,606).
| Measure | Gulfport | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 90#206 of 1,308 | 87 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $206,071#127 of 1,187 | $197,606 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,483/mo#321 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $174,600#158 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,086/mo#306 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 26.1%#1094 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Gulfport housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Gulfport is in the Gulfport-Biloxi, MS metro.
Mississippi housing market →Is Gulfport safe?
Gulfport recorded 569 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 73% above the US rate of 328 and 2.5 times Mississippi's 227. That ranks #892 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #391 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Gulfport Police Department. Property crime runs 3,548 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Gulfport | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 569#892 of 1,085 | 227 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 3,548#1015 of 1,085 | 1,264 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Gulfport?
The median household in Gulfport earns $49,919, 40% below the US figure of $83,163 and 16% below Mississippi ($59,127). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 22.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Gulfport | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $49,919#1232 of 1,312 | $59,127 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.6%#297 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 22.8%#1184 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +2.2%#85 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Gulfport?
The median resident of Gulfport is 38 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 23.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1035 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Gulfport | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 38 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 23.6%#1035 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 55.1% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Gulfport's schools and health?
Gulfport's 18 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Mississippi 88.9%), with 14.5 students per teacher and $11,580 spent per pupil. 39.7% of adults are obese and 16% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Gulfport | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 90%#358 of 1,063 | 88.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.5#379 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $11,580#1009 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 39.7%#1102 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 16%#1217 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.7%#992 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 13.3%#981 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 10,612 students are enrolled in Gulfport's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Gulfport?
The average commute in Gulfport is 21.9 minutes (Mississippi 26.4); 0.5% of workers take transit and 7.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Gulfport scores 7.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #1166 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 82.1°F and winters 53.8°F, with 62.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Gulfport | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 21.9 min#492 of 1,312 | 26.4 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 4.9%#558 of 1,312 | 7.7% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 77.4% | 81.2% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.5% | 0.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.8% | 1.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 7.3% | 6.2% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 7.5#1166 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 61.3 | 42.4 | 4.9 |
| Feb | 64.8 | 46.2 | 4.4 |
| Mar | 70.4 | 51.8 | 5.2 |
| Apr | 76.5 | 58.4 | 5.5 |
| May | 83.6 | 66.4 | 4.7 |
| Jun | 88.7 | 73.2 | 6.9 |
| Jul | 90.4 | 74.9 | 7.2 |
| Aug | 90.7 | 74.6 | 6.5 |
| Sep | 87.8 | 70.6 | 5.2 |
| Oct | 79.9 | 60.1 | 3.7 |
| Nov | 70 | 49.2 | 4 |
| Dec | 63.5 | 44.6 | 4.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Gulfport - Biloxi Airport.
| Measure | Gulfport | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 68.3°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 82.1°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 53.8°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 62.8 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Gulfport - Biloxi Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Gulfport?
Harrison County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Harrison County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.34% of building value, higher than 91% of US counties.
| Measure | Gulfport | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 43#494 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.34%#1136 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Harrison County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Harrison County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.19% | 93% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.013% | 87% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0052% | 78% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0023% | 52% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0089% | 50% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.078% | 45% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0012% | 32% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Gulfport compare with similar-size cities?
Gulfport is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #469 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 73,003.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfport, MSPop. 73,003 | #1133 | 47.2 | $49,919 | $1,086/mo | 569 | 21.9 min |
| Noblesville, INPop. 73,362 | #142 | 66.6 | $104,047 | $1,389/mo | 71 | 26.6 min |
| Rocklin, CAPop. 73,327 | #188 | 64.8 | $124,168 | $2,258/mo | 122 | 26.1 min |
| Kalamazoo, MIPop. 73,076 | #1266 | 40.7 | $52,272 | $1,078/mo | 1,084 | 18.5 min |
| Tamarac, FLPop. 73,019 | #1096 | 47.9 | $61,718 | $1,895/mo | part year | 31.4 min |
| Marysville, WAPop. 73,002 | #456 | 58.8 | $103,974 | $1,997/mo | 168 | 31.5 min |
| Rogers, ARPop. 72,981 | #324 | 61.5 | $86,728 | $1,270/mo | 273 | 18.2 min |
| Greenville, SCPop. 72,935 | #658 | 55.7 | $71,472 | $1,312/mo | 466 | 19 min |
| Ankeny, IAPop. 72,615 | #81 | 69.0 | $108,198 | $1,319/mo | 151 | 21.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Gulfport compare with the rest of Mississippi?
Gulfport ranks #14 of the 20 Mississippi cities we track, with a score of 47.2 against Mississippi's statewide 41.9. Its households earn 16% below the Mississippi median. Violent crime is 2.5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 4% above the typical Mississippi home.
| City | Rank in MS | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison, MSPop. 27,946 | #1 | 68.8 | $119,338 | $1,853/mo | 21 |
| Brandon, MSPop. 25,542 | #2 | 63.2 | $92,783 | $1,382/mo | 50 |
| Olive Branch, MSPop. 47,019 | #3 | 60.3 | $100,606 | $1,829/mo | 175 |
| Pearl, MSPop. 27,737 | #4 | 58.9 | $61,695 | $1,175/mo | 83 |
| Clinton, MSPop. 27,195 | #5 | 57.8 | $74,745 | $1,118/mo | 95 |
| Oxford, MSPop. 26,411 | #6 | 57.3 | $64,451 | $1,071/mo | 140 |
| Southaven, MSPop. 56,226 | #7 | 56.0 | $78,483 | $1,445/mo | 266 |
| Tupelo, MSPop. 37,791 | #8 | 55.5 | $66,257 | $976/mo | 310 |
| Ridgeland, MSPop. 24,587 | #9 | 52.6 | $66,038 | $1,336/mo | 320 |
| Biloxi, MSPop. 48,861 | #10 | 52.2 | $57,204 | $1,089/mo | 351 |
| Starkville, MSPop. 25,721 | #11 | 52.0 | $42,125 | $916/mo | 58 |
| Horn Lake, MSPop. 26,647 | #12 | 50.6 | $53,311 | $1,435/mo | 79 |
| Hattiesburg, MSPop. 48,619 | #13 | 49.3 | $46,342 | $1,005/mo | 256 |
| Gulfport, MSPop. 73,003 | #14 | 47.2 | $49,919 | $1,086/mo | 569 |
| Columbus, MSPop. 23,348 | #15 | 46.5 | $42,235 | $897/mo | 470 |
| Jackson, MSPop. 146,631 | #16 | 45.4 | $42,071 | $1,055/mo | 400 |
| Pascagoula, MSPop. 21,710 | #17 | 44.7 | $52,222 | $894/mo | 431 |
| Meridian, MSPop. 34,137 | #18 | 44.3 | $36,562 | $910/mo | 554 |
| Vicksburg, MSPop. 20,589 | #19 | 40.6 | $45,781 | $820/mo | 681 |
| Greenville, MSPop. 28,166 | #20 | 37.6 | $40,083 | $872/mo | part year |
All 20 Mississippi cities we track, by overall score. Mississippi statewide: median income $59,127, violent crime 226.9 per 100,000.
How is Gulfport's score calculated?
Gulfport scores 47.2 out of 100, #1133 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Mississippi's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Gulfport. Similar-size median 55.5.
44.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Gulfport's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
45.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Gulfport. Similar-size median 58.9.
34.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Gulfport's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
58.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Gulfport's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
83.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Gulfport. Similar-size median 56.1.
19.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Gulfport. Similar-size median 42.4.
64.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Gulfport. Similar-size median 50.0.
45.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Gulfport's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
34.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
31.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Gulfport's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Gulfport has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Gulfport
Is Gulfport, MS a good place to live?
Gulfport ranks #1133 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #469 of 524 smaller cities and #14 of 20 in Mississippi. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.2%, #37 of 468) and low living costs (90, #45 of 524), and trails on low household income ($49,919, #505 of 524) and high poverty (22.8%, #480 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Gulfport?
Gulfport's cost of living index is 90, 10% below the US level of 100 and #206 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,086/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $206,071, 4% above the typical Mississippi home ($197,606).
What is the crime rate in Gulfport?
Gulfport recorded 569 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 73% above the US rate of 328 and 2.5 times Mississippi's 227. That ranks #892 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #391 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Gulfport Police Department. Property crime runs 3,548 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Gulfport?
The median household in Gulfport earns $49,919, 40% below the US figure of $83,163 and 16% below Mississippi ($59,127). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 22.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Gulfport?
Median rent in Gulfport is $1,086/mo (Census), #306 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,483/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Gulfport?
The typical home value in Gulfport is $206,071, up 2% in a year, against $197,606 for Mississippi and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $174,600.
How are the public schools in Gulfport?
Gulfport's 18 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Mississippi 88.9%), with 14.5 students per teacher and $11,580 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Gulfport?
The average commute is 21.9 minutes, #492 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.4 minutes across Mississippi. 4.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Gulfport?
Gulfport averages 68.3°F over the year, 82.1°F in summer and 53.8°F in winter, with 62.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Gulfport walkable?
Gulfport scores 7.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1166 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Gulfport at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Harrison County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.34% of building value, higher than 91% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Gulfport?
Harrison County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Gulfport?
Gulfport has 73,003 residents. The median resident of Gulfport is 38 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 23.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1035 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Gulfport compare with the rest of Mississippi?
Gulfport ranks #14 of the 20 Mississippi cities we track, with a score of 47.2 against Mississippi's statewide 41.9. Its households earn 16% below the Mississippi median. Violent crime is 2.5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 4% above the typical Mississippi home.
What cities are similar in size to Gulfport?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Gulfport's population of 73,003 are Noblesville, IN (#142 overall), Rocklin, CA (#188 overall), Kalamazoo, MI (#1266 overall), Tamarac, FL (#1096 overall), and Marysville, WA (#456 overall). Gulfport is #1133.