Mississippi

These Mississippi cities are seeing growth this year. Which ones

Stories by Biloxi SunHerald journalists, with AI summarization

Several Mississippi cities are experiencing population growth, primarily driven by newcomers seeking a quieter lifestyle. Cities including Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian, and Gulfport are some of the fastest-growing areas. Increased development and new residents are reshaping these communities.

Bay St. Louis and Pass Christian have witnessed significant growth. Bay St. Louis' population increased by 13% since 2020. Meanwhile, Pass Christian's growth rate doubled the national average for cities its size in 2024.

Tourism also plays a role, with regions from Bay St. Louis to Ocean Springs attracting vacationers seeking an alternative to busier beach destinations like Myrtle Beach. Gulf Shores International Airport now offers direct flights, making these areas more accessible.

Those moving in range from retirees to families seeking small-town life while escaping larger cities. Builders and local officials continue discussing how to manage the growth sustainably.

Read more in the stories below:

The Timber Ridge subdivision in Pass Christian on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. By Hannah Ruhoff

NO. 1: ‘INFLUX’ OF NEWCOMERS ARE MOVING TO THIS MS COAST SUBDIVISION. IS IT A SIGN OF THE FUTURE?

The neighborhood has been growing since the pandemic and is one reflection of a rising population across the Mississippi Coast. | Published March 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Martha Sanchez

Homes in the Timber Ridge subdivision that face Saint Louis Bay in Pass Christian on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.

NO. 2: THESE 2 POPULAR BEACH CITIES ARE THE FASTEST-GROWING ON THE MISSISSIPPI COAST

See the latest maps and population estimates for cities and towns across Mississippi. | Published May 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Martha Sanchez

Walking down the sidewalk past the Thorny Oyster restaurant in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi on Friday, May 28, 2021. By Chris Grainger

NO. 3: THESE SOUTH MS CITIES ARE GROWING FASTER THAN ALMOST ANYWHERE IN THE STATE. WHY?

City leaders attribute the popularity to a diverse set of factors. | Published May 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Martha Sanchez

This “Welcome to Mississippi” sign stands nearby the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport on July 19, 2024. By John Buzbee

NO. 4: TOURISTS FLOCKING TO GULF COAST IN MS AND AL. WHY IS THIS AREA SO POPULAR NOW?

Long a popular drive-in destination for regional travelers, in recent years the MS and AL coast has become increasingly popular among tourists from other parts of the country as well. | Published July 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Poet Wolfe and Stephanie Riegel

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.