Mississippi

Mississippi Coast’s 7 appearances on America’s 2025 scoreboard

Stories by Biloxi SunHerald journalists, with AI summarization

Mississippi Coast’s appearances on America's 2025 scoreboard show a mix of strengths and challenges. The curated articles highlight the region's promising education systems and tourism appeal. However, persistent health issues still pose significant challenges. The Mississippi Coast ranks highly as a desirable place for outdoor dining. It surpasses well-known locations like Nashville and Miami, drawing diners to its beachside restaurants.

Schools in the region excel, with the Ocean Springs School District achieving the top rank in the state. Ocean Springs stands out not just for education, but also as a favored tourist spot. The city's renowned cultural scene and restaurants attract visitors consistently. Despite these bright spots, Mississippi faces serious health challenges. Particularly, the state ranks poorly in women’s health care. High maternal mortality rates and limited access to services pose ongoing concerns that need addressing.

A car is refueled at a gas station. By John Buzbee

NO. 1: MISSISSIPPI HAS THE CHEAPEST GAS IN THE NATION, AND PRICES ARE EVEN LOWER ON THE COAST

The Coast’s gas prices have dipped below $3 per gallon, and those prices will probably continue to fall. | Published June 7, 2024 | Read Full Story by John Buzbee

Georgia residents are just peachy when it comes to complaining about things.

NO. 2: MISSISSIPPIANS COMPLAIN MORE THAN REST OF US, STUDY SAYS. SEE WHAT REALLY CHAPS OUR HIDES

Whether bad drivers have you shaking your fists or inflation is putting a frown on your face, Mississippians do not bottle up their feelings. Let it out, Mississippi. | Published June 24, 2024 | Read Full Story by Mona Moore

Coastal Mississippi attracts millions of tourists each year, an industry group says. By Courtesy of Coastal Mississippi

NO. 3: NATIONAL SURVEY RANKS MS COAST AS ONE OF THE BEST PLACES IN THE US TO DINE OUTDOORS

If you want to set the scene for the best date, start somewhere on this stretch of the coast. An online dating survey ranked it no. 23 of 150 locations. | Published July 5, 2024 | Read Full Story by Mona Moore

Labeled monitors display the various medications of a COVID-19 patient in the ICU at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021. By Hannah Ruhoff

NO. 4: MISSISSIPPI RANKS WORST IN THE U.S. IN WOMEN’S HEALTH ACCORDING TO NEW NATIONAL SCORECARD

The report evaluates states on health care access, affordability, quality of care and health outcomes. | Published July 22, 2024 | Read Full Story by Sophia Paffenroth

Oxford, Mississippi is one of the most charming small towns, says HGTV

NO. 5: HGTV JUST NAMED THIS MISSISSIPPI CITY ‘ONE OF THE MOST CHARMING SMALL TOWNS’ IN THE US

Book lovers will enjoy this city because two famous authors call it home. Got any guesses? | Published February 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chelsea Madden

The baby back rib sandwich meal at The Shed Barbecue and Blues Joint. By Scott Watkins

NO. 6: SOUTHERN LIVING NAMED THIS BARBECUE JOINT THE BEST IN MS. DO YOU AGREE?

Here’s a hint: The restaurant has a secret rub, hidden front door, live music and glamp grounds. | Published April 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mona Moore

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A recent survey of more than 3,000 moms found that many were dreaming of a getaway.

NO. 7: MOMS CRAVE AN OCEAN ESCAPE TO THIS MS COAST CITY, SAYS SURVEY

Keep the flowers. What moms really want is a getaway. One small coastal town stood out as Mississippi’s perfect destination for a “momcation.” | Published May 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mona Moore

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.