Is Gulfport Safe, Pros and cons of living in Gulfport
Is it Safe to Live in Gulfport?
Gulfport, Mississippi, presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates that warrant attention. The overall crime rate is reported to be 36 per one thousand residents, which is considered high when compared to national averages for communities of all sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Gulfport is approximately one in 28 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). When compared to other communities of similar population size, Gulfport’s combined violent and property crime rate is notably higher than average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
However, there are nuances to consider within the city’s safety landscape. While overall crime rates are elevated, some areas are perceived as safer than others. Residents generally consider the northwest part of the city to be the safest (as reported by AreaVibes). Your chance of being a victim of crime can vary significantly by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 24 in central neighborhoods to a much lower 1 in 136 in the northwest (as reported by AreaVibes). Year-over-year, crime in Gulfport has decreased by 12% (as reported by AreaVibes).
Violent Crime Trends
Violent crime in Gulfport occurs at a rate higher than in many communities across America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime, such as robbery, aggravated assault, rape, or murder, is about 1 in 290, equating to a rate of 3 per one thousand inhabitants (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Over a five-year period, the city recorded 7,868 violent crimes (as reported by Crime Explorer). The average violent crime rate stands at 296.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 179.3% above the national average (as reported by Crime Explorer).
Property Crime Statistics
Property crime is a significant concern in Gulfport, contributing substantially to the overall crime rate. Your chance of becoming a victim of a property crime in Gulfport is about 1 in 31, with a rate of 32 per one thousand population (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime averages 387.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 136.6% above the national average (as reported by Crime Explorer). Over a five-year span, the city reported 11,192 property crimes (as reported by Crime Explorer).
Cost of Living in Gulfport
Gulfport offers a cost of living that is generally more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living in Gulfport, MS, is 15.4% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, making it an attractive option for those looking to manage their expenses.
Housing Expenses
Housing costs in Gulfport are notably lower than the national average, contributing significantly to the city’s overall affordability. Housing in Gulfport is 31.5% less expensive than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). The average monthly rent in Gulfport is around $945 (as reported by Apartments.com), which is 42.4% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). For homeowners, the average listing price for a home in Gulfport is $374,992 (as reported by Apartments.com). The median home price in Gulfport, MS, is $249,949.5, showing a 7.96% increase compared to the previous year (as reported by Houzeo).
Everyday Expenses
Beyond housing, other daily expenses in Gulfport also tend to be lower than the national average. Groceries are approximately 5.1% less expensive than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com), and utility prices are about 1.0% lower (as reported by Apartments.com). Transportation costs, including gas and bus fares, are around 7.7% less than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com).
Job Market and Economy
Gulfport’s economy is diverse, with key sectors supporting its growth and providing employment opportunities. The largest sectors of Gulfport’s economy include military operations, tourism, healthcare, and maritime commerce (as reported by Wikipedia). The city is home to significant institutions like the Naval Construction Battalion Center and the Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center, contributing to its employment base. The Port of Gulfport is also a vital economic engine, serving as one of the busiest ports in the Gulf of Mexico.
Major Employers
Several major employers contribute to the economic vitality of Gulfport. The military presence is substantial, with the Naval Construction Battalion Center being a significant employer. Additionally, healthcare facilities and the maritime industry provide numerous jobs. The education sector, including Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, also plays a role in the local job market.
Unemployment and Salaries
The unemployment rate in the Gulfport-Biloxi, MS, Metropolitan Statistical Area was 3.60% as of a recent report, which is lower than the long-term average (as reported by YCharts). The average annual salary in Gulfport is approximately $51,801 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Most salaries in Gulfport range between $34,750 and $67,180 annually, depending on occupation and experience (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The average hourly wage for workers in the Gulfport-Biloxi, MS, Metropolitan Statistical Area was $25.13 in May 2024, compared to the nationwide average of $32.66 (as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Climate in Gulfport
Gulfport experiences a humid subtropical climate, significantly influenced by its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. This coastal location moderates temperatures, leading to mild winters and hot, humid summers. The city is also subject to tropical storm activity, a characteristic of its Gulf Coast location.
Temperatures and Rainfall
Winters in Gulfport are generally short and mild, with cold spells being infrequent and brief (as reported by Wikipedia). Summers are long, hot, and humid, though extreme high temperatures are mitigated by the sea breeze (as reported by Wikipedia). The average daily high temperature ranges from a warm 84°F from May to September, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 90°F and a low of 75°F (as reported by Weather & Climate). The cooler season lasts from December to March, with average daily high temperatures below 66°F, and January being the coldest month with an average low of 45°F and a high of 61°F (as reported by Weather & Climate). Annual precipitation in Gulfport averages around 62.36 inches (as reported by Current Results), with July being the wettest month, receiving an average of 5.7 inches of rain (as reported by Weather & Climate).
Schools and Education
Gulfport offers a range of educational opportunities, with public schools generally performing well and showing strong proficiency in key subjects. The city is served by the Gulfport School District and Harrison County School District, providing education for a significant student population. Public schools in Gulfport have an average ranking of 8/10, placing them in the top 30% of Mississippi public schools (as reported by Niche).
School Performance
Public schools in Gulfport demonstrate strong academic performance, with average math proficiency scores of 57% and reading proficiency scores of 51% (as reported by Niche). These scores are above the state averages for Mississippi (as reported by Niche). Several schools in Gulfport are recognized for their quality, including Bayou View Elementary School, West Harrison High School, and Lizana Elementary School, all of which have received high ratings (as reported by Niche). West Harrison High School, in particular, is ranked 11th out of 232 Mississippi high schools with a 5-star rating, showcasing exceptional test scores (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
Demographics of Gulfport
Gulfport is a diverse city with a population that reflects a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds. The city’s population is approximately 73,003 residents (as reported by Point2Homes). The racial makeup includes a significant White population at 48.4% and a substantial Black or African American population at 37.6% (as reported by Point2Homes). Hispanic residents make up approximately 6.8% of the population (as reported by Census Dots).
Population and Age Distribution
The median age in Gulfport is 38 years (as reported by Point2Homes). The population is distributed across age groups, with 18.3% being children under 15, and 16.3% being 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes). Gender-wise, 47.5% of Gulfport locals are male, and 52.5% are female (as reported by Point2Homes). The city’s population has seen a slight increase, with projections indicating continued growth (as reported by Mississippi Census Data).
Pros and Cons of Living in Gulfport
Living in Gulfport offers a unique blend of coastal living, affordability, and community appeal, balanced by certain challenges. The city’s relatively low cost of living, particularly in housing, makes it an attractive place for many individuals and families. Its humid subtropical climate provides warm weather for much of the year, ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities and a warmer environment.
However, potential residents should be aware of the higher-than-average crime rates in certain areas and the city’s susceptibility to tropical storm activity. While the job market is diverse, average salaries can be lower than the national average, and the unemployment rate, though recently improved, requires consideration. The educational landscape also presents a contrast, with some schools excelling while others face challenges.