According to definitionexplorer, Gulfport, Mississippi is a coastal city located in the heart of the Gulf Coast. The city is bordered by Biloxi to the east and Long Beach to the west. To the north, Gulfport is bordered by D’Iberville and Pass Christian while to the south lies Ocean Springs. Gulfport is known for its beautiful beaches, unique attractions and vibrant culture.
Biloxi is one of Gulfport’s closest neighbors, located just 15 miles east of downtown. This larger city offers visitors plenty to see and do including a variety of casinos, museums, shopping centers and restaurants. Biloxi also boasts miles of white sand beaches along its coastline making it a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing and other beach activities.
Long Beach is situated just 20 miles west of Gulfport along the coast and offers visitors plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities such as fishing charters, kayak tours and golf courses. The city also has an impressive boardwalk that stretches several miles along its shoreline providing stunning views over the Mississippi Sound.
D’Iberville lies just 10 miles north of Gulfport across Back Bay on Highway 90 with much to offer visitors including an array of shopping centers, restaurants and parks as well as a large selection of waterfront activities such as boat tours or dolphin watching excursions.
Pass Christian lies 11 miles north of Gulfport along Highway 90 offering visitors plenty to explore including historic sites like Fort Maurepas or take part in various outdoor activities such as fishing or kayaking on its many waterways or exploring nearby De Soto National Forest which offers some spectacular views over the surrounding area.
Finally, Ocean Springs lies just 12 miles south along Highway 90 offering visitors plenty to explore including art galleries, museums, boutiques & restaurants all situated within easy walking distance from each other making it easy to spend an entire day here. Ocean Springs also boasts some spectacular beaches along its coastline where you can relax in peace & quiet or try your hand at watersports like paddleboarding or jet skiing.
Population of Gulfport, Mississippi
According to dictionaryforall, Gulfport is the second largest city in Mississippi and is located on the Gulf Coast. It has a population of 71,844 people according to the 2020 United States Census. The city has a diverse racial makeup with whites making up the largest proportion of its population at 47.2%. African Americans make up 43.3% of the population, while Hispanics and Latinos make up 4.6%, Asians 1.5%, Native Americans 0.3%, and Pacific Islanders 0.1%.
The city’s median age is 36 years old, with 27% of its population under 18 years old and 11% over 65 years old. The median household income in Gulfport is $49,902, which is slightly lower than the national average of $61,937.
Gulfport has a strong economy that relies heavily on tourism and manufacturing industries as well as healthcare services, retail trade, education services, construction and real estate industries. The city’s unemployment rate in December 2020 was 5%, which was lower than both the state (6%) and national (6.7%) averages at that time.
Gulfport’s education system is served by six public school districts: Harrison County School District, Long Beach School District, Pass Christian School District, St Martin School District, Stone County School District and Gulf Coast Community College System (GCCCS). The city also has several private schools such as Sacred Heart Catholic School and First Baptist Christian Academy among others. In addition to its educational institutions it also boasts a number of universities such as University of Southern Mississippi (USM) and William Carey University (WCU).
Gulfport offers its citizens numerous opportunities for recreation including beaches along its coastline where visitors can enjoy swimming or sunbathing; parks where they can take part in outdoor activities like fishing or kayaking; museums; theaters; shopping centers; restaurants; golf courses; casinos; boat tours; dolphin watching excursions and much more.
Gulfport offers residents an array of activities to choose from whether they are looking for entertainment or relaxation – making it an ideal place to live.
Schools and education of Gulfport, Mississippi
Gulfport, Mississippi is home to a wide variety of schools and educational opportunities. The Harrison County School District serves the area and offers students in grades K-12 a quality education. The district includes 15 elementary schools, three middle schools, two high schools, an alternative school, and several specialty schools. Each school is committed to providing students with a safe and nurturing learning environment that fosters academic excellence.
In addition to the public school system, Gulfport is also home to several private institutions. Gulfport Montessori School provides students with an individualized educational experience based on the Montessori method of teaching. There are also several religious-affiliated schools in the area, including Sacred Heart Catholic School which offers classes for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade in a faith-based setting. Finally, there are numerous higher education options available in Gulfport for those wishing to pursue their college degree or technical training program. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College has campuses throughout the area offering associate degrees as well as certificate programs for those seeking career training. The University of Southern Mississippi also maintains a satellite campus in Gulfport offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees in various fields of study.
Landmarks in Gulfport, Mississippi
Gulfport, Mississippi is home to a variety of landmarks that draw visitors from all over the region. The most popular landmark in the city is the Gulfport Harbor, which offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and provides access to a variety of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming in the harbor. Along with the harbor, other popular landmarks include Jones Park and its boardwalk, which features a playground for children as well as a variety of shops and restaurants.
The Gulf Islands National Seashore is also a major attraction in Gulfport. This national park offers visitors miles of secluded beaches where they can relax and enjoy nature at its finest. The park also features numerous historical sites including Fort Massachusetts, an old military fortification built during the Civil War era. Other popular sites include Ship Island where visitors can tour old ships from different eras or take a ferry ride to view the beautiful barrier islands that line the coast.
The city is also home to several historic buildings such as the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art which showcases works by renowned artist George Ohr. Visitors can take guided tours through this unique building or explore its outdoor sculpture garden on their own. The Walter Anderson Museum of Art is another must-see museum located in downtown Gulfport featuring works by artist Walter Anderson and other local artists.
Finally, no visit to Gulfport would be complete without exploring its vibrant downtown area full of restaurants and boutiques offering unique items from all over Mississippi and beyond. From seafood restaurants serving up fresh catches from local fishermen to art galleries showcasing work from local artists, there’s something for everyone in this charming coastal town.