Gulfport, MS: 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Gulfport: The Data Profile (2026)

Gulfport represents a specific economic archetype in the 2026 landscape: the Coastal Value Hub. With a population of 72,824, it operates with the infrastructure of a small city but lacks the density of a major metro. The primary financial driver here is the -39.0% variance in housing costs compared to the national average. However, this affordability comes with a significant income trade-off. The median household income sits at $47,564, which is -36.2% below the US median of $74,580. The educational attainment data supports this economic profile, with only 20.6% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly lower than the US average of 33.1%.

Target Demographic: The statistical target for Gulfport in 2026 is the Remote Geographic Arbitrageur. This is a professional earning a national-level salary (remote work) who can leverage the local housing index of 61.0 to maximize disposable income. It is also viable for retirees seeking coastal access without the premium of Florida or the Carolinas.

Cost of Living Analysis

The cost of living in Gulfport is driven almost entirely by the housing sector. While groceries and transportation hover near the national average at an index of 94.9, the housing index of 61.0 drastically lowers the overall weighted average.

• Single Professional Analysis: A single individual with a pre-tax income of $50,000 (slightly above the local median) will pay approximately $1,100 monthly for a 1-bedroom unit plus utilities and food. This leaves a disposable income of roughly $1,800 before taxes, which is competitive for the region.
• Family Analysis: A family of four earning the median household income of $47,564 faces a tighter constraint. With estimated monthly expenses of $3,400 (including rent for a 3BR), the margin for savings is razor-thin, highlighting the necessity of dual incomes or earning above the local median.

Table 1: Monthly Budgets (Estimated Expenses)

Housing Market Deep Dive

The Gulfport housing market is defined by extreme affordability relative to the US norm. The median home price is projected at $185,000, roughly $165,000 cheaper than the national median. This creates a unique "Buy vs. Rent" dynamic. With a Price-to-Rent ratio heavily favoring ownership, buying is statistically the superior financial move for anyone planning to stay longer than 24 months. The Price/SqFt of $135 is -38.6% lower than the US average, offering significant equity potential for investors.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (2026 Projections)

Analysis: Based on the data, buying is recommended over renting. The median home price of $185,000 results in a monthly mortgage payment (with 20% down) of approximately $1,150, which is comparable to the $1,525 rent for a 3-bedroom unit. However, the buyer gains equity and tax benefits, while the renter faces the -39.0% housing index advantage disappearing upon renewal.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Gulfport's economy is anchored by tourism, gaming, and the Port of Gulfport. The local unemployment rate is 3.8%, which is 0.2% better than the national average of 4.0%, indicating a tight labor market despite lower wages. In the 2026 post-remote landscape, Gulfport has seen an influx of hybrid workers.

Commute & RTO:

• Average Commute Time: 19.5 minutes (National Avg: 27.6 minutes).
• RTO Impact: Minimal. The city is not a traditional corporate hub. Most "office" workers are local government or healthcare employees. Remote workers dominate the influx.
• Industry Stability: High reliance on tourism creates seasonal variance in local spending power, though the Port provides a stable industrial baseline.

Quality of Life Audit

While the financials are attractive, the Quality of Life metrics present a complex picture. The Health Score of 74.7/100 is categorized as FAIR, but underlying risk factors are significantly elevated compared to the US average.

Health & Lifestyle:
Gulfport struggles with preventative health metrics. The obesity rate is 39.7% (vs. US 31.9%), and the diabetes rate is 16.0% (vs. US 10.9%). These are HIGH risk factors. The smoking rate is also elevated at 18.9%.

Environment & Safety:

• Crime: Gulfport faces challenges here. Violent crime is estimated at 385 per 100k residents (National Avg: 220 per 100k). Property crime is 2,450 per 100k (National Avg: 1,500 per 100k).
• Air Quality: The AQI is generally good due to coastal winds, averaging 45 (Good). PM2.5 levels are 8.5 µg/m³, which is within safe limits but higher than pristine coastal areas.
• Schools: The Gulfport School District scores an average of 5/10 on rating aggregators, lower than the national median of 6/10.
• Weather: High humidity and hurricane risk (June–November) are major factors. Average rainfall is 65 inches (National Avg: 38 inches).

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics (Health, AQI, Unemployment)

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Affordability: The -47.1% discount on median home prices is the primary driver.
• Low Unemployment: A rate of 3.8% suggests high job security for those currently employed.
• Commute: An average of 19.5 minutes is excellent for quality of life.

Cons:

• Income Ceiling: Median income of $47,564 is -36.2% below the US average; local salaries do not support national cost-of-living trends without remote work.
• Health Risks: The environment promotes sedentary lifestyles (Obesity 39.7%, Diabetes 16.0%).
• Crime: Violent crime per 100k is nearly 75% higher than the national average.

Final Recommendation:
Gulfport is a High-Risk / High-Reward relocation for 2026. It is strongly recommended ONLY for individuals or families earning $75,000+ via remote work or those with portable incomes. The local salary structure cannot sustain a high quality of life without external capital injection. If you fit the income profile, the housing arbitrage opportunity is among the best in the nation.

FAQs

1. What is the minimum salary needed to live comfortably in Gulfport?
For a single person, a salary of $55,000 is recommended to live comfortably (saving 15% for retirement). For a family, a combined income of $85,000 is necessary to offset the higher healthcare and lifestyle costs while maintaining savings.

2. How does the value proposition compare to Biloxi or New Orleans?
Gulfport is -15% cheaper than Biloxi and -35% cheaper than New Orleans regarding housing. However, Biloxi offers slightly higher average wages due to the gaming industry, while New Orleans offers a significantly higher ceiling for professional careers.

3. Are the crime statistics as bad as the data suggests?
The data indicates a property crime rate of 2,450 per 100k. While high, this is concentrated in specific pockets. Neighborhoods like "Orange Grove" and "West Gulfport" show crime rates -20% below the city average.

4. When is the best time to move to Gulfport?
The optimal window is October to November. This avoids the hurricane season peak (June–September) and the summer humidity, while catching the housing market before the winter price stabilizations.