Harrison County, Mississippi sits along the sunlit shores of the Gulf of Mexico, a region where coastal beauty, military presence, tourism, and deep-rooted Southern culture converge. As one of the most populous and economically significant counties in the state, Harrison County plays a central role in shaping Mississippi’s identity on the Gulf Coast.
Geography and Coastal Character
Harrison County stretches across a wide swath of coastline, anchored by the cities of Gulfport and Biloxi. These twin hubs define much of the county’s character—Gulfport as a working port city and Biloxi as a historic and tourism-driven destination.
Barrier islands, sandy beaches, and the calm waters of the Mississippi Sound create a distinctive coastal environment. Offshore lie the protected lands of Gulf Islands National Seashore, which preserve fragile ecosystems and offer a window into the natural Gulf Coast landscape.
A Deep and Layered History
Established in 1841, Harrison County was named after William Henry Harrison. Its history, however, stretches far earlier, beginning with Indigenous peoples who relied on the coast’s abundant resources.
European settlement brought French, Spanish, and later American influence, especially in Biloxi, which is one of the oldest communities in the region. Over time, the county evolved through shipping, seafood industries, and tourism, becoming a vital economic center on the Gulf.
Harrison County has also weathered some of the Gulf Coast’s most destructive hurricanes, most notably Hurricane Katrina. The storm reshaped the coastline and infrastructure, but it also marked a turning point in rebuilding and modernization efforts.
Economy and Industry
The county’s economy is diverse, blending traditional industries with modern development. The Port of Gulfport is one of the busiest ports in the Gulf, handling cargo from around the world and supporting regional trade.
Tourism is another major driver. Biloxi’s casinos, waterfront resorts, and cultural attractions draw millions of visitors annually. The seafood industry—shrimping, oystering, and processing—remains a cornerstone of local heritage and commerce.
In addition, the presence of Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport (home of the Navy Seabees) contributes significantly to the local economy and culture, reinforcing the area’s strong ties to the U.S. military.
Culture and Community
Harrison County reflects a blend of Southern traditions and coastal influences. Festivals, seafood boils, and Mardi Gras celebrations bring communities together throughout the year. The region’s cuisine—rich in Gulf seafood, Creole, and Cajun flavors—adds another layer to its identity.
Arts and culture thrive in local museums, galleries, and historic districts. Biloxi’s heritage, in particular, showcases a mix of French colonial roots and modern coastal living.
Government and Structure
Harrison County operates under a unique two-seat county system, with courthouses in both Gulfport and Biloxi. This arrangement reflects the county’s geographic spread and ensures representation across its communities.
Local governance includes a board of supervisors responsible for infrastructure, public services, and economic development, working alongside city governments within the county.
A Region of Resilience and Opportunity
Today, Harrison County stands as a testament to resilience. From rebuilding after natural disasters to adapting its economy for the future, the county continues to evolve while preserving its coastal heritage.
Whether defined by the steady rhythm of waves along its shores, the hum of activity at its port, or the vibrant life of its communities, Harrison County remains a vital and dynamic part of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast.
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Harrison County, Mississippi
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Founded 1841
Named for William Henry Harrison
Seat Biloxi and Gulfport
Largest city Gulfport
Area
• Total 976.15 sq mi (2,528 km2)
• Land 580.98 sq mi (1,505 km2)
• Water 395.17 sq mi (1,023 km2), 40.48%
Population
• (2010) 187,105
• Density 326/sq mi (126/km²)
Congressional district 4th
Time zone Central: UTC-6/-5
Website www.co.harrison.ms.us
Harrison County is part of the Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, MS Metropolitan Statistical Area.
The county was severely damaged from both Hurricane Camille in August 1969 and Hurricane Katrina on August 28–29, 2005, causing catastrophic effects.
According to the 2000 census, the county has a total area of 976.15 square miles (2,528.2 km2), of which 580.98 square miles (1,504.7 km2) (or 59.52%) is land and 395.17 square miles (1,023.5 km2) (or 40.48%) is water.
Major highways
I-10.svg Interstate 10
I-110.svg Interstate 110
US 49.svg U.S. Highway 49
US 90.svg U.S. Highway 90
Circle sign 15.svg Mississippi Highway 15
Circle sign 53.svg Mississippi Highway 53
Circle sign 67.svg Mississippi Highway 67
Circle sign 605.svg Mississippi Highway 605
Adjacent counties
Stone County (north)
Jackson County (east)
Hancock County (west)
National protected areas
De Soto National Forest (part)
Gulf Islands National Seashore (part)
Demographics
Historical population
Census Pop. %±
1850 4,875
—
1860 4,819 −1.1%
1870 5,795 20.3%
1880 7,895 36.2%
1890 12,481 58.1%
1900 21,002 68.3%
1910 34,658 65.0%
1920 32,855 −5.2%
1930 44,143 34.4%
1940 50,799 15.1%
1950 84,073 65.5%
1960 119,489 42.1%
1970 134,582 12.6%
1980 157,665 17.2%
1990 165,365 4.9%
2000 189,601 14.7%
2010 187,105 −1.3%
Est. 2012
194,029 3.7%
U.S. Decennial Census
2012 Estimate
As of the census of 2000, there were 187,479 people, 71,538 households, and 48,574 families residing in the county. The population density was 326 people per square mile (126/km²). There were 79,636 housing units at an average density of 137 per square mile (53/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 73.15% White, 21.09% Black or African American, 0.45% Native American, 2.60% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 0.90% from other races, and 1.72% from two or more races. 2.59% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 71,538 households out of which 33.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.10% were married couples living together, 15.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.10% were non-families. 25.80% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.55 and the average family size is 3.07.
In the county the population was spread out with 26.00% under the age of 18, 11.10% from 18 to 24, 30.50% from 25 to 44, 21.20% from 45 to 64, and 11.10% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 99.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.50 males.
The main income for a household in the county was $35,624, and the median income for a family was $41,445. Males had a median income of $29,867 versus $22,030 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,024. 14.60% of the population and 11.60% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 20.70% of those under the age of 18 and 11.30% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.
Harrison County has the sixth highest per capita income in the State of Mississippi.
Communities
Cities
Biloxi
D’Iberville
Gulfport
Long Beach
Pass Christian
Census-designated places
Lyman
Saucier
Unincorporated places
Cuevas
De Lisle
Howison
Lizana
Woolmarket
Corrections system
Harrison County has received coverage on CNN and other media regarding the beatings of inmates, and the death of inmate Jessie Lee Williams Jr., who died while in custody on Feb. 4, 2006, which have occurred in the Harrison County Jail in Gulfport, Mississippi.[7] In 2006 and 2007, six Harrison County Sheriff’s Department deputies pled guilty to crimes related to the abuse of inmates at the jail.[8] Melvin Brisolara-R, is the current Sheriff elected in 2008, for Harrison County.
Wildlife
A single pond in the county contains the critically endangered dusky gopher frog
See also
Portal icon Mississippi portal
Friendship Oak (Long Beach, Mississippi)
Grass Lawn (Gulfport, Mississippi)
Historic Grand Hotels on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain
National Register of Historic Places listings in Harrison County, Mississippi
Old Brick House (Biloxi, Mississippi)
Tivoli Hotel (Biloxi, Mississippi)
Turkey Creek Community Historic District
References
State & County QuickFacts”. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 3, 2013.
“Find a County”. National Association of Counties. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
Jump up ^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. p. 150.
“Census 2010 Gazetteer Files”. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
“U.S. Decennial Census”. Census.gov. Retrieved September 3, 2013.
“American FactFinder”. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
Burt, D.E. and H.L. Welch. (2007). Quality of water in selected wells, Harrison County, Mississippi, 1997-2005 [U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2007-1287]. Reston, VA: U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey.
External links
Official county site
Harrison County Sheriff
Harrison County Courthouse Pictures
Subcategories
▪ Pass Christian Pass Christian
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1
▪ Long Beach Long Beach
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1
▪ Gulfport Gulfport
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1
▪ Biloxi Biloxi