Ocean Springs, Mississippi

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Ocean Springs is a city located in Jackson County, Mississippi, about 8 miles east of Biloxi. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 17,225. The town has achieved something of a reputation as an "arts community." Its downtown area is home to several art galleries and shops plying artistic wares. It is also home to a number of ethnic restaurants, relatively uncommon in surrounding communities. Ocean Springs was severely damaged on August 29, 2005, by Hurricane Katrina.

Damage from Katrina to Biloxi Bay Bridge (US 90) in Ocean Springs
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Damage from Katrina to Biloxi Bay Bridge (US 90) in Ocean Springs

Contents

Geography

Ocean Springs is located at 30°24'36" North, 88°47'51" West (30.409948, -88.797422)1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 39.4 km² (15.2 mi²). 30.1 km² (11.6 mi²) of it is land and 9.3 km² (3.6 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 23.57% water.

History

One of the oldest cities in the United States, Ocean Springs was founded in 1699 as Fort Maurepas by Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville. It was the first permanent French settlement in French Louisiana. The name Ocean Springs was coined by Dr. William Glover Austin in 1854. He believed the local springs had healthy qualities.

Ocean Springs became a prosperous resort town and after several years reinvinted itself as a history oriented residential community.

Demographics

As of the census2 of 2000, there are 17,225 people, 6,650 households, and 4,688 families residing in the city. The population density is 571.4/km² (1,479.9/mi²). There are 7,072 housing units at an average density of 234.6/km² (607.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 87.74% White, 7.03% African American, 0.40% Native American, 2.63% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 0.63% from other races, and 1.50% from two or more races. 2.50% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 6,650 households out of which 35.1% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.2% are married couples living together, 11.1% have a female householder with no husband present, and 29.5% are non-families. 24.6% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.7% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.56 and the average family size is 3.06.

In the city the population is spread out with 26.3% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 29.7% from 25 to 44, 24.3% from 45 to 64, and 12.5% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 38 years. For every 100 females there are 93.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 89.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $45,885, and the median income for a family is $56,237. Males have a median income of $37,733 versus $26,580 for females. The per capita income for the city is $22,923. 5.3% of the population and 3.4% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 4.2% of those under the age of 18 and 8.3% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

The city is home to many who work at Keesler Air Force Base.

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State of Mississippi
Regions | Largest Cities | Smaller Cities | Governors | Lieutenant Governors | Legislature | State Parks | Music | History |

Capital: Jackson
Regions: The Delta - Golden Triangle - Gulf Coast - Jackson Metro - Memphis Metro - Natchez District - Pine Belt
Largest cities: Biloxi - Clinton - Columbus - Greenville - Gulfport - Hattiesburg - Jackson - Meridian - Pascagoula - Southaven - Tupelo - Vicksburg
Smaller cities: Brandon - Brookhaven - Canton - Clarksdale - Cleveland - Corinth - Gautier - Greenwood - Grenada - Horn Lake - Indianola - Laurel - Long Beach - Madison - McComb - Moss Point - Natchez - Ocean Springs - Olive Branch - Oxford - Pearl - Picayune - Ridgeland - Starkville - West Hattiesburg (Oak Grove) - West Point - Yazoo City
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