The study area for the Keesler Air Force Base (AFB) Joint Land Use Study
(JLUS) covers large expanses of south Mississipi and is focused on Keesler AFB.
The study area includes three communities in Mississippi. These communities
are: the Cities of Biloxi, D’Iberville , and Harrison County. An analysis of the
JLUS study area communities is provided to give a look at the civilian side and
the partners who participated in the JLUS.
Table 1
Population
Population data is based on the 2010 data provided by the United States
(U.S.) Census. Population numbers show the growth or decline in a
geographical area. Population is a major factor for the economy of the
JLUS Study Area and ultimately supports employment and housing
opportunities.
2000 2010 Number
Change Percent
Change
2,844,658 2,967,297 122,639 4.3%
Harrison County* 36,323 46,367 10,044 27.7%
City of Biloxi 50,644 44,054 6,590 -13.0%
7,608 9,486 1,878 24.7%
Jurisdiction
State of Mississippi
City of D’Iberville
Study Area Growth Trends
It is important to examine past, current, and future growth trends to
understand the types and amount of growth and development occurring in
the Study Area. Identifying growth patterns for the area surrounding
Keesler AFB is one part in determining potential future compatibility issues or
areas of concern associated with where new growth may extend that could
impact or be impacted by military operations. This section provides a brief
summary of the recent and projected future population changes within the
JLUS Study Area, as well as economic trends and an overview of community
development that could be indicators of future growth.
Study Area Population, 2000-2010
*Harrison County population is for unincorporated Harrison County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000, 2010
The populations in the City of Biloxi decreased slightly from 2000 to 2010.
Part of this trend is due to an out‐migration that Biloxi experienced during
and after Hurricane Katrina. Although there was a migration out of this area,
many people returned and rebuilt after the storm. The decrease in
population for Biloxi contrasts with the population growth in the City of
D’Iberville, unincorporated Harrison County, and Mississippi. The increase in
population in D’Iberville is partially attributed to the annexation of a growth
area in Harrison County. According to the Trip Reduction and Ride Share
Program for Keesler AFB many military and civilian personal live in Biloxi and
Woolmarket, which is located northwest of Keesler AFB and St. Martin, which
is located northeast of the installation in western Jackson County.
Table 1 shows the 2000 and 2010 census totals and percent change in
populations of the state, and of the jurisdictions within the JLUS Study Area.
JLUS Report
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