Bay St. Louis, MS
Population 9,971 · Mississippi
About Bay St. Louis, MS
Bay St. Louis is a small town located in Mississippi with a population of 9,971 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,082 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 52.8 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bay St. Louis features a median home value of $231,900, which is 5% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Bay St. Louis in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,138, 2% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,888 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (3,568 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (1,153 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bay St. Louis shows an unemployment rate of 7.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 13.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bay St. Louis have an average one-way commute time of 31.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
35.2% of Bay St. Louis residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.5% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 2.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Bay St. Louis Ranks in Mississippi
Cost of Living in Bay St. Louis, MS
Compared to national averages, Bay St. Louis has a median household income of $70,082 (7% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $231,900, which is 5% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,138 is 2% below the US average of $1,163. Within Mississippi, Bay St. Louis's income is 40% above the state average of $49,929, and home values are 84% above the state median of $125,705.
Why Live in Bay St. Louis, MS?
Bay St. Louis offers affordable housing with a median home value of $231,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,138/month, and a well-educated community where 35.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,082) that falls below the national average. However, Bay St. Louis’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bay St. Louis has a population of 9,971 with a median age of 52.8 years. Compare Bay St. Louis with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Mississippi.
Similar Cities Near Bay St. Louis
Cities in Mississippi with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Point | 9,967 | $35,055 | $119,300 | Compare |
| Yazoo City | 10,270 | $28,722 | $93,000 | Compare |
| Flowood | 10,384 | $83,204 | $288,400 | Compare |
| Indianola | 9,360 | $39,275 | $119,100 | Compare |
| Diamondhead | 9,338 | $86,208 | $236,700 | Compare |
| Cleveland | 10,855 | $43,519 | $162,300 | Compare |
| Canton | 10,863 | $34,812 | $111,800 | Compare |
| Booneville | 9,060 | $50,112 | $123,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Mississippi
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Bay St. Louis With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bay St. Louis
What is the population of Bay St. Louis, MS?
The population of Bay St. Louis, MS is 9,971 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Mississippi.
What is the median household income in Bay St. Louis?
The median household income in Bay St. Louis, MS is $70,082 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bay St. Louis?
The median home value in Bay St. Louis, MS is $231,900, which is 5% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bay St. Louis?
The median monthly rent in Bay St. Louis, MS is $1,138, which is 2% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bay St. Louis?
The unemployment rate in Bay St. Louis, MS is 7.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bay St. Louis, MS a good place to live?
Bay St. Louis offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 9,971 and a median age of 52.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Bay St. Louis, MS?
35.2% of residents in Bay St. Louis aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Bay St. Louis?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bay St. Louis, MS: median home value is $231,900 (5% below national), median rent is $1,138/month, and median household income is $70,082. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bay St. Louis?
The poverty rate in Bay St. Louis, MS is 13.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Bay St. Louis, MS?
Bay St. Louis's population is 2.5% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 15.1% two or more races. 2.8% of residents are foreign-born.