Ocean Springs, MS
Population 18,561 · Mississippi
About Ocean Springs, MS
Ocean Springs is a mid-sized city located in Mississippi with a population of 18,561 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $78,929 per year, which is 5% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.7 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 Ocean Springs features a median home value of $235,100, which is 4% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Ocean Springs in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,364, 17% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,681 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (5,685 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (2,501 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ocean Springs shows an unemployment rate of 3.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 5.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ocean Springs have an average one-way commute time of 28.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
45.8% of Ocean Springs residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 3.4% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 4.2% Asian residents, with 5.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ocean Springs Ranks in Mississippi
Cost of Living in Ocean Springs, MS
Compared to national averages, Ocean Springs has a median household income of $78,929 (5% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $235,100, which is 4% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,364 is 17% above the US average of $1,163. Within Mississippi, Ocean Springs's income is 58% above the state average of $49,929, and home values are 87% above the state median of $125,705.
Why Live in Ocean Springs, MS?
Ocean Springs offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $78,929, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $235,100, below the US average of $244,900, and a well-educated community where 45.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.2%, better than the national average.
Ocean Springs has a population of 18,561 with a median age of 42.7 years. Compare Ocean Springs with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Mississippi.
Similar Cities Near Ocean Springs
Cities in Mississippi with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gautier | 19,026 | $62,480 | $162,700 | Compare |
| Hernando | 17,580 | $71,451 | $282,200 | Compare |
| Laurel | 17,129 | $37,781 | $110,200 | Compare |
| Long Beach | 16,876 | $71,121 | $205,300 | Compare |
| Vicksburg | 20,944 | $42,484 | $117,000 | Compare |
| Pascagoula | 21,812 | $43,286 | $132,500 | Compare |
| Corinth | 14,450 | $41,243 | $164,200 | Compare |
| Clarksdale | 14,423 | $35,210 | $84,200 | 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 Ocean Springs With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ocean Springs
What is the population of Ocean Springs, MS?
The population of Ocean Springs, MS is 18,561 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Mississippi.
What is the median household income in Ocean Springs?
The median household income in Ocean Springs, MS is $78,929 per year, which is 5% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ocean Springs?
The median home value in Ocean Springs, MS is $235,100, which is 4% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ocean Springs?
The median monthly rent in Ocean Springs, MS is $1,364, which is 17% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ocean Springs?
The unemployment rate in Ocean Springs, MS is 3.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ocean Springs, MS a good place to live?
Ocean Springs offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 18,561 and a median age of 42.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ocean Springs, MS?
45.8% of residents in Ocean Springs 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 Ocean Springs?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ocean Springs, MS: median home value is $235,100 (4% below national), median rent is $1,364/month, and median household income is $78,929. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ocean Springs?
The poverty rate in Ocean Springs, MS is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ocean Springs, MS?
Ocean Springs's population is 3.4% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 4.2% Asian, and 7.6% two or more races. 5.5% of residents are foreign-born.