Once having a population of 50,644, a figure based on the 2000 census, Biloxi was Mississippi’s third largest city. This has however changed because of the devastation caused in the Gulf of Mexico by hurricane Katrina, and it is now estimated that the population is around 46,000. Biloxi has a very long history, one stretching over 300 years. It was first occupied by the French, then the English and later on the Spanish. Biloxi was always considered a hub of activity but because it its proximity to the coast this idea slowly changed out of fear for hurricanes and storms.

Biloxi Demographics

Based on the 2000 census the total population of the city of Biloxi was 50,644, the city also had a total of 19,588 households and 12,379 families. Biloxi’s racial makeup demonstrates more diversity than many other cities in America. Of the population, 71.43% are Whites, 19.04% are African Americans, 5.11% are Asians and the rest of the population comprises Pacific Islanders, Native Americans, Hispanics and other races. Biloxi is a young city; the median age of its population is 32 years. This youth unfortunately does not equal high incomes as the per capita income for the city was $ 17,809 and over 14% of individuals lived below the poverty line.

Biloxi Business Data

The city of Biloxi devastatingly hit by hurricane Katrina and as a result losing a significant chunk of its population, is just now starting to recover. There are good times ahead for this city even though there is still a lot of work to be done. Data provided for 2002 proved that the services sector dealing specifically in food services and accommodation was the highest earning sector for Biloxi grossing $ 1,071,898 for that year alone. The wholesale and retail sales sectors were also very profitable for the city. With the diversity in the racial makeup of its population comes the diversity of business ownership as well. With a total of 3,669 firms recorded in Biloxi in 2002 many of them were black owned, owned by those of Asian descent and also owned by women.

Although Biloxi has been hard hit by Katrina it is not the type of city to relent in times of trouble. The population certainly has dwindled contributing to the economic downturn but signs have been given that those who decided to leave are slowly returning. Business is starting to rise again and in due time Biloxi will once again return to its former state.

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