Page 95 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2026

NASA’s Stennis Space Center
Tri-County Data Points
402,307 – Population
25.5 Minutes – Average Commute Time
$25 Billion Gross Domestic Product: The largest contributing sector, Manufacturing, contributed 24.4% to the 2024 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the region
185,652 – Labor Force Participation $83,268 – Average Manufacturing Wage 4,623 – Total Businesses
specific challenges, I reach out to Blaine. We have cultivated a relationship founded on mutual respect for the unique contributions each of our counties makes—while they share similarities, they are also quite distinct.” – Bill Lavers, Executive Director, Harrison County Development Commission
The Jackson County Economic Development Foundation has earned a national reputation for industrial excellence, anchored by global leaders in the defense industrial base and energy sectors, including Ingalls Shipbuilding, Bollinger, Fairbanks Morse, Northrop Grumman, and Chevron. The county continues to grow its footprint in the advanced manufacturing sector with companies such as Superior Optical and American Baitworks. Two R1 research institutions, Mississippi State University and the University of Southern Mississippi, drive innovation and research that keep the
region on the cutting edge for generations to come. With an experienced workforce, established supply chains, and a long history of supporting new investment, Jackson County remains a leading location for companies looking to build, ship, power, and innovate at scale.
“Jackson County’s success doesn’t happen by chance; it happens because we prepare for it. We prepare so when the right opportunity comes, we’re positioned to act. The mindset extends to how we work with Harrison and Hancock counties, because we know when one county succeeds, the whole Coast benefits. For example, over 14,000 people work in Jackson County’s defense-industrial manufacturing base, many of whom live in Harrison, Hancock, and surrounding counties.” – Mary Martha Henson, Executive Director, Jackson County Economic Development Foundation
United States Marine, Inc. (USMI)
Together, Harrison, Hancock, and Jackson counties represent a regional market of more than 400,000 residents and nearly 5,000 businesses. Companies investing in Coastal Mississippi gain access to a unified regional economy supported by multiple ports, Interstate 10, Class I rail service, commercial airports, military installations, higher education institutions, and a highly skilled workforce.
Whether a business is seeking an industrial park, waterfront property, logistics capabilities, advanced manufacturing opportunities, or a community with an outstanding quality of life, the Coast offers solutions that few regions can match.
The Coast’s greatest competitive advantage isn’t found in any single asset, it’s found in the willingness of its leaders to work together. Collaboration has become a defining characteristic of economic development in Coastal Mississippi, creating
an environment where communities celebrate one another’s successes and pursue a shared vision for long-term prosperity.
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