Discover the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Hancock County, MS
Hancock County, tucked into Mississippi’s western shoreline, is known for its quiet beaches, pine‑lined streets, and communities shaped by both storms and deep roots. From the artistic vibrancy of Bay St. Louis to the quiet strength of Waveland and the wooded backroads of Pearlington, this area has a rhythm all its own. The people here carry memories of hurricanes, stories of old neighborhoods, and a strong connection to the marsh and the Sound.
This section highlights places defined not by tourism, but by community, where the coast feels personal, familiar, and deeply loved.
Hancock County, Mississippi Coastal Community Profiles
Bay St. Louis
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
Population: ~10,000
Type: Small Coastal Town
Size: 10–25 sq miles
Waterfront: Bay St. Louis, Mississippi Sound
Shoreline: Bay and sound frontage
Primary Industries: Tourism, arts, hospitality
Housing Mix: Single-family homes, beach homes
Zip Code 39520
Waveland
Waveland, Mississippi
Population: ~7,000
Type: Small Coastal Town
Size: 10–25 sq miles
Waterfront: Mississippi Sound, Bay St. Louis
Shoreline: Sound frontage
Primary Industries: Residential, tourism
Housing Mix: Single-family homes
Zip Code 39576
Pearlington
Pearlington
Pearlington
Pearlington, Mississippi
Population: ~1,200
Type: Rural Coastal Community
Size: More than 75 sq miles
Waterfront: Pearl River
Shoreline: Riverfront with access to marsh and sound
Primary Industries: Fishing, forestry, residential
Housing Mix: Single-family homes, with land
Zip Code 39572
Diamondhead
Pearlington
Pearlington
Diamondhead, Mississippi
Population: ~9,000
Type: Growing Coastal Community
Size: 10–25 sq miles
Waterfront: Bay St. Louis
Shoreline: Bayfront
Primary Industries: Residential, golf, tourism
Housing Mix: Single-family homes, townhomes
Zip Code 39525