Harrison County has added roughly 30,000 residents since 2010, and local officials say continued growth and development are increasing demands on infrastructure and public services.
County leaders highlighted investments in public safety, infrastructure, mental health services and programs for older residents during the recent State of the County Address.
“We’ve got a lot of positive development here in Harrison County,” state Sen. Mike Thompson said. “That comes … with its own challenges — making sure that you’ve got the infrastructure in place.”
Thompson, who represents Senate District 48, which includes parts of Harrison and Hancock counties, said the county is in a strong position economically and in terms of infrastructure.
Ben Weldon, CEO of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, said the annual address gives business leaders and elected officials an opportunity to discuss county issues and priorities. He said about 400 people attended this year’s event, including elected officials and members of the county’s business community.
Public safety
Harrison County spent about $57.5 million on public safety over the last year. According to the county, public safety represented about 35% of its 2026 investment — the largest share among public safety, infrastructure, public works, administration and community services.
The county has increased spending on the Sheriff’s Office, equipment and training, emergency response improvements, and fire and rescue services.
Kendra Robinson, a Gulfport resident who works for To the Rescue Bookkeeping, attended the address to learn more about projects and growth across the county.
Robinson said she has seen development in her own community and was particularly interested in how tax dollars are being spent.
“The public safety — I love that. That’s the biggest budget for our tax dollars and everything,” Robinson said. “I have a family for myself, so it’s nice knowing that I live in a community where public safety is top priority.”
Mental health
County officials also highlighted efforts to expand mental health services through a new diversion center.
The center is intended to give law enforcement an alternative to jail or a hospital emergency room for adults experiencing mental health or substance use crises.
Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources would operate the center around the clock, providing services including medical and mental health assessments, counseling, case management, treatment planning, therapeutic activities and outpatient follow-up.
Thompson said mental health needs extend beyond Harrison County and that the project could serve as a model elsewhere in Mississippi.
“Mental health, that’s a serious issue throughout the state of Mississippi, particularly here in Harrison County,” Thompson said.
He said the county’s investment in the facility and additional treatment capacity could provide an example for other communities.
The project covers more than 30,000 square feet of a roughly 36,000-square-foot building on Seaway Road. The original construction schedule called for 300 days of work, but the Board of Supervisors approved additional time because of added renovations.
Harrison County received $1.9 million in opioid settlement funds for one year of operations and will need to seek additional funding in future years.
Senior services
Older residents represent a growing share of Harrison County’s population, accounting for about 19% of residents, according to the most recent census data.
The county reported year-over-year increases in transportation trips, meals and participation in senior programs.
In 2025, Senior Resources Director Jeff Clark said demand for field trips had reached an all-time high, with some senior centers needing two buses for outings.
The county later approved the purchase of two additional vehicles for its senior programs.
Robinson said the growth she has seen extends beyond county programs to roads, buildings and housing developments.
“Everywhere you see, you see roads being restructured to make it easier for us and different buildings and more housing developments,” Robinson said. “It’s just consistent growth, especially with the population constantly growing.”
Economic growth
The county’s population growth has occurred alongside increased business and tourism activity.
The county estimated tourism would generate a $1.12 billion economic impact in Harrison County in 2026 and support more than 20,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce also reported more than $180 million in announced industrial investment, more than 1,200 jobs announced or retained and a 9% year-over-year increase in new business permits.
Weldon said the presence of state officials at the address reflected the Gulf Coast’s economic importance to Mississippi.
“It shows that the coast is a real player in the landscape of Mississippi, both economically and from a government affairs perspective,” Weldon said.
Thompson said continued development brings opportunities for Harrison County but also requires local and state governments to keep pace with the county’s needs.
“Overall, the health of the county — both in terms of economic and infrastructure —is very, very good,” Thompson said. “We’re in a good place right now.”
He said Harrison County plays an important role in Mississippi, and local leaders must demonstrate a return on investments made by local and state governments.
This report was produced by the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center at the University of Southern Mississippi.
