Biloxi | USA Mississippi

Biloxi serves as a major center for the Gulf Coast's tourism, commercial fishing, and gaming industries. It is situated on a peninsula in Harrison County, bounded by the Mississippi Sound to the south and the Biloxi Bay to the north and east.

Historical Timeline

Founded in 1699 as Fort Maurepas, Biloxi was the first capital of French Louisiana. Governance transitioned through British, Spanish, and American periods, with the city incorporating in 1838. The most significant architectural and political reconstruction followed Hurricane Camille in 1969 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The primary event shaping the current urban form was the 1992 legalization of dockside gambling, which transformed the coastline from a traditional fishing village into a high-density resort and casino corridor.

Demographics & Population

The total population within city limits is 49,449, with a metropolitan area population of approximately 416,000. The top three demographics are White (60.2%), Black or African American (24.1%), and Asian (5.8%), including a significant Vietnamese-American fishing community. The median age is 35.8 years.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

The city is organized along Beach Boulevard (US-90), which runs parallel to the Gulf of Mexico. The Casino Row (East) contains high-rise resort developments and the historic Point Cadet; the Downtown District (Central) houses the civic center and the Saenger Theatre; the Keesler District (West) is anchored by the Keesler Air Force Base.

Top City Landmarks

Biloxi Lighthouse (Cast-iron structure built in 1848)

Beauvoir (The Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential Library)

Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum

Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art (Designed by Frank Gehry)

Hurricane Katrina Memorial

Transportation Network

Movement is primarily automotive via US-90 and I-10. Coast Transit Authority (CTA) operates the "Casino Hopper" and fixed-route bus services. There is no metro or tram. Ride-sharing via Uber and Lyft is highly active. Official taxis are typically white or yellow, such as Yellow Cab of Biloxi. Traffic density is moderate, with peak congestion occurring near casino entrances and during special events like "Cruisin' the Coast."

Safety & "Red Zones"

The general safety level is moderate. Areas in North Biloxi and certain sections of Point Cadet report higher rates of property crime and opportunistic theft in parking lots. Travelers should exercise caution in unlit beach areas after dark. Common scams involve aggressive timeshare solicitations or fraudulent "front desk" calls in large resorts.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Average internet speed is 200–300 Mbps, with fiber services provided by C Spire and Sparklight. Main mobile carriers are Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Card acceptance is universal in resorts and shops, though some small-scale seafood markets remain cash-preferred. ATMs are ubiquitous within casino lobbies and convenience stores.

Climate & Air Quality

Temperatures range from 7°C to 16°C in winter (January) and 24°C to 33°C in summer (July). Specific weather risks include extreme humidity and hurricane season (June–November). Air quality is high due to consistent coastal breezes, though humidity can exacerbate respiratory conditions.

Culture & Social Norms

The standard tipping percentage is 18–20% for service. Greetings are informal but polite. Dress code is "coastal casual," though upscale casino restaurants require formal attire. Smoking is permitted in designated areas of most casino floors but prohibited in public buildings; alcohol is sold 24/7 in casinos.

Accommodation Zones

Beach Boulevard (Casino Row): Stay here for resort amenities, beachfront access, and nightlife.

Ocean Springs (Adjacent East): Stay here for a quieter, boutique arts-district atmosphere just across the bridge.

Local Cost Index

1 Espresso: $4.75

1 Standard Lunch: $16.00

1 Casino Hopper Ticket: $1.50

Nearby Day Trips

Ship Island / Gulf Islands National Seashore (18 km via ferry)

Ocean Springs, MS (4 km)

New Orleans, LA (145 km)

Mobile, AL (95 km)

Gulfport, MS (20 km)

Facts & Legends

Biloxi is known as the "Seafood Capital of the World," a title earned in the early 20th century when it led the nation in shrimp and oyster production. A local legend involves the "Singing River" (the nearby Pascagoula), where a mysterious humming sound is attributed to the Biloxi tribe walking into the water to drown rather than surrender to the enemy. A verified historical oddity is the Biloxi Lighthouse, which was painted black for a period following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln as a sign of mourning.