Ocean Springs in Jackson County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
The Growth of Ocean Springs
Photographed by Mark Hilton, December 10, 2025
1. The Growth of Ocean Springs Marker
It is fascinating to look over the population figures through the decades of Ocean Springs' history and growth.
The following population figures are from Federal Census counts, and from calculations by regional historian Ray Bellande, as published on his extraordinary website
www.oceanspringsarchives.net
1830 = Population of Jackson County was 1,792 people
1840 = Population of Ocean Springs estimated to be 273 people
1841 = Harrison County was formed from Hancock and Jackson Counties in February 1841
1860 = Population of Ocean Springs 336 people
1870 = Population of Ocean Springs 313 people.
1880 = Population of Ocean Springs 560 people
1890 = The US Federal Census burned. No population count
1900 = The population of Ocean Springs was 1,256 people
1950 = The population of Ocean Springs was 3,052
2000 = The population of Ocean Springs was 17,225
2020 = The population of Ocean Springs is approximately 18,000
Ocean Springs postcard images loaned from private collection
This informational sign is part of a community project led by the Historic Ocean Springs Association, and is made possible by a grant from the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area.
We thank the City
this page online
Erected 2022 by Historic Ocean Springs Association, Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Project, Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. (Marker Number 4.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1841.
Location. 30° 24.781′ N, 88° 50.082′ W. Marker is in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, in Jackson County. It is at the intersection of 1st Avenue and Porter Avenue, on the right when traveling north on 1st Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 503 Porter Avenue, Ocean Springs MS 39564, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Roost (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Crooked Feather (about 800 feet away); Ocean Springs Tree Tales... (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Ocean Springs Tree Tales... (approx. 0.2 miles away); St. John's Episcopal Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Austin House (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Robert A. Friar House (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Lover's Lane Historic District (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ocean Springs.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, December 10, 2025
2. The Growth of Ocean Springs Marker under 𝘕𝘰 𝘖𝘶𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘵 sign.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 17, 2025, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 50 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 17, 2025, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
