Economic Development

Population and Income

The Hattiesburg MSA’s population grew by 15.4% between 2000 and 2010. Lamar County led the way with a 42.5% growth rate during that time period. Our diverse economy continues to grow as Greater Hattiesburg emerges as a leading community in the Gulf South.

Population
(US Census Bureau, 2010)
 Year Lamar County Forrest County Perry County Hattiesburg MSA
2015* 68,534 76,141 12,311 156,986
2010 55,658 74,934 12,250 142,842
2000 39,070 72,604 12,138 123,812

*Projected at current growth rates by the Area Development Partnership

Area Demographics
(US Census Bureau, October 2010)
Age Hattiesburg MSA % Ethnicity Hattiesburg MSA %
0-19 40,960 28.8 White 97,312 68.1
20-24 14,011 9.8 African American 40,416 28.3
25-44 39,040 27.4 Asian 1,176 0.8
45-64 32,877 23.1 American Indian/Native Alaskan 345 0.2
65+ 16,403 11.5 Other/Two+ Races 3,593 2.4
Growth Rates
(US Census Bureau, 2000-2010)
Area %
Lamar County 42.5
Forrest County 3.2
Perry County .09
Hattiesburg MSA 15.4
Average Household Income (Department of Labor Statistics, 2011)
Area $
Hattiesburg MSA 51,209
Mississippi 49,511
United States 67,529