Population and economic study for Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River Counties, Mississippi

"This report contains an analysis of the factors which have contributed to the rapid growth and development of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and the four county planning area. The components of population change and the characteristics and distribution of population were investigated concurrently with the examination of the economic structure and the manner in which the economy responded to the resource pattern and locational advantages. Independent assumptions were developed and projections made for population and growth in economic activities using initially unrelated criteria. The emphasis in the economic growth was upon employment. Inter-industry shifts in employment in the study area were related to national growth, industrial mix and regional share. From these relationships assumptions were formulated on the relationships of future local and national growth in each industry group. Potential labor force from each projection was compared. The derived values bear an reassuringly close relations to each other. The basic or export sector of employment was identified in the current and future employment pattern, and considerations in maintaining a satisfactory export sector were evaluated."