Gulf Coast has most veterans but numbers declining

Michael Newsom | Biloxi Sun Herald

Recent U.S. Census data shows the three Coast counties have the highest percentages of veterans in the state, but the overall veteran population here has declined since 2000.

The Census released veteran totals broken down for each of Mississippi’s 82 counties between 2005 and 2009, as part of the bureau’s “American Community Survey.” The population numbers account for those at least 18 years old who served active duty.

Veterans made up 17.4 percent of Harrison County’s population of residents at least 18 years old. Jackson County had 14.7 percent and Hancock County had 14.4 percent. Those represent the three highest percentages in the state. The next-highest was Pearl River County with 13.7 percent. Stone County had 11.5 percent, which was seventh highest in the state. George County had 9.5 percent, which was 23rd highest. Holmes County had the lowest percentage in the state with 4.5.

Read the complete story at sunherald.com

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