Gulfport vs Southaven: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Gulfport, MS and Southaven, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gulfport, MS | Southaven, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,520 | $66,214▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.81 | $31.84▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,204 | $43,494▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,264 | $52,680▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $57,775 | $83,123▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,280 | $96,741▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,000▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Southaven, MS offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Gulfport.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Southaven is $16,694 (33.71%). Southaven's median is -15.70% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gulfport spans $22,076,Southaven spans $53,247. Southaven has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Southaven ($77,263 effective) pays 40.43% more than Gulfport ($55,019 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gulfport if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,000 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Southaven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,214/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,741)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,263)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Gulfport grew 19.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 81.5% growth in Southaven over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$40,370 (2019) → $48,050 (2025)
Southaven, MS
$35,407 (2024) → $64,248 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Southaven, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Gulfport or Southaven?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gulfport and Southaven?
Should I relocate from Gulfport to Southaven as a police officer?
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov