D’Iberville has recorded the fastest population growth among Mississippi Gulf Coast municipalities since 2010, adding more than 4,000 residents, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates.
As the city grows, officials say they are investing in roads, utilities and waterfront improvements to support continued development.
Census estimates show D’Iberville’s population grew from 9,486 in 2010 to an estimated 13,557 in 2025, an increase of about 43%.
Among Mississippi Gulf Coast municipalities, D’Iberville recorded the largest percentage increase during that period. Pass Christian followed with about 40% growth, while Long Beach grew about 17%.
Growth has also been reflected in the city’s finances. According to audited financial reports, annual sales tax collections increased from about $6.6 million in fiscal 2015 to about $10.8 million in fiscal 2025.
City Manager Bobby Weaver said the city’s growth has increased demands on roads, drainage and utilities, prompting officials to prioritize infrastructure projects. Among them is a roughly $8 million sewer project that is nearing completion.
Building capacity for future development
Weaver said Hurricane Katrina destroyed D’Iberville’s wastewater treatment plant near the waterfront. The city rebuilt the facility north of Interstate 10, but wastewater from parts of the city continued flowing through older portions of the sewer system before reaching the plant.
As development expanded north, the older system came under additional strain.
The new project redirects wastewater from those areas and parts of the city south of the interstate directly to the treatment plant. Weaver said it reduces demand on older lines while creating additional capacity for future development.
“We have just freed up a ton of capacity to support any development along the waterfront,” he said.
Weaver said city leaders wanted the project completed before additional waterfront development begins.
Future projects could include commercial development, residential construction and other water-related investments.
Road projects target traffic concerns
For many residents, one of the most visible signs of D’Iberville’s growth is heavier traffic.
William Batson, a Gautier resident who regularly shops in D’Iberville, said congestion near the city’s busiest commercial areas can be frustrating.
“I try to avoid it, to be honest with you, because it’s very busy,” Batson said. “The traffic is so congested.”
Aydien Warden, who works in D’Iberville, said increased traffic is one of the biggest changes he has noticed.
“I have definitely seen (the city) growing, especially with the traffic. It’s definitely increased,” Warden said.
Weaver said the intersection of Mallett Road and Lamey Bridge Road is one of the city’s biggest traffic bottlenecks, with backups common during peak shopping hours.
To address the problem, the city is moving forward with a major improvement project along Mallett Road. The project recently received a $5 million federal BUILD grant to widen portions of the roadway.
“We have seen such growth,” Weaver said. “We know that we have to make some major capacity improvements at the intersection of Lamey Bridge.”
Utility relocation is underway, and the city expects to seek construction bids later this year, Weaver said.
D’Iberville has also received a Safe Streets and Roads for All grant for improvements along Lamey Bridge Road. Weaver said the project is intended to improve traffic flow and safety while accommodating future growth.
Batson said the expected two years of construction will be inconvenient but worthwhile.
“Thinking about long term? Yes (it will be worthwhile),” Batson said. “You don’t expect to be in a car accident just on your way to the store, or on your way to the restaurant, or on your way to the pharmacy right there … you just want to make sure that you have safe travel back and forth to where you’re going.”
Preparing for future growth
City leaders say the infrastructure projects are intended to position D’Iberville for future development.
One focus is the waterfront. Weaver said the city is pursuing a marina expansion that includes a new breakwater and additional marina facilities. Officials have also acquired nearby property for future waterfront development.
Commercial growth is also expected along major transportation corridors.
Weaver said the city is working through plans for a proposed BJ’s Wholesale Club near Interstate 10 and D’Iberville Boulevard and is discussing other projects that could bring additional investment, including a proposed Miskelly Furniture store.
“Biggest growth is going to be the commercial, waterfront, commercial corridor, things like that,” Weaver said.
The city has no plans to expand its boundaries, Weaver said. Instead, officials are focusing on undeveloped property already within city limits.
“That’s where our road network is. That’s where our sewer investment, water investment has been. That’s where we have the undeveloped property, so we’re focusing on trying to build that up,” he said.
Weaver said the goal is to keep infrastructure ahead of development while focusing growth within the city’s existing boundaries.
