If you’re typing Moss Point zip code into a search bar, you’re likely trying to figure out where the city limits actually end and the swamp begins. It’s confusing. Most people just assume there’s one number for the "River City," but that’s not quite how the USPS sees things down here in Jackson County.
Moss Point is unique. It’s a place where the Pascagoula and Escatawpa Rivers collide, creating a landscape that is as much water as it is land. Because of that geography, the way mail moves and how neighborhoods are carved out is a bit different than your standard grid-style suburb. You’ve got 39563, which is the big one—the primary residential and business heartbeat. Then you’ve got 39562, which is essentially the PO Box hub.
Getting it wrong matters. If you’re filling out an insurance quote for a house near the river or trying to get a freight delivery to one of the industrial sites near the port, a single digit change can mess up your logistics. It’s basically the difference between your package arriving at your door or sitting in a metal box downtown.
The 39563 Reality: More Than Just a Number
For the vast majority of people living, working, or visiting, 39563 is the Moss Point zip code that counts. This covers the residential streets, the local schools, and the businesses along Highway 63.
It’s a wide net. This zip code stretches from the borders of Pascagoula up toward the more rural parts of the county. When you look at the data from the U.S. Census Bureau, 39563 represents a population that is deeply tied to the maritime and industrial economy of the Gulf Coast. We are talking about thousands of households. These are folks who often work at Ingalls Shipbuilding or Chevron, coming home to a city that feels a lot more quiet and "woodsy" than its neighbors.
Why does the 39563 designation matter for your wallet? Honestly, it’s about insurance and real estate. Moss Point has significant flood zones. If you are looking at property, you can't just look at the zip code and assume the rates are the same. A house on the "high ground" near the interstate is a totally different risk profile than something sitting right on the Escatawpa River, even though they share that same 39563 stamp.
What’s the Deal With 39562?
You might see 39562 pop up on some maps. It’s small. Specifically, it’s a "PO Box Only" zip code.
If you live in a rural pocket where the mail carrier doesn't reach every dirt road, or if you run a business and want a secure spot for your documents, you’re using 39562. The physical location for this is the main Moss Point Post Office on Main Street. It’s a classic brick building that serves as the town square of sorts for information.
Don't use 39562 for your home's physical address. It won't work for GPS. Uber drivers will get lost. It’s strictly for the mail slots.
Breaking Down the Neighborhoods
Moss Point isn't a monolith. The experience of living in 39563 varies wildly depending on which "side" you’re on.
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- The Riverfront: This is the historic soul of the city. Huge oaks with Spanish moss. It's beautiful, but you've got to watch the tides.
- The I-10 Corridor: This is where the modern growth is happening. New travel centers, fast food, and easy access for commuters heading to Mobile or Biloxi.
- Escatawpa: Technically an unincorporated community, but it often shares the Moss Point identity and the 39563 zip code. It’s got a more rural, spread-out vibe.
The Economics of the 39563 Zip Code
Let’s talk money. The Moss Point zip code reflects a working-class backbone. According to data aggregators like City-Data and the ACS, the median household income here tends to hover below the national average, but that doesn't tell the whole story.
The cost of living is significantly lower than in many other parts of the country. You can get a lot of house for your money here compared to, say, Florida or even parts of Ocean Springs. However, the "hidden cost" of the 39563 zip code is often the maintenance. Humidity is real. Termites are real. If you’re moving here, you’ve got to factor in the "coastal tax" of keeping a building standing against the elements.
The industrial presence is the big driver. The Port of Pascagoula and the surrounding industrial parks are the lifeblood. If the ships aren't being built and the oil isn't being refined, Moss Point feels it immediately. It’s a symbiotic relationship that has defined the region for over a century.
Common Misconceptions About Moss Point Addresses
People often get Moss Point and Pascagoula mixed up. They are sister cities, sure, but they have distinct identities.
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One major point of confusion is the "North Pascagoula" phenomenon. Some people will list their address as Pascagoula even if they are technically within the Moss Point city limits or the 39563 zip code area. This usually happens because of how the school districts or old utility lines were drawn.
Always check your property tax records. That is the only way to be 100% sure which municipality you actually owe. Don't rely on the zip code alone to tell you who your mayor is or which police department will show up if you call. Zip codes are for mail; city limits are for law.
Logistics and Shipping Secrets
If you’re shipping something heavy to Moss Point, be specific. Because of the winding rivers and dead-end roads, some freight companies struggle with 39563.
Pro Tip: Always include a cross-street or specific delivery instructions if you live near the water. GPS has a funny habit of trying to send delivery trucks down narrow "camps" that weren't built for a 53-foot trailer.
The Future of the Moss Point Zip Code
What's coming next for 39563? It’s all about revitalization. There’s been a massive push lately to clean up the downtown area and lean into "eco-tourism."
The city is trying to leverage its natural beauty. The Pascagoula River Audubon Center is a gem sitting right in the heart of this zip code. It’s one of the last free-flowing river systems in the lower 48 states. This attracts birders, kayakers, and researchers from all over. As this sector grows, we might see the demographic of the zip code shift toward more hospitality and service-oriented jobs.
Actionable Steps for Residents and Newcomers
If you are dealing with a Moss Point address, here is exactly what you should do to avoid headaches:
- Verify Your Zone: Go to the Jackson County GIS mapping website. Type in your parcel number. This will tell you if you are in 39563 (Moss Point) or 39567/39568 (Pascagoula).
- Flood Insurance Check: Don't wait for a hurricane. Moss Point is low-lying. Even if you aren't in a "mandatory" flood zone, the 39563 area is prone to flash flooding during heavy Gulf storms. Get a quote now.
- Update Your Voter Reg: Zip codes don't determine your voting precinct. If you just moved into the 39563 area, visit the Circuit Clerk’s office in Pascagoula to make sure you're registered in the right Moss Point ward.
- Mail Forwarding: If you are switching from a physical address to a PO Box (39562), do a dual-filing. Keep your 39563 address for packages (FedEx/UPS) and 39562 for USPS mail.
Moss Point is a place with deep roots and a very specific way of doing things. Whether you're moving a business here or just trying to get a letter delivered to Grandma, understanding the divide between the 39563 residential sprawl and the 39562 postal hub is the first step to navigating the "River City" like a local. It's a small detail, but in a town built on water and industry, the details are usually what keep you afloat.