Wiggins

Tucked among the pine forests of South Mississippi, Wiggins is the county seat of Stone County and one of the fastest-growing communities in the region. Just a short drive north of the coast, Wiggins offers a quieter, more relaxed pace of life, with acreage, lakes, and small-town charm that feel a world away from the busier coastal cities nearby, while still being close enough to enjoy everything they offer.

Wiggins is home to roughly 4,300 residents and sits at the crossroads of US Highway 49 and Mississippi Highways 26 and 29, part of the greater Gulfport-Biloxi metropolitan area. It's a town built on timber and railroads, and one that continues to grow while holding onto its rural roots. Read on to learn about its history, its lifestyle, and the homes for sale in Wiggins, MS.

From homestead to timber town

The story of Wiggins began in 1886, when James Madison Hatten homesteaded 160 acres in what was then north central Harrison County. A small village grew on the land and was originally named Niles City. When the U.S. Postal Service rejected the name due to a conflicting Niles City in Michigan, the community was renamed Wiggins, in honor of Wiggins Hatten, father of the original homesteader.

The completion of the Gulf and Ship Island Railroad through the area in 1893 changed everything. With rail access finally in place, Wiggins became a hub for the region's booming timber industry, and one of the largest sawmills in southern Mississippi was built there in 1902. The City of Wiggins was officially incorporated in 1904.

The birth of Stone County

As the timber boom brought growth to Wiggins and neighboring mill towns, local leaders pushed for a new county of their own. In 1916, the Mississippi Legislature approved the creation of Stone County from northern Harrison County land, named in honor of former Governor John M. Stone. Wiggins was named the county seat, and its courthouse, completed in 1918, still stands and serves the county today. Wiggins has continued to grow ever since, evolving from a timber town into one of South Mississippi's most promising small cities.

Wiggins offers a real estate market built for buyers who want space, from generous acreage and ranch-style properties to newer subdivisions and classic small-town homes near downtown.

Land, lake, and lot opportunities in Wiggins, MS

Live near the water. While Wiggins isn't on the coast, the area is home to scenic waterways including Cypress Creek, Red Creek, and the Flint Creek Water Park reservoir, making lakefront and creekside properties a popular option for buyers who want a quieter setting with room to fish, kayak, or simply enjoy the view.

Live on acreage. Thanks to its rural surroundings, Wiggins offers no shortage of larger lots and acreage properties, ideal for buyers looking for privacy, room for livestock, or simply more breathing room than a typical subdivision allows.

Properties in and around Wiggins often include private wells, workshops or outbuildings, and mature pine and hardwood tree cover, features that reflect the area's timber-country roots.

Architectural styles of homes for sale in Wiggins, MS

The Wiggins market includes classic Southern farmhouses, ranch-style homes, and newer traditional builds, along with a growing number of manufactured and modular homes on larger lots, a popular option for buyers prioritizing acreage over square footage.

Other real estate investment opportunities in Wiggins, MS

Beyond residential acreage and lake properties, Wiggins' market includes land and lot sales, agricultural and timberland, and small commercial properties supporting the town's growing local business community.

Why you should live in Wiggins

Room to breathe. With generous lot sizes and easy access to the surrounding forest, Wiggins is a natural fit for buyers who want space without giving up convenience.

A close-knit community. As the seat of Stone County, Wiggins carries the kind of small-town familiarity where neighbors know each other and local history runs deep.

Easy access to the coast. Wiggins sits close enough to Gulfport and the rest of the Mississippi Gulf Coast for an easy commute, while offering a quieter, more rural lifestyle at home.

A growing local economy. Wood products manufacturing remains a cornerstone of the local economy, alongside a steadily expanding base of small businesses drawn to the area's growth.

Schools in Wiggins, MS

Wiggins is served by the Stone County School District, along with private options such as Gateway Christian Academy. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College also operates a nearby campus in Perkinston, giving Stone County residents convenient access to higher education.

Dining in Wiggins leans toward comfortable, small-town Southern fare, think home-style plate lunches, barbecue, and classic diner favorites, along with a handful of local cafes and casual spots that make up the heart of the community's food scene.

For a wider variety of dining, including seafood and more upscale options, residents often make the short drive south to Gulfport or Biloxi.

Shopping in Wiggins, MS

Shopping in Wiggins centers around local, independently owned businesses, with larger retail options available a short drive away in Gulfport.

Things to do in Wiggins, MS

Visit the Old Firehouse Museum. This community museum preserves the history of Wiggins and Stone County through photographs, artifacts, and stories passed down through generations.

Spend a day at Flint Creek Water Park. This 1,900-acre park is a favorite local spot for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, swimming, and paddleboarding.

Explore Cypress Creek. A scenic and peaceful spot for a paddle or a quiet afternoon outdoors.

Take a day trip to the coast. With Gulfport just a short drive south, residents can easily enjoy a day at the beach, casino entertainment, or coastal dining while still calling quiet, small-town Wiggins home.

Take part in the local festivities in Wiggins, MS

Wiggins and Stone County host a variety of community events throughout the year, including festivals that draw record crowds to celebrate the area's small-town spirit and rich timber-country heritage.

City of Wiggins official website
Stone County, Mississippi official website
Old Firehouse Museum

Owen and Co. has been the trusted name in Mississippi Gulf Coast real estate for years, helping buyers and sellers navigate one of the region's most promising up-and-coming markets.

Get in touch with the team to learn more about your real estate opportunities in Wiggins, MS.