No. 20

Gulfport-Biloxi, Miss.

Companies planning to hire in next quarter: 18%
Best job prospects: Construction, Wholesale & Retail Trade, Professional & Business Services, Leisure & Hospitality, Government
Population: 44,342
Average home price in January: $129,500
Unemployment rate: 7.8%

Biloxi is a popular destination for dockside and onshore gambling in south Mississippi. It is also home to Keesler Air Force Base, which is the city's largest employer, and a growing number of hospital and other health-care facilities.