Logging initially drove the local economy, but when the area's virgin yellow pine forests became depleted, row crops were planted on the newly cleared land.

[9] A productive truck farming town in the early 20th century, citizens of Long Beach proclaimed the city to be the "Radish Capital of the World".

The city was especially known for its cultivation of the Long Red radish variety, a favorite beer hall staple in the northern US at the time.

[failed verification] Many Long Beach residents were left homeless or living in water- and or wind-damaged houses.

Residents are returning as beaches and condominiums in the area are being repaired, but the city has not seen a return of business to pre-Katrina levels due in part to building codes on the beach established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and to the economic downturn.