Jackson

by The Linguist

Jackson is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Mississippi. Located primarily in Hinds County, Jackson is the anchor for the Jackson, MS Metropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses Hinds, Madison, and Rankin counties. As of the 2020 census, the city’s population was 153,701, making it the 12th most populous city in the United States.

History

The region now known as Jackson was initially referred to as Parkerville in honor of James Parker, a local landowner. In 1821, the Mississippi state legislature decided to relocate the capital city from Natchez to a more central location to better serve the state. A site near Parkerville was selected and the city was renamed Jackson in honor of Andrew Jackson, a hero of the War of 1812 who would later become President of the United States. As the capital city, Jackson quickly grew into a regional economic and transportation hub.

Demographics

According to the 2020 census, Jackson had a population of 153,701 residents. The racial makeup of the city was 82.47% African American, 16.04% White, 0.60% Asian, 0.18% Native American, and 0.71% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race made up 1.42% of the population.

In terms of age breakdown, 30.7% of residents were under age 18, 12.2% were aged 18 to 24, 25.5% were aged 25 to 44, 21.1% were aged 45 to 64, and 10.5% were aged 65 or older. The median age was 32.3 years.

For every 100 females in Jackson, there were 83.0 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 77.8 males in the same age bracket.

Economy

As the capital city, government administration is a major employer. Other major industries and employers in Jackson include education, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and food processing. According to the DataUSA website, the largest employers are:

  • State government (34,122 employees)
  • Federal government (14,207 employees)
  • University of Mississippi Medical Center (10,258 employees)
  • Baptist Medical Center (4,550 employees)
  • AT&T Mississippi (3,000 employees)

The median household income in Jackson is $37,514, with 26.1% of residents living below the poverty line. The unemployment rate as of June 2022 was 4.9%, just above the national average.

Landmarks

As the capital, Jackson contains many notable government buildings and landmarks. Some key sites include:

  • Mississippi State Capitol – home of the state legislature, governor, and other government offices.
  • Governor’s Mansion – official residence of the sitting governor.
  • City Hall – seat of Jackson’s city government.
  • Thalia Mara Hall – performing arts venue that was previously known as the Jackson Municipal Auditorium.
  • Medgar Evers Home – museum at the house of slain civil rights activist Medgar Evers.

Cultural and entertainment landmarks include the Mississippi Museum of Art, B.B. King Museum, Jackson Zoo, Mississippi Children’s Museum, and others.

Sports

Jackson is home to several professional sports teams, including:

The Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium and Mississippi Coliseum host various sporting events and concerts. Jackson also has public golf courses, disc golf courses, sports fields, and more to serve recreational athletes and sporting events.

Tourism

Popular tourism activities in Jackson include museum tours, live music events, and exploring historic sites. The city sees over 1 million visitors each year. Major tourism sites include the Mississippi Museum of Art, the B.B. King Museum, the Jackson Zoo, the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, and various historic sites from the Civil War and Civil Rights eras.

The city sees a boost in visitors during large events like the Mississippi State Fair held each October. Popular annual music festivals include the Malaco Music Festival and the Jackson Crossroads Music Festival.

For more ideas on things to see and do, visit the Visit Jackson tourism website.

Government

Jackson is governed by a mayor-council form of government. The mayor serves as the chief executive while the city council serves as the legislative body. Some of Jackson’s city government departments and services include:

  • Public Works
  • Parks and Recreation
  • Fire and Police
  • Planning and Development

For more information on Jackson’s city government structure and elected officials, visit the City of Jackson website.

Growth and Development

While Jackson’s population has declined in recent decades, the metropolitan area continues to grow. Efforts are underway to revitalize the downtown area and spur new development. In 2022, the city attracted several economic development projects including:

  • A $60 million performing arts center
  • $13 million shopping center renovation
  • New luxury apartment complexes

The city has also focused on improving infrastructure like roads, water lines, and sewage systems. To connect with the community and promote local businesses, events, and news, check out the City of Jackson Facebook page.