Flowood, Mississippi

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Flowood is a city in Rankin County, Mississippi, United States. The population was 4,750 at the 2000 census.

1 Geography
2 Demographics
3 Education
4 External links

[edit] Geography

Flowood is located at 32°19′0″N, 90°6′53″W (32.316673, -90.114858)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 42.9 km² (16.6 mi²). 42.2 km² (16.3 mi²) of it is land and 0.7 km² (0.3 mi²) of it (1.69%) is water.

In 1951, in the middle of a sleepy, flood plain, along the banks of the Pearl River, gathered a handful of people who talked of starting their own town. With little time behind them, they were granted a Charter in 1953 to incorporate the small town of Flowood, Mississippi. Fighting the elements of nature, they hung on. In 1962 came the big flood that instigated the levee system to be built along the Pearl River in Rankin County. Mayor Chastain Flynt, the Board of Aldermen and the City Engineer, with a great vision and influential assistance, stabilized Flowood as a prosperous town. Businesses began to locate. Homes, schools and roads were built that would open access to the town. In 1969 the town annexed state Highway 25 (Lakeland Drive) into the towns limits as well as Highway 475 (Airport Road). In 1976 the town annexed again adding more land into its limits. Many prosperous things began to happen for the Town of Flowood. But as fate would have it, nature again intervined. In the spring of 1979, on Easter Sunday morning, the worst flooding disaster on record, encompassed all of Flowood. The levees held but the heavy rains left extensive damage. Mostly human spirit and faith took over. The towns leaders and supporting citizens found a determination to build a better and stronger town. They implemented new zoning and planning ideas. In 1988 a comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance was adopted. A new town was taking shape. The Police and Fire departments grew and were top-rated. In 1985 and 1987 Flowood annexed again defining an extended accommodation that would begin drawing more commercial and residential populations. New subdivisions developed. Flowood again continued to flourish. In 1989, Flowood's first and long-time mayor, Chastain Flynt retired after serving in office for over thirty-six years. As he stepped down, the towns Chief of Police, Gary Rhoads, was elected mayor, as was a fresh slate of Aldermen. With enthusiasm and open vision, the new leaders continued to direct Flowood toward its booming future. The years since 1989 have been phenominal for Flowood. In 1990, The Town of Flowood made a necessary change and became The City of Flowood, Mississippi. Upon that decision, many more great things began to happen. Not only has Flowood become a very elite City in its design, it also prides itself as being one of the most unique and accommodating Citys available. Its corporate developments offer a prestigious tax base for Flowood. The City works hard to attract facilities to assist the total need of a thriving population. Its safety, beauty and education are high priorities for the governing body. As Flowood continues to grow, under watchful eyes, we will see the unveiling of a hand-crafted city that invites a prideful population to make it their own. Flowood offers something for everyone and everything for most. With a history and record of progress that Flowood has created, along with all of the successful untold stories, we will continue to watch a City of excellence emerge. Flowood is not like any other City. It is a masterpiece in the making.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 4,750 people, 2,130 households, and 1,145 families residing in the city. The population density was 112.7/km² (291.7/mi²). There were 2,371 housing units at an average density of 56.2/km² (145.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 79.92% White, 16.63% African American, 0.17% Native American, 1.89% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.61% from other races, and 0.72% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.77% of the population.

There were 2,130 households out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.8% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 46.2% were non-families. 35.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 3.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the city the population was spread out with 23.5% under the age of 18, 16.1% from 18 to 24, 41.0% from 25 to 44, 15.1% from 45 to 64, and 4.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29 years. For every 100 females there were 90.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $40,333, and the median income for a family was $49,767. Males had a median income of $37,500 versus $29,773 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,875. About 10.3% of families and 13.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.6% of those under age 18 and 9.2% of those age 65 or over.