Pelahatchie, Mississippi

Pelahatchie, Mississippi
Flag of Pelahatchie, Mississippi
Official logo of Pelahatchie, Mississippi
Location of Pelahatchie, Mississippi
Location of Pelahatchie, Mississippi
Pelahatchie, Mississippi is located in the United States
Pelahatchie, Mississippi
Pelahatchie, Mississippi
Location in the United States
Coordinates: 32°18′47″N 89°47′55″W / 32.31306°N 89.79861°W / 32.31306; -89.79861
CountryUnited States
StateMississippi
CountyRankin
Government
 • TypeMayor-Council
 • MayorKarl VanHorn
 • Board of AldermenSandra Hill
Frank Boyd
Margie Warren
James Harrell
Eddie Jones
Area
 • Total6.08 sq mi (15.74 km2)
 • Land5.94 sq mi (15.39 km2)
 • Water0.14 sq mi (0.35 km2)
Elevation
358 ft (109 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total1,272
 • Density214.11/sq mi (82.67/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
39145
Area code(s)601 & 769
FIPS code28-56200
GNIS feature ID0675578
Websitepelahatchie.org

Pelahatchie is a town in Rankin County, Mississippi, United States. The town's population was 1,334 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Jackson, Mississippi Metropolitan Statistical Area. Its zip code is 39145.

History

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Pelahatchie was founded in 1850, and named after Pelahatchie Creek.[2] The name Pelahatchie is derived from the Native American term meaning "crooked creek". The town was the bright spot in the county during the late 1800s mainly due to the railroad access in the heart of town. Pelahatchie is home to both a public school, Pelahatchie Attendance Center (Chiefs), and a private school, East Rankin Academy (Patriots).

In June 2017, Ryshonda Harper Beechem was elected as mayor, the first African-American mayor in Rankin County.[3] In June 2021, she was defeated in the general election by Karl VanHorn.[4]

Geography

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According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 3.2 square miles (8.3 km2), all land.

Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note
1880117
189013918.8%
1900326134.5%
1910943189.3%
19201,21228.5%
19301,59931.9%
1940938−41.3%
1950867−7.6%
19601,06623.0%
19701,30622.5%
19801,44510.6%
19901,5537.5%
20001,461−5.9%
20101,334−8.7%
20201,272−4.6%
U.S. Decennial Census[5]

2020 census

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Pelahatchie racial composition[6]
Race Num. Perc.
White (non-Hispanic) 772 60.69%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 409 32.15%
Asian 6 0.47%
Other/Mixed 40 3.14%
Hispanic or Latino 45 3.54%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,272 people, 613 households, and 489 families residing in the town.

2000 census

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As of the census[7] of 2000, there were 1,461 people, 525 households, and 387 families residing in the town. The population density was 454.0 inhabitants per square mile (175.3/km2). There were 585 housing units at an average density of 181.8 per square mile (70.2/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 61.12% White, 36.82% African American, 0.14% Asian, 0.96% from other races, and 0.96% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.52% of the population.

There were 525 households, out of which 30.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.2% were married couples living together, 20.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.1% were non-families. 22.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.77 and the average family size was 3.22.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.2% under the age of 18, 10.9% from 18 to 24, 28.1% from 25 to 44, 23.6% from 45 to 64, and 11.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.9 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $31,597, and the median income for a family was $37,313. Males had a median income of $28,145 versus $20,813 for females. The per capita income for the town was $14,950. About 11.5% of families and 16.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.9% of those under age 18 and 27.6% of those age 65 or over.

Education

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The Town of Pelahatchie is served by the Rankin County School District.

Public schools

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Private schools

[edit]

References

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  1. ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
  2. ^ Baca, Keith A. (2007). Native American Place Names in Mississippi. University Press of Mississippi. p. 81. ISBN 978-1-60473-483-6.
  3. ^ Gates, Jimmie E. (June 14, 2017). "Meet the first African-American mayor in this Mississippi county". Mississippi Clarion Ledger.
  4. ^ Williams, Angela (June 9, 2021). "Karl VanHorn defeats Ryshonda Harper Beechem to become Pelahatchie mayor". WAPT.
  5. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  6. ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 16, 2021.
  7. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.