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Southaven, located at the “Top of Mississippi”, is a contemporary community with a respect for family and tradition. Because of its convenient location, affordability, excellent schools, quality health care, safe environment and progressive City government, Southaven has experienced strong residential and business growth since its incorporation in 1981. The current population is just over 30,000. More than 3,000 new jobs have been added since 1997, and there are currently more than 1,500 businesses. Our median income is the highest in the state. Nearly 100 churches representing dozens of different denominations and family activities provide plenty of opportunities to worship and play together. Civic and service organizations bring the arts and humanities into practice throughout the community. An average of 7.4 new families per day are finding that DeSoto County is a safe and friendly place that just feels like home.
Southaven and DeSoto County Schools
Southaven Schools are part of a county school system that is recognized for its academic accomplishments and innovative teaching initiatives. The DeSoto County School District provides a diverse academic curriculum, as well as opportunities to explore the arts. Every classroom is equipped with computers and internet accessibility, as well as opportunities for distance learning and one of the best technical preparatory programs in the state of Mississippi. The district has the largest gifted education population in the state, and the Gifted Instructional Management System offers and differentiated curriculum in five broad instructional areas. Computers in the Classroom, a recent state-wide initiative, has placed a computer (with internet access) in all classrooms at all grade levels. Mississippi was the first state in the nation to have computers in all classrooms.
SBEC, Southern Baptist Educational Center (K3-12) campus consists of a $7.5 million facility resting on 61 acres in DeSoto County. SBEC is fully-accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. With over 1,100 students (K3-12), the student-faculty ratio is 14:1. The faculty average 14 years of teaching experience with more than one-third of the staff holding master’s degrees. Upon graduation, 98% of SBEC graduates pursue a college or university degree program. The Class of 2001 had an average ACT score of 23.44 with a top quartile average of 27.42. Since 1995, SBEC has produced six National Merit Finalists.
Sacred Heart School has been in the community since 1947 when it was founded by Sacred Heart Southern Missions. Accredited by the State of Mississippi, Sacred Heart School offers an educational program with a strong academic core together with a broad offering of enrichment classes. The pre-kindergarten program offers an academic readiness program. In the kindergarten through eighth grade program, the academic core curriculum is enhanced by instruction in physical education, music, computer science, and art. Spanish instruction begins in the first grade. Technology is becoming increasingly integrated into the students’ academic experiences at Sacred Heart through instruction, improved access and inclusion in classroom activities. Extracurricular offerings include opportunities for students to participate in the band, chess club and athletics – including cross-country, volleyball, basketball and cheerleading.
DeSoto Center
Northwest Mississippi Community College and the University of Mississippi share a $7.3 million facility called the DeSoto Center. Together they offer a variety of multi-faceted programs designed to meet the needs of every student. The present 94,000 sq. ft. structure on a 36-acre site includes 28 classrooms, five computer labs, two science labs, one practical nursing lab, a library, bookstore and 39 offices. Growth has brought about plans for a $7.5 million expansion.
Northwest Mississippi Community College, accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, offers students seeking an associate’s degree a diversified selection of 13 programs ranging from Accountancy and Business Administration to Pre-Law and English. Vocational and technical programs prepare students for careers now and in the future. Northwest also offers the Adult Structured Accelerated Program (ASAP), an accelerated Associate Degree program in Business Administration, Elementary Education or general college. Through the ASAP program, adult learners may complete their Associate Degree requirements in as little as two years by attending classes two nights a week and on weekends.
The University of Mississippi and Northwest have formed an educational partnership on the campus. With the new Two-Plus-Two program, students have the opportunity to complete their first two years of college through the Northwest program and then complete requirements for a variety of bachelor’s degrees through the University of Mississippi program. The degree is a multidisciplinary degree tailored to meet the specific needs of every student. Students can also complete requirements for a master’s degree in education at the DeSoto Center and for a master’s degree in the program’s new three-year business administration program.
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Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto is a 199-bed hospital that offers diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitation services. In 2001, the hospital completed an expansion project that nearly doubled its size, expanded its labor and delivery services, and added open-heart surgery and radiation therapy. The hospital recently opened its Outpatient Diagnostic Center and Women's Center within the hospital, which houses diagnostic equipment such as DeSoto County's first open MRI, an advanced CT scanner and ultrasound equipment. Baptist officials recently announced a $175 expansion project. The expansion includes a 400,000-square-foot, multi-story bed tower that adds more than 100 acute and critical care beds to the facility. It also adds a new and expanded emergency department, more operating suites and space for future additions.
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 The City of Southaven is known for their excellent parks system. Snowden Grove Park is the nation's largest youth baseball complex and hosts several major baseball tournaments from across the United States, including the Dizzy Dean World Series. Greenbrook Softball Complex is home for the girls' leagues and is equipped with restroom facilities and concessions. The Cherry Valley Complex includes three football fields, two soccer fields, a dirt bike track, restrooms, a concession stand, playground equipment, a picnic shelter and walking trails. Central Park is the City's newest park. Its 155 acres includes a 20-acre lake for fishing and small watercraft, walking trails, picnic areas. In the future, camping areas will be added. Stateline Road Park is home to five soccer fields. The City's 22 neighborhood parks offer playground equipment, picnic tables, grills and walking trails. Two new recreation facilities are under development - a multi-purpose facility for equestrian events, dirt bike competitions and other event and a skate park for roller hockey and skate boards. Snowden House, a renovated early 1900's home situated between trees and gardens at Snowden Grove Park, has been renovated and serves as the focal point for the city's retirement programs and services. It also offers a beautiful setting for receptions and other special events.
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| Population |
US Census Bureau |
Zip Code 38671 |
| Memphis MSA
|
1,170,921 |
|
| Southaven |
34,760 |
32,645 |
| Median Age (in years) |
33.1 |
|
| Male |
49% |
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| Female |
51% |
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| Average Household Size |
2.62 |
|
| Average Family Size |
3.04 |
|
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|
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Household Income |
|
|
| Households |
11,037 |
12,915 |
| Median Household Income |
$46,691 |
$50,622 |
| Under $50K |
53.0% |
49.2% |
| $50 K- $100 K |
38.1% |
40.0% |
| Over $100 K |
8.6% |
10.8% |
| Average Home Value |
|
$124,637 |
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Education |
|
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| Less than H.S. Graduate |
17.4% |
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| H.S. Graduate |
35.2% |
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| Some College-Assoc. Degree |
33.1% |
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| College Grad or Higher |
14.3% |
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"At the time of the census, DeSoto, at $48,206, had the highest median household among the eight counties in the Memphis Metro area."
Source: DeSoto Appeal, 6/3/04
1 Source: ESRI Business Information Solutions, September 2004
2 Source: Estimate, ACCRA Demographics Now, September 2004
3 Source: Population Division, U.S. Census Bureau
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When it comes to taxes, Mississippi is tax-friendly to retirees. Qualified retirement income is exempted from state income tax and Social Security is not taxed, regardless of total income. Persons 65 years of age and older are exempt from ad valorem taxes up to $75,000 of the market value on their primary residence.
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 The professionals and elected representatives in city government are the visionaries behind the growth and prosperity in the City of Southaven. Their people-friendly attitude, open door policy and willingness to help have created a positive environment for businesses and residents. This positive environment has brought steady growth in business development and new housing. Local government is a strong proponent for parks and recreation, and citizen safety is a primary concern. Visit the City of Southaven's website.
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