Flowood, Mississippi

Flowood is a city in Rankin County, Mississippi, United States. The population was 10,202 as of the 2020 census. A suburb of Jackson, Flowood is part of the Jackson Metropolitan Statistical Area, and is located northeast of the state capital.

History
In 1950, a delegation from Flowood petitioned Governor Fielding L. Wright to incorporate the community. Despite opposition, Flowood's incorporation was upheld by the Mississippi Supreme Court in 1953.

In June 2009, Flowood voters approved (by a 75% to 25% margin) being classified as a resort area that allows liquor by the glass in restaurants and hotels, coming out from under a dry county.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 16.6 sqmi, of which 16.3 sqmi is land and 0.3 sqmi (1.69%) is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 10,202 people, 3,626 households, and 2,338 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,750 people, 2,130 households, and 1,145 families residing in the city. The population density was 291.7 PD/sqmi. There were 2,371 housing units at an average density of 145.6 /sqmi. 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,1.7% of households consisted of unmarried partners, 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.

Economy
Flowood is the location of the National Weather Service office that serves the Jackson area.

Parks and recreation
Flowood is home to numerous family friendly parks. Winner's Circle Park was voted Best Park in Mississippi in 2023. Flowood also has a Nature Park with a 1 mile walking trail through woods and around a lake. For sports, Flowood's Liberty Park is home to numerous baseball and soccer fields which brings in hundreds of kids and families each weekend.

Education
The City of Flowood's public schools are served by the Rankin County School District.

Public schools

 * Northwest Rankin High School (Grades 9-12)
 * Northwest Rankin Middle School (Grades 7-8)
 * Flowood Elementary School (Grades K-6)
 * Highland Bluff Elementary School (Grades K-6)
 * Northshore Elementary School (Grades K-6)
 * Northwest Rankin Elementary School (Grades K-6)
 * Oakdale Elementary School (Grades K-6)

Private schools

 * Jackson Preparatory School, also known as Jackson Prep
 * Hartfield Academy, previously known as University Christian School (1990-2012) and Brandon Academy (1970-1990)

Notable people

 * Kyle Carpenter, a retired United States Marine who received in 2014 the United States' highest military honor, the Medal of Honor for his actions in Marjah, Helmand Province, Afghanistan in 2010. Carpenter is the youngest currently living Medal of Honor recipient.
 * Chris Dowling, film director and screenwriter.
 * Chris Epps, the former head of the Mississippi Department of Corrections
 * J.T. Ginn, minor league pitcher for the New York Mets.
 * Josh Harkins, Republican member of the Mississippi State Senate.
 * Jake Mangum, outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays.
 * Gardner Minshew, Quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts.