Changing demographics, changing politics

*Appeared in the Laurel Leader Call newspaper in Jones County 

About a year and a half ago, I went with my family to eat at The Loft in the downtown district. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw a line out the door and down the street.  

 

“But this is Laurel – sweet, sleepy, Laurel,” I thought.  As it turns out, my hometown isn’t quite so sleepy anymore. 

 

I was naïve not to understand the changing demographics of the area or just how much the City Beautiful had grown in terms of tourism and economic development.  It was a naivety I could afford, since my name isn’t on a ballot.  But politicians, take note. The changing demographics of the city, if continued, can have lasting repercussions for elected leaders in this area.  

 

Consider the following anecdotal comments from a local architect, who has seen an influx in retirees in his work.  He says the cost of living here compared to where the retirees come from makes a comfortable retirement possible for a lot of new Laurel residents.  In addition to retirees, another influence are the people growing a family. 

 

According to U.S. Census “QuickFacts,” Jones County’s population is comprised of 17.4 percent of people over 65 (as of 2019 estimates).  About five percent of the population are veterans, at roughly 3,500 citizens.  Residents drive an average of 21.7 minutes to work, and the average household size is 2.68. 

 

These are simply estimates from the Census Bureau, but it gives us a good snapshot into demographics of the Free State area.

 

Nearly one in five Jones Countians are over 65, which means retirees are – or should be – a strong voting bloc in this area.  Topics such as healthcare and pensions often take the forefront of this population’s mind, and, correspondingly, often become a platform for local leaders. 

 

Many of these particular topics resonate strongest at the federal level. The Affordable Care Act is federal, as is social security and Medicare. Seniors living in the Free State may have a renewed interest in our federal congressional elections, which happen next year. 

 

The state plays a role, albeit a smaller one, in regulating healthcare and pension plans. Mississippi is a tax-free state for retirement income, so seniors might pay increased attention to tax proposals being pushed at both the state and federal levels.

 

Young and growing families can also impact the politics of an area, with their focus on affordable housing prices, quality schools, and jobs availability.  This group is likely to be more concerned about the school rating of the Laurel or Jones County school districts than they are whether lawmakers in Jackson tax pension funding.

 

Locating in the city versus the county is a big decision for these families, and speaks to the nearly 22-minute average drive-to-work time captured by the U.S. Census data. Another bright spot on the horizon for Jones County is the impact these young families have on the local music scene. (320 Fifth Street, anyone?!) I’m pleased to say one can find live music again in Laurel, Miss.

 

One last point about Laurel’s ever-changing demographics.  “Geographic mobility” as measured by the U.S. Census tracks whether individuals live in a different house than one year ago; live in a different county than a year ago; live in a different state; and/or live in a different country. The rate for Jones County is 6.5 percent, or about half of the statewide rate.  With an influx of new residents, expect this figure to change significantly if population growth continues. 

 

On a more personal note, these days I am proud to split time between Jackson and Jones County (I bought a house in the Free State about 1.5 years ago). It’s exciting to witness the renaissance of the downtown area, as well as the economic growth outside the city limits. From newly paved streets to road construction, from live music to BBQ nachos, I welcome this Laurel transformation. 

 

What’s that sign say that welcomes you into the county on Highway 84? Laurel, Mississippi… “now this is livin’.”