JACKSON - The number of college graduates living in Mississippi swelled during the 1990s, especially in the suburbs, according to newly released census information.
Growth in overall population, income and educational attainment listed in the Census 2000 findings tended to be higher in small Mississippi communities bordering large urban areas like Jackson and Memphis, Tenn.
The census "long form" estimated that - as of 2000 - there were 297,091 state residents over the age of 25 with at least a bachelor's degree. That's about 31 percent more than in 1990.
The U.S. Census Bureau "long form" was recently released in Mississippi and a few other states. The detailed survey was taken by about 19 million American households - or roughly one out of every six households - during the 2000 Census.
Suburban communities in Madison and DeSoto counties showed the some of the state's greatest gains in college educated population and income.
The state's largest city, Jackson, meanwhile saw it's population decline slightly while income levels and the college educated population remained virtually stagnant.
Danny R. Chandler said he and his wife decided to purchase a home in Madison after also looking in Jackson and Ridgeland.
"The living conditions around there were more conducive for a family," Chandler said of Madison, located about 10 miles north of Jackson. "The neighborhoods were quieter and better maintained … and taxes were considerably lower."
The couple made the move from Jackson in 1993 after watching the neighborhood around their apartment deteriorate and dealing with car break-ins.
"Seeing apartments broken into … was not the kind of thing I had in mind when I moved to Jackson to start a family, so I moved to a quieter, safer place," he said.
Both Chandlers earned bachelor's degrees and Danny Chandler is working toward a graduate degree at Mississippi State. They have an 8-year-old son attending school in Madison.
State economist Phil Pepper says college educated people tend to work in cities, but are choosing to live in the suburbs because of they perceive a better quality of life there.
"There's a perception that the school systems in Madison and Rankin counties are better than in Jackson," Pepper said. "They move and reside in those areas where the better schools are."
In Madison, for example, the per capita income jumped as the college-educated population doubled to about 5,200. The overall population of the city grew from 7,471 to 14,692, with one of the highest per capita incomes in the state at $29,087. Another Jackson suburb, Ridgeland, was close behind Madison with a per capita income of $28,704.
Many communities in DeSoto County also exceeded the state's per capita income of $15,853. The county had an overall per capita income of $20,468.
Education officials say suburban population growth over the past decade has strained school systems that must wait a year to receive state funds for new students.
DeSoto County superintendent Jerry Baird said his school district has grown by about 6,000 students since 1996 and he doesn't expect the growth to slow anytime soon.
"It's caused us to build a school just about every year," Baird said.
Copyright 2002, Associated Press. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
