Drop your finger in the middle of a map of the Southeast U.S., and you’ll point to Jackson, Mississippi. Greater Jackson is squarely located at the center of the southeast within 500 miles of approximately 39% of the country’s population and total personal income. The Greater Jackson MSA is home to 596,290 people and consists of Yazoo, Madison, Hinds, Rankin, Copiah and Simpson counties.
The state’s capital city is located halfway between Dallas and Atlanta, making it a roughly six-hour drive to both major markets. The metro area is also within an approximately three-hour drive from Memphis, Mobile and New Orleans. Logistically, the region is well connected with rail access provided by Kansas City Southern, Interstates 55, 20 and 59, highways 80 and 49, three ports including the Port of Vicksburg, Yazoo County Port and Claiborne County Port and the Jackson-Medger Wiley Evers International Airport.
Major aerospace firms including Eaton, Raytheon and L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace operate facilities in the area, boasting a large aerospace talent pool of more than 1,000. The industry has room to grow in the city with the Jackson Metro Aeroplex, an 896-acre site adjacent to the Jackson-Medger Wiley Evers International Airport, which offers 458 acres designated for aerospace manufacturing and distribution with more than 200 acres providing access to two large runways.
In addition to aerospace, the region’s most significant industry clusters include freight transportation, retail, manufacturing, food and beverage production and construction. With seven colleges and universities in the metro area, including Hinds Community College, Jackson State University and Mississippi College, there is no shortage of talent. Hinds Community College is the largest in the state and offers various programs aimed at preparing students to work in local industries.
Given the city and region’s key position in the southeast, logistic giants UPS and Amazon have announced new facilities in the area. This summer, construction is expected to begin on a new UPS last-mile distribution center in Madison County. UPS announced in October 2020 it would build a $28.6 million facility in Ridgeland with plans to create 161 new high-paying jobs.
In November, Amazon announced its plans to launch a new state-of-the-art fulfillment center in Madison County as well, creating more than 1,000 new full-time jobs.
“Madison County is elated that Amazon chose our community for its state-of-the-art fulfillment center. Amazon is a globally recognized brand that will further strengthen the business-friendly environment and promote economic diversification,” said Karl Banks, Madison County Supervisor. “Madison County welcomes Amazon as its newest corporate citizen and looks forward to the tremendous economic benefit and employment opportunities it brings.”
