Southaven, Mississippi Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

Southaven, Mississippi is a city located in DeSoto County, just south of Memphis, Tennessee. The city has a population of around 55,000 people according to the latest census. Southaven lies on the Mississippi River and is bordered by the Arkansas state line to its west and the Tallahatchie River to its east.

The climate in Southaven is typical of that in the southeastern United States with hot summers and mild winters. The average temperature in July is around 90 degrees while January brings cold temperatures averaging around 40 degrees. Rainfall is abundant throughout the year with an average of nearly 50 inches annually.

Southaven has a rich history dating back to 1836 when it was founded by settlers from Virginia and North Carolina. It was originally part of Tunica County until 1873 when it became part of DeSoto County. Since then, Southaven has grown exponentially into one of the largest cities in Mississippi with a booming economy fueled by manufacturing and retail businesses.

Politically, Southaven leans toward conservative values as evidenced by its voting record in recent years. The city is represented at both state and federal levels primarily by Republicans but also features some Democratic representation as well.

Schools in Southaven are managed by both the DeSoto County School District and the Desoto County School District Choice Program which provides parents with more options for their children’s education. There are also several private schools located within the city limits such as St. James Catholic School and Sacred Heart Academy for kindergarten through 8th grade students as well as other higher educational institutions like Northwest Mississippi Community College for college-level courses or vocational training programs.

Some popular landmarks found in Southaven include Landers Center (a multi-purpose arena) which hosts various events such as concerts, sporting events, conventions, etc., Snowden Grove Park (a public park featuring a lake), Tanger Outlet Mall (a shopping center), and Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto (the largest hospital serving DeSoto County). In addition to these attractions there are plenty of other places to explore such as local restaurants, parks, museums, art galleries, theaters, etc., that make Southaven an exciting place to live or visit!

Population: 28,977. Estimated population in July 2024: 38,840 (+34.0% change)
Males: 14,138 (48.8%), Females: 14,839 (51.2%)

DeSoto County

Zip codes: 38671, 38672.

Demographics

Median resident age: 33.1 years
Median household income: $46,691
Median house value: $91,400

Population by Race

Races in Southaven:

  • White Non-Hispanic (89.3%)
  • Black (6.7%)
  • Hispanic (2.3%)
  • Other race (1.1%)
  • Two or more races (0.8%)
  • American Indian (0.6%)

Ancestries: United States (18.3%), Irish (14.5%), English (9.2%), German (8.2%), Italian (3.7%), Scotch-Irish (2.5%).

Elevation: 320 feet

Land area: 33.8 square miles

Population by Education

Southaven, Mississippi is a city located in the northwest corner of the state, just south of Memphis, Tennessee. The population of Southaven is estimated to be around 53,000 people as of 2019. The city is composed mainly of middle and upper-middle class families who work in the surrounding Memphis metro area. Southaven has a median household income of around $60,000 and an unemployment rate lower than the national average.

Living costs in Southaven are relatively low compared to other cities in the region. Housing costs are among some of the lowest in Mississippi and groceries tend to be more affordable than other places as well. Utilities can also be more affordable than they would be elsewhere due to mild winters that don’t require excessive heating costs. There are also several places to shop for clothing and other goods at very reasonable prices. Public transportation is available throughout Southaven but most people choose to drive their own vehicles due to its convenience and affordability. With all these factors taken into account, it’s easy to see why Southaven is an attractive place for many people looking for a place to live with lower living costs than other areas nearby.

For population 25 years and over in Southaven

  • High school or higher: 82.6%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 14.3%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 3.7%
  • Unemployed: 3.8%
  • Mean travel time to work: 24.1 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Southaven city

  • Never married: 19.8%
  • Now married: 60.7%
  • Separated: 1.8%
  • Widowed: 5.7%
  • Divorced: 12.0%

2.2% Foreign born (1.2% Latin America, 0.7% Asia, 0.3% Europe).

Population change in the 1990s: +7,543 (+35.2%).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in Southaven:

  • BAPTIST HOSPITAL DESOTO (7601 SOUTHCREST DR)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Southaven:

  • DELTA MEDICAL CENTER (about 8 miles; MEMPHIS, TN)
  • PARKWOOD BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SYSTEM (about 11 miles; OLIVE BRANCH, MS)
  • HEALTHSOUTH REHABILITATION HOSPITAL (about 12 miles; MEMPHIS, TN)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Southaven:

  • MEMPHIS INTL (about 5 miles; MEMPHIS, TN; Abbreviation: MEM)
  • MILLINGTON MUNI (about 28 miles; MILLINGTON, TN; Abbreviation: NQA)
  • UNIVERSITY-OXFORD (about 51 miles; OXFORD, MS; Abbreviation: UOX)

Other public-use airports nearest to Southaven:

  • HERNANDO VILLAGE AIRPARK, INC (about 13 miles; HERNANDO, MS; Abbreviation: H75)
  • OLIVE BRANCH (about 15 miles; OLIVE BRANCH, MS; Abbreviation: OLV)
  • GENERAL DEWITT SPAIN (about 17 miles; MEMPHIS, TN; Abbreviation: M01)

Amtrak station near Southaven:

  • 13 miles: MEMPHIS (545 S. MAIN ST.). Services: ticket office, partially wheelchair accessible, enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, vending machines, free short-term parking, free long-term parking, call for car rental service, call for taxi service, public transit connection.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Southaven:

  • UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS (about 17 miles; MEMPHIS, TN; Full-time enrollment: 15,831)
  • SOUTHWEST TENNESSEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE-UNION CAMPUS (about 17 miles; MEMPHIS, TN; Full-time enrollment: 6,979)
  • THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER (about 17 miles; MEMPHIS, TN; Full-time enrollment: 2,019)
  • SOUTHWEST TENNESSEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE-MACON CAMPUS (about 18 miles; MEMPHIS, TN; Full-time enrollment: 6,979)
  • NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 25 miles; SENATOBIA, MS; Full-time enrollment: 3,842)
  • UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MAIN CAMPUS (about 52 miles; UNIVERSITY, MS; Full-time enrollment: 11,068)
  • ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY-MAIN CAMPUS (about 77 miles; STATE UNIVERSITY, AR; Full-time enrollment: 8,696)

Schools

Public high schools in Southaven:

  • SOUTHAVEN HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 1,426; Location: 899 RASCO ROAD; Grades: 09 – 12)
  • DESOTO CO VOC COMPLEX (Location: 847 RASCO ROAD; Grades: 09 – 12)

Private high school in Southaven:

  • HIGHWAY BAPTIST CHRISTIAN ACAD (Students: 28; Location: 7515 HIGHWAY 51 NORTH; Grades: PK – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Southaven:

  • DESOTO CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 1,246; Location: 2411 CENTRAL PARKWAY; Grades: KG – 04)
  • SOUTHAVEN MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 1,241; Location: 175 RASCO ROAD; Grades: 06 – 08)
  • HOPE SULLIVAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 1,030; Location: 7985 SOUTHAVEN CIRCLE W; Grades: KG – 05)
  • GREENBROOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 928; Location: 730 RASCO ROAD; Grades: KG – 05)
  • DESOTO CENTRAL MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 781; Location: 2611 CENTRAL PARKWAY; Grades: 05 – 07)
  • SOUTHAVEN ELEMENTARY (Students: 762; Location: 8274 CLAIBORNE DRIVE; Grades: KG – 05)
  • DESOTO CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 652; Location: 2911 CENTRAL PARKWAY; Grades: 08 – 10)