Soso, Mississippi Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

Soso, Mississippi is a small town of approximately 5,000 people located in Jones County. The geography of the area is mainly flat but there are some rolling hills as well. The climate is typical for the South with hot and humid summers and mild winters.

The history of Soso can be traced back to the early 1800s when it was first settled by European American farmers. It was officially incorporated in 1884 and has been known as a farming community ever since. The politics of Soso are mainly conservative with a majority of citizens voting Republican in most elections.

The economy of Soso is mainly centered around agriculture, with several farming operations in the area as well as some small businesses. There is also an industrial park that houses several manufacturing companies providing employment opportunities to many people in the area.

Schools in Soso are served by the Jones County School District which provides excellent educational opportunities for children from kindergarten through high school graduation. There are also several private schools located in the area for those seeking more specialized education options.

There are a few notable landmarks located throughout Soso including an old church dating back to 1820 and a historic home built during the 1800s which has been restored and now serves as a museum showcasing artifacts from its past inhabitants. Additionally, there is an old train depot that served as a major stop on the Mobile & Ohio Railroad line during its heyday and still stands today as a reminder of Soso’s rich history.

Population: 379. Estimated population in July 2024: 384 (+1.3% change)
Males: 188 (49.6%), Females: 191 (50.4%)

Jones County

Zip code: 39480

Demographics

Median resident age: 38.1 years
Median household income: $29,135
Median house value: $60,400

Population by Race

Races in Soso:

  • White Non-Hispanic (73.1%)
  • Black (22.7%)
  • Hispanic (4.2%)
  • Other race (4.0%)

Ancestries: Irish (11.3%), English (9.5%), United States (9.5%), Scotch-Irish (2.1%), Dutch (1.1%).

Elevation: 312 feet

Land area: 2.0 square miles

Population by Education

Soso, Mississippi is a small town of about 500 people. It is a rural area in Jones County, and is located approximately 25 miles northeast of Hattiesburg. The population is mostly working-class families, many of whom are employed by nearby farms or factories. The median household income in Soso is around $35,000 per year. The cost of living in Soso is relatively low compared to other areas in the state. Rent prices are generally between $400 and $700 per month for a two bedroom apartment. Utilities such as electricity, water and sewer services can be as low as $100 per month depending on usage. Groceries are also relatively inexpensive; a week’s worth of groceries for a family of four can cost around $50-$60. Gasoline prices tend to be slightly lower than the national average, so transportation costs are also fairly low.

The town has several local stores that sell basic necessities such as food and clothing, but there are no large shopping malls or department stores in the area. For more specialized items, residents must travel to Hattiesburg or one of the larger cities nearby. Despite its small size, Soso does offer some entertainment options such as movie theaters and bowling alleys for those looking for something to do on weekends or evenings.

Overall, Soso offers an affordable cost of living with all the basic amenities that one needs to live comfortably on a budget. With its close proximity to Hattiesburg and other larger towns nearby, residents still have access to all the services they need while enjoying the slower pace that comes with rural life in Mississippi

For population 25 years and over in Soso

  • High school or higher: 72.6%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 9.1%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 3.0%
  • Unemployed: 1.2%
  • Mean travel time to work: 24.8 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Soso town

  • Never married: 30.4%
  • Now married: 51.4%
  • Separated: 2.1%
  • Widowed: 12.1%
  • Divorced: 3.9%

7.4% Foreign born (7.4% Latin America).

Population change in the 1990s: +19 (+5.3%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Soso:

  • SOUTH CENTRAL REG MED CTR (about 11 miles; LAUREL, MS)
  • JASPER GENERAL HOSPITAL (about 15 miles; BAY SPRINGS, MS)
  • COVINGTON COUNTY HOSPITAL (about 22 miles; COLLINS, MS)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Soso:

  • HATTIESBURG-LAUREL REGIONAL (about 21 miles; HATTIESBURG/LAUREL, MS; Abbreviation: PIB)
  • KEY FIELD (about 53 miles; MERIDIAN, MS; Abbreviation: MEI)
  • JACKSON INTERNATIONAL (about 67 miles; JACKSON, MS; Abbreviation: JAN)

Other public-use airports nearest to Soso:

  • HESLER-NOBLE FIELD (about 10 miles; LAUREL, MS; Abbreviation: LUL)
  • THIGPEN FIELD (about 14 miles; BAY SPRINGS, MS; Abbreviation: 00M)
  • BOBBY L CHAIN MUNI (about 35 miles; HATTIESBURG, MS; Abbreviation: HBG)

Amtrak station near Soso:

  • 11 miles: LAUREL (230 N. MAPLE ST.). Services: enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, free short-term parking, free long-term parking, call for taxi service.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Soso:

  • JONES COUNTY JUNIOR COLLEGE (about 13 miles; ELLISVILLE, MS; Full-time enrollment: 4,072)
  • UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI (about 41 miles; HATTIESBURG, MS; Full-time enrollment: 12,541)
  • MERIDIAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 56 miles; MERIDIAN, MS; Full-time enrollment: 2,455)
  • PEARL RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 68 miles; POPLARVILLE, MS; Full-time enrollment: 2,433)
  • MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 73 miles; PERKINSTON, MS; Full-time enrollment: 6,329)
  • JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY (about 75 miles; JACKSON, MS; Full-time enrollment: 5,955)
  • MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE (about 87 miles; CLINTON, MS; Full-time enrollment: 2,904)