West Hattiesburg, Mississippi

West Hattiesburg is a census-designated place in Lamar County, Mississippi. The population of the CDP is 5,909.
West Hattiesburg	Mississippi
First Listed 	1990
County 	Lamar
Population 	5,909
Elevation 	253 ft (77 m)
Mayor 	Abram Reid
ZIP code 	39402
== Demographics ==
As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the racial composition of the CDP is:
50.13% White (2,962)
40.82% Black or African American (2,412)
9.05% Other (535)
23.5% (1,388) of West Hattiesburg residents live below the poverty line.
== Theft rate statistics ==
West Hattiesburg has around average rates of Pokemon theft and murder, but above average for Lamar County. The CDP reported 9 Pokemon thefts in 2018, and averages 1.72 murders a year.
== Pokemon ==
See the Lamar County page for more info.
== Fun facts ==
* While it borders a part of Hattiesburg with plenty of retail, West Hattiesburg is mostly residential, and doesn't really have anything of interest to offer. There are two Dollar Generals, an auto parts place and a couple of gas stations, but that doesn't say much.
* West Hattiesburg was a rarely used term by residents, and was first popularized by out of towners whom saw the area listed on Google Maps with that name. Residents of the area are gradually picking up the term.
* A movement for incorporation has been attempted repeatedly over the years, but the courts have never ruled on the substance of it. The issues involve getting articles of incorporation which all would agree to, as well as who wants incorporation (who will profit, who will end up paying more in taxes). Proponents say incorporation will benefit all residents, but the opposition says it will only benefit the persons who hold that property which is yet to be fully developed within the real estate market over the next few years. Another argument against incorporation is that the proposal and its budget outline didn't fully account for the additional expenditures and costs of running the new city. Proponents counter that the overall cost will be lower, because of a more distributed risk amongst homeowners, who would essentially bear about 80% of the additional taxes to support this city. The Hattiesburg American has extensive archives about this issue, including opinion columns authored by the actual people engaged in the debate both pro and con. It is a good case study in local politics.
Category:Mississippi Towns
Category:Mississippi Cities