As the third in a series of articles about the historic economic progress happening in our city, I am excited to share great news about our population numbers. The good news: statistics are finally catching up with our Natchez Renewal. We’ve known we are growing, and we finally have the data to back this up.

Like many cities, Natchez did not fare well in the US Census completed during the national pandemic of 2020 and prior to the beginning of our administration. Response rate was poor, and the snapshot taken of our statistics at that time were “pre-Natchez Renewal” and accounted for none of the growth we have experienced since the fall of 2020.

For a better picture of what is happening in Natchez, we sought out a more recent census study by the nationally respected firm Cubit Planning. Its numbers confirm what we are witnessing every day: Natchez is growing – for the first time in many decades.

Cubit’s study shows that Adams County, Mississippi, of which Natchez is the county seat and only municipality, has a current population of 29,208. While Natchez has seen a general decline for several decades, things are now beginning to trend in the opposite direction. This study has projected an annual growth rate of +0.8%, equating to an increase of over 2,400 people over the next 10 years. We are encouraged by this data, but we believe our rate of growth is actually higher.

Since July of 2020, we have celebrated the opening of over 400 new businesses and the expansion of dozens more. According to city privilege license data, and data provided by some key employers, this has resulted in close to 1,400 new jobs.

Another metric we follow, sales tax, shows an increase of over $600,000 per year, up 10 percent since pre-2020 numbers. During the same time period, the city has issued 1,143 building permits totaling close to $100 million in new construction, a record for our city. This doesn’t even count an additional $100 million in major projects currently slated for the next 16 months.

Also setting records for the past five years have been real estate purchases. According to MLS (Multiple Listing Service) data, 1,260 residential properties have been purchased in Natchez since 2020. This does not reflect the many commercial properties that have also been purchased and the large number of “for sale by owner” transactions that have taken place.

Looking forward, Natchez, “America’s Most Affordable City” according to NPR, is poised for even more growth. Downtown development is up, a $30 million renovation is planned for the historic Eola Hotel, and more new employers are slated for vacant sites within the city.

The city’s oldest shopping center, Trace Town, vacant for decades, is currently being redeveloped with a new Hobby Lobby and several other outstanding stores slated for opening in 2026. This project alone represents close to $40 million in future development, the largest retail investment in our region in four decades.

Add to this the proposed $40 million Horne Properties retail development of 30 acres just one mile north of Trace Town, adjacent to the Natchez Walmart and slated to be home to more new retailers including one client larger in terms of employment and sales numbers than Hobby Lobby. Included in both developments is a total new jobs projection of close to 600.

With data like this, population growth is not only happening now – it is bound to happen in the future. With our growing opportunities, Natchez will have no choice but to grow.

In coming articles, we will discuss specific corporations and businesses that are growing in Natchez, along with the challenge of increasing our number of skilled workers to meet the growing demand. Just this week, 700 available job listings were listed on Indeed.com for a 35-mile radius of Natchez. Data proves we have the jobs, with more on the way. We just need to get them filled. Because Natchez Deserves More.

Dan M. Gibson is mayor of Natchez.