| Statistic | Petal | Mississippi | National |
| Population | 10,624 | 2,976,149 | 328,239,523 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 633 | 64 | 91 |
| Median age | 37.1 | 36.7 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 0.9:1 | 0.9:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 58% | 54% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 48% | 42% | 43% |
| Speak English | 96% | 96% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 4% | 2% | 13% |
The population of Petal is 10,624, with a population density of 633 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 91. The median age is 37.1 and 58% of individuals aged 15 or older are married, while 48% have children under 18. As far as income equality in Petal goes, 18% of households have a median income below $25,000, whereas 16% report an income exceeding $150,000. The Petal demographics data can provide indispensable insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of cities, towns or even villages, empowering planners, developers and policymakers to devise strategies that foster prosperity, equity and well-being for all residents.
The Petal racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown serves as a critical tool for understanding and addressing systemic inequities, promoting social justice and inclusion and building stronger, more resilient communities. The racial breakdown in Petal is 81.4% White, 15.7% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, 0% American Indian and 0% Native Hawaiian - 5.7% of the population identify as Hispanic or Latino. Of all households, 96.1% reported speaking English only, while 3.5% reported speaking Spanish only. A total of 3.5% of residents were considered foreign born.
Areas like Petal, characterized by below-average population density, offer a quieter lifestyle, closer connection to nature, strong community ties, improved affordability and enhanced safety, appealing to individuals seeking a break from urban life. These regions often boast a more affordable cost of living, with housing prices typically more accessible and residents may benefit from lower taxes, living expenses and insurance rates. Low population density areas also tend to have lower crime rates compared to densely populated urban areas, contributing to a greater sense of security for residents and their families. The Petal population density is 633 people per square mile, which ranks lower than 50% of cities nationwide, presenting ample opportunity to enjoy these advantages.
Understanding Populations: Analyzing and interpreting the Petal demographic data provides us with valuable insights into the characteristics and composition of populations, encompassing age, gender, race, ethnicity, income, education and other socio-economic variables. This understanding is crucial for addressing the diverse needs, preferences and challenges encountered by various demographic groups within communities. Demographics play a crucial role in understanding populations, informing decision-making processes, and advancing equity, inclusion, and overall well-being for all individuals and communities. The Petal population and demographic data serves as a foundation for addressing social, economic and environmental challenges, while also nurturing the well-being and resilience of societies.
Social Cohesion: Reporting and analyzing demographics can play a crucial role in fostering social cohesion and understanding among diverse communities. By recognizing and appreciating differences in Petal demographics, societies can promote inclusivity, diversity and social harmony, while addressing social disparities and promoting equal opportunities for all individuals. Racial demographics reflect the diversity of a population and contribute to fostering inclusive and welcoming communities. Embracing diversity strengthens social cohesion, promotes cultural understanding and enriches the fabric of society by celebrating the contributions of individuals from different racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Policy Planning: Demographic data and statistics serve as valuable tools for guiding policy and decision-making processes across government entities, organizations, and businesses. Through the analysis and interpretation of Petal demographics, policymakers, government officials and organizational leaders can identify areas requiring attention, allocate resources strategically and develop policies and initiatives that cater to the unique needs and preferences of various demographic groups. Petal demographic statistics can play a critical role in policy planning by informing resource allocation, enabling evidence-based decision-making, identifying priority areas, forecasting future trends, monitoring policy outcomes and fostering equity and inclusivity. By harnessing this data effectively, policymakers can craft policies that are targeted, efficient and equitable, thereby addressing the diverse needs of communities.
| Race | Petal | Mississippi | National |
| White | 81.44% | 59.01% | 73.35% |
| Black | 15.70% | 37.51% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 0.64% | 0.96% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 0.00% | 0.44% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.00% | 0.02% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 1.68% | 1.18% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 0.55% | 0.88% | 4.75% |
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