Business Factors

Work Force

Approximately 57% of Petal's population is of working age (18-64). The labor force is split equally between white collar workers (50.4%) and blue collar workers (49.6%). The majority of white collar workers are in sales or clerical positions. Operatives and craft workers are the leading blue collar occupations. Forrest County has a civilian labor force of about 35,000 and growing. Unemployment is low (3.3% in February 2002).

Site Locations

Petal is ideally suited to small businesses and back office-type operations. Chamber and economic development officials work to find and satisfactorily prepare the right site.

Traffic Count

The average daily traffic count measured from19,000 to 21,000 at the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 11 and MS Hwy. 42, the western boundary of Petal's city limits, in 2001. Daily traffic coming from Hattiesburg's Main Street was 13,000. Major growth is anticipated in response to construction of the Hwy 42, Evelyn Gandy Parkway,, which opened in 2007.  November of 2007 saw average daily traffic count on Hwy 42 at East Oak shopping center at 21,000.  Turn & movement traffice count at the intersection of Evelyn Gandy and old Hwy 42 at 19,000.

Taxes

Sales tax collections totaled $1.07 million in July 2007. Commercial property is taxed at 15% of true value, residential property at 10% of true value, and motor vehicles and utilities (except rail) at 30% of assessed value.

Retail Trade Area

Petal's retail trade area is separated from the larger Hattiesburg trade area by the Leaf River on the west and south, and extends north into Jones County and east into Perry County. A recent survey showed that 85% of shoppers were from Forrest, Jones, and Perry counties. The 2000 estimated population of Petal's trade area is twice as large and has a higher family income than Petal's population.

Central Business

Location Located in the gentle rolling piney woods of Southeast Mississippi, Petal is centrally positioned between Jackson (89 miles), Mobile (95 miles), New Orleans (98 miles), and the Mississippi Gulf Coast (70 miles). Dallas, Atlanta, St. Louis, Memphis, and Charlotte are within a day's drive.

State Incentives

Rural Economic Development (RED) Program allows debt service to be retired with state income tax credits. State Income Tax Credits available for new jobs created, worker training, child care. Numerous other loan programs available.