Brandon is a suburb in the Jackson metropolitan area. It is the county seat of Rankin County. Brandon is conveniently located, affording its residents the benefits of proximity to Jackson, the Mississippi State Capital and all the dining, shopping and cultural offerings there. Additionally, there are many opportunities for outdoor recreation in Brandon and the surrounding area.
Location
Jackson and Madison are 14.5 miles from Brandon, and Ridgeland is 13 miles away. Pearl and Flowood are less than 10 miles from Brandon. The closest city with a population of over 200,000 is Baton Rouge, approximately 150 miles away.
Airports
Jackson International Airport is only 5 miles from Brandon, and is the major airport for Rankin County.
Terrain
The total land area of Brandon is 21.3 square miles. The city is at an elevation of 486 feet. Crossgates Lake is a reservoir in Brandon.
Population
The estimated population of Brandon in July of 2004 was 18,631.
Almost 90% percent of the adult population has completed high school. Thirty-five percent have earned a bachelor’s degree, and over 10% have attained a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs
The average household income in Brandon is over $50,000. Rankin County is one of Mississippi’s most prosperous counties, and is home to East Metropolitan Center, a 1,230 acre industrial park.
The major industries providing employment in Brandon are educational, health and social services (19.1%), retail trade (12.6%), and finance, insurance, real estate, and rental and leasing (11.4%).
The average commute for Brandon residents is 25 minutes.
Colleges/Universities
Jackson State University is 15 miles from Brandon. Mississippi College is in the city of Clinton, approximately 30 miles away. Hinds Community College is about 30 miles from Brandon. Other colleges and universities within a 90 minute drive from Brandon are; Holmes Community College, Jones County Junior College, Alcorn State University and Mississippi Valley State University.
Parks/Sports/Recreation/Golf
The parks in Brandon include Brandon Park and Crossgates Park. Shiloh Park recreational facility has numerous baseball and softball fields, batting cages, and soccer fields, in addition to picnic facilities, walking trails and playgrounds.
There are also great opportunities to “improve your swing” in Brandon. Willow Creek Golf Club is a public 18-hole golf course, and Bay Pointe Resort and Golf Club is a semi-private 18-hole course. North Nine Course and The Bear Course are both private 27-hole golf courses.
Special Attractions/Events
Attractions in the area include all the cultural and historical offerings of nearby Jackson. Some attractions not be missed include the Mississippi Crafts House, the Mississippi Governor's Mansion, the Mississippi Museum of Art, the Museum of Natural Science, the Sports Hall of Fame & Museum, the Mississippi State Capitol, Natchez Trace Parkway, and the Oaks House Museum.
Interesting Facts
The community was named for Gov. Gerard Brandon and was a bedroom community of Jackson until its incorporation as a city.
Brandon has been called the "City of Red Hills Laden with Golden Opportunities".
Brandon historically has been home to many state congressmen, judges, attorneys and politicians.
During the Civil War, General Sherman's Army marched through Jackson to Vicksburg. And most of the town was burned or looted. At the center of the town square stands a monument of a Confederate soldier placed there by the United Daughters of the Confederacy. The monument marks the spot where General Sherman’s soldiers stacked arms when they occupied the town.
Brandon has become a Certified Retirement City by The Mississippi Development Authority.
- NUMBER1EXPERTS™ 
