Byram was originally incorporated in 1870. The town was named for A.M. Byram, an early settler who donated land for the location of the depot. The town surrendered its incorporation during the Great Depression when it could no longer fund municipal services.
Geography
Byram is bordered to the north by the city of Jackson, the state capital, and to the south by Terry. Interstate 55 passes through the east side of Byram, with access from Exits 81 and 85. I-55 leads north to the center of Jackson and south to New Orleans. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city of Byram has a total area of, of which are land and, or 1.43%, are water. The Pearl River flows southward just east of the city limits.
Demographics
Byram's population grew by 55.6% from 2000 to 2010. Byram is rapidly becoming an affluent suburb of Jackson, MS. Census 2010 revealed https://web.archive.org/web/20130203110447/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/28/2810140.html that there were 11,489 people, of which 52.1% were African American, 45.7% were White, and all other races accounting for 1% or less. As of the census of 2000, there were 7,386 people, 2,719 households, and 2,180 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 414.1 people per square mile. There were 2,817 housing units at an average density of 158.0 per square mile. The racial makeup of the CDP was 85.68% White, 13.02% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.47% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.26% from other races, and 0.37% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.76% of the population. There were 2,719 households, out of which 41.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.5% were married couples living together, 9.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.8% were non-families. 16.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.06. In the CDP the population was spread out, with 27.0% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 35.3% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 8.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.8 males. The median income for a household in the CDP was $94,402, and the median income for a family was $59,014. Males had a median income of $35,673 versus $27,299 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $20,689. About 3.0% of families and 3.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.3% of those under age 18 and 13.0% of those age 65 or over.
Government
Byram is led by Richard White and the Board of Aldermen. In June 2010, Byram selected Gulfport Police Sgt. Luke Thompson, who grew up in Byram, as the city's first police chief. Thompson was given an operating budget of $1.8 million and charged with hiring 25 sworn police officers and 10 to 15 civilian employees, finding and furnishing a police headquarters, and purchasing vehicles and equipment. In June 2011, Byram selected Mississippi State Fire Academy Senior Instructor Marshall C. Robinson Jr. as the city's first fire chief. Robinson was given a direction that included the transition from a 100% volunteer fire department to a combination fire department. The City of Byram Fire Department has four sworn combat/administrators, 15 sworn combat/firefighters, 25 sworn reserve combat/firefighters, and one non-sworn officer. The City of Byram dedicated its first fire station on June 14, 2014.
Re-incorporation
The bordering city of Jackson began attempting to annex Byram in 1991. That led to unhappiness on the part of residents who feared higher property taxes and poor city services such as slow police response and a lack of street repairs. Lawsuits between Jackson and local residents began in 2004. After his election as mayor of Jackson, Frank Melton stated that he did not want to continue attempts at annexation, but the suit continued. In 2006, a judge ruled that Byram could incorporate itself with about, and that Jackson could annex. The ruling was appealed to the Mississippi Supreme Court. On April 2, 2009, the MississippiSupreme Court unanimously upheld the lower court's ruling. Jackson officials said they would ask for a rehearing. On April 17, 2009, the Mississippi Supreme Court granted an extension to attorneys for the city of Jackson to file a motion to reconsider the court's decision. Ultimately, Byram incorporated on June 16, 2009.
Education
Byram is served by the Hinds County School District. Residents of Byram are zoned to Gary Road Elementary School, Gary Road Intermediate School, Byram Middle School, and Terry High School in Terry. Jackson Hinds Library System operates the Beverly J. Brown Library in Byram.
