Photo by Paula Merritt / The Meridian StarA new Dollar General store in Marion is one sign of growth in the small town, which has seen a 21.4 percent population increase since the 2000 census. 

With 2018 just around the corner, the future looks bright for the Town of Marion.

A recent sales tax report shows a 5 percent increase from June 2016 to June 2017, with the current rate of inflation at 2.2 percent nationwide.

“It’s an incredible growth market for a small town,” said Marion Mayor Elvis Hudson. “This is what I would assume every mayor would want — for his municipality to grow.”

Hudson said the town’s growth began about 10 years ago, following what he called “a financial crisis.”

“As we were going through that, I decided as mayor the Town of Marion needs to grow,” Hudson said.

And Marion has seen that growth, as the town, which in 2014 had a population of 1,584, has seen a 21.4 percent population increase since the 2000 census, according to City-Data.com.

In 2016, the median household income was $44,317, up from $26,413 in 2000.

The estimated per capita income in 2016 was $19,412, up from $10,504 in 2000.

With the growth of local businesses such as Finders Keepers Flea Market and Antique Mall and Southern Accents and Gifts — along with a larger Dollar General location — the mayor says other businesses are starting to notice Marion as a potential home as well.

BWI Companies, Inc., a worldwide wholesale distribution company, is relocating to Marion early next year, bringing more than 40 jobs to the area.

Angie Denney, owner of The Angie Denney Agency in Marion, describes the town as a “mini destination place right outside of Meridian.”

“The convenience of it is a beautiful thing,” Denney said. “We’re having a lot of businesses interested in coming out here.”

Denny relocated to Marion from downtown Meridian about two years ago.

“We found that it’s a wonderful place for businesses to develop their growth,” she said.

While some welcome the growth, Hudson said some residents are skeptical.

“I’ve had citizens and other folks want it left the way it is, but these are the same citizens who get on a four-lane highway and say it’s great,” the mayor said.

To help expedite the growth, Hudson said the town is in the process of placing a camera at the four-way stop on Dale Drive as a way to report traffic volume. This will give town officials an accurate count of how many visitors the town sees on a regular basis.

“Hopefully next month this thing will come online,” Hudson said. “Business people want to see traffic.”