Our Community

The City of Itta Bena was founded on the west bank of Roebuck Lake in Mississippi. We are a small rural community that takes pride in its local churches, city library and lakeside environment. Itta Bena is also home to Mississippi Valley State University which is located on the North side of the major highway in our city. 

There are just over 2,000 residents in the city of Itta Bena:

81.3% African-American/Black

17.8% White

1.5% Hispanic

 

Our community is 54.9% Female and 45.1 % male. The estimated median income in 2007 was 23,272 which is significantly below the national average for the state (36,338). 

            We have many strengths in Itta Bena including:

 

·        Presence of students and teachers from Mississippi Valley State University

·        Beautiful natural surrounding with parks and Roebuck Lake

·        Good education program for our youngest children (Head Start Program)

·        Appealing and engaging community center (L.T. Brazil Community Center)

·        Strong city and county government

·        Large community involvement from our local churches

           

            Like many small towns we have our share of challenges, among them are:

·        Access to health care

·        Unemployment

·        Lack of Economic Development

·        Low quality education

·        High rates of diabetes, breast cancer and obesity

·        Transportation

·        Utilities

·        Lack of a grocery store and other retail establishments

 

Communities for All Ages is a coalition of local faith-based/ community organizations and individuals who have come together to combat the challenges that face our city. We hope to put an initiative in place that meets the needs and goals of organizations and people of all ages and organizations that call Itta Bena their home.