List of Counties in Mississippi

Mississippi has 82 counties. The most populous counties are Hinds County (Jackson), Harrison County (Gulfport), DeSoto County, Rankin County, Jackson County, Madison County, Lee County (Tupelo), Lamar County, Forrest County (Hattiesburg), and Jones County. Hinds County, where Jackson, the state capital, is located, is the largest by population. Coastal counties like Harrison and Jackson are also populous, partly due to their proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and significant tourism industries.

List of All Counties in Mississippi

1. Adams County, Mississippi
2. Alcorn County, Mississippi
3. Amite County, Mississippi
4. Attala County, Mississippi
5. Benton County, Mississippi
6. Bolivar County, Mississippi
7. Calhoun County, Mississippi
8. Carroll County, Mississippi
9. Chickasaw County, Mississippi
10. Choctaw County, Mississippi
11. Claiborne County, Mississippi
12. Clarke County, Mississippi
13. Clay County, Mississippi
14. Coahoma County, Mississippi
15. Copiah County, Mississippi
16. Covington County, Mississippi
17. DeSoto County, Mississippi
18. Forrest County, Mississippi
19. Franklin County, Mississippi
20. George County, Mississippi
21. Greene County, Mississippi
22. Grenada County, Mississippi
23. Hancock County, Mississippi
24. Harrison County, Mississippi
25. Hinds County, Mississippi
26. Holmes County, Mississippi
27. Humphreys County, Mississippi
28. Issaquena County, Mississippi
29. Itawamba County, Mississippi
30. Jackson County, Mississippi
31. Jasper County, Mississippi
32. Jefferson County, Mississippi
33. Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi
34. Jones County, Mississippi
35. Kemper County, Mississippi
36. Lafayette County, Mississippi
37. Lamar County, Mississippi
38. Lauderdale County, Mississippi
39. Lawrence County, Mississippi
40. Leake County, Mississippi
41. Lee County, Mississippi
42. Leflore County, Mississippi
43. Lincoln County, Mississippi
44. Lowndes County, Mississippi
45. Madison County, Mississippi
46. Marion County, Mississippi
47. Marshall County, Mississippi
48. Monroe County, Mississippi
49. Montgomery County, Mississippi
50. Neshoba County, Mississippi
51. Newton County, Mississippi
52. Noxubee County, Mississippi
53. Oktibbeha County, Mississippi
54. Panola County, Mississippi
55. Pearl River County, Mississippi
56. Perry County, Mississippi
57. Pike County, Mississippi
58. Pontotoc County, Mississippi
59. Prentiss County, Mississippi
60. Quitman County, Mississippi
61. Rankin County, Mississippi
62. Scott County, Mississippi
63. Sharkey County, Mississippi
64. Simpson County, Mississippi
65. Smith County, Mississippi
66. Stone County, Mississippi
67. Sunflower County, Mississippi
68. Tallahatchie County, Mississippi
69. Tate County, Mississippi
70. Tippah County, Mississippi
71. Tishomingo County, Mississippi
72. Tunica County, Mississippi
73. Union County, Mississippi
74. Walthall County, Mississippi
75. Warren County, Mississippi
76. Washington County, Mississippi
77. Wayne County, Mississippi
78. Webster County, Mississippi
79. Wilkinson County, Mississippi
80. Winston County, Mississippi
81. Yalobusha County, Mississippi
82. Yazoo County, Mississippi

1. Hinds County

Overview

Hinds County is located in central Mississippi and is the most populous county in the state. It is bordered by Madison County to the north and Rankin County to the east. The county seat is shared between Jackson, the state capital, and Raymond, a smaller historic town. Jackson serves as the political, cultural, and economic hub of Mississippi. Hinds County’s economy is diverse, including sectors such as healthcare, government, education, and manufacturing. Historically, the county was established in 1821 and was named after General Thomas Hinds, a hero of the Battle of New Orleans. The county has played a central role in the development of Mississippi’s economy and politics, particularly through its location in Jackson.

County Facts

• Population: Approximately 220,000 (2023 estimate)
• County Seat: Jackson and Raymond (shared)
• Major Airports: Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport
• Major Highways: I-20, I-55, US-49, US-80

2. Harrison County

Overview

Harrison County is located along the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the south and Stone County to the north. The county seat is shared between Gulfport and Biloxi, both of which are major coastal cities. Harrison County is known for its tourism, gaming industry, and military presence, with Keesler Air Force Base located in Biloxi. The area also has a thriving fishing industry and a growing retail and service economy. Established in 1841, the county was named after U.S. President William Henry Harrison. The county’s beautiful beaches, casinos, and historic attractions make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mississippi.

County Facts

• Population: Approximately 208,000 (2023 estimate)
• County Seat: Gulfport and Biloxi (shared)
• Major Airports: Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport
• Major Highways: I-10, US-49, US-90

3. DeSoto County

Overview

DeSoto County is located in northern Mississippi, bordering Tennessee to the north and Tate County to the south. The county seat is Hernando, though the county’s largest city is Southaven, a major suburb of Memphis, Tennessee. DeSoto County has experienced rapid population growth in recent decades due to its proximity to Memphis and its suburban appeal. The county’s economy is driven by retail, distribution, and manufacturing, with many residents commuting to jobs in the greater Memphis area. Established in 1836, DeSoto County was named after the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, who is believed to have explored the region in the 1540s.

County Facts

• Population: Approximately 190,000 (2023 estimate)
• County Seat: Hernando
• Major Airports: Memphis International Airport (nearby)
• Major Highways: I-55, I-69, US-51

4. Rankin County

Overview

Rankin County is located in central Mississippi, just east of Hinds County and the city of Jackson. The county seat is Brandon, a growing suburban community with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial development. Rankin County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the state, benefiting from its proximity to Jackson and the quality of life it offers with its suburban communities and excellent schools. The economy is diverse, with industries such as healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. Established in 1828, Rankin County was named after Christopher Rankin, a U.S. congressman from Mississippi. Today, the county is known for its high quality of life and robust infrastructure.

County Facts

• Population: Approximately 160,000 (2023 estimate)
• County Seat: Brandon
• Major Airports: Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (nearby)
• Major Highways: I-20, US-49, MS-25

5. Madison County

Overview

Madison County is located in central Mississippi, directly north of Hinds County and the city of Jackson. The county seat is Canton, a historic town known for its beautiful courthouse square and annual flea market. The county is also home to the rapidly growing city of Madison, a suburb of Jackson that has seen significant residential and commercial development. Madison County has a strong economy driven by healthcare, education, retail, and professional services. Established in 1828, the county was named after President James Madison. With its affluent suburbs, Madison County has become one of the wealthiest counties in Mississippi.

County Facts

• Population: Approximately 110,000 (2023 estimate)
• County Seat: Canton
• Major Airports: Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (nearby)
• Major Highways: I-55, US-51, MS-16

6. Jackson County

Overview

Jackson County is located along the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the south and George County to the north. The county seat is Pascagoula, a city known for its shipbuilding industry, particularly the Ingalls Shipbuilding facility, which is one of the largest employers in the region. The county’s economy is heavily based on manufacturing, particularly in shipbuilding and petrochemical industries. Jackson County also has a strong tourism sector due to its coastal location. Established in 1812, Jackson County is one of the oldest counties in Mississippi and was named after President Andrew Jackson.

County Facts

• Population: Approximately 150,000 (2023 estimate)
• County Seat: Pascagoula
• Major Airports: Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (nearby)
• Major Highways: I-10, US-90, MS-63

7. Lee County

Overview

Lee County is located in northeastern Mississippi, bordered by Itawamba County to the east and Pontotoc County to the west. The county seat is Tupelo, a city famous for being the birthplace of Elvis Presley. Lee County is an economic hub for northeastern Mississippi, with a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, healthcare, education, and retail. Tupelo is known for its furniture manufacturing industry and serves as a regional center for commerce. Established in 1866, the county was named after Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Today, Lee County is one of the most prosperous counties in northeastern Mississippi.

County Facts

• Population: Approximately 85,000 (2023 estimate)
• County Seat: Tupelo
• Major Airports: Tupelo Regional Airport
• Major Highways: US-45, US-78, MS-6

8. Lauderdale County

Overview

Lauderdale County is located in eastern Mississippi, bordering Alabama to the east and Newton County to the west. The county seat is Meridian, a historic city known for its railroads and cultural landmarks, including the Riley Center and Meridian Museum of Art. Lauderdale County’s economy is driven by healthcare, education, transportation, and retail, with Meridian serving as a regional center. The city has a rich history tied to the Civil War and its importance as a railroad hub. Established in 1833, Lauderdale County was named after Colonel James Lauderdale, a hero of the War of 1812.

County Facts

• Population: Approximately 74,000 (2023 estimate)
• County Seat: Meridian
• Major Airports: Meridian Regional Airport
• Major Highways: I-20, I-59, US-45, US-11

9. Forrest County

Overview

Forrest County is located in southern Mississippi, bordered by Lamar County to the west and Perry County to the east. The county seat is Hattiesburg, a city known for being home to the University of Southern Mississippi and a regional center for healthcare and education. Forrest County’s economy is largely driven by education, healthcare, and retail, with Hattiesburg being a key economic hub for southern Mississippi. Established in 1908, the county was named after Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest. Today, Forrest County is a thriving area known for its strong educational institutions and cultural attractions.

County Facts

• Population: Approximately 75,000 (2023 estimate)
• County Seat: Hattiesburg
• Major Airports: Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport
• Major Highways: I-59, US-49, US-98

10. Jones County

Overview

Jones County is located in southern Mississippi, bordered by Covington County to the west and Wayne County to the east. The county seat is shared between Laurel and Ellisville. Laurel is a historic town known for its timber industry and charming downtown, while Ellisville is home to Jones College, a major educational institution in the region. Jones County’s economy is driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and education. Established in 1826, Jones County has a unique history, as it was known for its strong Unionist sentiment during the Civil War, and parts of the county even attempted to secede from the Confederacy to form the “Free State of Jones.”

County Facts

• Population: Approximately 67,000 (2023 estimate)
• County Seat: Laurel and Ellisville (shared)
• Major Airports: Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport
• Major Highways: I-59, US-11, US-84