Cities and Towns in Benton County, Mississippi
Founded in 1870, Benton County is one of 82 counties in the state of Mississippi. Historically, Benton County was formed from Marshall and Tippah Counties. The city of Ashland is the county seat. With FIPS code of 9, Benton County has a population of 7,646 and area of 407 square miles (1,054 km²).
List of all cities in Benton County, MS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Ashland, MS | 38603 | 662 |
| Canaan, MS | 38603 | 662 |
| Cannon, MS | 38603 | 662 |
| Hickory Flat, MS | 38633 | 662 |
| Michigan City, MS | 38647 | 662 |
| Pinegrove, MS | 38633 | 662 |
| Snow Lake Shores, MS | 38603 | 662 |
| Spring Hill, MS | 38647 | 662 |
Major Cities and Towns in Benton County, Mississippi
Ashland
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: Approximately 1.2 square miles
- Population: Around 600 (latest estimate)
- Zip Code: 38603
- Latitude: 34.8231° N
- Longitude: 89.1837° W
Location and History
Ashland, the county seat of Benton County, is located in northern Mississippi near the Tennessee border. Established in 1871, the town of Ashland was created when Benton County was formed from portions of Marshall and Tippah counties. The town’s name was inspired by the Ashland estate of Henry Clay, a prominent American statesman. Since its founding, Ashland has remained the governmental and administrative center of Benton County, with a rich heritage rooted in the post-Civil War reconstruction of Mississippi. Despite its small size, Ashland has a close-knit community that values its historical connections and rural character. Surrounded by rolling hills and forested land, Ashland provides a picturesque setting typical of northern Mississippi’s landscape.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ashland is served by the Benton County School District, with Ashland High School being the primary educational institution for the town’s students. Notable landmarks include the historic Benton County Courthouse, a significant structure that reflects the town’s 19th-century origins. The courthouse and surrounding buildings form a charming historic district that attracts visitors interested in small-town Mississippi architecture. Nearby, the Holly Springs National Forest offers outdoor recreational activities, including hiking and camping, which are popular with Ashland’s residents and visitors. Community events, often held in the courthouse square, celebrate the town’s heritage and foster a strong sense of unity.
Hickory Flat
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: Approximately 0.6 square miles
- Population: Around 600 (latest estimate)
- Zip Code: 38633
- Latitude: 34.6229° N
- Longitude: 89.1845° W
Location and History
Hickory Flat is located in the southern part of Benton County, near the Tippah County border. Founded in the late 1800s, the town grew around the railroad and became a small yet vibrant community with a focus on agriculture and timber. Hickory Flat’s name likely comes from the abundance of hickory trees in the area, reflecting its rural and wooded environment. The town served as a trading post and gathering place for nearby farmers and families, creating a sense of community that remains strong to this day. While Hickory Flat is a small town, its location near major highways allows easy access to larger cities, making it a quiet retreat with convenient connections.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hickory Flat is home to Hickory Flat Attendance Center, which serves students from elementary through high school within the Benton County School District. The town is known for its community-focused events, including school sports and seasonal festivals that bring residents together. Nearby, Tippah and Holly Springs National Forests offer outdoor activities that are popular among residents. While Hickory Flat itself has few major landmarks, its rural landscape and close proximity to natural attractions make it appealing for those interested in Mississippi’s countryside. The town’s annual events and school gatherings foster a strong community spirit and connection to Benton County’s agricultural heritage.
Snow Lake Shores
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: Approximately 0.8 square miles
- Population: Around 300 (latest estimate)
- Zip Code: 38603
- Latitude: 34.8357° N
- Longitude: 89.2618° W
Location and History
Snow Lake Shores is a small lakeside community in northern Benton County, near the border with Tennessee. Established as a resort community in the 1950s, Snow Lake Shores was initially developed to attract residents seeking recreational and vacation homes. Built around the scenic Snow Lake, the community offers a unique setting focused on outdoor and water-based activities. Over time, the town grew into a permanent residential area, with a mix of year-round residents and seasonal visitors. Snow Lake Shores is known for its peaceful lake views, boating, and fishing opportunities, making it a popular destination for both relaxation and retirement.
Major Schools and Landmarks
As a small community, Snow Lake Shores does not have its own school; children in the area typically attend schools within the Benton County School District, with nearby Ashland and Hickory Flat serving as primary educational centers. The town’s major landmark is Snow Lake itself, which provides various recreational opportunities, including fishing, swimming, and boating. Community facilities include a clubhouse and picnic areas that are often used for social gatherings and town events. The town’s lakeside setting and recreational facilities make it a unique and attractive community within Benton County, especially for those seeking a serene lifestyle surrounded by nature.
Canaan
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: Approximately 1.0 square mile
- Population: Around 150 (latest estimate)
- Zip Code: 38603
- Latitude: 34.7854° N
- Longitude: 89.1348° W
Location and History
Canaan is a rural community in Benton County, situated a short distance northeast of Ashland. Established as a small settlement in the late 1800s, Canaan has remained largely agricultural, with local farms and fields defining the area’s landscape. The town’s name, which means “land of promise,” reflects the aspirations of its early settlers who moved to the area seeking fertile land and a peaceful lifestyle. Canaan’s history is closely tied to the agricultural development of Benton County, with farming and livestock as the mainstay of its local economy. This small town preserves its rural character and continues to provide a quiet, community-oriented way of life for its residents.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Canaan’s students typically attend schools within the Benton County School District, primarily in Ashland or Hickory Flat, due to the town’s small size and limited educational facilities. The town is known for its scenic rural landscape, with expansive farmland and wooded areas that provide a sense of seclusion and natural beauty. Nearby, the Holly Springs National Forest offers outdoor recreational activities, which are popular among Canaan’s residents. The town’s focus on agriculture and community gatherings keeps alive the traditions and values of Mississippi’s rural towns, creating a strong sense of place and continuity within Benton County.