Cities and Towns in Bolivar County, Mississippi
Founded in 1836, Bolivar County is one of 82 counties in the state of Mississippi. Historically, Bolivar County was formed from Tallahatchie and Washington Counties. The city of Cleveland, Rosedale is the county seat. With FIPS code of 11, Bolivar County has a population of 30,308 and area of 876 square miles (2,269 km²).
List of all cities in Bolivar County, MS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Alligator, MS | 38720 | 662 |
| Benoit, MS | 38725 | 662 |
| Beulah, MS | 38726 | 662 |
| Bolivar, MS | 38725 | 662 |
| Boyle, MS | 38730 | 662 |
| Cleveland, MS | 38732 | 662 |
| 38733 | 662 | |
| Dahomey, MS | 38725 | 662 |
| Deeson, MS | 38740 | 662 |
| Delta State University, MS | 38732 | 662 |
| 38733 | 662 | |
| Dennis Landing, MS | 38746 | 662 |
| DSU, MS | 38733 | 662 |
| Duncan, MS | 38740 | 662 |
| Eutaw, MS | 38725 | 662 |
| Francis, MS | 38740 | 662 |
| Grapeland, MS | 38725 | 662 |
| Gunnison, MS | 38746 | 662 |
| Hillhouse, MS | 38720 | 662 |
| Hushpuckena, MS | 38774 | 662 |
| Litton, MS | 38773 | 662 |
| Lobdell, MS | 38726 | 662 |
| Lombardy, MS | 38774 | 662 |
| Longshot, MS | 38725 | 662 |
| Malvina, MS | 38769 | 662 |
| Merigold, MS | 38759 | 662 |
| Mnd Bayou, MS | 38762 | 662 |
| Mound Bayou, MS | 38762 | 662 |
| Mound City, MS | 38726 | 662 |
| Niles, MS | 38769 | 662 |
| Pace, MS | 38764 | 662 |
| Perthshire, MS | 38746 | 662 |
| Renova, MS | 38764 | 662 |
| Rochdale, MS | 38740 | 662 |
| Rosedale, MS | 38769 | 662 |
| Roundlake, MS | 38740 | 662 |
| Scott, MS | 38772 | 662 |
| Shaw, MS | 38773 | 662 |
| Shelby, MS | 38774 | 662 |
| Skene, MS | 38730 | 662 |
| Steiner, MS | 38773 | 662 |
| Symonds, MS | 38769 | 662 |
| Waxhaw, MS | 38746 | 662 |
| Winstonville, MS | 38781 | 662 |
| Wright, MS | 38769 | 662 |
| Zumbro, MS | 38732 | 662 |
Major Cities and Towns in Bolivar County, Mississippi
Cleveland
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: Approximately 7.6 square miles
- Population: Around 12,000 (latest estimate)
- Zip Code: 38732
- Latitude: 33.7448° N
- Longitude: 90.7243° W
Location and History
Cleveland is centrally located within Bolivar County in the heart of the Mississippi Delta. Founded in the late 1800s and named after President Grover Cleveland, the town grew as a railway and agricultural hub. The fertile lands of the Delta, known for their suitability for cotton farming, helped Cleveland develop into an economically significant town. As agriculture expanded, so did the town’s infrastructure, with the arrival of railroads further enhancing its status as a trade center. Over time, Cleveland has diversified its economy, integrating education, arts, and culture into its identity. Delta State University, established in 1924, is a key institution in Cleveland and attracts students and visitors alike, greatly influencing the town’s culture and vibrancy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cleveland’s educational landscape is highlighted by Delta State University, known for its arts and music programs, especially the Delta Music Institute. Other schools in the Cleveland School District, such as Cleveland Central High School, serve local students. Major landmarks include the Grammy Museum Mississippi, which celebrates the musical heritage of the Delta, and the Bologna Performing Arts Center, hosting cultural performances. The town’s location near the Great River Road and other historic Delta landmarks also makes it a focal point for tourism in Bolivar County.
Rosedale
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: Approximately 2.5 square miles
- Population: Around 1,500 (latest estimate)
- Zip Code: 38769
- Latitude: 33.8534° N
- Longitude: 91.0285° W
Location and History
Rosedale is located along the Mississippi River in western Bolivar County. Founded in the 19th century, Rosedale’s location on the river made it an essential port for transporting goods, particularly cotton, to larger markets. The town grew rapidly during the cotton boom, with riverboats regularly docking to load goods bound for New Orleans and other ports. Rosedale has a unique cultural significance, as it’s mentioned in blues folklore, especially through the famous song “Sweet Home Chicago,” where the phrase “going down to Rosedale” reflects the town’s symbolic status in blues history. Despite economic changes and shifts away from river transport, Rosedale retains its historical charm and strong ties to Mississippi’s music and cultural legacy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Rosedale is served by the West Bolivar Consolidated School District, with West Bolivar High School being a central institution. The town’s major landmarks include the levee along the Mississippi River, which offers scenic views and historical significance related to the region’s development. Additionally, the Great River Road State Park nearby provides recreational opportunities and access to the river. Rosedale celebrates its musical heritage through local festivals, and the town’s history in the Delta blues genre attracts visitors interested in Mississippi’s cultural roots.
Shaw
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: Approximately 1.2 square miles
- Population: Around 1,800 (latest estimate)
- Zip Code: 38773
- Latitude: 33.6032° N
- Longitude: 90.7687° W
Location and History
Shaw is located in the southern part of Bolivar County, with a portion extending into neighboring Sunflower County. Established as a railroad town in the early 20th century, Shaw grew as agriculture flourished in the Delta, particularly cotton farming. The town was named after a local railroad official, reflecting its origins as a transit hub for agricultural goods. Shaw developed as a close-knit community with strong roots in farming, and its history is tied to the economic and cultural evolution of the Delta. While small, Shaw has a strong sense of community and retains a traditional Delta town atmosphere, with residents deeply connected to the land and local history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Shaw is part of the West Bolivar Consolidated School District, with Shaw High School serving as a primary institution for the town’s students. Notable landmarks include several historic churches and the Shaw Community Park, where events and gatherings are held. The town’s location in the Delta provides proximity to natural features such as the nearby wildlife preserves and waterways. Residents of Shaw often engage in agricultural events and local festivals that celebrate the Delta’s farming heritage and cultural contributions, including its ties to blues music and Mississippi’s rural history.
Shelby
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: Approximately 1.0 square mile
- Population: Around 1,900 (latest estimate)
- Zip Code: 38774
- Latitude: 33.9510° N
- Longitude: 90.7688° W
Location and History
Shelby is situated in northwestern Bolivar County, close to the Mississippi River. Founded in the late 19th century, Shelby developed as an agricultural community with a focus on cotton production, which defined much of its early economy. The arrival of the railroad boosted Shelby’s growth, making it a hub for local farmers and traders. The town’s history is closely linked to the broader Delta region’s reliance on cotton and agriculture, and it has a rich cultural heritage rooted in the Mississippi blues. Shelby’s community values and traditions remain strong, with agriculture and local commerce continuing to play significant roles in daily life.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Shelby is served by the North Bolivar Consolidated School District, with Northside High School being a prominent school in the area. Notable landmarks include the nearby Great River Road and several historic churches that reflect the town’s longstanding community. The town hosts seasonal events and festivals celebrating Delta culture, and the surrounding landscape offers scenic drives and views of the rural Delta fields. Shelby’s proximity to significant Delta landmarks and its connection to Mississippi’s agricultural history make it a town rich in local culture and tradition.
Gunnison
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: Approximately 0.4 square miles
- Population: Around 500 (latest estimate)
- Zip Code: 38746
- Latitude: 33.9418° N
- Longitude: 90.9423° W
Location and History
Gunnison is a small town in western Bolivar County, located near the Mississippi River. Established as a small agricultural community, Gunnison grew as the fertile lands of the Delta were developed for cotton and other crops. The town’s name originates from a local family influential in its early days. Gunnison’s proximity to the Mississippi River was a crucial factor in its development, with the river providing transportation routes for agricultural goods. Though small, Gunnison reflects the quiet, traditional life of a Mississippi Delta town, with strong community ties and a shared history in farming and trade.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Gunnison is part of the West Bolivar Consolidated School District, with students attending schools in nearby towns. The town’s location near the river and scenic Delta landscape offers natural landmarks and views characteristic of the region. Although Gunnison has few prominent landmarks within its limits, the town’s community events and local traditions maintain its rural Mississippi charm. Residents often travel to nearby Rosedale and Cleveland for cultural and historical attractions, where they can explore Delta music, history, and outdoor recreation along the Mississippi River.
Merigold
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: Approximately 0.6 square miles
- Population: Around 400 (latest estimate)
- Zip Code: 38759
- Latitude: 33.8440° N
- Longitude: 90.7265° W
Location and History
Merigold is a small town located near Cleveland in Bolivar County. Known for its vibrant artistic community and ties to the blues, Merigold was established in the late 19th century, growing as the Delta’s agricultural and cultural influence expanded. The town’s location near major transportation routes helped it develop as a small center for commerce and community. Merigold is also historically significant for its contributions to the arts, particularly through its pottery traditions. The famous McCarty’s Pottery, established in Merigold, has become an iconic business that attracts visitors and collectors from across the nation, further enriching the town’s cultural identity.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Merigold is part of the Cleveland School District, with students attending schools in nearby Cleveland. Notable landmarks include McCarty’s Pottery, a renowned studio producing handcrafted pottery that has become synonymous with the town’s artistic heritage. Merigold is also close to cultural attractions in Cleveland, such as the Grammy Museum Mississippi. The town celebrates local art and music, embodying the spirit of the Delta through its creative traditions and connection to blues music, making it a unique destination for those interested in Mississippi’s cultural landscape.
