Cities and Towns in Pearl River County, Mississippi
Founded in 1890, Pearl River County is one of 82 counties in the state of Mississippi. Historically, Pearl River County was formed from Hancock and Marion Counties. The city of Poplarville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 109, Pearl River County has a population of 56,503 and area of 812 square miles (2,103 km²).
List of all cities in Pearl River County, MS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Barth, MS | 39470 | 601/769 |
| Caesar, MS | 39466 | 601/769 |
| Carriere, MS | 39426 | 601/769 |
| Crossroads, MS | 39470 | 601/769 |
| Cybur, MS | 39466 | 601/769 |
| Derby, MS | 39470 | 601/769 |
| Fords Creek, MS | 39470 | 601/769 |
| Goodyear, MS | 39466 | 601/769 |
| Greenbrier Park, MS | 39466 | 601/769 |
| Henleyfield, MS | 39426 | 601/769 |
| Hillsdale, MS | 39470 | 601/769 |
| Industrial, MS | 39466 | 601/769 |
| McNeill, MS | 39457 | 601/769 |
| Mill Creek, MS | 39426 | 601/769 |
| Nicholson, MS | 39463 | 601/769 |
| Ozona, MS | 39426 | 601/769 |
| Picayune, MS | 39466 | 601/769 |
| Poplarville, MS | 39470 | 601/769 |
| Richardson, MS | 39466 | 601/769 |
| Savannah, MS | 39470 | 601/769 |
| West Poplarville, MS | 39470 | 601/769 |
Major Cities and Towns in Pearl River County, Mississippi
Pearl River County is located in the southeastern part of Mississippi, bordering Louisiana and situated within a region known for its rich history and natural beauty. The county is home to a number of towns and communities, each with its own unique characteristics and contributions to the county’s economy and culture. From Poplarville, the county seat, to smaller towns like Picayune and Carriere, Pearl River County offers a mix of rural charm, Southern hospitality, and historic landmarks. Below is an overview of the major cities and towns in Pearl River County, including details about their history, schools, and major landmarks.
Poplarville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 3.6 square miles
- Population: 2,900 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 39470
- Latitude: 30.8575° N
- Longitude: 89.4603° W
Location and History
Poplarville is the county seat of Pearl River County and is located in the central part of the county. The town was founded in the mid-1800s and is named after the abundant poplar trees that once grew in the area. The town grew steadily during the 19th century, largely due to the expansion of the railroad, which connected it to larger markets in the region. Like much of Pearl River County, Poplarville’s economy has historically been driven by agriculture, including timber, cotton, and poultry. During the early 20th century, Poplarville continued to thrive, with the establishment of local industries and businesses that provided jobs to the town’s growing population. Over the years, Poplarville has retained much of its small-town charm, with its tree-lined streets and quaint downtown area. The town serves as a hub for government, commerce, and education in the region, and it continues to grow while maintaining its rural appeal. Poplarville is also known for its proximity to the Pearl River, which provides opportunities for outdoor recreation such as fishing and kayaking.
Schools and Major Landmarks
Poplarville is served by the Poplarville School District, which includes Poplarville High School, Poplarville Junior High School, and several elementary schools. The district offers a variety of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and athletic teams, fostering a strong community spirit among students and their families. Major landmarks in Poplarville include the Pearl River County Courthouse, which is an architectural highlight of the town and serves as a center for local government. The Pearl River Community College is another important educational institution in Poplarville, offering a wide range of degree programs and vocational training. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Pearl River provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and nature walks, and Fairley Park is a popular local recreation area. Additionally, the town hosts the annual Poplarville Heritage Festival, which celebrates local history and features arts, crafts, food, and live entertainment, bringing the community together every year. Poplarville’s blend of educational institutions, historical sites, and natural beauty make it a vibrant hub in Pearl River County.
Picayune
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 16.8 square miles
- Population: 25,000 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 39466
- Latitude: 30.5243° N
- Longitude: 89.1413° W
Location and History
Picayune is the largest city in Pearl River County, located in the southeastern part of the county, near the Louisiana state line. The city was founded in the late 19th century and grew quickly, thanks to its strategic location along the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad, which brought commerce and industry to the area. The city’s name, “Picayune,” is believed to come from the Spanish word for a small coin, reflecting the town’s early role as a trading post. Picayune became a center for agriculture, with a particular focus on timber, cotton, and later, poultry farming. In the 20th century, the city experienced growth due to its proximity to the Gulf Coast, which made it a popular location for industries, particularly in the oil and gas sector. Today, Picayune is a thriving community with a diversified economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and retail. The city has grown substantially over the years, becoming a regional commercial center, while still maintaining its historical roots and small-town atmosphere.
Schools and Major Landmarks
Picayune is served by the Picayune School District, which includes Picayune Memorial High School, Picayune Junior High School, and several elementary schools. The school district is known for its high academic standards and strong sports programs, particularly in football and basketball. Picayune is also home to Pearl River Community College, which offers associate degrees and vocational training. Notable landmarks in Picayune include the Pearl River County Library, a hub for local culture and education, and the Picayune City Park, which offers walking trails, playgrounds, and sports facilities. One of the most significant landmarks in the area is the Old Picayune Railroad Depot, a preserved historic building that celebrates the city’s transportation history. The Pearl River runs through Picayune, offering recreational activities like boating, fishing, and kayaking. The city hosts a variety of annual events, including the Picayune Street Fair, a community gathering that showcases local arts, crafts, and food, and the Picayune Christmas Parade, a cherished tradition that brings the community together each year.
Carriere
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 12.7 square miles
- Population: 4,000 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 39426
- Latitude: 30.5674° N
- Longitude: 89.4570° W
Location and History
Carriere is an unincorporated community located in the northern part of Pearl River County, about 10 miles north of Picayune. The town was originally established as a small farming community, with settlers drawn to the fertile land and proximity to the Pearl River. Over the years, Carriere remained largely rural, with its economy focused on agriculture, particularly poultry farming and timber. The town’s location along U.S. Highway 11 provides access to neighboring towns and cities, making it an important stop for residents traveling to and from the Gulf Coast. While Carriere has not experienced the same level of growth as nearby Picayune, it has retained its small-town character, with a strong sense of community. Over time, more suburban-style developments have been established, and the area continues to attract people looking for peaceful rural living while still being close to larger towns and the Gulf Coast.
Schools and Major Landmarks
Carriere is served by the Pearl River County School District, with Carriere Elementary School and Pearl River Central High School serving students in the area. These schools offer a range of academic programs and extracurricular activities. While Carriere does not have many commercial landmarks, it is known for its proximity to natural beauty, such as the Pearl River and the surrounding forests, which offer outdoor recreation opportunities like fishing and hiking. The Carriere Community Center is a focal point for local events, and the town hosts small festivals and community gatherings. The Deer Island Park, located near the river, is a scenic spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a peaceful environment for picnics, wildlife viewing, and recreational activities. Carriere remains a quiet, rural community, with its agricultural roots and access to nature continuing to define the area.
Other Communities in Pearl River County
In addition to Poplarville, Picayune, and Carriere, Pearl River County is home to smaller towns and communities like McNeill and Kiln. These communities are largely rural, with farming and forestry being the main industries. McNeill is a small town to the north of Picayune, while Kiln is located in the southwestern part of the county. Kiln is also known for being the hometown of Brett Favre, the famous NFL quarterback.
