Cities and Towns in Sunflower County, Mississippi

Founded in 1844, Sunflower County is one of 82 counties in the state of Mississippi. Historically, Sunflower County was formed from Bolivar County. The city of Indianola is the county seat. With FIPS code of 133, Sunflower County has a population of 25,402 and area of 694 square miles (1,797 km²).

List of all cities in Sunflower County, MS alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Baird, MS 38751 662
Blue Lake, MS 38737 662
Boyer, MS 38751 662
Brooks, MS 38737 662
Doddsville, MS 38736 662
Drew, MS 38737 662
38738 662
Dwiggins, MS 38737 662
Dwyer, MS 38778 662
Fairview, MS 38751 662
Fitzhugh, MS 38737 662
Goldfield, MS 38737 662
Heathman, MS 38751 662
Holly Ridge, MS 38749 662
Indianola, MS 38749 662
38751 662
Inverness, MS 38753 662
Kinlock, MS 38751 662
Linn, MS 38736 662
Marie, MS 38751 662
Moorhead, MS 38761 662
Parchman, MS 38738 662
Pollock, MS 38751 662
Rome, MS 38768 662
Ruleville, MS 38771 662
Saints Rest, MS 38751 662
Sunflower, MS 38778 662
Waco, MS 38753 662
Wade, MS 38737 662
Whitney, MS 38737 662
Woodburn, MS 38751 662

Major Cities and Towns in Sunflower County, Mississippi

Sunflower County is located in the Mississippi Delta and is an area historically known for its cotton and agricultural production. The county is home to several towns and communities, each with its own unique history and role in the region. Below are the major cities and towns in Sunflower County, Mississippi, including key details about their history, schools, and landmarks.


Indianola

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

  • Area: 11.1 square miles
  • Population: 10,600 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Code: 38751
  • Latitude: 33.4373° N
  • Longitude: 90.6380° W

Location and History

Indianola, the county seat of Sunflower County, is located in the central part of the county, near the Sunflower River. The town was founded in 1844 and was named after the nearby Indian Mound, which was once a site of indigenous burial grounds. Indianola’s development in the 19th century was largely driven by its location along key transportation routes, including the Mississippi Central Railroad, which helped facilitate the trade of cotton and other agricultural products. Indianola played a central role in the region’s economy, particularly during the cotton boom, and became an important market and shipping hub for agricultural goods. The town has also been a key location in the Civil Rights Movement. In 1963, the murder of civil rights activist Medgar Evers in nearby Jackson brought national attention to the region, and Indianola played an important role in the local fight for racial equality.

Schools and Major Landmarks

Indianola is served by the Indianola School District, which includes Indianola Academy, a private K-12 school, and several public schools, including Gentry High School. The town is home to several notable landmarks, including the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center, which honors the legacy of blues legend B.B. King, who was born in nearby Itta Bena. Other landmarks include the historic Indianola City Hall, built in the early 20th century, and the Sunflower River. The river is not only an important natural feature for the community, but it also offers recreational activities like fishing and kayaking. Indianola is also known for its annual events, including the Indianola Christmas Parade and Delta Blues Festival, which celebrate the rich musical heritage of the Mississippi Delta. With a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Indianola remains an important cultural and economic center in Sunflower County.


Ruleville

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

  • Area: 3.6 square miles
  • Population: 2,900 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Code: 38771
  • Latitude: 33.4085° N
  • Longitude: 90.4213° W

Location and History

Ruleville is located in the southeastern part of Sunflower County, approximately 13 miles southeast of Indianola. The town was founded in the late 19th century, around 1880, and grew as a result of its position along the railroad. Initially, Ruleville was a small farming community, but as the railroad expanded into the area, it became a key hub for agricultural trade, particularly in cotton. The town was incorporated in 1905 and quickly grew into an important center for commerce and services for surrounding rural areas. Ruleville is also known for its connection to the civil rights movement, as it was home to prominent figures like Fannie Lou Hamer, a leader in the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and a key figure in the fight for voting rights in the 1960s. Hamer’s legacy remains an important part of Ruleville’s history, and the town continues to honor her contributions to the civil rights movement.

Schools and Major Landmarks

Ruleville is served by the Ruleville School District, which includes Ruleville Central High School and Ruleville Elementary School. The town is home to several historical landmarks, including the Fannie Lou Hamer Memorial Garden, which commemorates the life and work of the civil rights activist. Ruleville also features a number of older buildings, such as the Ruleville Depot, a historic train station that was once central to the town’s economy. The Sunflower River, which flows through the area, offers recreational opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking. The town hosts annual events like the Fannie Lou Hamer Day Celebration, which draws visitors and activists from across the country. Ruleville’s mix of cultural heritage, rural charm, and historical significance make it a key town in Sunflower County.


Sunflower

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

  • Area: 0.9 square miles
  • Population: 450 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Code: 38778
  • Latitude: 33.2956° N
  • Longitude: 90.3561° W

Location and History

Sunflower is a small town located in the northwestern part of Sunflower County. Originally established as a railroad stop in the late 19th century, Sunflower grew slowly but steadily as an agricultural center for the region. Like much of Sunflower County, Sunflower’s economy has historically relied on cotton farming, and the town’s development was closely tied to the expansion of the Mississippi Central Railroad. While it never grew as large as nearby towns like Indianola, Sunflower has remained an important part of the county’s agricultural landscape. The town was officially incorporated in 1894 and retains much of its small-town charm. Today, Sunflower is a quiet community, with its economy still rooted in agriculture and local industries. The town is best known for its rural beauty and close-knit community.

Schools and Major Landmarks

Sunflower is served by the Sunflower School District, which includes Sunflower High School. The town, due to its small size, does not have as many major landmarks as larger towns, but it is known for its agricultural surroundings and quiet, rural atmosphere. The town’s proximity to the Sunflower River also provides opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation. Local landmarks include the Sunflower County Courthouse, located in nearby Indianola, and the old Sunflower Depot, which still stands as a reminder of the town’s railroad past. Despite its size, Sunflower is a charming example of rural life in the Mississippi Delta, and its small-town community remains its most defining feature.


Other Communities in Sunflower County

In addition to Indianola, Ruleville, and Sunflower, Sunflower County includes several smaller, unincorporated communities such as Doddsville, Leland, and Drew, each with its own agricultural and historical significance. These communities contribute to the overall character of the county, offering a mixture of rural landscapes, rich traditions, and historical landmarks that are deeply connected to the Mississippi Delta region.