Cities and Towns in Walthall County, Mississippi
Founded in 1912, Walthall County is one of 82 counties in the state of Mississippi. Historically, Walthall County was formed from Marion and Pike Counties. The city of Tylertown is the county seat. With FIPS code of 147, Walthall County has a population of 13,836 and area of 404 square miles (1,046 km²).
List of all cities in Walthall County, MS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Dexter, MS | 39667 | 601/769 |
| Knoxo, MS | 39667 | 601/769 |
| Lexie, MS | 39667 | 601/769 |
| Mesa, MS | 39667 | 601/769 |
| Salem, MS | 39667 | 601/769 |
| Tylertown, MS | 39667 | 601/769 |
Major Cities and Towns in Walthall County, Mississippi
Walthall County, located in the southern part of Mississippi, is a small but historically rich region with a mix of rural communities and scenic landscapes. The county is part of the Pine Belt region of Mississippi, known for its timber industry, agriculture, and a way of life that reflects the traditions of the South. Walthall County is named after Edward C. Walthall, a Confederate general during the Civil War. Although the county is relatively rural, it boasts a number of small towns and unincorporated communities that are important to the county’s economy and cultural life. Below are the major cities and towns in Walthall County, with details on their area, population, history, schools, and landmarks.
Tylertown
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 3.7 square miles
- Population: 1,588 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 39667
- Latitude: 31.1142° N
- Longitude: 90.2782° W
Location and History
Tylertown is the county seat and largest town in Walthall County, located in the southwestern part of the state. The town was originally founded in the 19th century and was named after one of the early settlers, likely a man named Tyler. The region was largely agricultural, with farming and timber being the main industries. By the early 20th century, Tylertown had become a hub for the surrounding rural area, serving as a trade and commerce center. The town’s population grew steadily during the early years, and it remained a small but vibrant center for local businesses and services. Over time, as the timber industry developed in Mississippi, Tylertown became an important location for the transportation and processing of pine trees, which is a key element of the economy in the Pine Belt region. Despite its size, Tylertown remains a key point of reference for the people of Walthall County, providing essential services, schools, and cultural resources. The town also serves as the governmental center for the county, with local government offices and services being centralized in Tylertown.
Schools and Major Landmarks
Tylertown is served by the Walthall County School District, which includes Tylertown High School, offering a range of academic and extracurricular programs. The town also hosts the Tylertown Public Library, which provides educational resources and cultural programs for the community. Major landmarks in Tylertown include the Walthall County Courthouse, a historical building located in the heart of the town, and the Tylertown Depot, a remnant of the town’s history as a railroad hub. The town also celebrates its agricultural roots with the annual Walthall County Fair, which highlights the local farming culture and brings the community together for various events, rides, and exhibits. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge offers hiking, fishing, and birdwatching, making it a popular spot for recreation. Tylertown is a charming small town with a sense of community and an appreciation for its history, and it continues to thrive as the center of life in Walthall County.
Sandy Hook
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 1.2 square miles
- Population: 221 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 39478
- Latitude: 31.1169° N
- Longitude: 90.4065° W
Location and History
Sandy Hook is a small, rural community located in the southern part of Walthall County. It is one of the smallest towns in the county and was historically centered around agriculture, particularly timber and cotton. The area around Sandy Hook has been home to settlers since the 19th century, and like much of the Pine Belt region, it was initially focused on farming and timber production. The town was named for its location near a natural “sandy” area or hill. Sandy Hook remained a quiet, agricultural community for much of the 20th century, and its growth was slow and steady. Today, it remains primarily residential, with farming and local businesses still contributing to the local economy. Sandy Hook does not have a large commercial presence, but its small-town charm is evident in the community’s connection to its agricultural roots. The town offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle, with residents largely commuting to nearby Tylertown or larger cities for work and services.
Schools and Major Landmarks
Sandy Hook is served by the Walthall County School District, with students attending schools in Tylertown. While the town does not have many commercial or public landmarks, its rural atmosphere is a key part of its charm. The surrounding farmland, forests, and timberland provide scenic views and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and camping. Sandy Hook is close to the Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge, which offers further outdoor recreational activities for nature enthusiasts. The town hosts local events that celebrate its agricultural heritage and community spirit. Despite being small in size, Sandy Hook’s rural beauty and tight-knit community make it a quiet, welcoming place to live.
Salem
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 2.0 square miles
- Population: 222 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 39151
- Latitude: 31.0733° N
- Longitude: 90.4864° W
Location and History
Salem is a small unincorporated community located in the eastern part of Walthall County, Mississippi. Salem was established in the early 19th century, though much of its history remains tied to the broader region’s development, which was primarily centered around agriculture. The area was initially settled by European-Americans who farmed the fertile soil of the region, and Salem became a center for rural commerce. It developed as a crossroads community, with local merchants and farmers interacting to trade goods, often including cotton and timber. By the mid-20th century, however, the population of Salem began to shrink as people moved to larger towns and cities for work. Today, the community of Salem remains small but has preserved its rural character. The town is largely residential, with many of its residents working in agriculture or commuting to nearby towns for employment. Despite its small size, Salem’s history is an important part of the fabric of Walthall County, and it retains a deep connection to the region’s agricultural roots.
Schools and Major Landmarks
As an unincorporated community, Salem does not have its own public school system. Students typically attend schools in the nearby town of Tylertown. Salem is a quiet, rural community, and it doesn’t have many commercial or public landmarks. However, the surrounding farmland, with its cotton fields and timber forests, is one of Salem’s key features. The community is close to the Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge, offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and outdoor recreation. Salem’s charm lies in its rural setting, offering a slower-paced lifestyle with scenic views and a deep connection to the natural beauty of the Pine Belt region. It may be small, but Salem provides a peaceful environment for those who enjoy the quiet and slow rhythm of rural Mississippi life.
Sandy Hook and Surrounding Areas
In addition to these incorporated towns, Walthall County includes many smaller, unincorporated communities and rural areas. These rural towns, like Sandy Hook and Salem, reflect the agricultural traditions and natural beauty of the Pine Belt region. Many of these areas offer outdoor recreation opportunities and are known for their scenic views, dense forests, and agricultural activity. The surrounding countryside plays a key role in the local economy, with farming, forestry, and outdoor tourism being important elements of life in Walthall County. These towns contribute to the overall charm of the county and offer a slower pace of life, where the natural environment and community ties are central to the way of life.
