Cities and Towns in Wayne County, Mississippi

Founded in 1809, Wayne County is one of 82 counties in the state of Mississippi. Historically, Wayne County was formed from Washington County (AL). The city of Waynesboro is the county seat. With FIPS code of 153, Wayne County has a population of 19,709 and area of 810 square miles (2,098 km²).

List of all cities in Wayne County, MS alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Buckatunna, MS 39322 601/769
Clara, MS 39324 601/769
Waynesboro, MS 39367 662
Wboro, MS 39367 662

Major Cities and Towns in Wayne County, Mississippi

Wayne County, located in the southeastern part of Mississippi, is a region rich in history, agriculture, and natural beauty. The county is primarily rural, with a few key towns serving as hubs for commerce, education, and culture. Below is a detailed look at the major cities and towns in Wayne County, including their geographic and historical background, schools, and notable landmarks.


Waynesboro

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

  • Area: 9.4 square miles
  • Population: 5,013 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Code: 39367
  • Latitude: 31.6276° N
  • Longitude: 88.6344° W

Location and History

Waynesboro is the county seat of Wayne County, situated in the southeastern part of Mississippi. Founded in 1811, the city was named after General Anthony Wayne, a Revolutionary War hero. Waynesboro’s early growth was closely tied to its location along the Chickasawhay River, which was a significant transportation route for timber and agricultural products. The city’s economy was initially centered around the timber industry, and Waynesboro served as a trading hub for the surrounding area. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century helped boost the town’s economic development, further increasing its importance as a center of commerce. Like many towns in Mississippi, Waynesboro was affected by the agricultural decline in the mid-20th century but has maintained a strong local community, supported by agriculture, timber, and small industries. Today, Waynesboro continues to serve as the governmental and cultural center for Wayne County, offering a mix of small-town charm with convenient access to nearby larger cities like Laurel and Hattiesburg.

Schools and Major Landmarks

Waynesboro is served by the Wayne County School District, which includes several schools such as Waynesboro High School and Wayne Central Elementary. The town is also home to the University of Southern Mississippi – Waynesboro Campus, which provides educational opportunities to local residents and nearby communities. The city boasts several notable landmarks, including the Wayne County Courthouse, a beautiful historic building that serves as the center of local government. Other landmarks include the Chickasawhay River, which is vital to the area’s history and provides opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation. The Waynesboro City Park offers sports facilities, picnic areas, and a walking track for residents to enjoy. In addition, the town hosts community events such as the annual Waynesboro Christmas Parade and other local festivals that celebrate its agricultural and cultural heritage.


Clara

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

  • Area: 1.6 square miles
  • Population: 435 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Code: 39326
  • Latitude: 31.6265° N
  • Longitude: 88.6028° W

Location and History

Clara is a small, rural community located in the northeastern part of Wayne County, Mississippi. It was founded in the early 1900s as an agricultural settlement, primarily serving the surrounding farming community. Like many small towns in the region, Clara’s economy was based on cotton, timber, and other agricultural products. The town’s name is said to come from Clara McMillan, an early resident of the area, though there are other local legends about its origins. Clara was a thriving community during the first half of the 20th century, but its growth slowed after the decline of the cotton industry and the expansion of larger towns in the region. Today, Clara remains a small residential community, with a population that has remained relatively stable over the years. The town is surrounded by farmland and forests, contributing to the rural character of the area.

Schools and Major Landmarks

Clara is served by the Wayne County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Waynesboro. Clara does not have its own high school but is closely tied to Waynesboro for education. The town is a peaceful, rural area with few commercial establishments or landmarks. However, the surrounding countryside offers opportunities for outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and hiking. The area is also known for its small family farms, which continue to be an important part of the local economy. Clara does not have a significant number of tourist attractions, but its charm lies in its quiet, rural setting and close-knit community. The town remains a quiet place for residents who enjoy a slower pace of life and a connection to the agricultural traditions of the past.


Shubuta

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

  • Area: 1.2 square miles
  • Population: 1,022 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Code: 39360
  • Latitude: 31.8824° N
  • Longitude: 88.8045° W

Location and History

Shubuta is a small town located in the western part of Wayne County, Mississippi. The town was established in the early 19th century and became known for its location along the Chickasawhay River, a key trade and transportation route for the region’s agricultural products. Shubuta’s economy grew around cotton and timber during the 19th and early 20th centuries, and the town served as a commercial center for surrounding rural communities. The town’s name, derived from the Choctaw word “Shubuta,” meaning “hunting ground,” reflects its indigenous heritage and early history. Like many small towns in Mississippi, Shubuta has experienced periods of growth and decline, and its population has fluctuated over the years. Today, Shubuta remains a small residential community with a rural character and a strong connection to the surrounding farming and timber industries.

Schools and Major Landmarks

Shubuta is part of the Wayne County School District, with students attending schools in nearby towns. The town is home to a few small businesses and residential areas, but it does not have a large commercial district. Notable landmarks in Shubuta include the old Shubuta Depot, which stands as a reminder of the town’s role as a transportation hub during the railroad era. The town also has several historical buildings and sites, reflecting its early development as a railroad and agricultural town. Outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing are popular in the area, with the Chickasawhay River serving as a scenic backdrop for local residents. The town also celebrates local traditions through community events, and the nearby forests and agricultural lands remain key to the area’s economy and lifestyle.


Belleville

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

  • Area: 0.5 square miles
  • Population: 180 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Code: 39335
  • Latitude: 31.6939° N
  • Longitude: 88.7462° W

Location and History

Belleville is a very small community located in the northwestern part of Wayne County. It was established in the mid-1800s and grew as a farming settlement, much like other towns in the region. Belleville has never been a large town, and its growth was always limited by the predominance of agriculture in the area. The town is situated near the Chickasawhay River, which provided early transportation and trade routes for local agricultural products. Despite being small, Belleville has a rich local history, tied to Mississippi’s cotton industry and the history of settlement in the southeastern United States. Over the years, Belleville has remained an agricultural community, with the surrounding area dominated by family farms and timberland. Like many rural towns, Belleville’s population has remained relatively stable, and the town’s economy continues to be tied to agriculture and forestry.

Schools and Major Landmarks

Belleville is served by the Wayne County School District, and children from Belleville attend schools in nearby towns, with the closest facilities being in Waynesboro. The town does not have any large commercial developments or notable landmarks. However, Belleville is known for its rural beauty and tranquility, with many local families working in agriculture or timber. The town’s surroundings are filled with farms, forests, and natural landscapes, providing a peaceful setting for its residents. While Belleville lacks major public buildings or tourist attractions, it is a close-knit community where local events and traditions continue to be an important part of life. The town’s agricultural landscape offers a quiet, scenic environment for those who appreciate rural living.