Cities and Towns in Wilkinson County, Mississippi
Founded in 1802, Wilkinson County is one of 82 counties in the state of Mississippi. Historically, Wilkinson County was formed from Adams County. The city of Woodville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 157, Wilkinson County has a population of 8,315 and area of 677 square miles (1,753 km²).
List of all cities in Wilkinson County, MS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Ashwood, MS | 39669 | 601/769 |
| Centreville, MS | 39631 | 601/769 |
| Doloroso, MS | 39669 | 601/769 |
| Donegal, MS | 39669 | 601/769 |
| Fort Adams, MS | 39669 | 601/769 |
| Highway Village, MS | 39669 | 601/769 |
| Ireland, MS | 39669 | 601/769 |
| Laneheart, MS | 39669 | 601/769 |
| Lessley, MS | 39669 | 601/769 |
| Pinckneyville, MS | 39669 | 601/769 |
| Turnbull, MS | 39669 | 601/769 |
| Wilkinson, MS | 39669 | 601/769 |
| Woodville, MS | 39669 | 601/769 |
Major Cities and Towns in Wilkinson County, Mississippi
Wilkinson County, located in the southwestern part of Mississippi, is home to a variety of small towns and communities, each with its own unique history and character. Below is a detailed look at the major cities and towns in Wilkinson County, with information on their geography, history, schools, and notable landmarks.
Woodville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 2.2 square miles
- Population: 1,486 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 39669
- Latitude: 31.5976° N
- Longitude: 91.3073° W
Location and History
Woodville is the county seat of Wilkinson County and is located in the southwestern part of Mississippi, near the Louisiana border. The town was established in the early 19th century and named after the prominent local figure, General James Wood. It became the county seat in 1804 and has long served as a commercial, governmental, and cultural hub for the surrounding region. Woodville’s economy was originally centered around agriculture, particularly cotton, and the town grew quickly with the arrival of the railroad in the mid-1800s. Like many Southern towns, Woodville played a role in the Civil War and later became part of the Mississippi Delta’s agricultural expansion. Over the years, the town’s population remained relatively stable, though it has experienced some decline in recent decades as residents moved to larger urban centers. Today, Woodville is a quiet, historic town that still reflects its antebellum roots.
Schools and Major Landmarks
Woodville is served by the Wilkinson County School District, which includes schools like Wilkinson County High School. For higher education, students typically attend universities in nearby towns such as Natchez or Baton Rouge. The town is home to several historical landmarks, including the Wilkinson County Courthouse, a stately 19th-century building that stands in the heart of the town. Woodville also features several antebellum homes, which reflect its rich history during the 1800s, particularly in architecture. The town has several churches, including the First Baptist Church, which is a significant local institution. Woodville is also known for the Woodville Historic District, which contains numerous preserved buildings from the 19th century. The local economy is driven by agriculture, but Woodville’s proximity to the Mississippi River and Louisiana adds to its regional importance, particularly in terms of trade.
Centreville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 2.0 square miles
- Population: 350 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 39631
- Latitude: 31.2139° N
- Longitude: 91.3412° W
Location and History
Centreville is a small town located in the northeastern part of Wilkinson County, near the Mississippi-Louisiana state line. The town’s history dates back to the early 19th century when it served as a center for agriculture and trade. Centreville was originally a rural settlement that primarily relied on cotton farming, but its location along the major roadways in the region made it an important stop for travelers and merchants. Over time, Centreville became a central hub for the surrounding farming communities. The town was incorporated in 1823 and was named for its central location within the county. Like many towns in Wilkinson County, Centreville has remained small and quiet over the years, with a population that has seen little growth in recent decades.
Schools and Major Landmarks
Centreville is part of the Wilkinson County School District, which provides education through Centreville High School and nearby middle schools. The town also features a small but active public library that serves as an educational and social resource for residents. While Centreville does not have large commercial landmarks, it is known for its rural charm and quiet, small-town atmosphere. The town is home to a number of old homes and historical buildings, many of which reflect the architectural style of the 19th century. Nearby attractions include the nearby Homochitto National Forest, which provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation like hiking and camping. Centreville also hosts annual events such as local fairs and festivals that celebrate its heritage.
Woodville (Shady Grove)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 1.8 square miles
- Population: 350 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 39669
- Latitude: 31.6175° N
- Longitude: 91.3214° W
Location and History
Shady Grove is a small, unincorporated community near Woodville, Mississippi, located within Wilkinson County. It is an area primarily known for its residential neighborhoods and close-knit community, often seen as a suburban extension of Woodville. While not a major town in itself, Shady Grove has a rich history that ties into the growth and development of Woodville and the surrounding region. Originally, the area was predominantly rural, with agriculture playing a major role in the economy. Shady Grove is situated near the edge of the Homochitto National Forest, which contributes to its scenic rural environment. Although Shady Grove does not have its own set of public services and landmarks, it shares much of its cultural heritage with Woodville, particularly in its agricultural traditions and lifestyle.
Schools and Major Landmarks
Being an unincorporated community, Shady Grove does not have its own schools but falls under the jurisdiction of the Wilkinson County School District, with students attending Woodville-based institutions. Shady Grove’s rural setting provides many opportunities for outdoor activities, particularly in the nearby national forests, and residents often visit Woodville for most cultural, recreational, and civic needs. The nearby forest and local parks provide a quiet retreat from the bustle of city life, offering opportunities for hunting, fishing, and camping. The area is home to a number of small family-owned farms, which still form the backbone of the local economy. The proximity to Woodville means that many of the town’s landmarks and activities, such as the Woodville Historic District, are readily accessible to Shady Grove residents.
Rodney
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 1.0 square miles
- Population: 20 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 39159
- Latitude: 31.4392° N
- Longitude: 91.3065° W
Location and History
Rodney is a tiny, historic ghost town located in the western part of Wilkinson County, along the Mississippi River. Established in the early 19th century, Rodney grew quickly in the 1800s and was once a thriving port town. It became an important river port, serving as a hub for the cotton trade in the antebellum period. However, the town’s fortunes changed after the Civil War and, particularly, after a series of floods and the shifting of the Mississippi River. By the early 20th century, the town had experienced severe population decline and economic hardship. Today, Rodney is considered a ghost town, with only a few remaining residents and historical structures. Its past, however, still captures the imagination of many who study Mississippi’s history, particularly the effects of riverine commerce on towns like Rodney.
Schools and Major Landmarks
Rodney does not have any schools or active civic institutions, as the town’s population has dwindled to a mere handful of people. The few remaining buildings in the town include several historic homes and the old Rodney Presbyterian Church, which is a notable landmark. The church and the surrounding cemetery are perhaps the most significant remnants of the town’s once-prosperous past. The area is now primarily a place of historical interest, and visitors come to explore the abandoned buildings and learn about the town’s role in the region’s history. Rodney is also part of the Mississippi River’s floodplain, adding to its historical significance as a former river port. Today, it is largely abandoned, with nature slowly reclaiming the once-thriving town.
