Cities and Towns in Yalobusha County, Mississippi
Founded in 1833, Yalobusha County is one of 82 counties in the state of Mississippi. Historically, Yalobusha County was formed from Monroe, Washington and Yazoo Counties. The city of Water Valley, Coffeeville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 161, Yalobusha County has a population of 12,415 and area of 467 square miles (1,210 km²).
List of all cities in Yalobusha County, MS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Benwood, MS | 38922 | 662 |
| Bryant, MS | 38922 | 662 |
| Coffeeville, MS | 38922 | 662 |
| Gatewood, MS | 38922 | 662 |
| Gums, MS | 38922 | 662 |
| Murphreesboro, MS | 38961 | 662 |
| Oakland, MS | 38948 | 662 |
| Pine Flat, MS | 38965 | 662 |
| Pine Valley, MS | 38965 | 662 |
| Scobey, MS | 38953 | 662 |
| Springdale, MS | 38965 | 662 |
| Tillatoba, MS | 38961 | 662 |
| Tyson, MS | 38922 | 662 |
| Velma, MS | 38965 | 662 |
| Water Valley, MS | 38965 | 662 |
| Youngs, MS | 38922 | 662 |
Major Cities and Towns in Yalobusha County, Mississippi
Yalobusha County, located in the northern part of Mississippi, is home to several small cities and towns, each with its own unique history, culture, and geographic setting. Below is a detailed breakdown of the major municipalities within the county, providing information on their size, population, and notable landmarks, along with insights into their educational systems and historical significance.
Water Valley
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 4.7 square miles
- Population: 3,636 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 38965
- Latitude: 34.1629° N
- Longitude: 89.6134° W
Location and History
Water Valley is the largest city in Yalobusha County and serves as the county seat. It is located in the northeastern part of the county, nestled along the banks of the Yalobusha River. The city was founded in the mid-19th century, with its official incorporation in 1858. Water Valley’s early growth was spurred by its location along the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, which brought commerce and prosperity to the area. During the post-Civil War period, the town became an important hub for agricultural trade, particularly cotton, and later, timber and livestock. Water Valley also experienced a period of growth during the 20th century, driven by industrialization, though the city has largely remained a small, tight-knit community. Today, Water Valley retains much of its historic charm, with several buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Schools and Major Landmarks
Water Valley is served by the Water Valley School District, which includes Water Valley High School, a local institution that offers secondary education to the town’s youth. For higher education, students typically attend nearby colleges in Oxford or Grenada. The town is known for several historic landmarks, including the Water Valley Historic District, which is home to many well-preserved 19th-century buildings. Notable landmarks include the Depot, which was once an active railroad station, and the Yalobusha County Courthouse, an iconic structure located in the town’s center. The city also features a scenic, walkable downtown area that has undergone revitalization efforts in recent years, with art galleries, boutique shops, and local restaurants adding to the town’s charm. The local culture is enriched by events like the Water Valley Main Street Association’s “Watermelon Carnival” and an annual blues festival that celebrates the town’s deep musical roots.
Coffeeville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 1.2 square miles
- Population: 1,476 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 38922
- Latitude: 34.0186° N
- Longitude: 89.6331° W
Location and History
Coffeeville is a small town located in the southwestern corner of Yalobusha County, roughly 14 miles south of Water Valley. Founded in the early 19th century, Coffeeville was named after a local businessman, John Coffee, who played a significant role in the town’s development. Coffeeville’s history is tied to the Mississippi Delta’s agricultural economy, with cotton and timber serving as key industries for much of the town’s early history. The town was incorporated in 1856, and like many other Mississippi towns, it experienced both prosperity and decline over the years, particularly following the Civil War and the Great Depression. Coffeeville’s proximity to the Tallahatchie River allowed it to continue playing a role in regional trade, though its small size has kept it a quiet, rural community. Despite this, Coffeeville retains a strong sense of local pride and community.
Schools and Major Landmarks
Coffeeville is served by the Coffeeville School District, which operates Coffeeville High School. The town is home to the historic Coffeeville Public Library, a local landmark that provides resources for students and residents. One of the town’s most notable historical sites is the Old Coffeeville Cemetery, which houses graves of early settlers and prominent local figures. The Coffeeville Depot, though no longer in operation, stands as a testament to the town’s past as a transportation hub for the region. Additionally, nearby Coffeyville Park offers recreational space for outdoor activities, and the town hosts various local events, including an annual festival celebrating its history and culture. Coffeeville maintains a rural charm, and its historic district, featuring several antebellum-era homes and buildings, provides a glimpse into the town’s past.
Oakland
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 2.2 square miles
- Population: 600 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 38948
- Latitude: 34.1514° N
- Longitude: 89.5301° W
Location and History
Oakland is a small town situated in the northern part of Yalobusha County, near the border with Lafayette County. The town’s origins can be traced back to the mid-19th century, with Oakland being established as a settlement around the time of Mississippi’s statehood. The town was primarily an agricultural center during its early history, with cotton and corn being the chief crops grown in the area. Oakland was officially incorporated in 1887. Despite its small size, the town played a crucial role in the surrounding agricultural economy throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Oakland has a population of fewer than 1,000 people, but it retains much of its historic charm and serves as a quiet, residential community.
Schools and Major Landmarks
Oakland is served by the Oakland School District, which includes Oakland High School. The town, while small, is home to a variety of local landmarks, including the Oakland Methodist Church, a beautiful structure that has stood for over a century. The nearby Tallahatchie River offers a scenic setting for the community, and residents often take advantage of the area’s natural beauty for outdoor activities. The town also features local parks and public spaces that provide recreational opportunities. Although Oakland is not a major tourist destination, its historic homes, particularly those dating back to the late 19th century, and its peaceful rural setting make it an appealing place for those seeking a quiet, small-town lifestyle.
Charleston
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 1.6 square miles
- Population: 300 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 38921
- Latitude: 33.9341° N
- Longitude: 89.7165° W
Location and History
Charleston is a tiny community located in the western part of Yalobusha County, just north of the Mississippi state line. The town was established in the early 19th century, with its name likely derived from the city of Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston developed as an agricultural center, with cotton and other crops playing a central role in the local economy. Like many small towns in Mississippi, Charleston has faced challenges over the years, including economic fluctuations and population decline, but it remains a quiet, rural area with a rich history. The town’s proximity to larger cities like Water Valley and Oxford has allowed it to retain a certain degree of connectivity to regional commerce.
Schools and Major Landmarks
Charleston is served by the Yalobusha County School District, with students typically attending schools in nearby towns for secondary and post-secondary education. While Charleston lacks significant commercial development, the town’s historical charm is showcased through several older homes and buildings that dot the area. The nearby natural landscape, including the Yalobusha River, provides recreational space for residents and visitors. There is also the historic Charleston Cemetery, which marks the early history of the town with graves dating back to the 19th century. Although Charleston is small, it offers a glimpse into the historical agricultural economy of the Mississippi Delta region.
