Mississippi Cities by Population 2026

Mississippi’s municipal structure includes 82 counties and approximately 300 cities and towns, each tasked with distinct roles in governance and service delivery. Counties provide broad regional services, especially in rural areas, while cities and towns handle localized services, from policing to utilities.

Jackson, Mississippi‘s capital and largest city, operates under a mayor-council system, with the mayor overseeing departments such as public works, police, and housing. The city council manages legislative matters, budgeting, and district representation, allowing Jackson to provide urban services independently of county oversight.

Smaller cities, such as Hattiesburg and Gulfport, also use a mayor-council or council-manager system. In the council-manager model, the elected council sets policy, and a manager oversees administration, a common arrangement that balances local representation with professional management in Mississippi‘s medium-sized cities.

Mississippi’s rural counties, such as Yazoo County and Noxubee County, govern unincorporated areas, where boards of supervisors manage services like public safety, road maintenance, and land use. These counties often partner with small municipalities and townships to meet the needs of residents across wide, sparsely populated regions.

Unincorporated communities in Mississippi are usually served by county governments, which handle essential services like law enforcement, infrastructure, and emergency response. In areas like Harrison County, unincorporated communities rely on county services due to their lower population density and lack of formal municipal structure.

Mississippi’s regional councils support counties and municipalities in economic planning, infrastructure development, and environmental protection, promoting collaboration to align local projects with broader state and federal goals.