About Carthage
Since its charter in 1876, the city has grown to a population of over 4,901 according to the 2020 census.
The city of Carthage is the county seat of Leake County, Mississippi, United States. As of the 2020 census, Carthage had a population of 4,901. Carthage has an estimated population of 4,901.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Carthage
Leake County Sheriff's Office
Contact Leake County Sheriff Randy W. Atkinson at (601) 267-7361 for law enforcement services, jail operations, and public safety in Carthage, MS.
⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Carthage
Leake County Court Records |
For further inquiries, record searchers should contact the Chancery Clerk's Office at: 101 Court Square Carthage, MS 39051. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Phone: (601) 267-7371 · Qualified requesters may obtain Leake County birth records from the MSDH Vital Records division.
🏠 Property & Public Records in Carthage
Leake County Chancery Clerk Duties & Contact Info
Contact Leake County Chancery Clerk Dot Merchant for estate, property, & court matters. Office hours, address, phone & duties listed. Serving Carthage, MS.
About Carthage — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The Leake County Jail in Carthage is the primary detention facility for anyone arrested in Leake County. When someone is booked into the facility, they're photographed and fingerprinted before being held pending bail or an initial court appearance. Visitation at the facility follows specific rules and typically requires scheduling an appointment ahead of time.
Local specifics: More information is available at www.mdoc.ms.gov.
Arrest Records
The Leake County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, documenting each arrest along with charges filed and subsequent court proceedings. Anyone wanting to access these records, whether residents, attorneys, or other interested parties, can make requests directly through the Sheriff's Office. Under the Mississippi Public Records Act, most of these records are available to the public, though certain limitations exist when investigations are still active.
Local specifics: The Carthage Police Department is reachable at (615) 735-2525.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Leake County cover felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as a sex offender registry. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Sheriff's Office or the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. The state's system allows for background checks that include statewide criminal history, making it a valuable tool for employers and individuals seeking detailed information.
Local specifics: Statewide criminal background checks covering Carthage residents can be requested through www.dps.ms.gov.
Vital Records
The Leake County Health Department (https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/19,0,77.html) in Carthage provides vital records services, including birth and death certificates. Residents can also obtain copies of marriage licenses and other vital records through the Leake County Circuit Clerk's office (https://www.leakecounty.net/circuit-clerk).
Business & Licensing Records
The Carthage-Leake County Chamber of Commerce (https://www.carthagems.com/) is a key resource for the local business community. The chamber keeps a directory of area businesses and can point entrepreneurs toward information on business licenses, permits, and tax records. For corporate filings and other business related public records covering the Carthage area, the Mississippi Secretary of State's office (https://www.sos.ms.gov/) maintains those documents at the state level.
Economy & Demographics
Carthage's local economy is driven by a mix of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The Leake County Economic Development Authority (https://www.leakecounty.net/economic-development) works to attract new businesses and support the growth of existing ones. Public records related to the local economy, such as tax revenue data and employment statistics, can be accessed through the authority's website and the Mississippi Development Authority (https://www.mississippi.org/).
Elections & Voter Records
The Leake County Circuit Clerk, Elections Division, handles voter registration and election administration for Carthage residents from the office at 100 Courthouse Square, Carthage, MS 39051. The phone number is 601-267-7371. Registration must be completed 30 days before any election. To qualify, applicants need to be U.S.
Citizens, Mississippi and Leake County residents, at least 18 years old by the next general election, and not disqualified by felony conviction or court order. When voting in person in Mississippi, valid photo identification is required, driver's licenses, government employee IDs, passports, or free Mississippi Voter Identification cards available from Circuit Clerk offices all work. Municipal elections for mayor and city council members take place in Carthage on the same cycle as other Mississippi municipalities, generally in May or June of odd-numbered years like 2025 and 2027. Candidates file their qualifying papers with the City Clerk, and any local ballot measures follow city charter provisions. Voters unsure of their assigned polling place can contact the Circuit Clerk's office or use the Mississippi Secretary of State's polling place lookup tool. Under Mississippi public records law, voter registration lists are public and available for inspection and purchase for lawful purposes. Campaign finance reports for municipal candidates go to the City Clerk, while county and state candidates file with the Mississippi Secretary of State's office. Absentee voting in Mississippi is available for voters meeting specific criteria: being away from their county on election day, having a temporary or permanent physical disability, being 65 or older, being a parent or caretaker of a dependent with a disability, or being required to work during polling hours. Absentee ballot applications must reach the Circuit Clerk's office at least five business days before the election, and voted ballots must be received by 7:00 PM on election day.
Public Records Resources for Carthage, Mississippi
Official government websites for Carthage, Mississippi and the surrounding area. We prioritize official government sources (.gov, .us, or .mil) and supplement with verified municipal, county, or statewide portals (.org or .com) where the agency uses a non-government domain.
- Mississippi Business & Corporation SearchFind active and inactive corporations by name from the Mississippi Secretary of State.
- Mississippi Death RecordsRequest copies of death records from the Mississippi State Department of Health.
- Mississippi Death RowInformation from MS Dept. Mississippi requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Mississippi Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Carthage, contact the Leake County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Carthage, Mississippi?
Property records for Carthage, Mississippi are maintained by the Leake Tax Assessor's Office and the Leake County Chancery Clerk. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Leake County, including parcels in Carthage. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Leake County Chancery Clerk maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Mississippi counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Leake County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Carthage, Mississippi?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Carthage, Mississippi residents are available through both county and state offices. The Mississippi State Department of Health, Vital Records, located in Jackson, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Mississippi. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Leake County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Leake County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.