About Claiborne County
Claiborne County is located in southwestern Mississippi along the Mississippi River, with Port Gibson serving as the county seat. Established on January 27, 1802, it is one of Mississippi's oldest counties, named after William C.C. Claiborne, the first governor of the Mississippi Territory. The county covers approximately 487 square miles and had a population of approximately 9,135 as of the 2020 Census, making it one of the state's smaller counties by population.
Claiborne County is historically significant as the site of the Battle of Port Gibson during the Civil War's Vicksburg Campaign in May 1863. The county is home to the Grand Gulf Military Park, one of the best-preserved Civil War battlefields in the state, and Windsor Ruins, the remains of an antebellum mansion destroyed by fire in 1890. The Natchez Trace Parkway runs through the county, attracting tourism and preserving natural beauty.
The county's economy has historically been agricultural, with cotton, soybeans, and timber as major products. Key county offices include the Claiborne County Chancery Clerk located at 410 Market Street in Port Gibson, Mississippi 39150; the Claiborne County Tax Assessor at the same courthouse complex; and the Circuit Clerk's office handling court records. The county is known for its rich African American heritage, natural landscapes along the Mississippi River bluffs, and its motto 'Too Beautiful to Burn,' reportedly spoken by Union General Ulysses S.
Grant during the Civil War.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Claiborne County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the county's unincorporated areas. The office is tasked with patrolling these regions, managing the county jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also engages in community outreach programs and has specialized divisions to handle various law enforcement tasks. In addition to its regular duties, the office collaborates with other local and state agencies to enhance public safety and crime prevention efforts in Claiborne County.
Police Departments
In addition to the Claiborne County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county is provided by municipal police departments, including the Port Gibson Police Department. These agencies have jurisdiction within their respective city limits, handling local law enforcement duties such as traffic control, investigations, and community policing. The Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage and response throughout Claiborne County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Claiborne County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for the county, located at 410 Market Street, Port Gibson, MS 39150. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (601) 437-5161 and is responsible for patrol, criminal investigations, civil process service, and operation of the county detention facility.
- § 25-61-1 et seq.), which provides that all government records are presumed open unless specifically exempted by law.
- Citizens may request arrest reports, incident reports, and booking logs by submitting a written or in-person request to the Sheriff's Office or applicable police department.
- Fees may apply for copying and certification.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally part of the arrest record and may be available upon request, though some agencies may redact certain information for ongoing investigations or juvenile cases.
The Claiborne County Jail houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders; inmate information can typically be obtained by calling the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, as many smaller Mississippi counties do not maintain online inmate rosters. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Port Gibson Police Department, which serves the county seat and handles city ordinance violations, traffic enforcement, and criminal matters within city limits. Arrest records in Claiborne County are public records under the Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss.
Code Ann. There are no tribal police jurisdictions in Claiborne County. For state-level criminal history checks, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains records accessible through formal channels.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Claiborne County encompasses various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses. The Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible for background checks and legal proceedings. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation provides additional support and resources for residents seeking comprehensive criminal background checks. The county also maintains a sex offender registry, ensuring community awareness and safety.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Claiborne County are maintained by the Claiborne County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The records provide comprehensive information about the arrest, including the date, location, and nature of the charges. Under the Mississippi Public Records Act, these records are accessible to the public, ensuring transparency and accountability in law enforcement activities.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Claiborne County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested in the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available to the public, allowing individuals to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require scheduling in advance.
- In Mississippi, the bond or bail process allows for the temporary release of detainees pending trial, and information on recently arrested individuals can be obtained through the Sheriff's Office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Claiborne County are taken and retained by the Claiborne County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases. While Mississippi does not have specific laws regarding the removal of mugshots from public records, individuals can request corrections or updates if inaccuracies are found. The availability of mugshots is subject to state laws governing public records and privacy.
Courts & Case Records
Claiborne County's judicial system includes the Circuit Court, which has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $200,000, equity cases, and appeals from lower courts. The Claiborne County Circuit Clerk's office is located at 410 Market Street, Port Gibson, MS 39150, and can be reached at (601) 437-4992. The Circuit Court is part of Mississippi's Sixth Circuit Court District. The Chancery Court handles matters including divorce, child custody, adoptions, wills and estates, guardianships, land disputes, and civil cases involving equity.
- Claiborne County Justice Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary hearings for felonies, civil matters under $3,500, landlord-tenant disputes, and small claims.
- Fees for copies are generally $1.00 per page for non-certified copies and additional fees for certified documents with the clerk's seal.
The Chancery Clerk maintains these records and also serves as the county's land records custodian. Municipal courts in Port Gibson handle city ordinance violations and some misdemeanor offenses occurring within city limits. Under Mississippi Code § 9-1-43, court records are generally public except where sealed by court order or protected by statute (such as certain juvenile or adoption records).
Case searches can be conducted in person at the respective clerk's office during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Mississippi does not currently offer a unified statewide online court case search system, so most research requires direct contact with the clerk's office.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Claiborne County are maintained by the Chancery Clerk's office, which serves as the county's Register of Deeds. Located at 410 Market Street, Port Gibson, MS 39150, phone (601) 437-4992, this office records and indexes deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, releases, easements, rights-of-way, mechanics liens, judgment liens, UCC financing statements, and subdivision plat maps. These records are public under Mississippi's Public Records Act and provide the chain of title for real property in the county.
- Copying fees typically apply, with standard rates around $1.00 per page.
- While some Mississippi counties offer online GIS mapping and property search tools, Claiborne County's online presence for property records is limited, and most research requires in-person visits or phone contact.
- Certified copies of recorded documents bearing the Chancery Clerk's official seal are available for an additional fee and are often required for real estate closings, title insurance, and legal proceedings.
The Claiborne County land records date back to the county's founding in 1802, with older records preserved on microfilm and in bound volumes. Researchers can access these records in person during business hours; staff can assist with locating specific documents by grantor/grantee name, legal description, or book and page number. The Claiborne County Tax Assessor's office, also located in the courthouse, maintains property tax assessment records, ownership information, legal descriptions, and property characteristics used for ad valorem taxation.
The Tax Assessor can be reached at (601) 437-5252. The Mississippi Code § 25-61-1 through § 25-61-17 governs public access to these government records.
Vital Records
Vital records for Claiborne County, Mississippi, including birth and death certificates, are maintained at both the county and state levels. Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Claiborne County can be requested from the Claiborne County Chancery Clerk's office at 410 Market Street, Port Gibson, MS 39150, phone (601) 437-4992. The Chancery Clerk maintains historical birth and death records for events in the county.
- Birth certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $7 for additional copies ordered at the same time; death certificates are $15 each.
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests, faster for in-person requests.
- Requestors must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest as defined by Mississippi Code § 41-57-1 et seq., which governs vital records confidentiality and access.
- Eligible requestors include the registrant (for birth records), family members, legal representatives, and others with a documented legal need.
- Marriage licenses are issued by the Claiborne County Circuit Clerk's office at the same courthouse address, with a fee typically around $21 and no waiting period.
For more recent records and statewide access, the Mississippi State Department of Health, Vital Records Office, located at 570 East Woodrow Wilson Drive, Jackson, MS 39216, is the central repository. Vital Records can be reached at (601) 206-8200. Certified copies of marriage records can be obtained from the Circuit Clerk or the state Vital Records office.
Divorce decrees are obtained from the Chancery Clerk in the county where the divorce was granted. Online ordering of Mississippi vital records is available through VitalChek.com for an additional convenience fee, with expedited shipping options available.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Claiborne County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and registration. The Claiborne County Chancery Clerk's office at 410 Market Street, Port Gibson, MS 39150, handles local business name registrations, also known as 'doing business as' (DBA) or fictitious name filings. Business owners operating under a name other than their legal name must file with the Chancery Clerk, with records accessible to the public for verification of business identity and ownership.
- The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at https://www.sos.ms.gov where users can look up business entities, view registration status, registered agents, and filing history at no charge.
For formal business entity formation—including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofits—filings are made with the Mississippi Secretary of State's Business Services Division. This is the primary resource for verifying if a business is in good standing in Mississippi. Local business licensing and permitting may be required depending on the business location and type; the Town of Port Gibson may require business licenses for enterprises operating within city limits.
Contact Port Gibson City Hall for municipal business license requirements. Sales tax permits are issued by the Mississippi Department of Revenue and are required for businesses selling tangible goods. Professional and occupational licenses (contractors, cosmetologists, healthcare providers, etc.) are regulated by respective state boards.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are handled by the Claiborne County Building and Planning Department; inquiries can be directed to the county courthouse. The Claiborne County Chamber of Commerce can provide resources for new businesses, though as a small rural county, chamber presence may be limited compared to larger Mississippi counties.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Claiborne County, Mississippi, are administered by the Claiborne County Circuit Clerk, who serves as the county's Election Commissioner. The Circuit Clerk's office is located at 410 Market Street, Port Gibson, MS 39150, and can be reached at (601) 437-4992 for election-related inquiries including voter registration, polling locations, and absentee voting. Voter registration in Mississippi requires that applicants be U.S.
- Mississippi offers online voter registration at https://www.ms.gov/sos/voter_registration, and the deadline to register is 30 days before any election.
- Voters can also register in person at the Circuit Clerk's office or by mail using a downloadable application.
citizens, residents of Mississippi and Claiborne County, at least 18 years old by the next general election, and not disqualified by felony conviction (unless rights have been restored) or court order of mental incapacity. To find your polling place in Claiborne County, contact the Circuit Clerk's office or check the Mississippi Secretary of State's voter information portal. Election records that are public under Mississippi law include voter registration rolls (with certain personal information redacted for privacy), precinct-level election results, candidate qualifying documents, and campaign finance reports filed with county or state authorities.
The Mississippi Secretary of State's office maintains statewide election results at https://www.sos.ms.gov. Claiborne County, like many rural Mississippi counties, typically sees voter turnout ranging from 50-65% in presidential election years and lower in midterm and local elections; the 2024 general election turnout was consistent with historical patterns. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races, potential U.S. Senate contests, and various Mississippi state legislative and local offices. Absentee voting in Mississippi is available for voters who meet specific criteria: those 65 or older, voters with temporary or permanent physical disabilities, voters who will be away from their county on election day, required caregivers of dependents, or those whose religious beliefs prevent election day voting.
Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to the Circuit Clerk's office; mail-in ballots must be requested by mail or in person, and applications are available at the clerk's office or downloadable from the Secretary of State's website. Mississippi does not offer universal no-excuse absentee voting. Transparency in Claiborne County elections is governed by Mississippi Code § 23-15-1 et seq., which provides for public observation of ballot counting, access to election results, and the ability to request copies of public election documents.
Economy & Demographics
Claiborne County's economy is primarily rural and agricultural, with significant historical reliance on cotton, soybean, and timber production. As of recent estimates, the median household income in Claiborne County is approximately $28,000 to $32,000, substantially below the Mississippi state median and reflecting the county's economic challenges. The county has experienced population decline over recent decades, from over 11,000 in 2000 to approximately 9,135 in 2020, contributing to economic stagnation.
- Tourism centered on Civil War history sites, including Grand Gulf Military Park, Windsor Ruins, and properties along the Natchez Trace Parkway, provides seasonal employment and supports small businesses.
Major employment sectors include agriculture, forestry, government services (including county and municipal employment), education, and healthcare. The Grand Gulf Nuclear Station, operated by Entergy and located near Port Gibson, is one of the county's largest employers and a significant economic contributor through tax revenues and high-wage jobs; the single-unit pressurized water reactor generates approximately 1,400 megawatts of electricity. Retail and services are concentrated in Port Gibson, the only incorporated county.
Unemployment rates in Claiborne County have historically been higher than state averages, often ranging between 7% and 10% depending on economic conditions. Economic development efforts focus on leveraging the county's location along the Mississippi River, promoting heritage tourism, supporting small business development, and improving infrastructure. The county faces challenges common to rural Mississippi, including limited broadband access, workforce development needs, and out-migration of younger residents seeking employment opportunities in larger metro areas.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ In-Person Required | Property: ⚠️ Limited Online | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or Mail | Business: ✅ State Online Search | Elections: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Overall Score: 4/10 — Claiborne County, like many small rural Mississippi counties, has limited digital infrastructure for public records access, requiring most requests to be made in person or by phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Claiborne County
Explore public records for 3 cities and communities in Claiborne County, Mississippi.
Nearby Counties
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