About Forrest County
Forrest County is located in southeastern Mississippi and was established in 1908, making it one of the state's younger counties. Named after Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest, Forrest County includes approximately 469 square miles and has a population of around 78,000 residents based on recent census estimates. Forrest County Seat is Hattiesburg, which is the economic and governmental hub for Forrest County. Hattiesburg is home to the University of Southern Mississippi, a major research institution that significantly influences Forrest County's character and economy.
Forrest County is bisected by Interstate 59 and U.S. Highway 49, providing excellent transportation connectivity. Forrest County Courthouse is located at 630 North Main Street in Hattiesburg, housing several key offices including the Chancery Clerk and Circuit Clerk.
Forrest County Board of Supervisors governs Forrest County and meets regularly at Forrest County administrative complex. The Tax Assessor's office, located at 641 North Main Street, maintains property valuations and tax rolls for all real and personal property in Forrest County. The Chancery Clerk serves as Forrest County's primary records keeper, maintaining land records, vital records, and probate matters.
Forrest County features the Longleaf Trace, a 44-mile rails-to-trails pathway popular for recreation, and Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, one of the largest military training installations east of the Mississippi River. Forrest County's geography includes rolling pine forests characteristic of the Piney Woods region, with the Leaf and Bouie Rivers providing natural waterways. What makes Forrest County unique is its blend of military presence, higher education influence, medical facilities including Forrest General Hospital, and Southern cultural heritage.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Forrest County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Forrest County. It operates Forrest County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is focused on public safety through patrols, investigations, and community engagement.
Police Departments
Forrest County is served by multiple law enforcement agencies, including Forrest County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Hattiesburg Police Department and the Petal Police Department. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, making sure of full coverage across Forrest County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Forrest County Sheriff's Office, led by the elected Sheriff, provides primary law enforcement services for unincorporated areas of Forrest County and operates Forrest County detention facility. The official website for the Sheriff's Office provides information on divisions, community programs, and public safety initiatives. Forrest County Adult Detention Center houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving sentences of one year or less.
- Within Forrest County, the Hattiesburg Police Department provides municipal law enforcement for the city of Hattiesburg and operates from 200 Forrest Street
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting written requests to the Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department.
- Requests for certified arrest records typically require completion of a public records request form, presentation of valid identification, and payment of copying fees as prescribed by Mississippi law.
- Processing times vary but most requests are fulfilled within several business days.
- The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation also maintains statewide criminal history information that can be accessed through proper channels for background checks and other lawful purposes.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Forrest County cover felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as the sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks through the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation offers resources for Forrest County residents seeking detailed criminal records for employment, housing, or personal purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Forrest County are maintained by Forrest County Sheriff's Office and the Hattiesburg Police Department. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, often requiring a fee. Arrest records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking details. The Mississippi Public Records Act governs the accessibility of these records, for public access while protecting sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Forrest County Jail, also known as Forrest County Detention Center, handles the booking and detention of individuals arrested within Forrest County. The booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and attorneys to find information about detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance.
- The bond and bail process in Mississippi allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with specific procedures outlined by Forrest County's judicial system.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Forrest County are taken and retained by Forrest County Sheriff's Office at the time of booking. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. While Mississippi does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related criminal record.
Courts & Case Records
Forrest County's court system operates through multiple levels of jurisdiction. Forrest County Circuit Court, located at 630 North Main Street in Hattiesburg, has general jurisdiction over civil matters exceeding $200,000, felony criminal cases, and appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Clerk's office maintains records for these proceedings and can be contacted through the office’s website. Forrest County Chancery Court, sharing the same courthouse address, handles equity matters including property disputes, divorces, adoptions, guardianships, and estate matters.
- The Circuit Clerk's office charges statutory fees for certified copies: $1.50 per page for the first nineteen pages and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a $2.00 certification fee.
The Chancery Clerk is the land records custodian and probate registrar, reachable for Forrest County Justice Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary hearings for felonies, small claims up to $3,500, landlord-tenant disputes, and traffic violations. Two elected Justice Court judges serve Forrest County from courtrooms located at different facilities. Municipal courts operate in Hattiesburg and Petal, handling city ordinance violations and certain misdemeanors within city limits.
Court records in Mississippi are governed by the Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq.) and specific court rules.
Many civil and criminal case records are available for public inspection at the respective clerk's offices during regular business hours. Online case search capabilities are available through the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system at courts.ms.gov, though not all historical records have been digitized. Researchers should contact the specific clerk's office for records predating the electronic system or for documents requiring certification.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Forrest County are maintained by the Chancery Clerk's office, which functions as Forrest County's register of deeds. Located at 630 North Main Street in Hattiesburg, the Chancery Clerk's office preserves and provides access to deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, releases, easements, rights-of-way, oil and gas leases, plat maps, and other instruments affecting real property title.
- Recording fees are established by Mississippi statute and vary by document type, with standard deeds typically costing $12.00 for the first two pages plus $2.00 for each additional page.
- The Chancery Clerk's office provides land record searching assistance during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- An online GIS mapping system provides public access to parcel information, ownership data, tax assessments, and aerial photography through Forrest County's geographic information system portal.
- Property tax payments are processed through the Tax Collector's office.
- Certified copies of recorded documents require payment of statutory fees and are available upon request with proper identification.
The office can be contacted for Land records dating back to Forrest County's 1908 formation are available, with indexes organized by grantor, grantee, and legal description. While full online land record searching is not currently available directly through Forrest County, certain title companies and private vendors offer subscription-based access to digitized Forrest County records. Property tax information is maintained separately by Forrest County Tax Assessor's office at 641 North Main Street, Hattiesburg
The Assessor's office maintains ownership records, property valuations, parcel maps, and assessment data. Researchers seeking title abstracts or full property histories should allow adequate time for staff retrieval of historical volumes and imaging of documents.
Vital Records
Vital records for Forrest County, Mississippi, are maintained at both Forrest County and state levels. Birth and death certificates occurring in Forrest County are filed with Forrest County Chancery Clerk's office at 630 North Main Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401 Birth certificates can be requested by eligible applicants including the registrant (if of legal age), parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, or legal representatives with proper documentation.
- The fee for a certified birth certificate is $15.00 for the first copy and $7.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificates follow similar eligibility requirements and fee structures, with requestors needing to demonstrate a direct and tangible interest.
- Processing time at Forrest County level typically ranges from same-day service to several business days depending on volume and record accessibility.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Forrest County Circuit Clerk's office, also located at the courthouse, requiring both parties to appear in person with valid identification and payment of the statutory fee.
- Online vital records ordering is available through VitalChek, an authorized vendor, at www.msdh.ms.gov/vitalrecords, though expedited service fees apply.
Mississippi law requires a three-day waiting period after license issuance before the ceremony can occur. Divorce records (decrees) are maintained by the Chancery Clerk in Forrest County where the divorce was granted. For vital records statewide or when county access is unavailable, the Mississippi State Department of Health, Vital Records Office, maintains centralized records and can be contacted at 570 East Woodrow Wilson Drive, Jackson, MS 39216
Mississippi vital records law is codified at Miss. Code Ann. § 41-57-1 et seq.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and complete appropriate application forms specifying the relationship to the registrant and purpose of the request.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Forrest County are managed through multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and registration required. For fictitious business name registrations (doing business as or DBA filings), Forrest County Chancery Clerk's office at 630 North Main Street, Hattiesburg, accepts and maintains these records. Business owners operating under a name different from their legal name must file with the Chancery Clerk, paying the statutory filing fee.
- The Secretary of State's online business entity search is available at www.sos.ms.gov, allowing free public searches of registered business names, registered agents, filing dates, and entity status.
- The City of Hattiesburg requires business licenses for most commercial operations, with applications processed through the City Clerk's office.
- Contractors performing work in Mississippi must register with the Mississippi State Board of Contractors and comply with licensing requirements based on project value and trade specialty.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other registered entities, the Mississippi Secretary of State's Business Services Division maintains the central registry. Business licenses and permits at the local level are issued by municipal authorities within Hattiesburg and Petal for businesses operating within city limits. Sales tax permits are issued by the Mississippi Department of Revenue and are required for businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services.
Professional and occupational licenses are regulated by various state boards depending on the profession, such as the Mississippi State Board of Contractors, Mississippi Board of Nursing, or Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits in unincorporated Forrest County are handled by Forrest County Building and Planning Department. Forrest County Development Partnership (ADP) is the economic development organization and chamber of commerce for the Hattiesburg area, providing business resources and networking opportunities at www.theadp.com.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Forrest County are administered by Forrest County Circuit Clerk's office, which serves as Forrest County election commission. Located at 630 North Main Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, the Circuit Clerk's election division can be contacted through the office’s website. The office handles voter registration, absentee ballot processing, poll worker recruitment, and election result tabulation. Mississippi voter registration requires applicants to be U.S.
- Citizens, at least 18 years old by the date of the election, residents of Mississippi for 30 days, and residents of Forrest County and precinct where registering.
- Voters must register at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
- Forrest County voters can also register in person at the Circuit Clerk's office, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety driver's license stations, or through voter registration drives using official forms.
- In the 2024 general election, Forrest County voter turnout was approximately 58% of registered voters, reflecting engagement in the presidential race and down-ballot contests.
Online voter registration is available through the Mississippi Secretary of State's website at www.sos.ms.gov/elections-voting/pages/voter-registration.aspx. To find your polling place in Forrest County, voters can contact the Circuit Clerk's office, check their voter registration card, or use the polling place locator on the Secretary of State's website. Forrest County operates multiple precincts throughout Forrest County, with voting locations at schools, community centers, and public buildings.
Voter registration rolls are public records in Mississippi, though certain personal information is redacted for privacy. Campaign finance reports for local candidates are filed with the circuit clerk and are available for public inspection. Precinct-level election results are published following each election and become part of the public record.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House midterm elections and Mississippi state legislative races, along with potential local elections and ballot measures. Absentee voting in Mississippi is available to voters who meet specific criteria including being away from their county of residence on election day, having a temporary or permanent physical disability, being 65 years 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 be submitted to the Circuit Clerk's office in writing, and applications are available on the Secretary of State's website or at the clerk's office. Mississippi does not offer no-excuse absentee voting or universal vote-by-mail. Forrest County provides reasonable transparency in election administration, with public testing of voting equipment, published precinct results, and accessible voter information, though improvements in online data accessibility could enhance transparency further.
Economy & Demographics
Forrest County's economy is notably diverse, anchored by education, healthcare, military, manufacturing, and retail sectors. The University of Southern Mississippi, located in Hattiesburg, employs over 2,500 faculty and staff and generates substantial economic impact through research, student spending, and cultural activities. The university's presence attracts technology companies and fosters innovation in polymer science, marine research, and other fields.
- The median household income in Forrest County is approximately $42,000, below the national average but reflective of Mississippi's overall economic profile.
- The Hattiesburg Technology Innovation Park provides infrastructure for technology startups and research commercialization.
Forrest General Hospital, part of Forrest Health System, ranks as one of Forrest County's largest employers with over 3,000 employees, providing full medical services and specialty care throughout Forrest County. Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, though primarily in neighboring Perry County with portions extending into Forrest County, contributes significantly to the local economy through military personnel spending, civilian employment, and contract services. Manufacturing remains important with facilities producing furniture, electrical components, automotive parts, and wood products.
Major employers include Howard Industries (electrical transformers), Kohler Company (plumbing fixtures), and various distribution centers serving regional markets. The retail and service sectors benefit from Hattiesburg's role as a regional shopping destination, with concentrations along U.S. Highway 49 and Hardy Street.
Recent economic development initiatives have focused on technology sector growth, using the university's research capabilities and educated workforce. Unemployment rates in Forrest County typically track slightly above state and national averages, with variations based on economic cycles and seasonal factors. Agriculture, while less dominant than in Mississippi Delta counties, includes timber production, poultry operations, and cattle ranching in rural portions of Forrest County.
The Hattiesburg-Laurel-Forrest County region is marketed for business recruitment emphasizing strategic location, transportation access, workforce availability, and quality of life factors.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (MEC system) | Property: Limited: Online (GIS available, records require office visit) | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Lookup | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail Required | Business: Yes: Online (State level) | Elections: Limited: Partial Online | Overall Score: 6.5/10, Forrest County provides moderate digital access with room for improvement in online record systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Forrest County, Mississippi?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Forrest County, Mississippi?
How do I get a criminal background check in Forrest County, Mississippi?
How can I look up sex offenders in Forrest County, Mississippi?
How do I register to vote in Forrest County, Mississippi?
How do I look up property records in Forrest County, Mississippi?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Forrest County, Mississippi?
How do I find business license records in Forrest County, Mississippi?
Cities & Towns in Forrest County
Explore public records for 3 cities and communities in Forrest County, Mississippi.