About Greene County
Greene County, Mississippi, is a rural county located in the southeastern portion of the state, established in 1811 and named after Revolutionary War General Nathanael Greene. The county seat is Leakesville, which serves as the governmental and administrative center. Greene County encompasses approximately 719 square miles and had an estimated population of around 13,500 residents as of recent census data.
The county is characterized by its heavily forested landscape, with timber being a historically significant resource, and is bordered by the Chickasawhay River, which provides scenic natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Major landmarks include the De Soto National Forest, which covers a substantial portion of the county and offers hiking, hunting, and outdoor activities. The county's economy has traditionally been centered on forestry, agriculture, and manufacturing.
The Greene County Chancery Clerk's office, located at 400 Main Street in Leakesville, maintains vital records, land records, and court documents. The Greene County Tax Assessor's office, also in Leakesville, manages property assessment records and tax information. The Greene County Board of Supervisors oversees county administration and public works.
Greene County retains a small-town character with close-knit communities and a slower pace of life typical of rural Mississippi. The area's history includes Native American heritage, early European settlement, and significant timber industry development throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Greene County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the county. This office patrols the unincorporated areas of Greene County, ensuring the safety and security of its residents. The Sheriff's Office also manages the Greene County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is involved in various community programs aimed at crime prevention and public safety education. Additionally, the Sheriff's Office has specialized divisions that handle investigations, narcotics, and other specific law enforcement tasks.
Police Departments
In addition to the Greene County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county is supported by municipal police departments, including the Leakesville Police Department and the McLain Police Department. These city departments handle law enforcement within their respective jurisdictions, focusing on local ordinances and community policing. The Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments coordinate on major crimes and investigations, ensuring comprehensive coverage and response throughout Greene County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Greene County Sheriff's Office, located at 400 Main Street, Leakesville, MS 39451, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the county. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (601) 394-2341 and is responsible for patrol operations, criminal investigations, court security, and operation of the Greene County Jail. Inmates housed at the Greene County Detention Facility can be located through the Sheriff's Office during regular business hours by calling the main number, though Greene County does not currently maintain a comprehensive online inmate roster.
- The City of Leakesville maintains a small municipal police department that handles law enforcement within city limits, though the Sheriff's Office provides the majority of law enforcement services countywide.
- § 25-61-1 et seq.), and citizens may request copies of arrest reports, booking logs, and incident reports by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office.
- Processing times and fees for copies vary but are generally minimal.
- Mugshots and booking photos are maintained by the Sheriff's Office as part of arrest records and may be obtained through public records requests, though they are not currently posted online.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Greene County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Greene County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal records for personal or professional purposes, and the process is facilitated by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
- The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, providing information on registered offenders residing in Greene County.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Greene County are maintained by the Greene County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of arrests made within the county, including the charges and personal information of the individuals involved. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The information on a Greene County arrest record typically includes the date of arrest, charges, and the arresting agency. The process is governed by the Mississippi Public Records Act, which ensures transparency and access to public records.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Greene County Jail, located in Leakesville, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting individuals who are arrested, and these records are maintained by the Sheriff's Office. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing residents to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.
- The bond and bail process follows Mississippi state law, allowing for the release of detainees under certain conditions while they await trial.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Greene County are taken and retained by the Greene County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While some mugshots may be available online through the Sheriff's website, others may require a formal request to view. Mississippi does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals can petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of charges.
Courts & Case Records
Greene County is served by the Circuit Court and Chancery Court, both located at the Greene County Courthouse, 400 Main Street, Leakesville, MS 39451. The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over criminal felonies, major civil cases exceeding $200,000, and appeals from lower courts. The Chancery Court handles domestic relations matters including divorce and custody, estate and probate proceedings, land disputes, and equity matters.
- The Greene County Justice Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary hearings for felonies, small claims disputes up to $3,500, and civil matters under $200,000.
- Fees for copying court records are typically $1.00 per page for standard copies and $2.00 per page for certified copies, with a minimum certification fee.
Justice Court is also located in Leakesville. Municipal Court in Leakesville handles city ordinance violations and traffic citations within city limits. Court records in Mississippi are governed by Mississippi Code § 9-1-47 and the Mississippi Public Records Act, which establish that most court records are public unless sealed by court order.
To search court records in Greene County, citizens may visit the Chancery Clerk's office during regular business hours (typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM). The Greene County Chancery Clerk maintains an index of court filings, judgments, and case files. There is currently no comprehensive online case lookup system for Greene County courts, though some records may be available through the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system for certain case types.
The Circuit Clerk's office can be reached at (601) 394-2377 for inquiries about criminal and civil case files.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Greene County are maintained by the Chancery Clerk, who serves as the official land records custodian at 400 Main Street, Leakesville, MS 39451, phone (601) 394-2377. The Chancery Clerk's office maintains an extensive collection of recorded documents including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, mortgage releases, liens (tax liens, mechanic's liens, judgment liens), easements, right-of-way agreements, subdivision plats, and other instruments affecting real property.
- Copying fees are typically $1.00 per page for standard copies and $2.00 per page for certified copies of recorded instruments.
- While Greene County does not have a publicly accessible online GIS parcel viewer, citizens may request property information by visiting the Assessor's office or calling during regular business hours.
The land records index dates back to the county's founding in 1811, with older records available on microfilm or in bound volumes. Greene County does not currently offer a comprehensive online property records search system, so individuals seeking deed copies or title information must visit the Chancery Clerk's office in person or submit written requests by mail. Property tax records and assessment information are maintained separately by the Greene County Tax Assessor's office, also located at the courthouse in Leakesville.
The Tax Assessor maintains ownership records, property descriptions, assessed values, and maps of all taxable real property in the county. The Tax Collector handles payment of property taxes and can provide information on tax payment history, delinquent taxes, and tax sale properties. All property records are public under Mississippi law except those specifically exempted by statute.
Vital Records
Vital records for Greene County, Mississippi, including birth and death certificates, are primarily handled through the Mississippi State Department of Health, Vital Records office, though some services are available at the local level. Birth certificates for births occurring in Greene County can be requested from the Mississippi State Department of Health, Vital Records, P.O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215-1700, phone (601) 206-8200.
- The fee for a certified birth certificate is $15.00 for the first copy and $7.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, with processing times typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests.
- Expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- Death certificates follow the same fee structure and can be ordered from the same office.
- Divorce records are maintained by the Chancery Clerk as part of court records and can be accessed through that office.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through VitalChek at the Mississippi Department of Health website (msdh.ms.gov), with additional service fees applying.
The Greene County Chancery Clerk's office at 400 Main Street, Leakesville, may maintain some historical vital records and can provide information on older records. Marriage licenses must be obtained from the Greene County Circuit Clerk's office prior to the ceremony, with a fee of approximately $21.00, and couples must appear in person with valid identification and Social Security numbers. There is no waiting period for marriage licenses in Mississippi, and the license is valid for 30 days.
Mississippi vital records law is codified in Miss. Code Ann. § 41-57-1 et seq.
Applicants must provide valid identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record being requested, as Mississippi restricts access to vital records to protect privacy.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Greene County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. The Greene County Chancery Clerk's office at 400 Main Street, Leakesville, handles the filing of assumed business names (DBAs or "doing business as" names) and fictitious name registrations for businesses operating in the county. The fee for filing a business name is typically around $25.00, and these records are public and can be searched by visiting the Clerk's office.
- This free search tool allows users to look up business entities registered with the state, view formation dates, registered agents, and status information.
For comprehensive business entity searches, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other registered entities, the Mississippi Secretary of State's Business Services Division maintains an online database accessible at www.sos.ms.gov. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, plumbers, electricians, and healthcare providers are issued by various Mississippi state licensing boards rather than at the county level. Sales tax permits are obtained through the Mississippi Department of Revenue.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits in Greene County are handled by the Greene County Board of Supervisors and the county's planning and development office. Citizens seeking to start a business should contact the Board of Supervisors office at (601) 394-2374 for information on local permitting requirements, zoning regulations, and business development resources. The Greene County area is supported by economic development efforts that promote business growth and retention, though the county does not maintain a separate chamber of commerce website.
Local business owners often coordinate through regional economic development partnerships in southeastern Mississippi.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Greene County, Mississippi, are administered by the Greene County Circuit Clerk, who serves as the County Election Commissioner, with offices located at 400 Main Street, Leakesville, MS 39451, phone (601) 394-2377. Voter registration in Greene County can be completed by submitting a Mississippi Voter Registration Application to the Circuit Clerk's office, by mail, or in person. Mississippi offers online voter registration through the Secretary of State's website at www.sos.ms.gov/elections, where eligible citizens can register or update their registration information.
- In the 2024 general election, Greene County voter turnout was approximately 55-60% of registered voters, consistent with turnout patterns in rural Mississippi counties for presidential elections.
- Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to the Circuit Clerk's office, with applications available online through the Secretary of State's website or in person at the Circuit Clerk's office.
- Mail-in absentee ballots must be requested by the appropriate deadline and returned by 7:00 PM on election day.
The voter registration deadline in Mississippi is 30 days before any election. To be eligible to vote, applicants must be U.S. citizens, residents of Mississippi and Greene County, at least 18 years old by the date of the election, and not disqualified by a felony conviction (unless rights have been restored) or adjudicated mental incapacity.
Voters can find their assigned polling place by contacting the Circuit Clerk's office or by using the polling place lookup tool on the Secretary of State's website. Greene County typically operates several polling locations on election day, with exact locations published prior to each election. Election records that are public under Mississippi law include registered voter lists (though with some personal information redacted), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political committees, candidate qualifying paperwork, and precinct-level election results.
The Mississippi Secretary of State's office maintains statewide election results online, including Greene County breakdowns by precinct. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, which will include U.S. House of Representatives races for Mississippi's congressional districts, potential U.S.
Senate races if regularly scheduled, and various state and local offices. Mississippi holds state elections for governor and other statewide offices in odd-numbered years (2027 next). Absentee voting in Mississippi is available for voters who meet specific criteria under Miss.
Code Ann. § 23-15-713, including those who will be away from their county on election day, persons with temporary or permanent physical disabilities, voters age 65 or older, and those required to work during all hours polls are open. Mississippi does not offer no-excuse absentee voting.
Citizens seeking to review election records or report concerns about election administration can contact the Greene County Circuit Clerk or the Mississippi Secretary of State's Elections Division. Transparency in elections is supported by Mississippi's public records law, which allows citizens to request and inspect voter registration data, campaign finance filings, and election results, promoting accountability in the democratic process.
Economy & Demographics
Greene County's economy is primarily based on natural resources, with forestry and timber production serving as the dominant industry for over a century. The county's vast pine forests support sawmills, pulpwood operations, and related forestry services that provide significant employment. Agriculture, including cattle ranching and row crop farming, contributes to the local economy though on a smaller scale than timber. Manufacturing has grown in importance, with several facilities in and near the county producing wood products, metal fabrication, and other goods.
- The median household income in Greene County is estimated at approximately $42,000 to $45,000, which is below both state and national averages, reflecting the rural character and limited industrial diversification.
Major employers include timber companies such as Weyerhaeuser and other forest products manufacturers, along with public sector employers including the county government, school district, and healthcare facilities. The unemployment rate in Greene County has historically tracked slightly above the Mississippi state average, with fluctuations tied to the cyclical nature of timber markets and manufacturing demand. Retail trade and service industries provide employment in Leakesville and smaller communities, though residents often travel to larger cities like Hattiesburg for major shopping and services.
The De Soto National Forest contributes to the economy through recreation and tourism, though this sector remains relatively modest. Recent economic development efforts have focused on infrastructure improvements, workforce development, and attracting new industry to diversify the economic base beyond natural resources. Greene County faces challenges common to rural Southern counties, including population decline, limited healthcare access, and the need for broadband expansion to support modern business operations.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ In-Person | Property: ⚠️ In-Person Required | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/Visit Only | Vital Records: ✅ State Online Portal | Business: ✅ State Online Search | Elections: ✅ Online Registration | Overall Score: 5/10 — Greene County requires in-person visits for most local records, though state-level systems provide some online access for vital records, business entities, and voter registration.
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Cities & Towns in Greene County
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Nearby Counties
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