About Grenada County
Grenada County is located in north-central Mississippi, approximately 100 miles south of Memphis, Tennessee. Established in 1870, the county was named after the Spanish city of Granada and encompasses approximately 450 square miles. The county seat is Grenada, a thriving community situated along Interstate 55 and the historic Yalobusha River. As of the most recent census estimates, Grenada County has a population of approximately 21,000 residents.
The county is uniquely positioned around Grenada Lake, one of Mississippi's largest inland bodies of water, created by the Grenada Dam on the Yalobusha River. This 35,000-acre reservoir serves as both a flood control project and a major recreational destination, attracting boaters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts year-round. The county's economy historically centered on agriculture, particularly cotton and soybeans, but has diversified to include manufacturing and tourism.
The Grenada County Courthouse, located at 59 Green Street in Grenada, houses the Chancery Clerk's office, which serves as the county's primary records repository. The Circuit Clerk maintains court records at the same location. The Tax Assessor's office, responsible for property assessments, operates from 1679 Sunset Drive in Grenada.
What makes Grenada County distinctive is its blend of Delta and Hill Country geography, creating varied landscapes and economic opportunities. The county played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement and continues to honor that heritage while embracing economic development.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Grenada County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout the county, particularly in 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 and crime prevention programs, aiming to foster a safe environment for residents. Notable divisions within the office include the patrol division, criminal investigations, and a dedicated narcotics unit.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Grenada County is provided by both the Grenada County Sheriff's Office and the municipal police departments within the county. The Grenada Police Department serves the city of Grenada, focusing on urban law enforcement, traffic control, and community policing. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage and response throughout the county. Each department operates within its jurisdiction but collaborates on investigations and public safety initiatives.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Grenada County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 1970 Frontage Road in Grenada, Mississippi 38901, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of the county. The Sheriff's Office operates the Grenada County Detention Center at the same location, housing inmates awaiting trial or serving sentences. Citizens can contact the Sheriff's Office at (662) 226-1821 for general inquiries. Inmate information and jail roster searches are available by calling the detention center directly or visiting in person during business hours.
- The Grenada Police Department provides municipal law enforcement services within the city limits of Grenada and can be reached at (662) 226-2896.
- Under Mississippi Code § 25-61-1 et seq., the Mississippi Public Records Act, arrest records and booking information are generally considered public records accessible to citizens upon request.
- To obtain arrest records in Grenada County, requesters should submit written requests to the Sheriff's Office or the Grenada Police Department, specifying the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
- Processing fees may apply for copying records.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Grenada County includes documentation of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registrations. The Grenada County Sheriff's Office maintains these records, which are essential for legal processes and background checks. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, which provides statewide records. The bureau offers comprehensive reports that include arrest records, convictions, and other relevant information, supporting both legal and personal inquiries.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Grenada County are maintained by the Grenada County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of arrests made within the county, including the charges, arresting officer, and date of arrest. Residents and attorneys can request access to these records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The records provide essential information for legal proceedings and background checks. The Mississippi Public Records Act governs the accessibility of these records, ensuring transparency and public access to governmental documents.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Grenada County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested within the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting the charges against the detainee. Inmate information can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office, which provides details on current inmates and their charges. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process in Mississippi allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with specific conditions set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Grenada County are taken and retained by the Grenada County Sheriff's Office as part of the booking process. These photographs are used for identification and are part of the public record. Individuals seeking access to mugshots can do so through the Sheriff's Office, either by visiting in person or through online databases if available. Mississippi does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, although individuals can petition for removal under certain circumstances.
Courts & Case Records
The Grenada County Circuit Court, located at 59 Green Street in Grenada, Mississippi 38901, exercises general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $200,000, and appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Clerk maintains all court records and can be reached at (662) 226-1821. The Grenada County Chancery Court, sharing the same courthouse address, handles matters including divorces, custody disputes, estate proceedings, property disputes, and guardianships. The Chancery Clerk's office phone number is (662) 226-1941.
- Grenada County Justice Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary hearings, civil matters up to $3,500, and issues arrest and search warrants.
- To search court records, requesters may visit the Circuit Clerk or Chancery Clerk offices in person during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- The fee schedule for copying documents is typically $1.00 per page for standard copies and additional fees for certified copies.
- Requesters should contact the appropriate clerk's office directly for case status information and document retrieval.
Property & Public Records
The Grenada County Chancery Clerk serves as the county's Register of Deeds, maintaining land records at the Grenada County Courthouse, 59 Green Street, Grenada, MS 38901. Contact the Chancery Clerk at (662) 226-1941 for records requests. The office maintains comprehensive records including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, satisfactions, mechanics liens, judgment liens, lis pendens notices, easements, rights-of-way, and plat maps dating back to the county's formation in 1870.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for a fee, typically $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus certification fees.
- Many land record requests can be processed within a few business days.
The Chancery Clerk's land records division indexes documents by grantor, grantee, and legal description. These records are available for public inspection during normal business hours. While some Mississippi counties offer online land records search through private vendors, Grenada County's digital access capabilities should be verified by contacting the office directly.
For property tax information, the Grenada County Tax Assessor's office, located at 1679 Sunset Drive, Grenada, MS 38901, phone (662) 226-1731, maintains current ownership records, assessed values, property classifications, and parcel identification numbers. The Tax Collector's office handles payment records and delinquency information. Grenada County may offer GIS mapping and parcel viewer capabilities through the Tax Assessor's website or a contracted vendor; requesters should contact the Assessor's office to confirm current online search options and any associated fees for digital access.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Grenada County, Mississippi, are maintained by the Mississippi State Department of Health, Vital Records Office, as Mississippi operates a centralized vital records system. However, the Grenada County Chancery Clerk's office at 59 Green Street, Grenada, MS 38901, can assist with certain vital records requests and provide guidance. For certified birth certificates, applicants must submit requests to the Mississippi State Department of Health, Vital Records, P.O.
- The current fee is $15.00 for the first copy and $7.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Processing typically takes 3-5 business days for in-person requests and 2-3 weeks for mail requests.
- Death certificates follow the same process with identical fees.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.msvitalrecords.org with additional processing fees.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $21.00, with no waiting period or blood test required.
Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215-1700, or apply in person at 571 Stadium Drive, Jackson, MS 39216. Under Mississippi Code § 41-57-1 et seq., birth records are restricted to the registrant (if of legal age), parents, legal guardians, and authorized representatives. Marriage licenses are issued by the Grenada County Circuit Clerk's office at the courthouse, with both parties required to appear in person with valid photo identification and Social Security numbers.
Certified copies of marriage records can be obtained from the Circuit Clerk for a fee. Divorce records are maintained by the Chancery Clerk of the county where the divorce was granted. Applicants should provide as much identifying information as possible, including full names, dates, and parent names for birth records.
Business & Licensing
Business license and registration records in Grenada County are maintained through multiple agencies depending on the business type and location. The Mississippi Secretary of State's Business Services Division maintains the central registry for all corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other business entities operating in Mississippi. The searchable online database is available at www.sos.ms.gov under the Business Services section, providing free access to entity names, registration status, registered agents, filing dates, and principal addresses.
Domestic business entity formation documents, annual reports, and amendments are filed with the Secretary of State. For business activity within Grenada County specifically, the Grenada County Chancery Clerk's office at (662) 226-1941 handles recordings of assumed name certificates (DBAs) and fictitious business name registrations. Local business licensing requirements within the city of Grenada are administered by Grenada City Hall, located at 1679 Sunset Drive, Grenada, MS 38901, phone (662) 226-1651.
Certain professional and occupational licenses are regulated by state boards and commissions rather than county offices. Sales tax permits are issued by the Mississippi Department of Revenue and can be applied for online at www.dor.ms.gov. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits for unincorporated areas are handled by the Grenada County Planning Department, while the City of Grenada Building Department manages permits within city limits.
The Greater Grenada Chamber of Commerce, located at 77 Depot Street, Grenada, MS 38901, phone (662) 226-2571, website www.grenadachamber.com, provides resources for new and existing businesses and maintains directories of chamber members.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Grenada County, Mississippi, are administered by the Grenada County Circuit Clerk, who serves as the county's Election Commissioner. The Circuit Clerk's office is located at the Grenada County Courthouse, 59 Green Street, Grenada, MS 38901, and can be reached at (662) 226-1821 for election-related inquiries. Voter registration in Grenada County requires completion of a Mississippi Voter Registration Application, available at the Circuit Clerk's office, public libraries, and online through the Mississippi Secretary of State's website at www.sos.ms.gov.
- Mississippi allows no-excuse absentee voting, and applications are available online or at the Circuit Clerk's office.
- Citizens may request copies of election-related public records through the Circuit Clerk's office, subject to reasonable copying fees.
Mississippi offers online voter registration for eligible citizens with a valid Mississippi driver's license or ID card. The registration deadline is 30 days prior to any election. To find your assigned polling place in Grenada County, contact the Circuit Clerk's office or check the Mississippi Secretary of State's polling place locator online.
Under Mississippi Code § 23-15-31 et seq., certain election records are public, including voter registration lists, which may be obtained for lawful purposes. Campaign finance reports for local candidates are filed with the Circuit Clerk and are available for public inspection. Precinct-level election results, candidate filing information, and absentee ballot statistics are also public records.
In the November 2024 general election, Grenada County voter turnout was approximately 56-60%, consistent with turnout patterns for Mississippi counties in presidential election years. The next major election on November 3, 2026, will include U.S. House of Representatives races, as Mississippi does not have a U.S.
Senate seat up in 2026, along with potential state legislative races depending on district boundaries. Mississippi voters will also decide various local offices and ballot measures. Absentee voting in Grenada County requires submitting an application to the Circuit Clerk at least five business days before the election for regular absentee ballots.
Absentee ballots must be received by 7:00 PM on election day or postmarked by election day and received within five business days.
Economy & Demographics
Grenada County's economy represents a diverse mix of manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, retail, and tourism sectors. Major employers include the Viking Range Corporation, a premium kitchen appliance manufacturer headquartered in Greenwood but with significant operations in the region, along with other manufacturers producing automotive parts, furniture, and industrial equipment. The University of Mississippi Medical Center Grenada operates a healthcare facility serving the county.
- The median household income in Grenada County is estimated at approximately $38,000, below both state and national averages, reflecting the rural character and economic challenges faced by many Delta-region counties.
Agriculture remains economically significant, with approximately 80,000 acres in farmland producing soybeans, corn, cotton, rice, and catfish. Manufacturing accounts for a substantial portion of employment, with several facilities producing goods for national and international markets. The tourism sector benefits significantly from Grenada Lake, which generates millions of dollars annually through recreational spending, including fishing tournaments, camping, boating, and wildlife observation.
Unemployment rates in Grenada County typically track slightly above Mississippi state averages, ranging between 5-7% depending on seasonal factors. Recent economic development initiatives have focused on industrial park expansion along the Interstate 55 corridor and downtown Grenada revitalization projects. The Grenada County Economic Development District works to recruit new businesses and support existing employers.
Retail trade concentrates along Highway 51 and Interstate 55 interchanges. The county benefits from its strategic location along major transportation corridors connecting Memphis, Jackson, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ In-Person/Phone | Property: ⚠️ Limited Online | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ✅ State Online Available | Business: ✅ Online (State Level) | Elections: ⚠️ Contact Office | Overall Score: 5/10 — Grenada County provides basic public records access primarily through in-person requests, with limited comprehensive online portals for local records, though state-level systems offer some digital access.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Grenada County, Mississippi?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Grenada County, Mississippi?
How do I get a criminal background check in Grenada County, Mississippi?
How can I look up sex offenders in Grenada County, Mississippi?
How do I register to vote in Grenada County, Mississippi?
How do I look up property records in Grenada County, Mississippi?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Grenada County, Mississippi?
How do I find business license records in Grenada County, Mississippi?
Cities & Towns in Grenada County
Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Grenada County, Mississippi.
Nearby Counties
Explore public records in counties that border Grenada County.