About Harrison County
Harrison County is located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in the southeastern portion of the state, serving as one of Mississippi's most populous and economically significant counties. With a population of approximately 208,000 residents as of recent estimates, Harrison County includes roughly 581 square miles and uniquely operates with two county seats: Gulfport and Biloxi. This dual county seat arrangement is rare in the United States and reflects the historical importance of both cities. Harrison County was established in 1841 and named after U.S. President William Henry Harrison.
- Harrison County's coastal character, combined with its economic diversity spanning gaming, shipbuilding, seafood processing, and aerospace, makes Harrison County a unique jurisdiction along the Gulf of Mexico.
Harrison County's Gulf Coast location makes it a hub for maritime commerce, tourism, casino gaming, and military operations, with Keesler Air Force Base representing a major federal presence. Harrison County features beautiful beaches along the Mississippi Sound, historic lighthouses, and was significantly impacted by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, after which it underwent substantial rebuilding and revitalization. Key government offices include Harrison County Chancery Clerk with locations at 1801 23rd Avenue in Gulfport and 365 Division Street in Biloxi, the Circuit Clerk's offices at similar dual locations, the Tax Assessor's office, and the Board of Supervisors.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Harrison County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining public safety in the unincorporated areas of Harrison County. It operates Harrison County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is involved in various community programs and initiatives meant to crime prevention and public education.
Police Departments
Harrison County is served by multiple law enforcement agencies, including Harrison County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities such as Gulfport, Biloxi, and Long Beach. Each city department, such as the Gulfport Police Department and the Biloxi Police Department, operates within its respective city limits, handling local law enforcement duties. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of a unified approach to public safety across Harrison County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Harrison County Sheriff's Department, Mississippi 39530, provides law enforcement services throughout the unincorporated areas of Harrison County and operates Harrison County Adult Detention Center. The adult detention center houses inmates for Harrison County and provides an online inmate roster accessible through the Sheriff's website, where citizens can search for current inmates by name, booking number, or booking date.
- The system provides booking photos (mugshots), charges, bond amounts, and booking dates.
- § 25-61-1 et seq, arrest records are generally considered public information and can be requested from the arresting agency.
- Citizens can submit public records requests in writing to the Sheriff's Office or individual police departments for arrest reports, incident reports, and booking information.
- Processing times vary, and agencies may charge reasonable copying fees.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically included in booking records and are accessible through the online inmate search system or by submitting a formal public records request.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Harrison County includes various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks through the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, which provides statewide criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Harrison County are maintained by Harrison County Sheriff's Office. These records detail the circumstances of an individual's arrest, including the charges, date, and location of the incident. Residents and attorneys can request copies of arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, under the Mississippi Public Records Act. An arrest record in Harrison County typically includes the individual's personal information, the arresting agency, and the charges filed against them, providing a full view of the incident.
Jail & Inmate Records
Harrison County Adult Detention Center is the main jail facility in Harrison County. It handles the booking process for people arrested within Harrison County, where they are processed and held until they post bail or appear in court. The facility offers an inmate lookup service online, allowing the public to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to this facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.
- In Mississippi, the bond process involves posting bail through a bondsman or directly with the court, and the Detention Center provides information on how to proceed with these arrangements.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Harrison County are taken and retained by Harrison 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 website or by request. While Mississippi does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals may petition for removal or sealing of records under certain circumstances. The availability of mugshots online makes it easier for the public to search for and view these images, although privacy concerns may arise.
Courts & Case Records
Harrison County operates a full court system with facilities in both Gulfport and Biloxi. Harrison County Circuit Court, which has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $75,000, and appeals from lower courts, maintains courthouses at 1801 23rd Avenue in Gulfport (228-865-4006) and 365 Division Street in Biloxi (228-435-8354). The Circuit Clerk's offices at both locations manage court records, including case filings, judgments, and criminal dockets.
- Harrison County Justice Court handles misdemeanors, preliminary hearings, civil cases up to $3,500, and issues arrest warrants, with justices serving different districts throughout Harrison County.
- Fees for certified copies typically range from $1.00 to $1.50 per page, with certification fees additional.
- The Circuit and Chancery Clerk offices accept requests in person, by mail, or by phone for case searches and document retrieval.
Harrison County Chancery Court handles matters including estates, guardianships, adoptions, property disputes, and divorces, with Chancery Clerk offices at the same dual locations. Municipal courts in Gulfport, Biloxi, and other incorporated cities handle violations of city ordinances and certain misdemeanors. Under Mississippi Code § 9-1-43 and § 25-61-9, court records are presumptively public unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute.
The Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system provides online access to case information for many court records at ms.gov/mec, though some Harrison County records may require in-person or written requests to the appropriate clerk's office.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Harrison County are maintained by the Chancery Clerk's office, which serves as Harrison County's land records recorder. The dual Chancery Clerk offices located at 1801 23rd Avenue in Gulfport (228-865-4031) and 365 Division Street in Biloxi (228-435-8204) maintain full land records dating back to Harrison County's establishment.
- Some basic searches may be available without charge, while full document viewing typically requires registration and fees.
- Harrison County provides a Geographic Information System (GIS) online portal that allows free searches of property parcels, tax maps, ownership data, and assessed values.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested from the Chancery Clerk for a fee of $1.00 per page plus a certification charge.
Available records include warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, mortgage releases, liens (mechanic's liens, judgment liens, tax liens), easements, right-of-way agreements, plat maps, subdivision maps, and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings. Harrison County provides online access to land records through a subscription-based system accessible via the Chancery Clerk's website, allowing users to search by grantor, grantee, legal description, or instrument type. Property tax records are managed separately by Harrison County Tax Assessor's office with locations in both Gulfport (1801 23rd Avenue, 228-865-4165) and Biloxi (365 Division Street, 228-435-8242).
The Tax Assessor maintains property appraisals, ownership information, parcel identification numbers, and assessment history. Harrison County's coastal location means many properties involve waterfront rights and flood zone determinations, which are documented in recorded instruments.
Vital Records
Vital records for Harrison County, Mississippi, are managed through both county and state offices depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates occurring in Harrison County are registered with the Mississippi State Department of Health, Vital Records Office, located at 570 East Woodrow Wilson Drive in Jackson, Mississippi 39216. Birth certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $7.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously, while death certificates cost $15.00 per copy.
- Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service is available for additional fees.
- The Mississippi State Department of Health offers online ordering through VitalChek at msdh.ms.gov for an additional convenience fee, allowing credit card payment and faster delivery.
- Couples must apply in person, provide valid identification, and pay the license fee.
- Requesters must complete application forms and provide proper identification and documentation of their relationship or legal authority to obtain the records.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship or legal entitlement to the record. Marriage licenses are issued by Harrison County Circuit Clerk's offices in both Gulfport (228-865-4006) and Biloxi (228-435-8354). Mississippi has no waiting period or blood test requirement.
Marriage licenses are valid for 30 days from issuance. Marriage records and certified copies are available from the Circuit Clerk that issued the license. Divorce records (divorce decrees) are maintained by the Chancery Clerk's office in Harrison County where the divorce was granted.
Under Mississippi Code § 41-57-1 et seq, vital records access is restricted to the registrant (if of legal age), immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a court order.
Business & Licensing
Business records and licensing information in Harrison County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and regulatory requirements. Local business names and DBA (Doing Business As) filings can be recorded with Harrison County Chancery Clerk's offices in Gulfport (228-865-4031) and Biloxi (228-435-8204), where fictitious business name certificates are filed and made part of the public record.
- The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, serving Harrison County at mscoastchamber.com, provides business resources and networking but does not maintain official business records.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, filings must be made with the Mississippi Secretary of State's Business Services Division. The Secretary of State maintains a free online business entity search tool at sos.ms.gov where the public can search for registered businesses, view formation documents, registered agents, status (active, dissolved, revoked), and annual report compliance. Sales tax permits are issued by the Mississippi Department of Revenue and are required for businesses collecting sales tax.
Professional and occupational licenses are regulated by various state boards depending on the profession (contractors, cosmetologists, healthcare providers, etc.). Local business licenses and permits are required in the incorporated municipalities of Harrison County. The City of Gulfport requires business licenses through its City Clerk's office, as does the City of Biloxi and other municipalities.
Building permits, zoning compliance, and land use permits are handled by Harrison County Building Department and Planning Department for unincorporated areas, and by municipal building departments within city limits. Contractors working in Harrison County must be licensed by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors.
Elections & Voter Records
Election administration in Harrison County is managed by Harrison County Circuit Clerk's offices, which serve as Harrison County's election commissioners and voter registration offices. The dual Circuit Clerk offices are located at 1801 23rd Avenue in Gulfport (228-865-4006) and 365 Division Street in Biloxi (228-435-8354), and both locations handle voter registration and election services.
- In the November 2024 general election, Harrison County reported voter turnout of approximately 56 percent of registered voters, reflecting strong engagement in federal and state races.
Mississippi voters can register to vote at the Circuit Clerk's office, at Mississippi Department of Public Safety driver's license stations, or by downloading a mail-in registration form from the Mississippi Secretary of State's website at sos.ms.gov. The voter registration deadline in Mississippi is 30 days before any election. Mississippi does not offer online voter registration as of 2024; applications must be submitted in person or by mail with an original signature.
Voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling place by using the Mississippi Voter Information lookup tool on the Secretary of State's website or by contacting their Circuit Clerk's office. Harrison County operates numerous polling locations throughout Harrison County on election days, with precinct assignments based on residential address. Public election records include voter registration rolls (available for inspection with restrictions under Miss.
Code Ann. § 23-15-47), candidate qualifying documents, campaign finance reports filed with Harrison County or state, official election results by precinct, and absentee ballot statistics. The next major election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives elections for Mississippi's congressional districts, potential U.S. Senate races depending on seat cycle, and various state legislative positions. Absentee voting in Mississippi is available for voters who meet specific criteria including age 65 or older, temporary or permanent physical disability, absence from Harrison County on election day, required work on election day, military service, or spouse/dependent of military member.
Absentee ballot applications can be downloaded from the Secretary of State's website or obtained from the Circuit Clerk's office, and must be received by the Saturday before the election for mail ballots or in person up to the day before the election. Mississippi election records are among the most transparent in the state, with precinct-level results published online following certification, and detailed voter history and turnout data available through public records requests to the Circuit Clerk under Mississippi's Public Records Act.
Economy & Demographics
Harrison County's economy is one of the most diverse and strong in Mississippi, driven by a unique combination of military installations, gaming and hospitality, maritime industries, and aerospace technology.The gaming and casino industry represents another economic pillar, with major resort casinos including Beau Rivage, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Golden Nugget, IP Casino Resort, Scarlet Pearl, and Palace Casino generating thousands of jobs and significant tax revenue. The Port of Gulfport operates as a major container port handling fruit imports, forest products, and other cargo, supporting logistics and warehousing employment.
- The median household income in Harrison County is approximately $52,000, slightly below the national average but competitive within Mississippi.
Shipbuilding and maritime industries remain important, with facilities engaged in vessel repair and construction. Major economic sectors include accommodation and food services (tourism/gaming), retail trade, healthcare and social assistance (with Merit Health Biloxi and Memorial Hospital at Gulfport as major employers), construction (ongoing coastal development), and public administration. The Mississippi Aquarium, which opened in Gulfport in 2020, represents a significant tourism and educational investment.
Unemployment rates have historically tracked close to state averages, with the economy showing resilience following Hurricane Katrina's devastation in 2005. Harrison County Economic Development Commission actively recruits new businesses and supports expansion, focusing on aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and technology sectors using Keesler's technical workforce.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (MEC System) | Property: Yes: Online GIS/Search Available | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: Limited: State Office/Mail Required | Business: Yes: Online (Secretary of State) | Elections: Yes: Voter Lookup Online | Overall Score: 8/10, Harrison County provides strong online access to most public records with dual-office locations in Gulfport and Biloxi enhancing accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Harrison County
Explore public records for 6 cities and communities in Harrison County, Mississippi.