About Marshall County
Marshall County is located in the northern part of Mississippi, bordering Tennessee to the north and sharing boundaries with DeSoto, Benton, Tippah, and Tate counties. The county seat is Holly Springs, a historic town founded in 1836 that serves as the governmental and cultural center of the county. Marshall County was established on February 9, 1836, and named after Chief Justice John Marshall of the United States Supreme Court. The county encompasses approximately 710 square miles and has a population of around 33,500 residents according to recent census estimates.
- Holly Springs is renowned for its antebellum architecture, with over 300 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it one of Mississippi's most historically significant communities.
Rust College, a historically black liberal arts college founded in 1866, is a major educational landmark in Holly Springs. The Marshall County Courthouse, located at 128 East Van Dorn Avenue in Holly Springs, houses the offices of the County Clerk, Chancery Clerk, and other essential county services. The Marshall County Tax Assessor's office maintains property records and assessments at the courthouse complex.
The Circuit Clerk's office, also located at the courthouse, manages court records and land records. Wall Doxey State Park, named after a former U.S. Senator from Mississippi, offers recreational opportunities including a spring-fed lake and is a popular destination for residents and visitors.
The county's economy has historically been based on agriculture, particularly cotton production, though it has diversified in recent decades. Marshall County maintains its rural character while experiencing gradual growth from its proximity to the Memphis metropolitan area.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Marshall County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of the county. The office is tasked with patrolling these areas, managing the county jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also engages in community outreach and crime prevention programs tailored to the needs of Marshall County residents. Notable divisions within the office include the Criminal Investigations Division and the Narcotics Unit, which focus on solving crimes and controlling illegal drug activities in the county.
Police Departments
Marshall County is served by the Marshall County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments. The Holly Springs Police Department oversees law enforcement within the city limits of Holly Springs, while the Byhalia Police Department serves the town of Byhalia. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage and response across the county. Each department operates within its jurisdiction but collaborates on investigations and public safety initiatives.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Marshall County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 159 East Van Dorn Avenue in Holly Springs, Mississippi 38635, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of the county. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (662) 252-1311 and maintains a patrol division, criminal investigations unit, and operates the Marshall County Correctional Facility.
- § 25-61-1 et seq.), which requires government agencies to make public records available for inspection and copying upon request.
- To obtain arrest records, citizens may submit a written request to the Marshall County Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically maintained as part of arrest records and can be requested through the same process.
- There is no consolidated online database for Marshall County arrest records or mugshots, so requesters must contact the law enforcement agency directly.
- Processing times and any associated copying fees vary by department.
Inmate searches and jail roster information for the Marshall County jail can be accessed by contacting the detention facility directly at (662) 252-4261 or by visiting the Sheriff's Office in person during business hours. The facility houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates serving county-level sentences. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Holly Springs Police Department, which serves the county seat and can be reached at (662) 252-2122.
The town of Byhalia also maintains its own police department serving that county. Arrest records and booking information in Marshall County are considered public records under the Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss. Code Ann.
Some recent booking information may be available by calling the jail directly. Mississippi law allows agencies to charge reasonable fees for copying and research time when fulfilling public records requests.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Marshall County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. The Marshall County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the Mississippi Public Records Act. Background checks can be conducted through the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, which provides comprehensive criminal history reports for residents. The bureau's services are crucial for employment screenings and other legal purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Marshall County are maintained by the Marshall County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of arrests made within the county, including the charges, date, and location of the arrest. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following the guidelines set forth by the Mississippi Public Records Act. A typical arrest record in Marshall County includes the individual's personal information, mugshot, and details of the alleged offense.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Marshall County Correctional Facility, located in Holly Springs, is the primary detention center for the county. The facility handles the booking process for individuals arrested within the county, where they are photographed and fingerprinted. Inmate information can be accessed through the Marshall County Sheriff's Office, which provides an inmate lookup service. Visitation rules at the facility are specific, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to strict guidelines.
- The bond and bail process follows Mississippi state laws, allowing for the release of detainees upon posting the required amount, which can be arranged through the court or a bail bondsman.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Marshall County are taken and retained by the Marshall 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. Mugshots may also be available through third-party websites that aggregate public records. Mississippi does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals can petition for removal based on privacy concerns or if charges are dropped.
Courts & Case Records
Marshall County's judicial system includes the Marshall County Circuit Court, which has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $75,000, and appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Court Clerk's office is located at 128 East Van Dorn Avenue, Holly Springs, MS 38635, and can be reached at (662) 252-3434. The Marshall County Chancery Court handles matters including divorces, child custody, adoptions, guardianships, land disputes, and probate matters.
- Marshall County Justice Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims up to $3,500, preliminary hearings, and issues search warrants.
- Fees for certified copies of court documents typically range from $1.00 to $2.00 per page, with additional certification fees.
The Chancery Clerk's office, also located at the courthouse at 128 East Van Dorn Avenue, maintains these records and can be contacted at (662) 252-4431. There are multiple Justice Court judges serving different districts within the county. The Holly Springs Municipal Court handles violations of city ordinances and minor offenses occurring within city limits.
Court records in Mississippi are generally considered public records under Miss. Code Ann. § 9-1-43, which governs access to court records throughout the state.
To search court records in Marshall County, citizens may visit the appropriate clerk's office during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Circuit Clerk and Chancery Clerk maintain separate dockets and filing systems. Some case information may be available by phone, but detailed searches generally require an in-person visit.
Mississippi does not currently have a unified statewide online court records portal, so access to Marshall County court records primarily requires contacting the clerk's offices directly or visiting in person.
Property & Public Records
Land and property records for Marshall County are maintained by the Marshall County Chancery Clerk, who serves as the Register of Deeds. The Chancery Clerk's office is located at 128 East Van Dorn Avenue, Holly Springs, MS 38635, and can be contacted at (662) 252-4431. This office records and indexes deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, easements, rights-of-way, plat maps, and other instruments affecting real property in Marshall County. The land records date back to the county's founding in 1836 and represent a continuous chain of title for all parcels.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for a fee, typically $1.00 per page plus a certification fee.
- Recording fees for new documents vary based on the number of pages and type of instrument.
Property records are public under Mississippi law and may be searched in person at the Chancery Clerk's office during regular business hours. The office maintains grantor/grantee indexes and parcel-based indexes to facilitate searches. Marshall County property tax records are maintained by the Marshall County Tax Assessor's office, located at the courthouse complex at 128 East Van Dorn Avenue, Holly Springs, MS 38635.
The Tax Assessor can be reached at (662) 252-4341 and maintains assessment rolls, property valuations, and ownership information for all taxable parcels. Tax payment records and delinquent tax information are handled by the Marshall County Tax Collector's office. While Marshall County does not currently offer a comprehensive online GIS mapping system with full parcel data, basic property information may be available by contacting the Tax Assessor's office.
Many Mississippi counties are gradually implementing online property record systems, but access varies. Researchers seeking detailed property ownership history, legal descriptions, or recorded documents should plan to visit the Chancery Clerk's office in person or submit written requests with specific parcel information.
Vital Records
Vital records for Marshall County, Mississippi, including birth and death certificates, are maintained both at the county level and by the Mississippi State Department of Health Vital Records office. For births and deaths that occurred in Marshall County, certified copies can be requested through the Marshall County Chancery Clerk's office at 128 East Van Dorn Avenue, Holly Springs, MS 38635, phone (662) 252-4431. Birth certificates are restricted records under Miss. Code Ann.
- Death certificates have similar restrictions but may be available to a broader range of requesters with a direct and tangible interest.
- The fee for a certified copy of a birth or death certificate is typically $15 for the first copy and $7 for additional copies ordered at the same time, though fees should be confirmed with the issuing office.
- Processing time for in-person requests at the county level is often same-day or within a few business days.
- For statewide or expedited service, requests can be submitted to the Mississippi State Department of Health Vital Records, 570 East Woodrow Wilson Drive, Jackson, MS 39216, phone 601-206-8200.
- Online ordering of Mississippi vital records is available through VitalChek, the state's authorized vendor, at www.msvitalrecords.ms.gov, though this service includes additional processing fees.
§ 41-57-1 et seq., and are only available to the person named on the certificate (if of legal age), parents, legal guardians, or legal representatives with proper authorization. The state office maintains birth records from November 1912 forward and death records from November 1912 forward. Marriage licenses in Marshall County are issued by the Marshall County Circuit Clerk's office at the courthouse, (662) 252-3434.
Applicants must appear in person with valid photo identification and pay the marriage license fee. Mississippi has no waiting period or blood test requirement. Divorce records are filed with the Chancery Clerk's office where the divorce was granted.
Requesters should bring valid government-issued photo identification when requesting vital records in person.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Marshall County involves both county-level and state-level filings depending on the type of business activity. The Marshall County Chancery Clerk's office, located at 128 East Van Dorn Avenue, Holly Springs, MS 38635, phone (662) 252-4431, handles the recording of Doing Business As (DBA) names, also known as trade names or fictitious business names, for sole proprietorships and partnerships operating in the county. These records are public and can be searched at the Chancery Clerk's office.
- The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database of all registered business entities at www.sos.ms.gov, where users can search by business name, registered agent, or filing number at no cost.
- This database provides information on business status, formation date, registered agent, and principal office address.
- The Marshall County Chamber of Commerce, though not a government entity, provides resources for businesses and can be reached through local business directories.
For formal business entity formation, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other statutory entities, registration is handled by the Mississippi Secretary of State Business Services Division. Businesses operating in Marshall County must also comply with various licensing requirements depending on their activities. The Mississippi Department of Revenue handles sales tax permits and can be reached at 601-923-7700 or through their website at www.dor.ms.gov.
Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, cosmetologists, health professionals, and others are issued by state-level boards and commissions rather than at the county level. Building permits and construction-related licenses in unincorporated Marshall County are handled by the Marshall County Building Department, which enforces building codes and zoning regulations. For businesses operating within Holly Springs city limits, contact the Holly Springs City Hall for municipal business licenses and permits.
Zoning information and land use permits are handled by the Marshall County Planning Department.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Marshall County, Mississippi, are administered by the Marshall County Circuit Clerk's office, which serves as the county's election authority. The Circuit Clerk's office is located at 128 East Van Dorn Avenue, Holly Springs, MS 38635, and can be reached at (662) 252-3434 for election-related inquiries. Voter registration in Mississippi is handled through the Circuit Clerk's office in each county. Mississippi residents may register to vote if they are a U.S.
- Voters may also register in person at the Circuit Clerk's office or at various state agencies.
citizen, a resident of Mississippi and the county where they wish to vote, at least 18 years old by the next general election, and not disqualified by reason of certain felony convictions or adjudicated mental incapacity. The voter registration deadline in Mississippi is 30 days before any election. Online voter registration is available through the Mississippi Secretary of State's website at www.sos.ms.gov/Elections-Voting/Pages/Voter-Registration-Information.aspx, where eligible citizens can complete registration electronically.
To find your specific polling place in Marshall County, voters should contact the Circuit Clerk's office or check the Mississippi Secretary of State's polling place lookup tool on the state elections website. Mississippi uses precinct-based voting, and voters must cast ballots at their assigned precinct location. Election records that are public in Mississippi include voter registration lists (though some information is restricted), campaign finance reports filed with the Secretary of State or local election authorities, candidate qualifying documents, and precinct-level election results.
Under Mississippi law, unofficial election results are typically posted on election night, and certified results follow after the official canvass. In the November 2024 general election, Marshall County voter turnout was approximately 55-60% of registered voters, consistent with typical turnout for presidential election years in rural Mississippi counties, though exact figures should be confirmed with the Circuit Clerk. The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, which will include U.S.
House of Representatives races, potentially a U.S. Senate race if applicable, and various Mississippi state offices. Absentee voting in Mississippi is available to qualified voters under specific circumstances outlined in Miss.
Code Ann. § 23-15-713, including voters who will be away from their county on election day, persons with temporary or permanent disabilities, voters over age 65, and those whose work requires them to be away. Absentee ballot applications for Marshall County must be submitted to the Circuit Clerk's office, and applications can be downloaded from the Secretary of State's website.
The deadline for absentee ballot applications is typically the Saturday before the election for mail-in ballots. Mississippi has implemented some transparency measures for elections, and citizens may request to observe the election process and request copies of public election records under the Mississippi Public Records Act, though certain personal voter information is protected under state law.
Economy & Demographics
Marshall County's economy has historically been rooted in agriculture, with cotton, soybeans, corn, and timber production remaining significant contributors. The county's proximity to Memphis, Tennessee, approximately 40 miles to the north, has influenced its economic development and provided employment opportunities for residents who commute to the metropolitan area. According to U.S.
- Highway 78, which provides east-west connectivity.
- Tourism related to Holly Springs' historic architecture and cultural heritage provides modest economic impact through visitor spending.
Census Bureau estimates, Marshall County's median household income is approximately $38,000 to $42,000, which is below both the state and national averages, reflecting the county's rural character and economic challenges. Manufacturing has grown as a sector, with several industrial operations located in the county providing employment in production and distribution. The education sector is a major employer, with Rust College in Holly Springs employing faculty and staff, and the Marshall County School District being one of the largest employers in the county.
Healthcare services, retail trade, and government employment (county, municipal, and school district) also provide substantial employment. The unemployment rate in Marshall County has historically tracked slightly above Mississippi's state average, typically ranging between 5% and 7% depending on economic conditions, though rates have fluctuated with national economic trends. Economic development efforts have focused on attracting new businesses to the county through incentives and improved infrastructure.
The Holly Springs area has seen some commercial growth along major corridors, including U.S. Agriculture remains vital, with family farms and larger operations producing row crops and livestock. The timber industry supports logging and wood product manufacturing.
Wall Doxey State Park attracts outdoor recreation enthusiasts. The county faces ongoing challenges including population decline in rural areas, need for infrastructure improvements, and competition with faster-growing counties in the region. Recent economic development initiatives have sought to leverage the county's assets including available land, transportation access, and quality of life factors.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ In-Person Required | Property: ⚠️ Limited Online Access | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person Only | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or Mail | Business: ✅ State Online Search | Elections: ⚠️ Limited Online | Overall Score: 4/10 — Marshall County requires in-person visits or phone contact for most public records, with limited digital access. State-level systems provide some business entity information online.
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Cities & Towns in Marshall County
Explore public records for 7 cities and communities in Marshall County, Mississippi.
Nearby Counties
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