About Pearl River County
Pearl River County is located in the southeastern corner of Mississippi, bordered by Louisiana to the west and the Pearl River to the south. The county seat is Poplarville, a historic town that serves as the governmental and commercial hub of the county. Established in 1890 from parts of Hancock and Marion counties, Pearl River County encompasses approximately 819 square miles and has a population of roughly 56,000 residents according to recent census estimates. The county is home to Pearl River Community College, one of Mississippi's oldest public junior colleges, founded in 1909.
Major landmarks include the Honey Island Swamp, one of the most pristine river swamps in the United States, and the Stennis Space Center, which lies partially within county boundaries. The county's economy historically centered on timber, agriculture, and naval stores production. The Pearl River County Chancery Clerk is located at 200 South Main Street in Poplarville and maintains vital records, land records, and court documents.
The Pearl River County Tax Assessor's office, also located in Poplarville, handles property assessments and tax records. The Circuit Clerk's office manages criminal and civil court filings. Pearl River County offers a blend of rural Southern charm, natural beauty including extensive pine forests, and proximity to the Gulf Coast metropolitan areas.
The county is characterized by small towns like Picayune, the largest city in the county, along with communities such as Carriere and Nicholson. Highway 59 serves as the primary north-south corridor through the county, connecting residents to Hattiesburg and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Pearl River County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of the county. The office is tasked with patrolling rural regions, managing the county jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also operates various community programs aimed at crime prevention and public safety education. Notable divisions within the office include the Criminal Investigations Division and the Narcotics Unit, which focus on investigating serious crimes and drug-related offenses, respectively.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Pearl River County is provided by both the Pearl River County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Picayune Police Department serves the city of Picayune, while the Poplarville Police Department operates within Poplarville. These agencies work collaboratively to address crime and ensure public safety across the county. They coordinate on major investigations and share resources to effectively manage law enforcement challenges. Each department has jurisdiction over its respective city, while the Sheriff's Office covers the broader county area.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Pearl River County Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff David Allison, provides primary law enforcement services for unincorporated areas of the county. The Sheriff's Office is headquartered at 200 South Main Street, Poplarville, MS 39470, and can be reached at (601) 403-2500. The agency operates the Pearl River County Jail, which houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders. Inmate lookup services are available by contacting the jail directly at (601) 403-2255 or visiting the Sheriff's Office in person during business hours.
- Current inmate rosters may be obtained through public records requests.
- Requests for arrest records, incident reports, and booking information should be directed to the law enforcement agency that made the arrest.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the Pearl River County Sheriff's Office, though some records may require a formal written request.
- Processing times vary, and fees for copies are set according to state law, typically not exceeding $1.00 per page.
- Mississippi law requires agencies to respond to public records requests within a reasonable time, generally within 14 business days.
The City of Picayune operates the Picayune Police Department, serving the county's largest county with approximately 11,000 residents. Picayune PD is located at 601 Goodyear Boulevard and can be reached at (601) 798-7411. Arrest records in Pearl River County are public records under the Mississippi Public Records Act, Miss.
Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq., which establishes the right of citizens to inspect and copy public records with limited exceptions. No tribal police agencies operate within Pearl River County, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands in the county.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol also maintains jurisdiction on state and federal highways throughout Pearl River County.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Pearl River County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registrations. The Pearl River County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. To conduct a background check, individuals can request records from the Sheriff's Office or utilize the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation's services, which provides statewide criminal history information. The sex offender registry is accessible online, allowing residents to stay informed about offenders in their area.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Pearl River County are maintained by the Pearl River County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by submitting a formal request to the Sheriff's Office, either in person or through their website. Arrest records typically contain the date and location of the arrest, the charges, and the arresting officer's name.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Pearl River County Detention Center is the primary jail facility in the county. It handles the booking and detention of individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmates can be searched through an online inmate lookup tool provided by the Sheriff's Office. Visitation rules require visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to specific guidelines regarding conduct and dress code.
- The bond and bail process in Mississippi allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with bond amounts set by the court based on the charges.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Pearl River County are taken and retained by the Pearl River County Sheriff's Office as part of the booking process. These booking photos are often made available to the public through the Sheriff's Office website or upon request. Individuals seeking mugshots can search the Sheriff's Office online database or contact the office directly for assistance. Mississippi does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals may petition the court for removal or sealing of records under certain circumstances, such as expungement of charges.
Courts & Case Records
Pearl River County's judicial system includes the Circuit Court, Chancery Court, and Justice Court. The Pearl River County Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $200,000, and appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Clerk's office is located at 200 South Main Street, Suite 6, Poplarville, MS 39470, phone (601) 403-2330. The Chancery Court has jurisdiction over domestic relations matters including divorce and child custody, estate and probate matters, property disputes, and guardianships.
- Pearl River County has two Justice Court districts, with judges handling misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary hearings, small claims under $3,500, and civil matters not exceeding $3,500.
- Online case search is not currently available through a county portal, though the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system provides limited access to some case information.
- Certified copies of court documents are available for a fee of $1.50 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee.
- Uncertified copies cost $1.00 per page.
The Chancery Clerk is located at 200 South Main Street, Poplarville, MS 39470, phone (601) 403-2300. Justice Court is located at 200 South Main Street, phone (601) 403-2323. The City of Picayune operates a Municipal Court for city ordinance violations and misdemeanors occurring within city limits.
Court records in Mississippi are public under Miss. Code Ann. § 9-1-47 and § 25-61-1 et seq., though certain records such as juvenile proceedings and adoption records are sealed by statute.
The Circuit Clerk maintains an index of civil and criminal cases that can be searched in person during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Fifteenth Judicial District encompasses Pearl River County, and cases are heard by circuit judges who rotate through the district.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Pearl River County are maintained by the Chancery Clerk, who serves as the county's land records custodian. The Chancery Clerk's office at 200 South Main Street, Poplarville, MS 39470, (601) 403-2300, maintains all deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, lis pendens, easements, rights-of-way, plat maps, and other instruments affecting real property. The grantor-grantee index dates back to the county's formation in 1890, with some reconstructed records from predecessor counties.
- Currently, Pearl River County does not offer a free online searchable database for land records, though records can be requested by phone or mail.
- Certified copies of recorded instruments cost $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.
- The Mississippi Automated Resource Information System (MARIS) provides some geographic data for the county.
Land records are public under Mississippi law and can be searched in person at the Chancery Clerk's office during regular business hours. Property tax records are maintained separately by the Pearl River County Tax Assessor's office at 200 South Main Street, Poplarville, MS 39470, phone (601) 403-2360. The Assessor maintains ownership information, property valuations, assessment rolls, and exemption records.
Tax payment records are kept by the Tax Collector's office. While Pearl River County does not currently maintain a comprehensive online GIS parcel viewer accessible to the public, property information can be obtained by visiting the Assessor's office or submitting written requests. Mississippi law (Miss.
Code Ann. § 27-35-1 et seq.) governs property assessment and taxation. All real property transactions must be recorded with the Chancery Clerk to establish priority and provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors.
Vital Records
Vital records for Pearl River County are maintained by both the Pearl River County Chancery Clerk and the Mississippi State Department of Health Vital Records office. Birth and death certificates occurring in Pearl River County can be requested from the Chancery Clerk's office at 200 South Main Street, Poplarville, MS 39470, phone (601) 403-2300. Birth certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $7.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Death certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $7.00 for additional copies.
- Processing time at the county level is typically 3-5 business days if records are available.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.msvitalrecords.ms.gov with additional service fees.
- The marriage license fee is $21.00, and there is no waiting period or blood test required.
Only individuals with a direct and tangible interest may obtain certified copies, including the registrant (if of legal age), immediate family members, legal representatives, or individuals with a court order. Valid government-issued photo identification is required. The Mississippi State Department of Health Vital Records office, located at 570 East Woodrow Wilson Drive, Jackson, MS 39216, phone (601) 206-8200, maintains statewide records and can provide certified copies for events occurring anywhere in Mississippi since November 1, 1912.
Marriage licenses are issued by the Circuit Clerk's office in Pearl River County at 200 South Main Street, Suite 6, Poplarville, phone (601) 403-2330. Both applicants must appear in person with valid photo identification and Social Security numbers. Divorce records are maintained by the Chancery Clerk as part of court records.
Mississippi vital records law is codified at Miss. Code Ann. § 41-57-1 et seq., which establishes confidentiality protections and authorized access criteria.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Pearl River County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. The Pearl River County Chancery Clerk at 200 South Main Street, Poplarville, MS 39470, (601) 403-2300, handles the filing of Doing Business As (DBA) names and fictitious business names for sole proprietorships and partnerships operating in the county. The filing fee is typically $25.00, and renewals are required every five years.
- The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at www.sos.ms.gov where citizens can look up registered businesses, check entity status, view registered agents, and access annual reports.
- Entity searches are free and available 24/7 online.
- The Pearl River County Area Chamber of Commerce, located in Picayune, provides resources for new and existing businesses and maintains information on local business climate and economic development opportunities.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and professional associations, filings must be made with the Mississippi Secretary of State Business Services Division. Mississippi sales tax permits are issued by the Mississippi Department of Revenue and can be applied for online at www.dor.ms.gov. Professional and occupational licenses are generally issued by state-level boards such as the Mississippi State Board of Contractors, Board of Medical Licensure, or State Board of Public Accountancy depending on the profession.
Building permits and inspections in unincorporated Pearl River County are handled by the Pearl River County Building Department, while municipalities such as Picayune maintain separate building inspection departments. Zoning matters are addressed by the Pearl River County Planning Department. Business certificates of occupancy require compliance with county building codes and fire safety regulations.
Their website at www.picayunechamber.com offers directories and business resources.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Pearl River County are administered by the Pearl River County Circuit Clerk, who serves as the county's Election Commissioner. The Circuit Clerk's office is located at 200 South Main Street, Suite 6, Poplarville, MS 39470, and can be reached at (601) 403-2330 for voter registration and election information. Voter registration in Mississippi is handled both at the county level and through the statewide online system. Mississippi residents can register to vote online at www.sos.ms.gov/elections-voting/voter-registration or in person at the Circuit Clerk's office.
- In the November 2024 general election, Pearl River County reported voter turnout of approximately 58-62% of registered voters, consistent with Mississippi turnout patterns for presidential elections.
- Pearl River County provides reasonable transparency in election administration, with results typically posted on election night and official canvass reports available for public inspection.
The registration deadline is 30 days before any election. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by the date of the election, a resident of Mississippi and Pearl River County for 30 days, and not disqualified by a felony conviction (unless rights have been restored) or judicial determination of mental incapacity.
Voters can find their assigned polling place by contacting the Circuit Clerk's office or using the polling place lookup tool on the Mississippi Secretary of State website. Pearl River County operates multiple precincts throughout the county, with polling locations typically at community centers, fire stations, and municipal buildings. Election records that are public include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political committees, official election results by precinct, and candidate qualifying documents.
These records are available under the Mississippi Public Records Act, Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq., and election-specific statutes.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races for Mississippi's congressional districts, potential U.S. Senate races if applicable, and various Mississippi state legislative seats.
Absentee voting in Mississippi is available to qualified voters including those who will be away from their county on election day, persons with temporary or permanent physical disabilities, those 65 years or older, election workers assigned outside their precinct, required workers whose employment obligations prevent voting, and persons whose religious beliefs prohibit voting in person. Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to the Circuit Clerk no later than five business days before the election. In-person absentee voting is available at the Circuit Clerk's office beginning 45 days before an election.
Mississippi law requires specific justification for absentee voting and photo ID for in-person voting.
Economy & Demographics
Pearl River County's economy is diverse, historically rooted in timber production, agriculture, and manufacturing, with growing service and retail sectors. Major industries include forestry and wood products, with extensive pine plantations and several sawmills operating in the county. International Paper and Westrock have maintained significant operations in the region. Agriculture remains important, with cattle farming, poultry production, and specialty crops contributing to the economic base.
- The median household income in Pearl River County is approximately $48,000, slightly below the Mississippi state median.
- Manufacturing facilities include automotive parts suppliers and food processing operations.
- The proximity to the Gulf Coast casino industry provides employment opportunities for county residents.
- Tourism related to outdoor recreation, including fishing, hunting, and eco-tourism in the Honey Island Swamp area, provides supplemental economic activity.
- Property values remain relatively affordable compared to coastal Mississippi counties, attracting retirees and families seeking lower cost of living.
Pearl River Community College serves as one of the largest employers in the county, providing education to approximately 5,000 students and employing several hundred faculty and staff. The college's main campus in Poplarville and the Hancock Center contribute substantially to the local economy. Healthcare services, anchored by Highland Community Hospital in Picayune, represent a growing employment sector.
Retail and service businesses concentrated along Highway 11 and Highway 43 in Picayune serve county residents and visitors. The Stennis Space Center, while administratively in Hancock County, has significant economic impact on Pearl River County through employment and related business activity. The county's unemployment rate typically tracks close to the state average, ranging from 4% to 6% depending on economic conditions.
Recent economic development initiatives have focused on industrial park development, workforce training programs through Pearl River Community College, and infrastructure improvements to attract new businesses.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ In-Person Only | Property: ⚠️ In-Person Only | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ✅ County & Online State Portal | Business: ✅ State Online Search | Elections: ⚠️ Limited Online | Overall Score: 5/10 — Pearl River County requires in-person visits for most records, though state-level online resources supplement county services.
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Cities & Towns in Pearl River County
Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Pearl River County, Mississippi.
Nearby Counties
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