About Warren County
Warren County, Mississippi, is located in the western part of the state along the Mississippi River, sharing its western border with Louisiana. Established in 1809, Warren County was named after Joseph Warren, a Revolutionary War hero killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Warren County Seat is Vicksburg, a historic city renowned for its key role in the American Civil War, particularly the Siege of Vicksburg in 1863, which was a turning point in the conflict. Warren County spans approximately 619 square miles and has a population of around 44,000 residents according to recent census estimates.
- The Mississippi River provides both economic opportunities and scenic beauty, while the Yazoo River forms part of Warren County's eastern boundary.
Warren County is home to the Vicksburg National Military Park, one of the most visited Civil War sites in the nation, which preserves the battlefields and commemorates the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg. Major economic drivers include gaming and tourism, the Port of Vicksburg, manufacturing facilities, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Research and Development Center.
Warren County Courthouse, houses key county offices including the Chancery Clerk, Circuit Clerk, and Tax Assessor. Warren County Tax Assessor's office maintains property records and assessments at the courthouse, while the Chancery Clerk serves as Warren County's official land records keeper and vital records custodian. Warren County's unique blend of Civil War history, river commerce, military research facilities, and gaming industry creates a distinctive economic and cultural scene in Mississippi.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Warren County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Warren County's unincorporated areas. It oversees Warren County jail, manages the booking and processing of arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in community policing initiatives and operates specialized divisions such as narcotics and investigations.
Police Departments
Warren County is served by multiple law enforcement agencies, including Warren County Sheriff's Office and the Vicksburg Police Department. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, making sure of full coverage and response across Warren County. Each department has its jurisdiction but collaborates on investigations and emergency responses when necessary.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Warren County Sheriff's Office, located at 1801 Mission 66 in Vicksburg, Mississippi, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Warren County. Sheriff Martin Pace oversees operations including patrol, criminal investigations, civil process service, and operation of Warren County Jail. Warren County Jail, also known as Warren County Correctional Facility, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates.
- Within Warren County, the Vicksburg Police Department provides municipal law enforcement services for the city of Vicksburg and can be contacted, with headquarters located at 820 Veto Street.
- Under Mississippi Code § 25-61-1 et seq, the Mississippi Public Records Act, citizens have the right to request arrest records, booking logs, and incident reports from law enforcement agencies.
- Written requests should be submitted to the specific agency maintaining the records, and agencies may charge reasonable copying fees.
- Processing times for public records requests typically range from 3-7 business days depending on the complexity of the request.
Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records and may be available through the Sheriff's Office, though some records related to ongoing investigations or juvenile arrests may be exempt from disclosure. Some arrest information may also be accessible through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety or through third-party public records databases, though official certified records must be obtained directly from the arresting agency.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Warren County includes felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as a sex offender registry. Background checks in Mississippi can be conducted through the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, which provides access to statewide criminal history information. Warren County residents can request criminal records for personal or legal purposes, subject to state regulations and privacy laws.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Warren County are maintained by Warren County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrested individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The records are subject to the Mississippi Public Records Act, which governs the accessibility of public records. Arrest records typically contain information such as the date of arrest, charges filed, and the arresting agency.
Jail & Inmate Records
Warren County Jail, located in Vicksburg, is the primary detention facility for people arrested in Warren County. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information of detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing the public to find information on current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process follows Mississippi state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees pending court hearings.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Warren County are taken and retained by Warren County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While some mugshots may be available online, others might require a formal request to view. Mississippi does not have specific mugshot removal laws, so the availability of mugshots can vary based on local policies and privacy considerations.
Courts & Case Records
Warren County's judicial system includes Warren County Circuit Court, which handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $200,000, and appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Court is located at Warren County Courthouse, Vicksburg, MS 39183, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Warren County Chancery Court, also housed in the courthouse, has jurisdiction over domestic relations matters including divorce and child custody, estate and probate matters, guardianships, property disputes, and civil cases involving equitable relief.
- Warren County Justice Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary hearings for felonies, small claims up to $3,500, civil matters up to $3,500, evictions, and traffic violations.
- Warren County Circuit Clerk's office charges fees for certified copies of court documents, typically $1.50 per page for copies plus certification fees.
- Researchers can request court records by visiting the clerk's office in person, submitting written requests by mail, or calling for guidance.
- Some older court records may be archived and require additional processing time to retrieve.
Mississippi has two Justice Court districts in Warren County, with judges located at the courthouse complex. The City of Vicksburg Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations, DUI cases within city limits, and certain misdemeanors. Court records in Mississippi are governed by Mississippi Code § 25-61-9, which establishes that court records are generally public unless specifically exempted by law or court order.
The Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system provides online access to some case information for Circuit and Chancery Courts, though full dockets may require in-person or written requests to the Circuit Clerk or Chancery Clerk.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Warren County are maintained by Warren County Chancery Clerk, who is the official Register of Deeds. The Chancery Clerk's office is located at Warren County Courthouse, Vicksburg, MS 39183 This office maintains records of property deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, right-of-way documents, subdivision plats, and other instruments affecting real property titles. Mississippi law requires that all real property conveyances be recorded in Warren County where the property is located.
- The Chancery Clerk's land records department provides public access to deed books, mortgage books, and indexed records dating back to Warren County's founding.
- Warren County offers online property record searches through various third-party vendors and county-affiliated services, though fees may apply for document retrieval and certified copies.
- The Assessor's Geographic Information System (GIS) provides online parcel viewing with aerial imagery, property lines, and basic assessment data.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested from the Chancery Clerk for a statutory fee of $1.00 per page plus a $1.00 certification fee.
- Requesters should provide specific parcel numbers, legal descriptions, or owner names to help with efficient record retrieval.
Warren County Tax Assessor's office, located at the courthouse, maintains property tax assessment records, parcel maps, ownership information, and tax payment history. Property tax records including current and delinquent taxes are public information and can be searched by owner name, parcel number, or address. Warren County Tax Collector accepts property tax payments and maintains payment records.
Online property searches may include deed images, mortgage records, and historical ownership chains. The Chancery Clerk's office also maintains maps, survey plats, and subdivision records that are essential for title research and property boundary determination.
Vital Records
Vital records for Warren County, Mississippi, including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees, are maintained by Warren County Chancery Clerk's office at Warren County Courthouse, Vicksburg, MS 39183 Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Warren County can be requested from the Chancery Clerk, though the Mississippi State Department of Health Vital Records office in Jackson is the central repository for all vital records statewide.
- Birth certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $7 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $7 for each additional copy.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Warren County Chancery Clerk and cost $21.00, with a 3-day waiting period that can be waived for an additional $15 fee.
- Divorce decrees are maintained by the Chancery Clerk in the court case files and can be obtained by requesting certified copies from the Chancery Clerk's office.
- Processing times for in-person requests at Warren County level are typically immediate to same-day, while mail requests may take 2-3 weeks.
Only immediate family members, legal representatives, or individuals with a direct and tangible interest can obtain certified copies of birth and death certificates under Mississippi Code § 41-57-1 et seq. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of relationship or legal interest. Both parties must appear in person with valid identification and social security numbers.
The Mississippi State Department of Health Vital Records office, located at 570 East Woodrow Wilson Drive in Jackson, MS 39216, provides an alternative source for vital records and offers online ordering through VitalChek for expedited service with additional processing fees. Online orders through VitalChek typically take 5-10 business days depending on shipping method selected.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Warren County, Mississippi, are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and license required. Warren County Chancery Clerk's office at the courthouse, handles filing of Doing Business As (DBA) names, also called fictitious business names or assumed names, for sole proprietorships and partnerships operating under names different from the owners' legal names. DBA filings cost approximately $25 and must be published in a local newspaper.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and professional associations, businesses must register with the Mississippi Secretary of State's Business Services Division. The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at https://www.sos.ms.gov where citizens can search for registered business entities, view filing histories, registered agent information, and corporate status. Most business licenses and permits are handled at the municipal level by the City of Vicksburg for businesses operating within city limits.
The City Clerk's office and various city departments issue business licenses, occupational licenses, and permits. Sales tax permits are issued by the Mississippi Department of Revenue, not Warren County. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, electricians, plumbers, and healthcare professionals are regulated by respective Mississippi state licensing boards.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and certificates of occupancy for Warren County are handled by Warren County Building Department and Planning Department, with different procedures for incorporated versus unincorporated areas. The Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce, Suite 100, Vicksburg, MS 39180, website www.vicksburgchamber.com, provides business development resources and networking opportunities but does not maintain official licensing records. Researchers seeking full business information should check both county DBA records and the Mississippi Secretary of State's business entity database.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Warren County, Mississippi, are administered by Warren County Circuit Clerk's office, which serves as Warren County election commission. The Circuit Clerk's office is located at Warren County Courthouse, Vicksburg, MS 39183, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Voter registration in Warren County is handled through the Circuit Clerk's office, with applications available in person, by mail, or online through the Mississippi Secretary of State's website at https://www.sos.ms.gov/Elections-Voting/Pages/Voter-Registration-Information.aspx.
- In the November 2024 general election, Warren County voter turnout was approximately 55-60% of registered voters, consistent with Mississippi's participation rates in presidential elections.
Mississippi law requires voter registration at least 30 days before an election. Eligible citizens must be 18 years old by the date of the general election, a resident of Mississippi and their respective county and precinct for 30 days before the election, and not disqualified by a felony conviction unless voting rights have been restored. Mississippi does not offer Election Day registration, so advance planning is necessary.
Voters can find their polling place by contacting the Circuit Clerk's office or checking the Mississippi Secretary of State's polling place locator online. Warren County has multiple precincts throughout Warren County and in Vicksburg. Election records that are public in Mississippi include voter registration rolls (with some personal information redacted), campaign finance reports filed with the Secretary of State, candidate qualification documents, and precinct-level election results.
Warren County Circuit Clerk publishes election results after each election, typically available through local media and Warren County website. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, which will include U.S. House of Representatives elections for Mississippi's congressional districts, along with potential state legislative races and local offices depending on term expirations.
Absentee voting in Mississippi is available for voters who meet specific criteria including being away from their county on Election Day, having a temporary or permanent physical disability, being 65 years or older, being a parent or guardian of a person with a disability who is hospitalized outside Warren County, or being required to work on Election Day during polling hours. Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to Warren County Circuit Clerk's office, with mail-in ballot requests due by a specified deadline before the election (typically 7-14 days depending on the type of absentee ballot). Mississippi law allows no-excuse absentee voting for those 65 and older.
Under Mississippi's public records laws, citizens can request copies of voter rolls, election results by precinct, poll worker rosters, and campaign finance disclosures, promoting transparency in the electoral process. The Circuit Clerk's office maintains historical election records and can provide certified election results for legal purposes.
Economy & Demographics
Warren County's economy is anchored by several key sectors that distinguish it from other Mississippi counties. Gaming and tourism constitute major economic drivers, with multiple casino resorts along the Mississippi River generating significant employment and tax revenue. The Port of Vicksburg is an important inland river port helping with commerce and logistics operations. Manufacturing facilities in Warren County include automotive suppliers, chemical production, and wood products companies. The U.S.
- The median household income in Warren County is approximately $45,000, slightly below the Mississippi state average.
Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), one of the largest employers in Warren County, employs over 2,000 scientists, engineers, and support personnel conducting research in military engineering, environmental science, and geospatial technology. Major employers include the ERDC, River Region Health System (formerly Riverland Medical Center and Merit Health), Isle of Capri Casino, Waterview Casino & Hotel, Ameristar Casino Hotel, International Paper, and various retail and service establishments. Agriculture remains economically important in rural portions of Warren County, with crops including soybeans, corn, cotton, and cattle operations.
The historic downtown Vicksburg district attracts heritage tourism related to Civil War history and antebellum architecture. The Vicksburg National Military Park draws over 300,000 visitors annually, supporting hotels, restaurants, and retail businesses. Economic development efforts focus on using Warren County's strategic location along Interstate 20 and U.S.
Highway 61, its Mississippi River access, and the research capabilities of ERDC. The Vicksburg-Warren County Economic Development Partnership works to attract new industry and support existing businesses. Recent economic development initiatives include downtown revitalization projects, expansion of gaming facilities, and efforts to attract distribution and logistics operations.
Unemployment rates in Warren County typically track close to Mississippi state averages, ranging from 4-6% in recent years depending on economic conditions.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (Partial) | Property: Yes: Online Search Available | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail Required | Business: Yes: State Online Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall Score: 7/10, Warren County provides good access to property and business records through online systems, with court records partially available electronically. Vital records require in-person or mail requests, which is standard for Mississippi counties.