About Webster County
Webster County, Mississippi is a rural county located in the north-central part of the state, established in 1874 and named after statesman Daniel Webster. The county seat is Walthall, a small town that serves as the administrative center for the county's approximately 9,900 residents. Webster County covers 423 square miles of predominantly forested and agricultural land, bordered by Choctaw, Montgomery, Calhoun, Chickasaw, Clay, and Oktibbeha counties. The county is part of the traditional homeland of the Choctaw Nation and retains strong connections to its Native American heritage.
Major communities include Eupora (the largest county), Bellefontaine, and Mantee. The Tombigbee National Forest covers significant portions of the county, providing recreational opportunities and timber resources. Webster County's economy historically centered on agriculture, particularly cotton and livestock, though timber and manufacturing have become increasingly important.
The Webster County Courthouse in Walthall houses the key government offices including the Chancery Clerk, Circuit Clerk, Tax Assessor, and Tax Collector. The Chancery Clerk's office is located at 22529 Highway 15 North, Walthall, MS 39771, serving as the primary records custodian for land records, vital records, and probate matters. The county maintains a traditional Mississippi county government structure with a five-member Board of Supervisors.
Webster County is characterized by rolling hills, pine forests, and a slower pace of life typical of Mississippi's rural heartland, with a strong sense of community and deep historical roots.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Webster County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the county, particularly in the 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 programs aimed at crime prevention and public safety education. Notably, the office has a dedicated division for handling narcotics investigations, which is crucial given the rural nature of the county.
Police Departments
In addition to the Webster County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county is provided by municipal police departments, including the Eupora Police Department and the Mathiston Police Department. These city departments handle law enforcement within their respective city limits, focusing on community policing and local ordinance enforcement. The Sheriff's Office and municipal departments coordinate on major crimes and investigations, ensuring comprehensive coverage and support across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Webster County Sheriff's Office, located at 22529 Highway 15 North, Walthall, MS 39771, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of the county. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (662) 258-4631 and maintains responsibility for operating the Webster County Detention Facility, serving warrants, providing courthouse security, and patrolling county roads.
- To request arrest records, citizens should submit a written request to the Webster County Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department, identifying the specific records sought.
- While there is no statewide standard fee, agencies may charge reasonable copying costs.
- Mugshots and booking photographs are generally available through the arresting agency, though Webster County does not publish these online; requesters must contact the Sheriff's Office directly.
- Mississippi law requires agencies to respond to public records requests within a reasonable time, typically 7-14 business days.
- For court-ordered records or sealed cases, additional legal authorization may be required beyond standard public records requests.
Inmates housed at the Webster County jail can be located by contacting the detention facility directly during business hours; the county does not currently maintain a comprehensive online inmate roster, though booking information may be available by phone request. Within Webster County, the Eupora Police Department provides municipal law enforcement services for the City of Eupora, with additional police presence in Walthall and Mantee through their respective municipal departments. Arrest records in Webster County are considered public records under the Mississippi Public Records Act, codified at Miss.
Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq., which guarantees citizens the right to inspect and copy public records with limited exceptions. No tribal police agencies operate within Webster County, as the Choctaw reservation is located in neighboring counties.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Webster County encompasses felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and sex offender registry information. The Sheriff's Office maintains these records, which are crucial for background checks and legal proceedings. Residents can request criminal records through the Sheriff's Office, while the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for statewide background checks. The Bureau offers comprehensive background checks that include fingerprinting services, which are essential for employment and licensing purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Webster County are maintained by the Webster County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following the guidelines set by the Mississippi Public Records Act. Arrest records typically include the date of arrest, charges filed, and the arresting officer's details. This information is crucial for legal proceedings and background checks.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Webster County Jail, located in Walthall, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainee. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are strictly enforced, with specific hours and regulations that visitors must adhere to.
- The bond and bail process in Mississippi allows for the release of detainees pending trial, and this process can be initiated at the jail or through a bail bondsman.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Webster County are taken and retained by the Webster County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While some mugshots may be available online through third-party websites, official requests for mugshots must be made directly to the Sheriff's Office. Mississippi does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can petition for removal if the charges are dropped or if they are acquitted.
Courts & Case Records
Webster County's judicial system operates through multiple court levels with distinct jurisdictions. The Webster County Circuit Court, located at the Webster County Courthouse, 22529 Highway 15 North, Walthall, MS 39771, has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $200,000, divorce and custody cases, and appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Court is part of Mississippi's Fifth Circuit Court District and holds regular terms throughout the year.
- Fees for certified copies of court documents are established by Mississippi statute at approximately $1.00 per page plus certification fees.
The Webster County Chancery Court, sharing the same courthouse location, handles probate matters, estate administration, land disputes, guardianships, adoptions, and equity cases. The Webster County Justice Court addresses misdemeanor criminal offenses, preliminary hearings for felonies, small civil claims up to $3,500, traffic violations, and issues search warrants; Justice Court judges also serve as magistrates. Municipal courts in Eupora, Walthall, and Mantee handle city ordinance violations and some traffic matters within their respective jurisdictions.
Court records in Webster County are maintained by the Circuit Clerk and Chancery Clerk offices, with the Circuit Clerk responsible for criminal and civil case filings and the Chancery Clerk maintaining probate, land, and equity records. Mississippi does not have a unified statewide electronic case management system accessible to the public; court record searches in Webster County typically require in-person visits to the clerk's office or written requests. The Circuit Clerk's office can be reached at (662) 258-4131 for case status inquiries.
Public access to court records is governed by Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq.
and court rules, with certain records such as sealed cases, juvenile matters, and some family court documents restricted from public view. For online access to limited case information, the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system may provide some data, though comprehensive records require direct contact with the clerk's office.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Webster County are maintained by the Chancery Clerk's office, which serves as the Register of Deeds, located at 22529 Highway 15 North, Walthall, MS 39771, phone (662) 258-4131. The Chancery Clerk records and indexes all real property transactions including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, releases, assignments, mechanics liens, lis pendens, easements, right-of-way agreements, mineral rights documents, and subdivision plats.
- Webster County does not currently offer a comprehensive online property records search system; researchers must visit the courthouse in person or submit written requests by mail to obtain copies of recorded documents.
- Recording fees are established by Mississippi statute at $12.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page, with additional fees for documents requiring indexing under multiple names.
- The Tax Assessor's office can be reached at (662) 258-4133 and provides property tax information during regular business hours.
- Certified copies of recorded documents require payment of statutory certification fees (approximately $2.00 per document) plus copying costs.
The land records index dates back to the county's establishment in 1874, with older records available on microfilm and in bound volumes. Property tax records are maintained separately by the Webster County Tax Assessor's office, also located at the courthouse, which maintains current ownership information, assessed values, legal descriptions, and property characteristics. While Webster County does not maintain a public-facing online GIS or parcel viewer system, property tax information may be available by phone or in-person inquiry.
The Tax Collector's office, phone (662) 258-3833, handles current-year tax payments and can provide payment history and tax bill information. Researchers seeking historical property records, chain of title information, or comprehensive property reports should plan to visit the Chancery Clerk's office in person or hire a local title researcher. Mississippi law requires that all real property conveyances be recorded in the county where the property is located to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers.
Vital Records
Vital records for Webster County, Mississippi residents are maintained at both the county and state levels under Mississippi Code Annotated § 41-57-1 et seq. Birth and death certificates occurring in Webster County can be requested from the Webster County Chancery Clerk's office at 22529 Highway 15 North, Walthall, MS 39771, phone (662) 258-4131, which maintains records as the local registrar. However, certified copies suitable for legal purposes are most reliably obtained from the Mississippi State Department of Health, Vital Records Office, P.O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215-1700.
- Birth certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $7.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously, while death certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $7.00 for additional copies.
- Processing time for mail requests typically ranges from 4-6 weeks, while in-person requests at the state office in Jackson can often be fulfilled the same day.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.msdh.ms.gov/vitalrecords with additional service fees and expedited delivery options.
- Applicants requesting vital records must complete the appropriate application form and provide acceptable identification; acceptable IDs include driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID.
Mississippi restricts access to birth records for 100 years and death records for 50 years to immediate family members and authorized parties who must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship or legal interest. Marriage licenses in Webster County must be obtained from the Webster County Chancery Clerk's office, which issues licenses valid for 30 days; the current fee is approximately $21.00, with no waiting period or blood test required. Both parties must appear in person with valid photo identification and social security numbers.
Divorce records and decrees are also maintained by the Chancery Clerk as part of court records. Birth records in Mississippi have been consistently maintained since November 1, 1912, though some earlier records exist. Genealogical researchers seeking older records may access non-certified informational copies after the restricted period expires.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Webster County are distributed among county, municipal, and state agencies depending on the type of business activity and license required. The Webster County Chancery Clerk's office at 22529 Highway 15 North, Walthall, MS 39771, maintains records of fictitious business name registrations (DBAs or "Doing Business As" names) filed at the county level, though Mississippi does not require statewide DBA registration.
- This database provides status information indicating whether entities are in good standing, administratively dissolved, or withdrawn.
- Contractors working in Mississippi must register with the Mississippi State Board of Contractors and may require local permits depending on the scope of work.
Formal business entity formation, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and foreign entity registrations, must be filed with the Mississippi Secretary of State's Business Services Division. The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at www.sos.ms.gov where the public can search for registered business entities, view formation documents, registered agents, and annual report filings at no charge. Professional and occupational licenses in Mississippi are issued by various state boards and commissions rather than at the county level; these include licenses for contractors, cosmetologists, healthcare providers, attorneys, accountants, and real estate professionals.
The Mississippi Department of Revenue administers sales tax permits and business tax registrations, which can be researched through the Department's taxpayer access system. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits in unincorporated Webster County are issued by the Webster County Building Department and Planning Office; inquiries should be directed to the Board of Supervisors office at (662) 258-4147. The cities of Eupora, Walthall, and Mantee issue their own municipal business licenses and building permits within their corporate limits.
The Webster County Economic Development District promotes business development and can provide information about local business climate; contact information is available through the Board of Supervisors. Alcoholic beverage licenses are regulated by the Mississippi Department of Revenue Alcoholic Beverage Control Division, with local approval typically required from municipal authorities where applicable.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Webster County, Mississippi are administered by the Webster County Circuit Clerk, who serves as the county's Election Commissioner, with offices located at the Webster County Courthouse, 22529 Highway 15 North, Walthall, MS 39771, phone (662) 258-4131. Voter registration in Webster County is available through multiple channels: in-person at the Circuit Clerk's office during regular business hours, by mail using the Mississippi Voter Registration Application, or online through the Mississippi Online Voter Registration System at www.sos.ms.gov/elections-voting/register-to-vote for citizens with a valid Mississippi driver's license or state ID.
- Absentee ballot applications must be requested from the Circuit Clerk's office and returned by mail or in person; Mississippi does not have universal no-excuse absentee voting.
- The absentee ballot request deadline is typically seven days before the election for mail ballots.
Mississippi law requires voter registration applications to be submitted at least 30 days before an election for the applicant to be eligible to vote in that election. Registered voters can verify their registration status, find their assigned polling place, and view sample ballots through the Mississippi Voter Information Portal at www.sos.ms.gov or by contacting the Circuit Clerk's office directly. Webster County maintains approximately 12-15 voting precincts distributed across the county to serve voters in different communities and districts.
Election records that are public under Mississippi law include certified election results by precinct, voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted under Miss. Code Ann. § 23-15-47), candidate qualifying documents, and campaign finance reports filed with county and state authorities.
The Mississippi Secretary of State's office maintains statewide election results and candidate filings at www.sos.ms.gov/elections-voting. In the November 2024 general election, Webster County voter turnout was approximately 55-60%, consistent with typical rural Mississippi county participation in presidential election years. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races (Mississippi has four congressional districts), potential special elections, county and municipal elections depending on the electoral cycle, and state legislative seats if applicable. Mississippi does not have regularly scheduled U.S. Senate elections in 2026 unless a special election is called.
Absentee voting in Webster County is available for voters who qualify under Mississippi's absentee voting categories, including persons who will be away from their county of residence on election day, persons with temporary or permanent physical disabilities, persons 65 years or older, and certain other specified categories. Webster County's election transparency is governed by Mississippi Code Title 23 (Elections) and the Mississippi Public Records Act, allowing citizens to request and inspect voter lists, precinct results, poll books, and other election materials, though some records may require a formal public records request and payment of copying fees.
Economy & Demographics
Webster County's economy is characterized by a traditional rural Mississippi economic base centered on agriculture, forestry, and small-scale manufacturing, with a labor force of approximately 3,800 workers. Agriculture remains foundational to the local economy, with major products including poultry, cattle, soybeans, corn, hay, and timber; Webster County is part of Mississippi's important poultry production region with several contract growers supplying major processors.
- The median household income in Webster County is estimated at approximately $38,000-$42,000, significantly below both state and national averages, reflecting the rural character and limited industrial base.
- The Tombigbee National Forest provides some recreational tourism and hunting lease income for landowners.
The forestry and timber industry represents a significant economic sector, supported by extensive pine plantations and hardwood forests, with timber harvesting, logging operations, and related services providing employment. Manufacturing employers in Webster County include several small to mid-sized facilities producing furniture components, wood products, and fabricated metal products. The largest employer sectors include education and health services, manufacturing, agriculture and forestry, retail trade, and public administration.
Major institutional employers include the Webster County School District and county government. The unemployment rate in Webster County has historically tracked slightly above Mississippi's state average, typically ranging from 5-7% depending on seasonal factors and economic conditions. Eupora serves as the primary commercial center with retail businesses, professional services, and banking services concentrated along Main Street and Highway 82.
Economic development challenges include limited infrastructure in some areas, distance from major metropolitan markets and interstate highways, and an aging workforce with younger residents often relocating for employment opportunities. Recent economic development efforts have focused on industrial recruitment, broadband expansion to support remote work, and agricultural diversification. The county benefits from its location between the Golden Triangle region (Columbus-Starkville-West Point) and Grenada, though distances limit commuting.
Retail trade primarily serves local residents with limited destination shopping. No major corporate headquarters or large industrial facilities are located in Webster County, distinguishing it from more urbanized Mississippi counties.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ In-Person Required | Property: ⚠️ In-Person/Phone Only | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone Request | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person/Mail | Business: ✅ State Online (SOS) | Elections: ✅ State Portal | Overall Score: 4/10 — Webster County relies heavily on traditional in-person and phone-based record access with limited online services; most digital resources are provided through state-level Mississippi portals rather than county systems.
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Cities & Towns in Webster County
Nearby Counties
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