Knowing the name of every person in town may seem like an impossible task, but that’s just because you haven’t visited a small town in Mississippi, the state that is known for its hospitable residents. Take that fact and pair it with towns that have populations of 2,000 or less and you’ll undoubtedly find that towns where “everybody knows everybody” actually exist; here are 15 of the smallest towns in Mississippi that are both wonderful places to call home and perfect day trip destinations.

1. Utica
Utica, MS 39175, USA
Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent/Vicksburg, Mississippi
About halfway between Raymond and Vicksburg, you’ll find Utica. The town was first settled in the 1700s, and before long, Utica was booming, complete with over 100 businesses, an opera house, and three newspapers. Today, things have slowed down greatly for Utica’s 1,000 residents; however, remnants of this small town in Mississippi's past, such as the Ellis Price Mansion and the Woodmen of the World building, which is the oldest in Utica, serve as reminders.
2. Taylor
Taylor, MS, USA
Matt Taylor/Crooked Letter Photography
Located in northern Mississippi, the small town of Taylor is home to a little over 300 people, but don’t let the town’s size fool you. The picturesque town has a thriving music and art scene and is home to the renowned catfish house, Taylor Grocery.
3. Caledonia
Caledonia, MS 39740, USA
Robert/Flickr
Home to 1,200 residents, Caledonia is a small town in Mississippi located just north of Columbus. The town was first established in 1904, and after celebrating its centennial in 2004, the town decided to turn the festivities into an annual event, which has since been named Caledonia Days. The two-day event, which features food, entertainment, and vendors, is held every October and attracts thousands of visitors from near and far.
4. New Hebron
New Hebron, MS 39140, USA
Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent/Vicksburg, Mississippi
New Hebron has a total area of .7 square miles and is home to about 550 residents, making it the very definition of a small town in Mississippi. Although small, the town has made big waves in the world of sports – notable residents include NBA player Erick Dampier and NFL running back Major Everett.
5. Raymond
Raymond, MS 39154, USA
Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent/Vicksburg, Mississippi
Home to just under 2,000 people, Raymond, Mississippi is a small town that’s big on history, which lives on through the historic square, the Hinds County Courthouse, numerous preserved antebellum buildings, a Confederate cemetery, and Raymond Military Park.
6. Snow Lake Shores
Snow Lake Shores, MS 38603, USA
snowlakeshores.ms
It turns out this small town is just as beautiful as the name suggests. Originally established as a private resort community, Snow Lake Shores wasn’t incorporated as a town until 1996. The current population is about 300 but that number normally triples during the summer months.
7. Woodville
Woodville, MS, USA
Tom Barnes/Flickr
Tucked away in the southwest corner of the state, Woodville is by far one of Mississippi’s best-kept secrets. The charming town in Mississippi, which has about 1,100 residents, includes a lovely historic district and is home to the Clark Creek Nature Area – a 700-acre area that is highlighted by over 50 waterfalls.

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8. Carrollton
Carrollton, MS 38917, USA
Jimmy Smith/Flickr
Only about 500 people are lucky enough to call this quintessential small town home. And lucky may be an understatement. Carrollton is filled with beautiful, historic homes, storefronts, churches, and government buildings, many of which can be toured during the city’s annual pilgrimage.
9. Ackerman
Ackerman, MS 39735, USA
Mississippi in HDR/Facebook
In 1885, the Illinois Central Railroad came to Choctaw County. That same year, the town of Ackerman was established and named after an official of the railroad company. Today, Ackerman is home to about 1,500 residents and one of the best-kept culinary secrets in the state, Sonny’s Smokehouse. The local favorite serves up some of the best barbecue around, which is only outshined by the generous portions and low prices.
10. Meadville
Meadville, MS 39653, USA
Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent/Vicksburg, Mississippi
The county seat of Franklin County, Meadville was named for the political leader Cowles Mead. The picture-perfect town is located in the southwest region of the state and is within 30 minutes of Brookhaven, McComb, and Natchez, which means the town’s 500 residents are never at a loss when it comes to things to do.
11. Coffeeville
Coffeeville, MS 38922, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Named after well-known farmer and military leader John Coffee, this tiny town in Mississippi has a population of just over 900. Coffeeville is located in Yalobusha County. The courthouse in Coffeeville was constructed in 1890 and was restored in 1942, following a fire that destroyed much of the interior.
12. D’Lo
D'Lo, MS, USA
Quinn Rossi/Flickr
This small town made a huge contribution during World War II, sending more men to serve in the war than any other town of its size, an act that earned D’Lo a feature in Life Magazine. Today, the town with a population of under 500 is known for something else – the D’Lo Waterpark. Located on the Strong River, the waterpark is perfect for all types of recreational activities, including fishing, canoeing, and camping.
13. Abbeville
Abbeville, MS 38601, USA
Matt Taylor/Crooked Letter Photography
Located in northern Mississippi, Abbeville was settled by pioneers from South Carolina in the 1800s. Not long after, the town was almost completely destroyed during the Civil War’s Vicksburg Campaign. Luckily, the quaint town survived, and as of today, 450 residents are lucky enough to call Abbeville home.
14. Waterford
Waterford, MS 38685, USA
Matt Taylor/Crooked Letter Photography
Technically an unincorporated community, Waterford is located in Marshall County. At one time, the town included several shops and a cotton mill. Although things have slowed down a bit in Waterford over the years, residents can keep busy by visiting the nearby towns of Holly Springs and Oxford.
15. Tishomingo
Tishomingo, MS 38873, USA
Miranda Kaye Espey Loper/Google
In terms of small towns, it doesn’t get much smaller than Tishomingo. The town has less than 400 residents, but that doesn’t mean it’s gone unnoticed. The town is home to the picturesque Tishomingo State Park. Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the award-winning park is rich in both history and scenic beauty.

Life in small-town Mississippi is truly a blessing. What other small towns would you add to this list? These small towns in Mississippi may not be the smallest, but they’re some of the most beautiful.

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Small towns in Mississippi

Jackie Ann | September 15, 2022

What is the most naturally beautiful town in Mississippi?

Because of Mississippi’s diverse landscape, you’ll find countless naturally beautiful towns in Mississippi. Home to the Natchez Trace Parkway, the town of Natchez offers incredible views of the Mississippi River and surrounding scenery. If you’re in southern Mississippi, the Gulf Coast towns like Biloxi are wonderful for spending some time strolling along the beach and splashing away in the waves. And of course, Snow Lake Shores mentioned above deserves a second mention here because even though it may be one of the smallest towns in Mississippi, it’s also one of the most scenic in the state.

Which town in Mississippi has the best restaurants?

If you’ve got a craving for BBQ, then you need to make your way over to Tupelo, Mississippi. This Mississippi town is known for being the birthplace of Elvis Presley, but it’s also home to some of the best BBQ in Mississippi. While there are certainly other restaurants in Tupelo, you’ll run into way more BBQ joints than anywhere else. Roll up your sleeves and dig in!

What is the oldest town in Mississippi?

Ocean Springs is the oldest town in Mississippi and one of the most beautiful towns to visit, too. The coastal town was founded in 1699 by French explorers and was originally called Fort Maurepas. The name Ocean Springs was adopted in 1854 when many believed the town’s local springs held healing powers. Once a thriving railroad town, today Ocean Springs is a historically charming town filled with museums, restaurants, and a thriving art scene.  

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