Smith County, Mississippi

Governmental Information
Form of County Government..........Board of Supervisors
Sheriff/Police Departments.............15 full time personnel, 6 part time

Civic Organizations
Mize Raleigh

American Legion
Homemaker's Club
Lion's Club

Chamber of Commerce
Friends of the Library
Homemaker's Club
Woman's Club

Taylorsville

Daughters of the American Revolution
Friends of the Library
The Taylorsville Garden Club
Green Sprouts Garden Club
Lion's Club
Music Club
Rotary Club
Young Homemaker's Club

Recreational and Cultural
Bienville National Forest
Nearly 73,000 acres of Bienville National Forest are found in Smith County. Almost the entire acreage is open to hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits. Portions of the Caney Creek and Tallahalla wildlife Management Areas are located within the Bienville National Forest and are managed cooperatively with the Mississippi Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, Hunting for deer, turkey, squirrel and rabbit is very popular.

The Bienville National Forest manages two developed recreation areas in Smith County. Marathon and Shongelo. Marathon is located in the northwest corner of the county and contains 34 camping units, 16 picnic tables, 2 picnic shelters, and a swimming area. There is also a Lake Loop Trail of about 1 1/2 miles. Shongelo is located about 5 miles north of Raleigh and contains 4 camp sites, 7 picnic sites, 1 picnic shelter, a swimming area, and a 1/2 mile loop hiking trail with an observation platform overlooking the lake.

Additional fishing opportunities can be found at Beaver Lake, Greentree Reservoic, and Tishkill Lake.

The Oakohay Hiking Trail is found on Highway 481 and travels through a stand of trees demonstration uneven-aged management of loblolly pine.

Lake Ross Barnett: 87 acres are located in Smith County 4 miles Southwest of Mize, off Highway 35. Concessions, restrooms, boat dock, boat ramp, picnic tables, and camping with electricity and water hook-ups are on site. Boat rentals and pavilions are also available. Skiing is also allowed on Friday and Sunday afternoons.

Housing

Housing Units	Number
Total Units	7,005
Owner Occupied	5,285
Average Value	$54,000
Renter Occupied	788

State Economic Forecast

Mississippi Economic Review and Outlook

Hurricane Katrina plowed across South Mississippi and left massive devastation at both the individual and community level. But out of the rubble emerged the strength and resiliency of our people and the good will and humanitarianism of those who came to their aid. From an economic perspective, people lost jobs,
income and property. However, the rebuilding effort is already creating economic activity that will cause the state’s economy to grow faster than it otherwise would have for years to come. This growth is reflected in our out-year projections of the economy.

Phil Pepper
State Economist

Read the entire article from the Mississippi Institute of Higher Learning.

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