Where is Mississippi Located in the United States?

Mississippi is located in the southeastern region of the United States, bordered by several states and the Gulf of Mexico. It is known for its rich cultural history, notably its contributions to American music, particularly blues and country. Mississippi has a diverse landscape that includes rolling hills, flat plains, and significant river systems, most notably the Mississippi River, which defines its western boundary. The state’s economy is largely based on agriculture, manufacturing, and energy production.

State Name: Mississippi
Postal Abbreviation: MS
Population: 2.94 million (2023 estimate)
Area: 48,430 square miles
Capital: Jackson
Largest City: Jackson
Statehood Year: 1817 (20th state)
Time Zones: Central Time Zone

Bordering States of Mississippi

Louisiana

To the southwest, Mississippi is bordered by Louisiana, with the Mississippi River forming most of the boundary between the two states. The two share strong historical and cultural ties, particularly with regard to music, food, and the legacy of the Antebellum South. New Orleans, just south of Mississippi’s border, is a major cultural hub that influences Mississippi’s southern regions. The two states also share coastal access along the Gulf of Mexico, contributing to both tourism and trade.

Arkansas

Mississippi shares its western border with Arkansas, primarily along the Mississippi River. While the river separates the two states, they share similar agricultural economies, especially in the cultivation of cotton, soybeans, and other crops in the fertile river delta regions. Major crossings, such as bridges connecting Greenville, MS to Lake Village, AR, help facilitate trade and travel between the states.

Tennessee

To the north, Mississippi borders Tennessee. Cities like Memphis, Tennessee, lie just across the state line and have a significant influence on northern Mississippi, particularly in commerce and culture. Mississippi and Tennessee share similar geography, with the northern part of Mississippi consisting of rolling hills and agricultural land that extends into Tennessee.

Alabama

On the east, Alabama borders Mississippi. The two states share a long border and have a strong economic relationship, especially in agriculture and manufacturing. Mobile, Alabama, located near the Gulf Coast, serves as an important port for trade that benefits Mississippi’s coastal economy as well. Additionally, many highways and railways connect cities such as Tupelo in Mississippi and Birmingham in Alabama.

GPS Coordinates of Mississippi

Mississippi lies in the southeastern part of the United States, and its geographical position is defined by specific GPS coordinates that outline its shape and location. The general GPS coordinates for Mississippi are approximately 32.3547° N latitude and 89.3985° W longitude, placing the state in the Central Time Zone.

• Northern Coordinates: The northern boundary of Mississippi, shared with Tennessee, has coordinates close to 35.0041° N. This is the area near cities like Southaven, which is part of the Memphis metropolitan area.
• Southern Coordinates: Mississippi’s southern border is defined by the Gulf of Mexico, with cities like Biloxi and Gulfport positioned at around 30.3674° N latitude. The coastal region experiences milder winters and humid summers, distinct from northern Mississippi’s climate.
• Eastern Coordinates: The eastern edge of Mississippi borders Alabama, with coordinates reaching as far as 88.0997° W near cities like Meridian. The landscape here includes a mixture of forests and agricultural areas.
• Western Coordinates: The western boundary is primarily defined by the Mississippi River, stretching to approximately 91.6550° W near Natchez. The Mississippi River is one of the world’s major river systems in size, biodiversity, and economic significance.

Mississippi’s latitude places it in a temperate climate zone, with hot summers and mild winters, and its diverse coordinates reflect the variety of landscapes within the state, from the flat delta to the rolling hills and coastal plains.

Levels of Elevation in Mississippi

Mississippi’s elevation is generally low compared to other parts of the United States, with most of the state consisting of flat to gently rolling terrain. The highest and lowest points in the state show relatively modest differences in elevation.

• Highest Elevation: The highest point in Mississippi is Woodall Mountain, located in Tishomingo County in the northeastern corner of the state. Woodall Mountain rises to 807 feet (246 meters) above sea level. It is more of a gentle hill than a true mountain, and it’s accessible by road, offering views of the surrounding landscape.
• Lowest Elevation: The lowest point in Mississippi is at sea level along the Gulf of Mexico. The coastal areas, including cities like Biloxi and Gulfport, sit at or just above sea level, making them vulnerable to hurricanes and flooding.
• Average Elevation: The average elevation of Mississippi is approximately 300 feet (91 meters) above sea level. Much of the state consists of flat plains, especially in the Mississippi Delta region, which is some of the most fertile agricultural land in the country.

Overall, Mississippi’s elevation doesn’t vary drastically, with much of the state situated at low to moderate elevations, providing an environment suitable for agriculture, especially in the flat delta regions.

Most Extreme Points of Mississippi

Mississippi’s extreme geographic points reflect its diverse landscape, spanning from the Gulf Coast to the rolling hills in the north.

• Easternmost Point: The easternmost point of Mississippi is near Columbus, close to the Alabama border, at approximately 88.0975° W. This area is characterized by forests, small towns, and agricultural land. Columbus is a historical town known for its antebellum architecture and proximity to the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.
• Westernmost Point: The westernmost point is near Greenville, on the Mississippi River, with coordinates close to 91.6539° W. This area is part of the Mississippi Delta, known for its rich soil and agricultural production, especially of cotton. The Delta is also the birthplace of blues music.
• Northernmost Point: The northernmost city in Mississippi is Southaven, which is part of the Memphis metropolitan area. Located near 35.0041° N, Southaven serves as a major suburban hub, blending with the urban sprawl of Memphis, Tennessee.
• Southernmost Point: The southernmost point is on the Gulf Coast, at the city of Waveland, which lies at approximately 30.2891° N. Waveland is a small coastal town that was significantly impacted by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 but has since rebuilt. The area is known for its beaches and access to the Gulf of Mexico.

Major Mountains in Mississippi

Mississippi is not known for its mountains, but it does have several elevated areas, primarily in the northeastern part of the state. The state’s landscape is characterized more by rolling hills and flat plains than by rugged mountains.

• Woodall Mountain: Mississippi’s highest point, Woodall Mountain, rises to 807 feet and is located in the Northeast Hills region of the state. Though small by mountain standards, it is significant in the relatively flat terrain of Mississippi. The mountain played a role in the Civil War and now features hiking opportunities and historical markers.
• Red Hills Region: The Red Hills area of central Mississippi includes gently rolling hills rather than sharp peaks. This region, characterized by red clay soil, includes areas around Noxubee County and is primarily agricultural.
• Northeast Highlands: This area, sometimes referred to as the Northeast Hills, includes small ridges and elevations such as Tishomingo County, where Woodall Mountain is located. These hills extend into parts of northern Alabama, and while not particularly high, they offer beautiful vistas and are covered in forest.
• Pontotoc Ridge: The Pontotoc Ridge runs through north-central Mississippi. This elevated area separates the Mississippi Delta from the rolling hills of eastern Mississippi. It is not mountainous but does provide some of the higher elevations in the northern part of the state, with scenic views and historical significance.

Major Rivers and Lakes in Mississippi

Mississippi is defined by its waterways, with the Mississippi River being the most significant. Numerous other rivers and lakes shape the state’s landscape and support its economy, particularly in agriculture, transportation, and recreation.

• Mississippi River: The state’s namesake, the Mississippi River, forms the western boundary of Mississippi and is one of the longest rivers in North America. The river is essential for transportation, commerce, and agriculture. Cities like Vicksburg and Natchez developed along its banks and play crucial roles in trade and tourism.
• Yazoo River: Flowing into the Mississippi River, the Yazoo River runs through the heart of the Mississippi Delta. The river’s floodplains create some of the most fertile agricultural land in the state, known for cotton farming. It has also played a major role in the state’s history, particularly in terms of flooding and river control projects.
• Pearl River: The Pearl River flows southward through Mississippi, passing through Jackson, the state’s capital, before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico near the Louisiana border. The river is used for recreation, including fishing and boating, and provides water resources to the region.
• Pickwick Lake: Located in northeastern Mississippi, Pickwick Lake is a man-made reservoir created by the Pickwick Landing Dam on the Tennessee River. It serves as a popular spot for recreational activities like boating, fishing, and camping. The lake is part of the larger Tennessee Valley Authority system.
• Ross Barnett Reservoir: This large reservoir is located northeast of Jackson and was created by damming the Pearl River. It serves as a major recreational area for the state, offering boating, fishing, and hiking. The reservoir also plays a crucial role in providing drinking water for the capital region.

Mississippi’s waterways have shaped its economy, environment, and culture, making them integral to the state’s identity.