George County is facing a significant amount of growth, and with it comes significant change.
Like any county, George County is no stranger to growth. However, recent years have brought a bigger than usual influx of people, housing, and general development. According to the World Population Review, George County is Mississippi’s fastest growing county with an 8.6 percent annual growth rate. In 2020, the population stood at 24,364. As of 2025, the population stands around 26,459. According to Mayor Jones, a large portion of people moving in are retired. He finds that George County is now better defined as a “bedroom community” rather than an industrial one.
“Ten years ago you’d get a new business or a new house just occasionally, where now every week you’ve got something added to the landscape of the city,” Jones said.
With growth comes a variety of benefits and challenges. Jones anticipates a mixed reaction from citizens.
“It’s just not like it used to be. Things are changing. Where there was a pasture, there’s now a subdivision. Where there was a forest is now a cleared lot ready for development,” Jones said. “People don’t always adapt to change well.”
In all areas, there is a balance the city hopes to achieve. Development significantly improves the economy, but the increasing homeless community is a testament to the reality that people are often left behind. The local natural environment faces destruction as land gets cleared for new homes and businesses. Jones finds that this is an inevitable factor of life but hopes to find ways to compensate.
Despite the large portion of retired people, Sheriff Mitchell Mixon is noticing heightened crime rates and an overall strain on law enforcement.
“This growth brought with it an increase in criminal activity, including thefts, drug-related offenses and violent crimes. In addition, the overall number of standard service calls- ranging from domestic disputes to traffic-related incidents– has risen considerably,” Mixon stated. “Each of these calls requires time, manpower and resources, which stretches our deputies thin and impacts our ability to respond quickly and effectively.”
To keep pace, the George County Board of Supervisors has approved to add two new investigators, one focusing on general issues and the other specializing in narcotics. Jones urges citizens to stay vigilant and be willing to reach out for help when trouble arises.
Mixon and Jones agree that the town’s atmosphere, culture and deep sense of community is what brings people in and will continue throughout the challenges.
“George County has always been a laid-back place that people love to live in and enjoy life, and I think that’s always been the draw for people to move here.” Mixon said.
“In today’s society, people find connection in a device. Here, we make an effort to draw people together,” Jones said.
