According to Countryaah, Amite County, Mississippi is located in the southwestern part of the state, and it is bordered by Wilkinson County to the east, Pike County to the north, Walthall County to the northeast, Marion County to the southeast, and Southwest Amite and Lawrence counties to the west. The county seat is Liberty.
The county covers an area of 539 square miles and has a population of 13,131 as of 2019. The terrain in Amite County is mostly flat with rolling hills in some areas. The landscape is dominated by pine forests interspersed with swamps and streams.
The county has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from a low of 34°F in January to a high of 92°F in July. Average annual precipitation is around 50 inches with most occurring during summer months from April through September.
Amite County has numerous recreational activities available for visitors including fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, biking, bird watching and more. There are also several historic sites worth visiting such as Rosemont Plantation which was built in 1845 as well as other antebellum homes like John Edmonston’s home which was built before 1820.
The economy of Amite County is largely based on agriculture with crops such as corn, soybeans and cotton being grown in abundance throughout the area. Other industries include timber harvesting and manufacturing operations that produce furniture products as well as automotive parts for companies like General Motors Corporation.
Overall, Amite County provides visitors with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation while also offering a glimpse into southern history. With its scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage there’s something for everyone here no matter what your interests may be.
Demographics of Amite County, Mississippi
Amite County, Mississippi is a predominantly rural area with a population of 13,131 as of 2019. The racial makeup of the county is 75.3% White, 21.9% African American, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Asian and 0.4% Native American. The median household income in Amite County is $41,622 and the poverty rate stands at 27%.
The largest industries in Amite County are manufacturing (16%), retail trade (14%), educational services (11%), construction (10%) and healthcare and social assistance (9%). The most common occupations include production occupations (15%), management occupations (13%), sales and related occupations (12%) and office and administrative support occupations (10%).
Education in Amite County is provided by two school districts – West Lincoln Attendance Center School District and Walthall County School District – which serve students from kindergarten through 12th grade. There are also several higher education institutions located nearby such as Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Biloxi and Millsaps College in Jackson.
Amite County has a wide range of religious denominations including Baptist churches which make up the largest religious group with about 38%, followed by Methodist churches with 17%. Other religious denominations represented in the area include Catholic churches, Pentecostal churches, Lutheran churches and Episcopal churches among others.
Overall, Amite County is a rural area with an economy largely based on agriculture but also an array of other industries such as manufacturing and retail trade that provide employment for its residents. The county has a diverse population with a variety of religious denominations represented here as well as educational opportunities for people of all ages to pursue higher learning if desired.
Places of Interest in Amite County, Mississippi
Amite County, Mississippi is home to a number of places of interest for visitors and locals alike. The Amite County Courthouse, built in 1891, is an iconic landmark in the area and features a stunning red brick façade with white columns. The courthouse is located in Liberty, the county seat, and offers tours for visitors interested in learning more about the history of the county.
The Amite County Historical Museum is also located in Liberty and showcases a variety of artifacts from the region’s past including Native American artifacts, Civil War memorabilia and early settler tools. The museum also hosts several events throughout the year such as lectures on local history or craft workshops for children.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Homochitto National Forest covers parts of Amite County and provides visitors with plenty of opportunities to explore nature trails, go fishing or bird watching. The forest also offers camping sites so visitors can stay overnight and enjoy all that nature has to offer.
The Natchez Trace Parkway runs through parts of Amite County offering scenic views from its many overlooks along its 444-mile stretch between Natchez Mississippi and Nashville Tennessee. Visitors looking for something a little more adventurous can explore one of several off-road trails located throughout the county where they can find plenty of mud pits, rocky hills or winding trails to challenge their off-roading skills.
Amite County is also home to several festivals throughout the year such as Taste of Amite which celebrates local food vendors with live music performances or Liberty Days Festival which includes performances by local musicians as well as carnival rides and fireworks displays. No matter what time of year you visit Amite County there are always plenty of places to explore and activities to enjoy.
Notable People of Amite County, Mississippi
Amite County, Mississippi has been home to a number of notable people throughout its history. One of the most famous figures from the county is William Faulkner, Nobel Prize-winning author and native of nearby New Albany. Faulkner’s upbringing in rural Mississippi was integral to his writing and many of his works such as As I Lay Dying and The Sound and the Fury were set in fictionalized versions of Amite County.
The county also produced several prominent political figures including U.S. Senator James Eastland who served from 1941-1978 and was one of the longest-serving Senators in American history. Eastland was born in Doddsville, Mississippi and attended college in Amite County before beginning his political career.
Another notable figure from Amite County is blues musician Robert Johnson who is largely considered one of the most influential blues musicians of all time. Johnson was born in Hazlehurst, Mississippi but moved to Amite County at a young age where he learned to play guitar from local musicians before embarking on a successful recording career that would influence generations of musicians after him.
Other notable people from Amite County include former NFL running back Joe Cribbs who was born in Liberty, author Willie Morris who wrote about growing up in Yazoo City, and civil rights leader Aaron Henry who worked to improve racial equality throughout Mississippi during the 1950s and 1960s.
Amite County has had a long history of producing influential individuals across multiple fields making it an important part of American culture for centuries.