Where is Carthage, Mississippi, USA?

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: March 21, 2026, 14:20 ET

Where is Carthage, Mississippi Located in the United States? Carthage is a city located in the Leake County of Mississippi, United States. Carthage lies between 32.7362 Degrees North latitudes and -89.5351 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Carthage in Leake County, Mississippi

Where is Carthage, Mississippi

About Map: The map shows the location of Carthage in the state of Mississippi, United States. Carthage is a city in Leake County, Mississippi.

Carthage Map, Mississippi, USA

About Carthage Map: This interactive Google Map shows the exact location of Carthage in Mississippi, United States. You can zoom in or out, switch to satellite view, and explore nearby cities, roads, and local landmarks around Carthage.

About Carthage, Leake County, Mississippi

Carthage is a city located in Leake County in the U.S. state of Mississippi, United States. Situated in central Mississippi along the Pearl River, the city serves as the county seat of Leake County and functions as a regional center for commerce and local services. Carthage was established in 1834 and was named after the ancient city of Carthage. The city developed as an agricultural and trade hub and continues to support a mix of local businesses and industries.

Population

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Carthage is 4,901 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 1,200 people per square mile.

Area and Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Carthage covers a total area of approximately 2.66 square miles (about 6.89 square kilometers), including about 2.65 square miles (6.86 square kilometers) of land and about 0.01 square miles (0.03 square kilometers) of water.

Location and Surroundings

Carthage is located in central Mississippi within Leake County, approximately 50 miles northeast of Jackson. The surrounding region features gently rolling terrain, forests, and agricultural land typical of central Mississippi.

Attractions and Recreation

Carthage offers parks, recreational facilities, and community attractions for residents and visitors. McMillan Park provides walking areas, sports facilities, and spaces for community gatherings, while local events and festivals reflect the city’s heritage and culture.

Transportation

Carthage is served by State Road 16 and State Road 35, providing connections to nearby cities and communities in Mississippi. The nearest major airport serving the region is Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport, located about 60 miles southwest of the city.

Explore more cities and counties across Mississippi or view the complete USA States Map for additional geographic information.

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General information referenced from the Official City of Carthage Website.

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Carthage, Mississippi City Facts

CityCarthage
StateMississippi
CountyLeake County
CountryUnited States
RegionCentral Mississippi
Founded1834
Incorporated1834
Total AreaApproximately 10.0 sq mi (25.9 km²)
Land AreaApproximately 10.0 sq mi (25.9 km²)
Water AreaApproximately 0.0 sq mi (0.0 km²)
ElevationApproximately 427 ft (130 m)
Population (2023 estimate)Approximately 4,800+
Population (2020 Census)4,868
Population DensityApproximately 490 people per sq mi
Time ZoneCentral Time (UTC-6 / UTC-5 DST)
ZIP Codes39051
Area Code601
Major HighwaysMississippi Highway 16, Mississippi Highway 25, Mississippi Highway 35
Public TransitLeake County public transportation services
Major AttractionsLeake County Courthouse, Carthage Historic District, Pearl River nearby
Official Websitehttps://www.carthagems.com/

Distance from Carthage in Leake County, Mississippi to Other Cities in Mississippi

  • Kosciusko, MS – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Philadelphia, MS – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Forest, MS – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Newton, MS – 40 miles (64 km)
  • Jackson, MS – 55 miles (89 km)
  • Canton, MS – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Ridgeland, MS – 50 miles (80 km)
  • Vicksburg, MS – 90 miles (145 km)
  • Yazoo City, MS – 70 miles (113 km)
  • Grenada, MS – 85 miles (137 km)
  • Winona, MS – 75 miles (121 km)
  • Greenwood, MS – 95 miles (153 km)
  • Indianola, MS – 105 miles (169 km)
  • Greenville, MS – 130 miles (209 km)
  • Meridian, MS – 70 miles (113 km)
  • Hattiesburg, MS – 110 miles (177 km)
  • Laurel, MS – 95 miles (153 km)
  • Columbus, MS – 90 miles (145 km)
  • Starkville, MS – 80 miles (129 km)
  • Tupelo, MS – 100 miles (161 km)

Carthage, Mississippi Climate and Weather Overview

MonthAvg High (°F)Avg Low (°F)Avg Rainfall (in)
January56355.4
April76525.3
July92714.8
October78543.5
Annual765355.0
Climate AttributeDetails
Climate Classification (Köppen)Humid Subtropical (Cfa)
Annual RainfallAbout 55.0 in
Annual Sunshine DaysAbout 215 days
Hurricane/Tornado RiskLow hurricane risk and moderate tornado risk
SnowfallLess than 1 in annually

Driving Distances from Carthage, Mississippi

CityStateDistance (mi)Approx. Drive Time
KosciuskoMississippi2230 min
PhiladelphiaMississippi2530 min
ForestMississippi2835 min
LouisvilleMississippi3745 min
CantonMississippi3945 min
PearlMississippi531 hr
BrandonMississippi541 hr
JacksonMississippi601 hr 10 min
MeridianMississippi691 hr 15 min
StarkvilleMississippi681 hr 20 min

Transportation and Connectivity in Carthage, Mississippi

TransportationDetails
Airport NameLeake County Airport
IATA CodeNo IATA code
PortNo commercial port
Major HighwaysMississippi Highway 16, Mississippi Highway 25, Mississippi Highway 35
Train/Amtrak ServiceNo passenger rail service; nearest Amtrak station in Meridian
Local Bus/Transit ServiceLimited regional transportation services
  • Mississippi Highways 16, 25, and 35 connect Carthage with Jackson, Philadelphia, Kosciusko, and surrounding communities.
  • Leake County Airport serves general aviation, private aircraft, and business flights.
  • The nearest commercial airport is Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport, about 65 miles southwest.
  • Passenger rail service is available at the nearest Amtrak station in Meridian.
  • Carthage serves as the county seat of Leake County and is an important regional center for government, healthcare, agriculture, forestry, and local commerce.

Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Carthage, Mississippi

Landmark NameType
Leake County CourthouseHistoric Government Building
McMillan ParkCommunity Park
Leake County Correctional Facility Museum DisplayLocal History Site
Golden Memorial State ParkState Park
Red Water ParkRecreation Area
Pearl River Wildlife Management AreaWildlife Recreation Area
Leake County Civic CenterCommunity Venue
Carthage Historic DowntownHistoric District
Neshoba County FairgroundsEvent Venue
Bienville National ForestNational Forest

Colleges and Universities near Carthage, Mississippi

Institution NameTypeLevelNotable For
East Central Community CollegePublicCommunity CollegeAcademic transfer, career and technical education
Holmes Community CollegePublicCommunity CollegeWorkforce training and associate degree programs
Mississippi State UniversityPublicUniversityAgriculture, engineering, veterinary medicine, and research
Meridian Community CollegePublicCommunity CollegeHealthcare, technical education, and university transfer
Jackson State UniversityPublicUniversityResearch, business, education, and public administration

Waterbodies in Carthage, Mississippi

Pearl River, Yockanookany River, Red Water Creek, Lobutcha Creek, Standing Pine Creek, Ross Barnett Reservoir, Edinburg Lake, Lake Pushmataha

Golf Courses in and near Carthage, Mississippi

Leake Country Club, Dancing Rabbit Golf Club, Philadelphia Country Club, Deerfield Golf Club, Whisper Lake Country Club, Canton Country Club, Timberton Golf Club, The Refuge Golf Course

Carthage, Mississippi - Key Historical Facts

  • Carthage was established in 1834 and became the county seat of Leake County shortly after the county was created.
  • The city was named after the ancient city of Carthage in North Africa, following a naming tradition common among early American settlements.
  • Agriculture, timber, and later poultry production became the foundation of the local economy throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
  • Carthage experienced steady growth as a regional center for trade, government, and education serving central Mississippi.
  • The surrounding area is closely associated with the history and culture of the Mississippi Choctaw community, one of the largest Native American populations in the state.
  • Today, Carthage is known for its historic downtown, county government services, outdoor recreation, and its role as a commercial hub for Leake County.

References

Other Mississippi Maps & Info

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