Marion County is a county located in the U.S. state of Mississippi. As of the 2020 census, the population was 24,441. Its county seat is Columbia. Marion County is named for American Revolutionary War guerrilla leader Francis Marion also known as The Swamp Fox.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 549 sqmi, of which 542 sqmi is land and 6.2 sqmi (1.1%) is water.

Major highways

Adjacent counties

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 24,441 people, 9,483 households, and 5,863 families residing in the county.

Government and infrastructure

The Mississippi Department of Human Services's Division of Youth Services operated the Columbia Training School in unincorporated Marion County. The facility was closed in 2008.

Communities

City

Census-designated places

Unincorporated communities

Education

There are two school districts in the county: Columbia School District and Marion County School District. The county is in the service area of Pearl River Community College.

Notable people