Hattiesburg Mississippi Map

About Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Hattiesburg is a locality in Forrest County, Mississippi, United States. It has a population of 48,730. The population density is 352.1 people per km². Hattiesburg is located at 31.3073°N, 89.3174°W. It observes the Central Time (America/Chicago) timezone. Hattiesburg is an incorporated locality. ZIP codes: 39401, 39402, 39403.

Hattiesburg rises from the pine-scented landscape of the Pine Belt, defined by the persistent, winding movement of Gordons Creek as it carves through the local clay and silt. It lies 2.2 miles southwest of Petal, MS (from Petal, MS: bearing 233°T), and is situated 5.0 miles east of West Hattiesburg. The terrain here is characterized by subtle shifts in elevation, where the earth rises toward the distant, modest elevation of Sheep Stomp Hill, creating a horizon that feels both intimate and expansive. In the quiet hours of the morning, the light catches the dense vegetation, revealing a landscape of deep greens and earthy ochres that have long defined the regional character. Beyond the immediate center, the land levels out into the broad, low-lying expanse of Eatonville Flat, offering a sense of stability and permanence to the surrounding woodlands.

Hattiesburg emerged from the intersection of timber and rail, a settlement forged by the necessity of moving vast quantities of longleaf pine through the dense forests of the nineteenth century. Captain William Hardy founded the place, envisioning a logistical nexus where the convergence of iron tracks would dictate the tempo of growth and industry. This historical identity remains anchored in the architecture of the downtown district, where brick facades bear witness to the era when the whistle of the locomotive signaled the arrival of commerce and opportunity. The legacy of those early days persists in the way the streets are laid out, still radiating from the central tracks that once brought the world to the doorstep of Hattiesburg.

The economy of Hattiesburg thrives on a synergy between traditional regional industries and the intellectual output of its major academic institutions, including The University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University. These universities serve as the primary engines for local innovation, influencing the infrastructure of the surrounding neighborhoods and supporting a stable, professional workforce. Beyond the halls of academia, the regional economy is bolstered by a diverse array of businesses, from robust healthcare networks to the logistical advantages provided by the intersection of major transit routes. The presence of these institutions ensures that Hattiesburg remains a point of gravity for students and professionals alike, grounding the regional economy in the steady rhythms of education and research.

Culture in Hattiesburg flourishes through a commitment to local traditions, often centered around the vibrant life of Town Square Park, where community gatherings and seasonal festivals define the calendar. The spirit of the place is reflected in the passion for collegiate athletics, particularly the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, whose games draw the collective energy of the residents during the autumn months. Residents and visitors alike often find quiet reflection near the waters of Dogwood Lake, a feature that provides a necessary stillness away from the hum of commerce. Notable figures such as the musician Jimmy Buffett have roots that touch the history of Hattiesburg, adding a layer of creative resonance to the local identity that persists in the stories told on porches and in the lingering, humid air of a summer evening.

About This Hattiesburg Map Page

This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Coordinates: 31.307305, -89.317434. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service. Real-time local and world news feeds keep the page current.

Detailed location data for Hattiesburg includes the ZIP code (39401, 39402, 39403), telephone area code (601), county seat of Forrest County (Hattiesburg), and school district assignment (Hattiesburg Public School District).

Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.