Explore Petal, Mississippi, with this interactive street and satellite map.
| City | Petal |
| State | Mississippi (MS) |
| County | Forrest County |
| Country | United States of America |
| Timezone | Central Time (America/Chicago) |
| Latitude | 31.34817 |
| Longitude | -89.235131 |
| Population | 11,010 |
| Density | 253.5 /km² |
| Incorporated | Yes |
| ZIP Code | 39465 |
| Area Code | 601 |
| County Seat | Hattiesburg |
| School District | Petal School District |
Petal unfolds across a terrain defined by its inland position and the quiet persistence of its natural waterways. It lies 2.2 miles northeast of Hattiesburg, MS (from Hattiesburg, MS: bearing 53°T), and is situated 7.0 miles east-northeast of West Hattiesburg. Greens Creek carves a deliberate path through the landscape, serving as a vital artery that influences the local topography and the rhythm of the surrounding woods. Beyond the immediate vicinity, the elevation shifts toward the gentle rise of Sheep Stomp Hill, which stands as a silent sentinel eleven miles to the north. Residents often find respite at Petal City Park, a green expanse that anchors the daily life of the area and provides a necessary buffer of calm. To the west, the subtle depression of Eatonville Flat offers a contrast to the higher ground, while the distant reflection of Dogwood Lake sits ten miles away, waiting for those who seek the stillness of open water.
Growth in Petal mirrors the broader industrial shifts of the region, transitioning from early agricultural roots into a diverse local economy. The development of infrastructure has allowed manufacturing and small-scale commerce to take hold, providing a stable backbone for the people who reside here. Throughout the years, the expansion of local trade has dictated the way the streets are laid out, favoring functionality and accessibility for the workforce. The soil of this region has long supported a variety of light industries, which rely on the steady flow of goods across the inland plains. Economic character remains tied to the capacity for hard work, reflecting a history of steady, unpretentious labor that sustains the neighborhood.
Cultural identity in Petal emerges from the collective habits of its citizens and a shared appreciation for a deliberate, measured pace of life. The atmosphere is quiet, marked by the soft rustle of leaves and the specific, golden quality of afternoon light that settles over the local landmarks. Annual events held at Petal City Park draw the populace together, reinforcing social bonds without the need for grandiosity or fanfare. While the area is modest in its public profile, it has fostered individuals of note, such as the accomplished musician Jimmy Buffett, who spent a portion of his early years absorbing the influence of this region. This environment encourages a grounded perspective, where the focus remains on the immediate beauty of the landscape and the strength of the people who call Petal their own.
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This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Petal, Mississippi. Coordinates: 31.34817, -89.235131. 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 Petal includes the ZIP code (39465), telephone area code (601), county seat of Forrest County (Hattiesburg), and school district assignment (Petal 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.
| Page generated | August 2026 |
| Location data | SimpleMaps US Cities Database; coordinates matched to USGS GNIS definitive data |
| Wikipedia validation | Article content matched to USGS GNIS coordinates via Wikipedia geosearch API. |