Clinton MS

Clinton, MS – A charming Southern city with a rich history and a welcoming small-town vibe, Clinton offers the perfect blend of tradition and progress. Known for its beautiful parks, top-rated schools, and tight-knit community, this Mississippi gem invites visitors and residents to slow down and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Whether you're strolling through the Olde Towne district or catching a Bulldogs game at Mississippi College, Clinton delivers warmth, culture, and community spirit.

• Population: ~28,000
• Weather: Mild winters and hot, humid summers (40-90°F); rainfall common in spring and fall.
• Places To Visit: Mississippi College, Olde Towne Clinton, Brighton Park, Clinton Nature Center, Natchez Trace Parkway.
• Top Activities: Exploring local boutiques, enjoying outdoor concerts, biking scenic trails, picnicking in the park, attending seasonal festivals.
• Famous Food: Southern barbecue at The Bank, classic po'boys at Cock of the Walk, homemade pie from Brick Street Pops, and sweet tea from neighborhood cafés.

Clinton, Mississippi, is a growing city located just west of Jackson. Known for its strong community values and educational institutions like Mississippi College, Clinton also offers a variety of job opportunities in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and local government. Below are some of the top careers in Clinton, MS.

Top 5 Jobs in Clinton, Mississippi

Clinton, Mississippi may be a smaller city, but it's full of relaxing and entertaining spots perfect for students looking to unwind. From local parks to cozy cafes, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Lions Club Park – A favorite among students, this park offers walking trails, picnic areas, and a disc golf course. It's a great place to enjoy the outdoors and get some fresh air.

Olde Towne Clinton – Stroll through this charming area filled with unique shops and restaurants. It's perfect for a leisurely afternoon of window shopping or enjoying a meal with friends.

Brick Street Pops – Cool down with a delicious popsicle from Brick Street Pops. With flavors that change seasonally, there's always something new to try.

Cups Espresso Cafe – Grab a cup of coffee and relax with a book or chat with friends. This cozy cafe is a popular spot for students who need a caffeine boost or just want to take it easy.

Mississippi College Nature Trail – Take a peaceful walk through the woods on this scenic trail located near Mississippi College. It's an ideal spot for a morning jog or an afternoon nature walk.

The Clinton Community Nature Center – Explore the beauty of nature with hiking trails and educational programs. It's a fantastic place to learn more about the local environment or have a quiet day in nature.

Clinton, Mississippi is a charming city in Hinds County that is home to respected institutions of higher learning. With a focus on strong academic foundations, career readiness, and community involvement, Clinton’s colleges and universities offer excellent opportunities for students seeking higher education in a supportive environment.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Clinton

Hinds Community College – Raymond Campus – Located just minutes from Clinton, this is one of the largest community colleges in Mississippi. It offers a wide variety of associate degree programs, technical certifications, and transfer pathways to four-year schools. It is known for its nursing, automotive, and allied health programs.

Jackson State University – A public historically Black university located nearby in Jackson, JSU has strong programs in STEM, business, education, and public service. It also offers graduate-level degrees and is a leader in research among Mississippi’s public institutions.

Mississippi College School of Law (Public Access Resources) – While the school itself is private, many of its legal resources and community programs are available to the public. Located in downtown Jackson, it serves students from Clinton and surrounding areas.

Holmes Community College – Ridgeland Campus – Though headquartered elsewhere, this campus is within commuting distance to Clinton. Holmes offers practical degree and certificate programs in healthcare, information technology, and business.

University of Southern Mississippi (USM) – Jackson Campus – Offering select graduate and continuing education programs, USM’s Jackson campus provides access for Clinton residents pursuing advanced degrees in education, public health, and leadership.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Clinton

Mississippi College – The oldest institution of higher learning in Mississippi, MC is a respected Christian university located right in Clinton. Known for its strong liberal arts foundation, its top programs include law, nursing, education, and business. With a vibrant campus community and a commitment to faith-based education, MC draws students from across the South.

Belhaven University – Located in nearby Jackson, Belhaven is a private Christian university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Known for its fine arts, education, and business degrees, it also supports adult and online learners.

Tougaloo College – A historically Black private liberal arts college near Clinton, Tougaloo is known for its civil rights legacy and rigorous academic focus. Strong programs include biology, psychology, sociology, and pre-law.

Millsaps College – A private liberal arts college in Jackson, Millsaps is known for its small class sizes, personalized instruction, and broad academic offerings in the humanities, sciences, and business. It is consistently ranked among the best colleges in the South.

Wesley Biblical Seminary – Headquartered in Ridgeland with online offerings accessible to Clinton students, Wesley is a private seminary committed to deep theological training. It provides graduate programs in ministry, theology, and Christian leadership for students preparing for church and organizational leadership roles.

Clinton, MS is home to a strong educational community, offering excellent public and private high schools that prepare students well for college and future careers. These schools aim to build academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.

Top Public High Schools in Clinton, MS

• Clinton High School – The city's main public high school, known for academic rigor, competitive sports, and award-winning arts programs. It consistently scores above state averages on standardized tests.
• Jackson Public Schools - Murrah High School – While not located directly in Clinton, this nearby school is accessible for some Clinton residents. It offers Advanced Placement courses and has a strong visual and performing arts magnet program.
• Terry High School – Located in nearby Terry, this school serves parts of the Clinton area and provides dual enrollment opportunities and a career-technical pathway.
• Raymond High School – Just a short drive from Clinton, Raymond offers a well-rounded curriculum along with athletics and extracurricular programs that help students grow in leadership.
• Forest Hill High School – This school is close to the Clinton area and provides a diverse student community with a focus on college prep and personal development.

Top Private High Schools in Clinton, MS

• Clinton Christian Academy – A leading private school offering a faith-based education, small class sizes, and a strong college preparatory curriculum. Known for close teacher-student relationships and an active sports program.
• Mount Salus Christian School – A respected private Christian school focusing on academic excellence and spiritual growth. Students benefit from individualized attention and a supportive community.
• Jackson Academy – Located near Clinton, this private school is known for its strong academics, advanced technology resources, and a variety of athletic and arts options.
• Hillcrest Christian School – Provides a Christian-centered education grounded in academic achievement and leadership development. Offers AP courses and championship-level sports.
• First Presbyterian Day School – Although it serves lower grades, many students from this school go on to attend top private high schools in the area. It's known for rigorous academics and a strong moral foundation.

Clinton, Mississippi does not have any major league professional sports teams of its own, but the town is deeply rooted in a love of sports and is home to several local and college-level teams that bring the community together. Residents typically support larger professional teams in nearby cities like Jackson, New Orleans, Memphis, and Atlanta. However, Clinton's sports culture is still vibrant, with opportunities to enjoy various competitive games and regional athletic events.

🏀 Basketball – Mississippi College Choctaws (NCAA Division II)

• Mississippi College Choctaws – Located in Clinton, Mississippi College fields NCAA Division II teams in several sports, including basketball. The men’s and women’s basketball teams compete in the Gulf South Conference and have proud traditions of spirited play and school pride. Games at A.E. Wood Coliseum attract enthusiastic local crowds.

🏈 Football – Mississippi College Choctaws (NCAA Division II)

• Mississippi College Choctaws Football – The Choctaws football team also competes in the Gulf South Conference. They play their games at Robinson-Hale Stadium. The team has a long history, with many alumni and locals turning out to support them during the fall football season.

⚾ Baseball – Mississippi College Choctaws Baseball

• Choctaws Baseball – Mississippi College's baseball program brings exciting action each spring. Competing in NCAA Division II, the team plays at Frierson Field at Dickins-Scoper Stadium, where families and fans in Clinton enjoy affordable, close-up access to college baseball action.

⚽ Soccer – Mississippi College Choctaws Soccer

• Choctaws Men’s and Women’s Soccer – The college soccer teams are competitive members of NCAA Division II and regularly host and travel for games in the Gulf South Conference. The teams have seen success in recent seasons and represent the town well in regional play.

Nearby Professional Sports Teams

While Clinton may not have its own professional teams, sports fans in the area are never far from the action. Just a short drive away, residents often follow:

• New Orleans Saints (NFL) – Based in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Saints are Mississippi’s favorite NFL team for many fans. They won Super Bowl XLIV in 2010.
• Memphis Grizzlies (NBA) – Located in Memphis, Tennessee, the Grizzlies are the closest NBA franchise and have developed a strong fan base in the region thanks to exciting players and playoff appearances.
• Atlanta Braves (MLB) – The Braves are one of the most widely followed Major League Baseball teams in the South and have strong support throughout Mississippi.

Clinton, Mississippi, may be a small southern gem, but it's full of rich history and charming quirks. From its deep educational roots to unique town traditions, here are some fun facts about this Mississippi city:

1. Home of Mississippi College – Founded in 1826, Mississippi College is the state’s oldest college and the second-oldest Baptist college in the U.S.
2. The Natchez Trace Runs Through It – Clinton is one of the gateway cities to the historic Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444-mile scenic drive that dates back thousands of years.
3. A Presidential Connection – President Bill Clinton is not related to the city, but many people think otherwise because of the name!
4. It Once Had a Family of Zebras – A local family own(ed) exotic animals—yes, including zebras—that became a fun rumor throughout the town.
5. Friendly Neighborhoods – Clinton consistently ranks as one of the safest and friendliest cities in Mississippi, making it a cozy place to live.
6. Home of the Arrow – The town’s local newspaper, the Clinton Courier, was once known as “The Arrow” and has been a staple source of community news for decades.
7. Quaint Library with a History – The Quisenberry Library serves as the city’s public library and is named after a beloved local family.
8. Film Friendly Town – Parts of movies and commercials have been filmed in and around Clinton thanks to its historic downtown and Southern charm.
9. Antique Lovers Unite – Clinton hosts seasonal Antique Markets and a Spring Market that features local vendors, crafts, and Southern eats galore.
10. Birthplace of Southern Hospitality – People here wave at strangers, neighbors share pies, and there’s always a community event happening around the corner.