There is one unique ZIP code in Forest, Mississippi and it is 39074. Area code: 601/769.
1
ZIP codes
277.38
sq mi land
0.41
sq mi water
601/769
area code
Forest, MS ZIP code map
About Forest, MS
Forest, Mississippi is a small but vibrant city located in the heart of Scott County, serving as the county seat and a central hub for the surrounding region. Situated in central Mississippi, Forest carries a rich small-town character shaped by decades of agricultural tradition, community pride, and steady economic growth. The city is served by a single ZIP code, 39074, making it straightforward to navigate from a postal standpoint and reflective of its compact, close-knit community identity.
Location & geography
Forest is located in Scott County in central Mississippi, positioned roughly equidistant between Jackson to the west and Meridian to the east along the Interstate 20 corridor. Nearby cities include Morton, approximately 15 miles to the west; Philadelphia, about 35 miles to the north; Laurel, roughly 60 miles to the southeast; and Jackson, the state capital, about 60 miles to the west. The terrain around Forest is characterized by gently rolling hills and dense pine forests typical of Mississippi's Piney Woods region, with a modest water area of just 0.41 square miles compared to a land area of 277.38 square miles.
Community & economy
Forest has the welcoming atmosphere of a classic Mississippi county seat, where local businesses, churches, and community organizations form the backbone of everyday life. The economy draws from a mix of manufacturing, timber, agriculture, and retail trade, with chicken processing and poultry-related industries playing a particularly notable role in the local workforce. Residents enjoy a slower pace of life with access to local schools, parks, and community events that reflect the strong Southern hospitality and traditions that define Scott County.
Transportation
Forest is conveniently accessible via Interstate 20, one of Mississippi's primary east-west corridors, which connects the city to Jackson to the west and Meridian to the east. U.S. Highway 35 runs through Forest as well, providing an important north-south route linking the city to communities throughout central Mississippi. The nearest major commercial airport is Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport in Jackson, approximately 60 miles to the west, serving residents who need air travel connections.
History
Forest was established as the county seat of Scott County and grew steadily throughout the 19th and 20th centuries as the surrounding region developed around timber harvesting and agriculture. The arrival of the railroad played a significant role in the city's growth, connecting Forest to regional markets and enabling the expansion of local industries. Over the decades, the poultry and timber industries became economic pillars of the community, helping Forest maintain stability and modest growth even as many small Mississippi towns declined.
Did you know?
One surprising fact about Forest is that despite being a relatively small city, it sits within a county spanning over 277 square miles of predominantly forested land, making Scott County one of the more densely wooded counties in central Mississippi. This abundant pine timber heritage not only shaped the local economy but also gave the city its name, a fitting tribute to the landscape that continues to define the region today.
