Our Community

Our Community

Lee County is located in the northeast part of Mississippi with an approximate population of 83,350. We are comprised of nine municipalities.  Major cities like Jackson, Memphis and Birmingham are all located less than 200 miles away.   

Our county seat, Tupelo, has been named an "All-America City" five times by the National Civic League.  Tupelo/Lee County is consistently ranked in the top counties in Mississippi for personal income, retail sales, total employment and business activity. North Mississippi Medical Center is Lee County's largest employer and is also the largest hospital in Mississippi and the largest rural hospital in the United States.

Lee County is rich in history with sites such as Brices Crossroads National Battlefield site, Natchez Trace Parkway, and the Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area.  Elvis Presley's childhood home is located in Tupelo.  The University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, and Mississippi University for Women are all within an hour's drive.

 

The Lee County School District relies on partners in our community to offer students the best education possible: 

  • ExPECT (Exceptional Progress in Education Through Curriculum and Technology) is a non-profit organization specifically for the Lee County School District. Financial contributions by the community through the CREATE Foundation have funded hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants over the years. These grants allow teachers to buy needed items that enhance the overall classroom experience.
  • The Toyota Education Endowment Fund is a $50 million gift from one of the area's major employers. This gift greatly enhances educational opportunities for students in the eight school districts in Lee, Pontotoc and Union counties. One of the many programs offered is the "Imagine the Possibilities Virtual Career Expo."  Thousands of area students are instantly connected to 18 career pathways.
  • Every high school graduate in Lee County has the option of a college education. Several years ago, the Lee County Board of Supervisors and CREATE Foundation established the Lee County/Marchbanks Helping Hand Tuition Guarantee Program. Lee County high school graduates from Mooreville, Shannon, Saltillo, and other area high schools can receive two full years of tuition free assistance to Itawamba Community College.
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