How to Buy Land in Sharkey County, Mississippi

Sharkey County is a small, deeply rural Delta county in west-central Mississippi, with Rolling Fork as its county seat. The county is notable for containing the Delta National Forest — the only bottomland hardwood national forest in the United States. The landscape is classic Delta flatland interspersed with cypress swamps, bayous, and the remnants of ancient river channels. Rolling Fork is known as the birthplace of blues legend Muddy Waters.

Sharkey County shares the backwater flooding challenges of neighboring Issaquena County — the Yazoo Backwater Area affects much of the county, and the devastating 2019 flood event had major impacts here. For land buyers, the county offers some of the cheapest Delta farmland available, unique national forest access, and outstanding hunting — but flood risk is a defining reality that must be factored into any purchase decision.

How to Buy Land in Sharkey County, Mississippi

What to Know Before You Buy Land in Sharkey County, MS

Backwater flooding is the single most critical factor for any Sharkey County land purchase. The 2019 event demonstrated the catastrophic potential — thousands of acres were submerged for months, destroying crops and damaging infrastructure. The proposed Yazoo Pumps project would provide relief but has been blocked on environmental grounds. Before buying, research your parcel's elevation relative to historical flood levels and understand that this risk is ongoing and unresolved.

Delta National Forest boundaries should be verified for adjacent parcels — a survey is recommended. For farmland, check irrigation infrastructure and levee board district status. Wells and septic are standard. Rolling Fork has a small municipal water system. Entergy Mississippi provides electricity. The county has minimal zoning.

5 Pros to Buying Land in Sharkey County, MS

1. Delta National Forest. The only bottomland hardwood national forest in the U.S. — a unique public land asset providing hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation.

2. Ultra-cheap farmland. Among the lowest per-acre prices in the Mississippi Delta.

3. Muddy Waters heritage. Blues cultural significance and tourism potential centered on Rolling Fork's native son.

4. Exceptional hunting. Deer, turkey, waterfowl, and bear (yes, black bear) in the national forest and surrounding lands.

5. Productive soil. Despite low prices, the alluvial soil is capable of producing strong row-crop yields when not flooded.

5 Cons to Buying Land in Sharkey County, MS

1. Severe backwater flooding. The 2019 flood event devastated the county, submerging farmland for months. This is an ongoing, unresolved threat.

2. Economic distress. Among the poorest counties in Mississippi with persistent population decline.

3. Very limited services. Rolling Fork has minimal retail, no hospital, and basic infrastructure.

4. Mosquitoes and standing water. Swamps, bayous, and flood-prone terrain create intense mosquito conditions.

5. No resale market. Selling land in Sharkey County can take years. Buyer pool is extremely small.

Land Market Snapshot in Sharkey County, MS

Sharkey County's farmland is among the cheapest in the Delta, reflecting the backwater flooding challenges and small population. Available properties include row-crop farmland, hunting tracts, and some timber. The Delta National Forest creates unique adjacent-to-public-land opportunities for private parcels. The market is very slow with minimal buyer competition. Most transactions involve agricultural operators, hunting investors, and estate dispositions. Rolling Fork provides basic services but limited commercial activity.

Popular Uses for Land in Sharkey County, MS

FAQ^s

What is the Delta National Forest?

The Delta National Forest is a 60,000-acre federal forest located primarily in Sharkey County. It's the only bottomland hardwood national forest in the United States, protecting a globally rare ecosystem of ancient cypress, tupelo, and bottomland hardwood trees. The forest is open to public hunting (including a limited black bear season — one of the few in Mississippi), fishing, bird watching, and hiking. For nearby landowners, it's a massive wildlife corridor that sustains game populations on adjacent private land.

What is backwater flooding?

Backwater flooding occurs when the Mississippi River is at high stage and prevents the Yazoo River and its tributaries from draining normally. Water backs up into the low-lying areas between the two rivers — the Yazoo Backwater Area — flooding farmland, roads, and communities. In 2019, backwater flooding affected Sharkey County for months, devastating crops and forcing evacuations. The Yazoo Pumps project, proposed to pump backed-up water into the Mississippi River, has been debated for decades but was vetoed by the EPA on environmental grounds. This unresolved flood risk is the defining challenge of land ownership in Sharkey County.

Was Muddy Waters from Sharkey County?

Yes. McKinley Morganfield — known worldwide as Muddy Waters, the "father of modern Chicago blues" — was born in Rolling Fork in 1913. He grew up on a plantation near Rolling Fork before moving to the Mississippi Hill Country and eventually to Chicago, where he electrified the Delta blues and changed American music forever. Rolling Fork commemorates its native son with a marker and the Muddy Waters Blues Trail site. This cultural heritage adds a unique character to Sharkey County and draws blues tourists and music history enthusiasts.

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Learn About Debrosland:

Are you looking at buying land? We are Seth and Bryce, brothers who operate Debrosland, a land company based in Timnath, Colorado. Our company was built on the foundation of our family's farm, so we understand what it means to live and breathe life on the land. For those that have had the privilege of that experience, you know what it feels like. For those who have not, we wanted to bottle up that experience and give it to the world—and that is why we created Debrosland. There is no greater feeling than waking up to the beauty of this Earth on your own land, and that experience is something we hope you get to enjoy soon!

We are proud to say we can trace our family lineage back to the American Revolution, and we are Americans whose family helped establish this great country. Our country was established on the foundation of controlling our own destiny, so don't take it for granted—grab it. Helping you buy your dream parcel of land would be a privilege if you choose to work with us.

To your land ownership,

Cities and Towns in Sharkey County, MS

Rolling Fork | Anguilla | Cary | Nitta Yuma

Browse Other Mississippi Counties

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