The State of Mississippi has a total of five metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) that are fully or partially located in the state. 17 of the state's 82 counties are classified by the United States Census Bureau as metropolitan. As of the 2000 census, these counties had a combined population of 1,194,522 (42.0% of the state's total population). Based on a July 1, 2009 population estimate, that figure rose to 1,311,726 (44.4% of the state's total population). Metropolitan areas Gulfport-Biloxi MSA Hancock County Harrison County Stone County Hattiesburg MSA Forrest County Lamar County Perry County Jackson MSA Copiah County Hinds County Madison County Rankin County Simpson County Memphis, TN-AR-MS MSA DeSoto County Marshall County Tate County Tunica County Pascagoula MSA George County Jackson County New Orleans metropolitan area Pearl River County, Mississippi Population statistics Combined Statistical Areas The United States Census Bureau defines a Combined Statistical Area (CSA) as an aggregate of adjacent Core Based Statistical Areas (CBSAs) that are linked by commuting ties. There are three combined statistical areas in Mississippi. Population statistics See also List of micropolitan areas in Mississippi List of cities in Mississippi List of towns and villages in Mississippi Mississippi census statistical areas Table of United States primary census statistical areas (PCSA) Table of United States Combined Statistical Areas (CSA) Table of United States Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) Table of United States Micropolitan Statistical Areas (μSA) References Metropolitan areas Mississippi