After years of efforts by local officials, the U.S. Postal Service has officially recognized Sand Hill as an acceptable mailing city name, allowing residents to use their community’s name instead of neighboring Richton.
Residents who receive mail through the Richton Post Office can now use Sand Hill, Mississippi, as their mailing city while keeping ZIP code 39476.
Greene County District 3 Supervisor Efird Eubanks said the effort began before he took office in 2023 and involved local, state and federal officials.
“It’s a small community, but instead of when someone asks you where you’re from, you don’t tell them Richton; you tell them Sand Hill,” Eubanks said.
The Greene County Board of Supervisors unanimously supported the effort, Eubanks said. State Sen. Don Hartness, R-District 42, worked with U.S. Rep. Mike Ezell, R-4th District, and his staff to secure the approval.
Greene County has about 14,000 residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, while Hartness estimated Sand Hill’s population at 600 to 800. ZIP code 39476 has an estimated 7,355 residents as of 2026, according to Zip-Codes.com.
Hartness said he became involved after local officials raised concerns that the Richton mailing designation could lead businesses to associate Sand Hill with neighboring Perry County rather than Greene County, potentially affecting economic development and investment.
For longtime residents like Corbit Sullivan, the recognition brings hope for more businesses and jobs closer to home.
Sullivan, who has lived in Sand Hill for nearly 70 years, said many residents commute to Hattiesburg for work and more local jobs would benefit the community.
“I’d like to see it develop and even become incorporated … and get some more businesses,” Sullivan said.
He described Sand Hill as a close-knit community where neighbors are willing to help one another.
“The community as a whole is a real good place,” he said. “A lot of real friendly people and willing to help you do anything, if you need help.”
While residents and officials hope the recognition will encourage economic development, the designation does not change residents’ ZIP code, mail delivery or tax obligations.
The county tax office said the USPS designation would not result in changes to taxes. Residents can continue receiving mail through the Richton Post Office while using Sand Hill as their mailing city name.
For Eubanks, the recognition is also about giving the community an identity beyond its mailing address.
“Sand Hill is a small community, but (this designation) kind of puts us on the map,” Eubanks said.
