If you’re typing hernando ms zip code into a search bar, you aren't just looking for five digits. You’re likely trying to figure out if this slice of DeSoto County is actually the "Best Place to Live" like every suburban magazine claims, or if it’s just another sprawling bedroom community for Memphis.
The short answer? 38632.
That’s the primary code for Hernando, Mississippi. But honestly, the zip code is a bit of a chameleon. It covers everything from the historic, high-density Greek Revival homes near the Courthouse Square to the sprawling horse farms further out toward Eudora. If you’re looking at property near the northern edge, you might even stumble into 38651, which is technically Nesbit but shares a lot of the same DNA.
What's actually inside Hernando MS zip code 38632?
People get confused because "Hernando" is a vibe as much as it is a legal boundary. The city limits are about 25 square miles, but the 38632 zip code reaches further out into the county.
It’s the county seat. That means you’ve got the big, beautiful DeSoto County Courthouse sitting right in the middle of a Spanish-style grid. It’s one of the few places in North Mississippi where you can actually walk to a local bakery, a boutique, and a government office without needing your SUV for every leg of the trip.
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Recent data from the 2020 Census and 2024 estimates put the city population at roughly 18,500 people. But the zip code? It services a much larger crowd—over 30,000 residents when you count the unincorporated areas.
The Real Estate Reality
Let's talk money. Living in the hernando ms zip code isn't as cheap as it used to be. Back in the early 2000s, you could snag a decent brick ranch for a song. Now? The median home price is hovering around $354,000 to $375,000 depending on which month's data you're looking at.
Some spots like the Lakes of Cedar Grove or Forest Meadows are high-demand. If you want something in the historic district, be prepared for a bidding war or a "fixer-upper" that costs more than a new build.
- Median Sale Price: Roughly $354,400 (down slightly from 2024 peaks).
- Inventory: About 375 homes on the market at any given time.
- Rent: If you're renting, expect to pay around $2,400 for a decent house.
The market is currently leaning toward a "buyer's market" in early 2026, mostly because inventory has finally started to catch up with the insane demand of the last few years. Homes are sitting for about 37 to 83 days, which is a lifetime compared to the three-hour windows we saw in 2021.
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Why the 38632 schools are the big draw
Most people moving into the hernando ms zip code are doing it for the schools. It’s part of the DeSoto County School District, which is basically the heavyweight champion of Mississippi public education.
Hernando High, Hernando Middle, and the elementary schools consistently pull high ratings. It’s the kind of place where people move three streets over just to make sure they stay within the specific feeder pattern for a certain elementary school.
Is it perfect? No. The growth has been so fast that some schools have felt the squeeze, but the community generally votes for the bonds needed to keep things updated.
The stuff nobody tells you (The "Kinda" Bad)
I’m going to be honest with you. Hernando is growing faster than its infrastructure.
If you have to commute to Memphis via I-55 during peak hours, you’re going to spend a lot of time looking at brake lights. The intersection of Commerce Street and Highway 51 can be a nightmare at 5:00 PM.
Also, while the "small town" feel is very much alive on the Square, the outskirts are seeing a lot of "big box" development and self-storage units. It's a tug-of-war between maintaining the 1836 charm and the reality of being a booming suburb.
Local Flavor You Should Know
- The Farmer's Market: It’s actually ranked as one of the best in the state. People from all over the hernando ms zip code and even from Memphis drive in on Saturday mornings for it.
- The Water Tower: You’ve probably seen it on the cover of the North Mississippi Allstars' album. It’s a local icon.
- Nightlife: It’s quiet. Most places close early. If you want a 2:00 AM club scene, you’re in the wrong zip code. But if you want a solid craft beer at a local spot like Uncle Bubba's or a good steak, you're set.
Moving to Hernando? Do this first.
If you’re serious about moving into the 38632 area, don't just look at Zillow.
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First, check the ward maps. Hernando is divided into five municipal wards, and where you live dictates your voting site and your local representation.
Second, verify the school zone specifically. Just because a house has a Hernando address doesn't mean it's zoned for the school you think it is. The lines can be wiggly.
Third, spend a Tuesday night here. Go to the square. See how quiet it is. If you love that, you'll love the life here.
Actionable Step: Download the "DeSoto County GIS" interactive map. It’s the most accurate way to see property lines, zoning (like whether that empty field behind your dream house is about to become a strip mall), and school boundaries before you sign a contract.