The North Central Hills or Northern Hilly Gulf Coastal Plain ecoregion contains several north-south trending bands of sand and clay formations, and extends north to the Kentucky-Tennessee border. Eocene and Paleocene-age sand, clay, and lignite underlie the western part of the region, and Cretaceous-age fine sands and clays lie to the east. The climate is generally cooler and there is a greater density of upland hardwood forests than in regions to the south.

The soil here is of generally poor quality, therefore few plantations developed here. The original settlers developed only small farms. Eventually farming in most areas of the Hills became impractical, being replaced by raising livestock, timber cutting, and some smaller factories.

While the population of the Red Clay Hills is predominantly European American and African American, the region is also home to a number of ethnic communities, each with their own distinctive traditions. The members of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians are well known for their basketmaking and social dance traditions. Many immigrants from India live within the region and they share their culture through hosting events featuring Indian dance and music. The North Central Hills are also home to most of the state's small but growing Hispanic population.