About Accomack County
Accomack County is located on Virginia's Eastern Shore, forming part of the Delmarva Peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Accomack County Seat is Accomac, a historic town situated in the center of Accomack County. Accomack County covers approximately 476 square miles of land area with a population of around 33,000 residents according to recent census estimates. Established in 1634 as one of the original shires of the Virginia Colony, Accomack is among the oldest counties in the United States.
- The economy is heavily based on agriculture (poultry, soybeans, corn), commercial fishing, seafood processing, and tourism related to the barrier islands.
Accomack County is characterized by its rural agricultural scene, coastal fishing communities, and barrier island beaches including portions of Assateague Island and Chincoteague Island, famous for its wild ponies. Major towns include Chincoteague, Parksley, Onancock, Tangier Island, and Wachapreague. Accomack County Courthouse, located at 23316 Courthouse Avenue in Accomac, houses the Circuit Court Clerk's office which is the primary repository for land records, court documents, and vital statistics.
Accomack County Commissioner of the Revenue maintains property assessment records at 23296 Courthouse Avenue, while the County Treasurer's office at the same complex handles tax collections. Accomack County Administration Building at 23296 Courthouse Avenue contains various county departments including planning, zoning, and building permits. What makes Accomack County unique is its geographic isolation on the Eastern Shore, accessible only by the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel from the south, its preservation of waterman culture and maritime heritage, and its status as one of the most productive agricultural counties in Virginia.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Accomack County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Accomack County. It provides a range of services including patrolling, criminal investigations, and community policing. The Sheriff's Office also manages Accomack County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. It is involved in various community outreach programs and initiatives meant to reducing crime and enhancing public safety. The office is key to coordinating with other local law enforcement agencies to ensure full coverage across Accomack County.
Police Departments
In addition to Accomack County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Accomack County, including the Chincoteague Police Department and the Onancock Police Department. These agencies are responsible for law enforcement within their respective jurisdictions, handling local crime, traffic enforcement, and community policing. They coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and regional issues, making sure of a full approach to public safety across Accomack County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Accomack County Sheriff's Office, located at 23201 Front Street in Accomac, Virginia 23301, is the primary law enforcement agency for Accomack County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a website at www.accomackcountysheriff.org where citizens can access information about services, press releases, and contact information. Accomack County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office at the same Front Street location, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates.
- The jail roster is not currently available via an online database, requiring phone or in-person inquiries.
- Citizens may submit FOIA requests to the Sheriff's Office Records Division in writing, and agencies must respond within five working days.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically included in arrest records and can be requested through FOIA procedures.
- For historical arrest records and criminal history background checks, the Virginia State Police Criminal Records Division processes requests statewide.
- Fees for copies of arrest records vary but typically range from $0.50 to $1.00 per page for paper copies.
Inmate searches can be conducted by calling the jail directly at or visiting the Sheriff's Office during business hours. Municipal police departments exist in the incorporated towns of Chincoteague (Chincoteague Police Department, 6150 Community Drive) and other smaller jurisdictions. Arrest records in Accomack County are public records accessible under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq.), which mandates that public records be made available for inspection and copying upon request.
The Sheriff's Office maintains these photographs as part of booking documentation. There is no tribal police presence in Accomack County. The Virginia State Police also maintain jurisdiction throughout Accomack County and operate a local area office.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Accomack County includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Accomack County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Virginia State Police provide additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal records through the Virginia State Police's online portal or by submitting a request to the local law enforcement agencies.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Accomack County are maintained by Accomack County Sheriff's Office. These records are accessible to the public under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, which allows residents and attorneys to request detailed information about arrests. An arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the date and location of the arrest. Requests for arrest records can be made in person or through written applications to the Sheriff's Office, for public access in law enforcement activities.
Jail & Inmate Records
Accomack County Jail, managed by the Sheriff's Office, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Accomack County. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process follows Virginia's legal framework, allowing for the release of detainees under certain conditions while awaiting trial.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Accomack County are taken and retained by Accomack County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These photographs are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases that compile such information. Virginia does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, meaning they remain accessible unless expunged by court order. Individuals seeking mugshots can search through the Sheriff's Office website or third-party services that aggregate public records.
Courts & Case Records
Accomack County's judicial system is centered at Accomack County Circuit Court, located at 23316 Courthouse Avenue, Accomac, Virginia 23301, phone. The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $4,500, divorce and family law matters, and appeals from lower courts. The Clerk of Circuit Court maintains court records, land records, and vital statistics, and can be reached at the same address and phone number.
- Accomack County General District Court, located at 23360 Courthouse Avenue, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, preliminary hearings for felonies, and civil cases up to $25,000.
- Access is free for basic case information, though certified copies require fees.
- The Circuit Court Clerk's office charges $0.50 per page for copies and $2.00 for certification per document.
The phone number is. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, also at 23360 Courthouse Avenue (phone 757-787-5694), has jurisdiction over juvenile delinquency, child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, and support and custody matters. Virginia courts provide online case information through the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System at https://eapps.courts.state.va.us/ocis, where users can search civil, criminal, and traffic cases by name, case number, or hearing date.
Remote access to land records may be available through subscription services. Virginia Code § 17.1-208 governs public access to court records, establishing that court records are presumptively open to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. Some records involving juveniles, sealed cases, or confidential information may be restricted.
Court hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays. Online filing is available for attorneys through the Virginia Judiciary's e-filing system.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Accomack County are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court, located at 23316 Courthouse Avenue, Accomac, Virginia 23301, phone. The Clerk's office is the official recorder of deeds and maintains an extensive archive of land records dating back to the colonial period. Available records include warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, liens (mechanic's, judgment, tax), easements, right-of-way agreements, subdivision plats, and surveys.
- The Clerk's land records division provides public access to these documents during regular business hours.
- Recording fees are established by Virginia Code § 17.1-275 and typically include $16 for the first page and $3 for each additional page.
- Certified copies cost $2.00 for the certificate plus $0.50 per page.
Virginia law requires most land instruments to be recorded to provide constructive notice and establish priority. Accomack County Clerk participates in remote access to land records through a subscription service, though walk-in searches are available free of charge in the Clerk's office. Property tax assessment records are maintained separately by the Commissioner of the Revenue at 23296 Courthouse Avenue, Accomac, Virginia 23301, phone.
The Commissioner's office conducts property assessments and maintains ownership records, building characteristics, and assessed values. Accomack County Treasurer, located at the same address (phone 757-787-5753), collects real estate taxes and personal property taxes and maintains payment histories. Accomack County offers an online GIS mapping system and property search portal accessible through Accomack County website at www.co.accomack.va.us, allowing users to search by owner name, parcel number, or address to view assessment information, tax amounts, and interactive maps.
This service is provided free of charge to the public.
Vital Records
Vital records for Accomack County are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 23316 Courthouse Avenue, Accomac, Virginia 23301, phone. Birth and death certificates occurring in Accomack County can be requested from the Circuit Court Clerk's office, which is the local registrar. Birth certificates cost $12 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Death certificates are $12 each. Processing time for walk-in requests is typically immediate if records are available; mail requests take approximately one to two weeks.
- Requesters must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship or legal interest, as Virginia Code § 32.1-250 et seq.
- Couples must apply in person, pay a $30 license fee, and observe a mandatory waiting period unless waived.
- The state office charges $12 per certificate and offers expedited service for additional fees.
- Online ordering through VitalChek is available at www.vitalchek.com with additional service fees.
- All requests require completion of an application form and valid identification demonstrating eligibility to receive restricted records.
Restricts access to immediate family members, legal representatives, or individuals with a tangible interest. Birth records less than 100 years old and death records less than 25 years old are considered confidential. Marriage licenses are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk's office at the same location.
Marriage records, including licenses and certificates of marriage, are public records accessible without restriction. Divorce records are filed with the Circuit Court Clerk as part of court case files and are subject to the same access procedures as other court records. The Virginia Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, is the state repository for all Virginia vital records and can be contacted at 2001 Maywill Street, Richmond, Virginia 23230, or online at www.vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Accomack County involves multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Accomack County Commissioner of the Revenue, located at 23296 Courthouse Avenue, Accomac, Virginia 23301, phone, handles business license applications and renewals. Most businesses operating in Accomack County must obtain a local business license, with fees based on gross receipts and business classification according to the Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) tax structure authorized by Virginia Code § 58.1-3700.
- These certificates cost approximately $10 and must be filed before commencing business.
- The SCC Clerk's Information System allows free online searches of corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and registered trade names.
- Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are processed through Accomack County Planning and Community Development Department at 23296 Courthouse Avenue, phone.
- The Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce, located in Melfa, provides business resources, networking opportunities, and economic development support, accessible at www.esvachamber.org.
The Clerk of the Circuit Court at 23316 Courthouse Avenue processes assumed name certificates (doing business as or DBA filings) for businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name, as required by Virginia Code § 59.1-69. For entity formation and state-level business registration, the Virginia State Corporation Commission maintains the central business entity database accessible at https://scc.virginia.gov. Businesses can file articles of incorporation, annual reports, and other documents through the SCC.
Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, real estate agents, and healthcare providers are issued by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) at the state level. The Planning Department reviews site plans, issues building permits, conducts inspections, and enforces zoning ordinances.
Elections & Voter Records
Election administration in Accomack County is managed by Accomack County Electoral Board and General Registrar, with offices located at 23296 Courthouse Avenue, Room 112, Accomac, Virginia 23301. The General Registrar's office can be reached at and provides voter registration services, absentee ballot processing, and election information. The office website and additional resources are accessible through the Virginia Department of Elections portal at www.elections.virginia.gov.
- The 2024 general election saw turnout in Accomack County of approximately 65% of registered voters, consistent with rural Virginia patterns.
- Absentee voting in Virginia is available to any registered voter without requiring an excuse.
- Voters can request absentee ballots online through the Citizen Portal, by mail, or in person at the Registrar's office.
- The deadline to request a mailed absentee ballot is 11 days before the election; in-person absentee voting is available beginning 45 days before the election and ending the Saturday before Election Day.
Voter registration in Accomack County can be completed in person at the Registrar's office, by mail, or online through the Virginia Department of Elections Citizen Portal at https://vote.elections.virginia.gov. The registration deadline is 22 days before any election, and Virginia offers same-day registration during the early voting period with proof of residency. Eligible citizens must be U.S.
Citizens, Virginia residents, at least 18 years old by the next general election, and not currently declared mentally incapacitated or convicted of a felony unless rights have been restored. Voters can find their assigned polling place by visiting the Virginia Department of Elections website and using the polling place locator tool, by calling the Registrar's office, or by checking their voter registration card. Accomack County operates multiple precincts across Accomack County including locations in Accomac, Parksley, Chincoteague, and other communities.
Election records that are public in Virginia include voter registration lists (available for purchase for legitimate political purposes under Virginia Code § 24.2-405), campaign finance reports filed with the Virginia Department of Elections for state races or locally for county races, candidate qualification filings, and precinct-level election results. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races for Virginia's 2nd Congressional District, potential U.S.
Senate races depending on the cycle, and Virginia House of Delegates seats. Virginia law provides substantial transparency in election records under Virginia Code § 24.2-101 et seq, allowing citizens to request and inspect voter lists, campaign finance disclosures, and election results, promoting accountability in the electoral process.
Economy & Demographics
Accomack County's economy is fundamentally rooted in agriculture, particularly poultry production, which represents the largest agricultural sector with numerous commercial poultry operations throughout Accomack County. Perdue Farms and Tyson Foods maintain significant processing facilities and contract grower operations in Accomack County, making Accomack one of Virginia's leading poultry-producing counties. Row crop agriculture including soybeans, corn, and wheat covers extensive acreage, supported by the fertile soils of the Eastern Shore.
- The median household income in Accomack County is approximately $48,000, below the Virginia state average, reflecting the rural character and seasonal employment patterns.
Commercial fishing and aquaculture contribute substantially to the local economy, with watermen harvesting blue crabs, clams, oysters, and finfish from the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coastal waters. Tourism represents a growing economic sector, driven primarily by Chincoteague Island and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually for wildlife viewing, beach recreation, and the famous Pony Penning event each July. The NASA Wallops Flight Facility, located on Wallops Island, is a major employer providing aerospace research, satellite launch capabilities, and scientific missions, employing several hundred personnel directly and supporting numerous contractors.
Healthcare services anchored by Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in Nassawadox provide significant employment. Unemployment rates in Accomack County typically range from 4% to 6%, with seasonal fluctuations related to agriculture and tourism. Economic challenges include geographic isolation, limited broadband infrastructure in rural areas, and workforce development needs.
the local community-Northampton Planning District Commission coordinates regional economic development initiatives, and recent efforts have focused on downtown revitalization in towns like Onancock, heritage tourism promotion, and support for entrepreneurship and small business development.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (Virginia Judiciary System) | Property: Yes: Free Online GIS/Assessment Search | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Required | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: Online (State SCC) | Elections: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Overall Score: 7/10 — Accomack County provides solid access to property and court records online, though jail records and vital records require traditional request methods.
Official Government Resources
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Cities & Towns in Accomack County
Explore public records for 40 cities and communities in Accomack County, Virginia.