About Andrew County
Andrew County is located in the northwestern corner of Missouri, bordering both Kansas and Iowa, making it a unique tri-state area county. Established in 1841 and named after Andrew Jackson Davis, a lawyer and politician, Andrew County covers approximately 435 square miles of predominantly agricultural land. Andrew County Seat is Savannah, Missouri, situated along U.S. Highway 71, which is the primary commercial corridor through Andrew County. According to recent census estimates, Andrew County has a population of approximately 18,000 residents.
- Lake Contrary, partially in Andrew County, provides recreational opportunities.
Andrew County is characterized by gently rolling prairie land, rich farmland, and proximity to the Missouri River along its western boundary. Andrew County Courthouse, located at 411 Court Street in Savannah, houses several key county offices including the County Clerk, Circuit Clerk, and other administrative functions. Andrew County Recorder's office maintains property records and is accessible at the courthouse.
Andrew County Assessor's office, responsible for property valuations, operates from the same complex. Andrew County has a strong agricultural heritage, with corn, soybeans, and livestock production dominating the local economy. Andrew County is home to Amazonia, the smallest incorporated town in Missouri, and other communities including Bolckow, Cosby, Fillmore, Helena, and Rea.
Andrew County's location along historic migration and trade routes has shaped its development, and it maintains a rural character while providing access to larger metropolitan areas including St. Joseph to the south and Kansas City approximately 50 miles to the southeast.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Andrew County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Andrew County, particularly in the unincorporated areas. This office is tasked with patrolling rural regions, managing Andrew County jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also engages in community outreach and crime prevention programs tailored to the needs of Andrew County residents. Notable divisions within the office include the patrol division, investigations, and a dedicated team for handling civil processes.
Police Departments
In addition to Andrew County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Andrew County is supported by municipal police departments, including the Savannah Police Department and the Amazonia Police Department. These city departments focus on maintaining public safety within their respective jurisdictions, handling local crimes, and coordinating with the Sheriff's Office on larger investigations. This collaboration ensures full law enforcement coverage across Andrew County, addressing both urban and rural community needs.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Andrew County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 303 East Nodaway Street in Savannah, Missouri 64485, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Andrew County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a website at www.andrewcountysheriff.com where some public information is available. Andrew County Detention Center, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates for Andrew County and surrounding jurisdictions. Inmate information can typically be obtained by calling the jail directly at or through in-person inquiry at the detention facility.
- Citizens can request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office or the specific municipal department that made the arrest.
- Mugshot and booking photos are typically available through direct inquiry at the detention center, though online databases may not be maintained at Andrew County level.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of reports and records.
The Sheriff's Office maintains booking logs and arrest records as required under Missouri law. Within Andrew County, the City of Savannah operates its own Police Department serving Andrew County Seat, while other municipalities may contract with the Sheriff's Office for law enforcement services. Under Missouri's Sunshine Law (Chapter 610 RSMo), arrest records, booking reports, and incident logs are generally considered public records unless sealed by court order or involving juveniles.
Some third-party websites aggregate booking information from Andrew County, but official records should be verified through the Sheriff's Office. The Missouri State Highway Patrol also maintains jurisdiction on state highways passing through Andrew County and can be reached through Troop H headquarters. Background checks and criminal history reports for employment or licensing purposes must be obtained through the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Central Repository.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Andrew County includes documentation of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Andrew County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Missouri State Highway Patrol provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS), which provides full information on an individual's criminal history within the state.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Andrew County are maintained by Andrew County Sheriff's Office. These records document the circumstances of an individual's arrest, including charges, arresting officer details, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, often requiring a formal written request. Under the Missouri Sunshine Law, these records are generally accessible to the public, although certain restrictions may apply to protect privacy or ongoing investigations.
Jail & Inmate Records
Andrew County Detention Center, located in Savannah, is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested within Andrew County. The booking process at this facility includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing residents to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, generally requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to strict security protocols.
- The bond and bail process in Missouri allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with payment options typically including cash, surety bonds, or property bonds.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Andrew County are taken and retained by Andrew County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a formal request. While Missouri does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals seeking to have their photos removed from third-party websites may need to pursue legal action or contact the site administrators directly.
Courts & Case Records
Andrew County is served by the 4th Judicial Circuit Court of Missouri, with the courthouse located at 411 Court Street, Savannah, MO 64485. The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $25,000, domestic relations including divorce and child custody, probate and estate matters, and appeals from municipal courts. The Circuit Clerk's office, reachable, maintains all court records and case files.
- Missouri's online case management system, Case.net (www.courts.mo.gov/casenet), provides free public access to search circuit court cases throughout the state, including Andrew County cases.
- Associate Circuit Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters under $25,000, small claims up to $5,000, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
- Certified copies of judgments, orders, and other court documents can be obtained from the Circuit Clerk's office for statutory fees, typically $3.00 per page with additional certification fees.
Users can search by party name, case number, or attorney to access docket entries, judgment information, and case status. The Probate Division of Circuit Court handles estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health commitments. Municipal courts in Savannah and other incorporated cities handle local ordinance violations, traffic tickets within city limits, and minor offenses.
Court records in Missouri are governed by Supreme Court Rule 2 and Chapter 610 RSMo, which establish that most court records are public unless specifically exempted by statute or court order. Some sealed records, juvenile matters, and certain family court records have restricted access. The courthouse maintains a public terminal for in-person record searches, and staff can assist with locating case files during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Property & Public Records
Andrew County Recorder of Deeds office, located at 411 Court Street in Savannah, MO 64485, maintains all property and land records for Andrew County. The Recorder's office can be reached at and is responsible for recording deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, releases, liens, mechanic's liens, easements, plat maps, surveys, power of attorney documents, and other instruments affecting real property. Missouri law requires these documents to be recorded to provide public notice and establish priority of interests in real estate.
- Recording fees are established by Missouri statute (Section 59.310 RSMo) and vary based on document type and page count.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Recorder's office for the statutory fee of $3.00 per page plus $1.00 for certification.
The office provides public access to recorded documents dating back to Andrew County's formation in 1841, with older records preserved on microfilm and microfiche, while more recent documents are available in digital format. Andrew County offers online access to recorded documents through a subscription-based system; free document searches may be available through Andrew County website at www.andrewcountymo.com, though downloading official copies typically requires payment. Andrew County Assessor's office, also located at the courthouse complex and reachable, maintains property assessment records, parcel identification numbers, ownership information, property valuations, and assessment history.
The Assessor's office provides an online GIS mapping system and property search tool allowing users to search by owner name, parcel number, or address to view property characteristics, assessed values, and aerial imagery. Property tax records and payment information are maintained by the County Collector's office, where citizens can research tax payment history, delinquent taxes, and tax sale information. Abstract companies, title insurance providers, and real estate professionals regularly access these records for title searches and due diligence.
Vital Records
Vital records for Andrew County, Missouri, are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates are filed with Andrew County Clerk's office at 411 Court Street, Savannah, MO 64485, phone, but certified copies for official purposes must be obtained from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City. Missouri law (Chapter 193 RSMo) restricts access to birth and death certificates to the registrant (if of legal age), family members, legal representatives, and those with a tangible interest.
- Birth certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $13 for additional copies ordered simultaneously; death certificates cost $13 per copy.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks by mail or 2-3 weeks for online orders.
- The Missouri State Vital Records office accepts online orders through VitalChek at www.health.mo.gov/vitalrecords, with expedited service available for additional fees.
- Same-day service for vital records is generally not available at Andrew County level; expedited service requires going through the state office with appropriate fees.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship or legal interest. Birth records less than 100 years old and death records less than 50 years old have restricted access. Marriage licenses are issued by Andrew County Recorder of Deeds office; couples must apply in person, provide valid identification, be at least 18 years old (or have parental consent if 16-17), pay the license fee of approximately $50, and observe a three-day waiting period unless waived.
Marriage records are public and can be searched at the Recorder's office. Divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk's office as court records and are generally public unless sealed by court order. Older vital records may require additional research through county archives or the State Archives in Jefferson City.
Genealogical researchers can access older records through less restrictive procedures for historical purposes.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Andrew County are maintained by several agencies depending on the business type and regulatory requirements. Andrew County Clerk's office at 411 Court Street, Savannah, MO 64485, phone, handles fictitious name registrations (DBA - Doing Business As) for sole proprietorships and partnerships operating under assumed names within Andrew County. These filings are public records and can be searched at the County Clerk's office during regular business hours.
- This database includes all businesses registered to conduct affairs in Missouri, including those based in Andrew County.
- Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, cosmetologists, healthcare providers, and others are issued by the Missouri Division of Professional Registration, with searchable databases available online.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and registered trade names at the state level, businesses must file with the Missouri Secretary of State's office. The Secretary of State maintains a full online Business Entity Search at www.sos.mo.gov/BusinessEntity where anyyou can search for registered businesses, view formation documents, registered agents, officers, and filing status free of charge. Local business licenses and permits may be required by the City of Savannah and other municipalities within Andrew County; inquiries should be directed to individual city clerk offices.
Andrew County Building and Zoning Department handles building permits, zoning compliance, and land use permits; contact information is available through the County Commission office for Sales tax permits are issued by the Missouri Department of Revenue, not at Andrew County level, though some municipalities administer local sales tax registration. The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 411 Court Square, Savannah, MO 64485, phone, website www.savannahchamber.com, provides business development resources, networking opportunities, and information about operating a business in Andrew County. Agricultural operations may require permits from the Missouri Department of Agriculture or Natural Resources depending on operation type and environmental impact.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Andrew County, Missouri, are administered by Andrew County Clerk, who serves as Andrew County's election authority. The Clerk's office is located at 411 Court Street, Savannah, MO 64485, and can be reached for election related inquiries. The office maintains a website and information through Andrew County portal at www.andrewcountymo.com.
- Missouri law requires voters to register at least 28 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
- These records can be requested from the County Clerk under Missouri's Sunshine Law (Chapter 610 RSMo).
- In the November 2024 general election, Andrew County experienced voter turnout consistent with other rural Missouri counties, with approximately 68-72% of registered voters casting ballots in the presidential election.
Voter registration in Andrew County can be completed by submitting a Missouri Voter Registration Application in person at the County Clerk's office, by mail, or online through the Missouri Secretary of State's website at www.sos.mo.gov/elections. Eligible voters must be U.S. Citizens, Missouri residents, at least 17.5 years old (18 by the election date), and not serving a sentence for a felony conviction.
To find your polling place in Andrew County, voters can contact the County Clerk's office directly, check their voter registration card which lists the assigned polling location, or use the polling place lookup tool on the Missouri Secretary of State's website by entering name and date of birth. Andrew County typically maintains polling locations in Savannah and other communities throughout Andrew County based on precinct boundaries. Election records that are public in Missouri include voter registration lists (excluding some personal information), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and committees, candidate filing information, election results by precinct, and absentee ballot statistics.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, which will feature U.S. House of Representatives races, one U.S. Senate seat, Missouri state constitutional offices including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Auditor, and State Treasurer, Missouri General Assembly seats (State Senate and House of Representatives), and various county and municipal offices.
Absentee voting in Andrew County is available for those who qualify under Missouri law, including voters who will be absent from Andrew County on election day, those with illness or physical disability, election workers, and others meeting statutory requirements. Absentee ballot applications can be obtained from the County Clerk's office or downloaded from the Missouri Secretary of State's website, and must be submitted by the statutory deadline, typically the second Wednesday before the election for mail ballots. Andrew County maintains transparency in election administration by providing public test of voting equipment, allowing poll watchers as authorized by law, posting unofficial results on election night, and maintaining records available for public inspection.
Sample ballots, candidate information, and election calendars are made available before each election through the County Clerk's office.
Economy & Demographics
Andrew County's economy is predominantly agricultural, with farming and agribusiness serving as the foundation of local employment and economic activity. Andrew County's fertile prairie soils support extensive corn, soybean, wheat, and hay production, while livestock operations including cattle ranching and hog farming contribute significantly to agricultural revenues. According to recent economic data, agriculture and related industries account for approximately 30-35% of Andrew County's economic base.
- The median household income in Andrew County is estimated at approximately $58,000, slightly below the Missouri state average, reflecting Andrew County's rural character and agricultural economy.
- Economic development efforts focus on attracting light manufacturing, distribution centers, and value-added agricultural processing.
Major employers in Andrew County include school districts, healthcare facilities, agricultural cooperatives and grain elevators, manufacturing operations, and local government entities. The retail and service sectors concentrate primarily in Savannah, Andrew County Seat, serving both local residents and travelers along the U.S. Highway 71 corridor.
Manufacturing has grown as an economic sector, with several industrial facilities locating in Andrew County due to its strategic location near Interstate 29 and proximity to Kansas City and St. Joseph markets. The unemployment rate in Andrew County typically ranges between 3.5% and 4.5%, generally tracking with state and regional trends but showing some seasonal variation due to agricultural cycles.
Transportation and logistics have emerged as growth sectors due to Andrew County's position along major north-south transportation routes connecting Mexico to Canada. Andrew County Economic Development Corporation works to recruit new businesses and support existing enterprises. Retail trade, healthcare services, and construction provide additional employment opportunities.
Andrew County's proximity to larger metropolitan areas allows some residents to commute for employment while maintaining rural residences. Tourism plays a modest role in the economy, with recreational activities at area lakes and historical sites attracting visitors. Renewable energy, particularly wind energy development, represents a potential growth area as agricultural landowners explore leasing opportunities for wind turbines.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (Case.net) | Property: Yes: Online GIS/Search | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online Tools Available | Overall Score: 7/10, Andrew County provides good digital access to property and court records, with state systems supplementing local resources, though some records require direct contact.