Auburn Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Auburn, Kansas government websites.
About Auburn City Government
Annual Budget
$1.5 million
Regular Meetings
Public Sessions
The governing body of Auburn, Kansas, is the Auburn City Council, which consists of five elected members. Each council member is elected at-large and serves a term of four years. The council is responsible for making decisions on city policies, budgets, and ordinances that affect the community.
For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the City of Auburn is $1.5 million. This budget encompasses various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.
The Auburn City Council holds regular meetings on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Auburn City Hall, located at 113 E. 12th Street, Auburn, KS 66402. Residents are encouraged to attend to stay informed about local governance and community issues.
About Auburn, Kansas
Nestled in the heart of Shawnee County, Auburn, Kansas, is a charming city that captures the essence of small-town America. Home to approximately 1,200 residents, Auburn has a rich history dating back to its founding in the late 19th century. The city is characterized by its warm, welcoming community and a commitment to maintaining a high quality of life. Major neighborhoods, such as Brookwood and Auburn Estates, provide a blend of suburban charm and rural tranquility, attracting families and individuals alike. The local economy is primarily driven by small businesses and agriculture, with a mix of retail, services, and light manufacturing contributing to the community's sustainability. Auburn is distinctive not only for its scenic landscapes and quiet streets but also for its active civic engagement and community events, which foster a strong sense of belonging among residents.
The Auburn Police Department serves as the primary law enforcement agency in the city, overseeing public safety and crime prevention. For broader law enforcement needs, the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office is also available, providing additional support and services to the community. In cases of criminal records, individuals seeking arrest records, mugshots, booking records, or criminal history can start their inquiry with the Auburn Police Department. The process typically begins with a visit to the local police records unit, where individuals can request access to specific records by providing necessary identification and relevant details of the incident. For more extensive inquiries, contacting the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office may be warranted, as they maintain records for incidents that fall under the county's jurisdiction. Additionally, for state-level criminal history, individuals can access the Kansas Bureau of Investigation's criminal repository, which allows for online searches of statewide criminal records. While some information may be readily available online through various lookup portals, individuals are encouraged to contact the respective departments directly for guidance on record requests, ensuring they receive the most accurate and pertinent information.
Auburn falls under the jurisdiction of the Shawnee County District Court, which handles a wide range of civil and criminal cases. For those seeking court records, requests can be initiated online through the court's official portal, where many documents are digitized for public access. Alternatively, individuals can visit the courthouse in person to speak with a clerk for assistance in locating specific records. Vital records, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, can be obtained through the Shawnee County Clerk-Recorder's Office or via the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for statewide records. Property records, which are essential for real estate transactions, can be accessed through the Shawnee County Assessor and Recorder’s Office, both online and in person. Furthermore, general public records requests can be made under the Kansas Open Records Act, typically yielding responses within 5 to 10 business days. This framework ensures that both residents and non-residents can obtain important documents and information efficiently, fostering transparency and public accountability in the city of Auburn.
About Auburn
Auburn is a small unincorporated community located in southwestern Shawnee County, Kansas, approximately 15 miles southwest of Topeka, the state capital. Situated along U.S. Route 75, Auburn serves as a rural residential area with a population estimated at fewer than 1,200 residents. The community was established in the mid-1800s and has maintained its quiet, agricultural character while benefiting from proximity to Topeka's employment and services. Auburn is known for its rural landscape, family farms, and small-town atmosphere.
The community is served by Auburn-Washburn USD 437, one of the area's largest school districts, which takes its name partly from Auburn and serves a broader area of southwestern Shawnee County. Local landmarks include historic farmsteads and the scenic Kansas countryside that defines this part of the county. As an unincorporated community, Auburn does not have its own municipal government or city hall, meaning public records requests are handled primarily through Shawnee County agencies and Kansas state systems. Residents seeking vital records, property documents, court filings, and law enforcement records must contact offices located primarily in Topeka, the county seat. The Shawnee County Courthouse at 200 SE 7th Street in Topeka houses most county offices including the District Court, County Clerk, Register of Deeds, and other record-keeping departments. The Shawnee County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement services to Auburn and maintains arrest logs and incident reports. Property records, tax assessments, and land documents are managed by the Shawnee County Appraiser and Register of Deeds. Kansas Open Records Act (K.S.A. 45-215 et seq.) governs public access to government documents, ensuring residents can request and obtain records from county and state agencies serving the Auburn area.
Police Department & Arrest Records
In addition to the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county includes the Topeka Police Department, which serves the city of Topeka, and other municipal departments such as the Auburn Police Department and Silver Lake Police Department. Each department is responsible for maintaining law and order within its jurisdiction, handling local crimes, and coordinating with the Sheriff's Office on larger investigations. These agencies work collaboratively to address crime trends and ensure public safety across the county.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Shawnee County Detention Center is the primary jail facility in the county. It handles the booking process for individuals arrested within the county, where they are photographed and fingerprinted. The facility offers an inmate lookup service that allows the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require scheduling in advance. In Kansas, the bond or bail process involves posting a set amount determined by the court to secure an individual's release, and this can be arranged through the detention center's administrative office.
Court Records
Auburn residents are served by the Shawnee County District Court, which is part of Kansas's Third Judicial District. The Shawnee County District Court is located at 200 SE 7th Street, Topeka, KS 66603, and the main phone number is (785) 251-4000. The District Court handles all criminal cases (felonies and misdemeanors), civil litigation, domestic relations (divorce, child custody, child support), probate and estate matters, juvenile cases, and small claims (up to $4,000).
As an unincorporated community, Auburn does not have its own municipal court; traffic violations and minor offenses are prosecuted in District Court. Kansas offers a statewide online case search system through the Kansas Judicial Branch at https://www.kansas.gov/accesskansas/. The public can search civil, criminal, domestic, and traffic cases by party name, case number, or attorney, though some sensitive case types (such as juvenile or sealed records) are restricted. Court records are available for viewing at the Shawnee County District Court Clerk's office during business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Certified copies of court documents cost $1.50 per page, with a minimum fee of $3.00. The District Court also handles marriage licenses through the Clerk of the District Court office. Filing fees vary by case type: civil case filings typically cost around $195, small claims filings around $50, and certified copies of judgments and decrees $1.50 per page. Researchers seeking historical court records or case files should contact the District Court Clerk's office directly, as older records may be archived.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Shawnee County encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Shawnee County District Court, along with the Sheriff's Office, maintains these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, which provides comprehensive criminal history reports. The KBI's database is a valuable resource for employers and individuals seeking detailed criminal background information in Shawnee County.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Shawnee County are maintained by the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of an individual's arrest, including the charges, arresting agency, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, adhering to the Kansas Open Records Act, which governs public access to government documents. An arrest record in Shawnee County typically includes the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the arrest date and location.
Public Records Access
Property and land records for Auburn, Kansas are maintained by Shawnee County offices in Topeka. The Shawnee County Appraiser's Office, located at 1515 NW Saline Street, Topeka, KS 66618, phone (785) 233-8200, website https://www.snco.us/app/, is responsible for property assessments, valuations, and parcel data. The Appraiser's Office provides a free online property search tool on their website, allowing residents to search by owner name, property address, or parcel number.
The online database displays assessed values, property characteristics, sales history, tax district information, and parcel maps. This is a valuable resource for researching property ownership and tax obligations in Auburn. Official documents of title, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other instruments affecting real property, are recorded with the Shawnee County Register of Deeds, located at 200 SE 7th Street, Room B-10, Topeka, KS 66603, phone (785) 233-8200 ext. 4000, website https://www.snco.us/rod/. The Register of Deeds maintains an online search portal where the public can search recorded documents by name, document type, or legal description, typically free of charge for viewing. Certified copies of recorded documents can be purchased for a fee, generally $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page. Shawnee County also offers a GIS mapping system accessible through the Appraiser's website, providing interactive parcel maps, aerial photography, zoning overlays, and flood plain data. Property searches can be conducted by address (such as a rural route or street address in Auburn) or by owner name, making it easy to locate parcels and review ownership chains, liens, and encumbrances.
Economy & Demographics
Auburn's economy is primarily residential and agricultural, reflecting its character as a quiet, unincorporated community in southwestern Shawnee County. Many Auburn residents commute to Topeka for employment, taking advantage of the city's diverse job market including state government (Kansas is the state capital), healthcare (Stormont Vail Health, Kansas University Health System St. Francis Campus), education (Washburn University, USD 437 Auburn-Washburn schools), and manufacturing.
The Auburn-Washburn Unified School District 437, headquartered at 5928 SW 53rd Street in Topeka, is a significant employer for the Auburn area, operating multiple schools and employing hundreds of teachers, administrators, and support staff. Agriculture remains an important part of Auburn's local economy, with family farms producing corn, soybeans, wheat, and cattle. Small businesses, home-based enterprises, and service providers also contribute to the local economy. Shawnee County's median household income is approximately $60,000, and Auburn's demographics skew toward families seeking affordable housing and a rural lifestyle within reasonable commuting distance of Topeka. Recent development in southwestern Shawnee County has included residential subdivisions and some commercial growth along U.S. 75, though Auburn itself retains its rural character. The broader Topeka metropolitan area economy benefits from government stability, a growing healthcare sector, and proximity to Kansas City, providing Auburn residents with employment opportunities and economic resilience. Auburn's location offers a blend of small-town living with access to urban amenities and job markets, contributing to steady, moderate growth in the community.
Law Enforcement & Arrest Records
Auburn, Kansas is an unincorporated community and does not operate its own police department. Law enforcement services for Auburn residents are provided by the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 320 S Kansas Avenue, Suite 200, Topeka, KS 66603. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (785) 251-2200, and their website is https://www.snco.us/sheriff/. The Sheriff's Office patrols unincorporated areas of Shawnee County including Auburn, responds to calls for service, investigates crimes, and maintains records of incidents, arrests, and accident reports. To request police reports or incident records from the Sheriff's Office, residents can visit the office in person, call the records division, or submit written requests under the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), codified at K.S.A. 45-215 through 45-223. This state statute requires government agencies to make public records available unless specifically exempted by law. Arrest and jail booking records for individuals detained in Shawnee County can be searched through the Shawnee County Department of Corrections inmate roster, available online at https://www.snco.us/cor/. The online inmate search provides current booking information including inmate names, booking dates, charges filed, bond amounts, and booking photographs (mugshots). The Shawnee County Department of Corrections operates the Adult Detention Center at 1100 SE Jackson Street, Topeka, KS 66607, phone (785) 251-2900. Historical arrest records and case dispositions may require a formal records request to the Sheriff's Office or a search of court records through the Shawnee County District Court. Kansas law allows public access to arrest logs and booking information as part of government transparency, though certain investigative records may be withheld during active investigations.
Vital Records
Vital records for Auburn, Kansas residents are managed at both the state and county levels. Birth and death certificates are issued by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Office of Vital Statistics, Curtis State Office Building, 1000 SW Jackson Street, Suite 120, Topeka, KS 66612, phone (785) 296-1400, website https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/207/Vital-Statistics. Birth certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $15 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; death certificates cost $15 each.
Kansas vital records are available from July 1, 1911 to present, though earlier records may exist at the county level or in church and cemetery archives. Online ordering is available through VitalChek at https://www.vitalchek.com, with additional service fees. Applicants must provide valid identification and proof of relationship or legal interest, as Kansas restricts access to immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a direct and tangible interest. Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks by mail or 2-3 business days for expedited online orders. Marriage licenses are issued by the Shawnee County Clerk, 200 SE 7th Street, Room B-20, Topeka, KS 66603, phone (785) 233-8200 ext. 4101, website https://www.snco.us/clerk/. The marriage license fee is $85.50, and there is no waiting period or blood test required in Kansas. Couples must apply in person, and both parties must be at least 18 years old or have parental consent if 16-17 (persons under 16 may not marry in Kansas). Marriage records are public and can be searched at the County Clerk's office. Divorce records are filed as part of domestic relations cases in Shawnee County District Court and can be searched through the court records system; certified copies of divorce decrees are obtained from the District Court Clerk at $1.50 per page.
Business & Licensing Records
Auburn, Kansas, as an unincorporated community, does not issue municipal business licenses since there is no city government. Businesses operating in Auburn must comply with Shawnee County and Kansas state requirements. Shawnee County does not generally require a county-level business license for most commercial activities, though certain regulated businesses (such as food service, alcohol sales, or health-related services) require permits from Shawnee County Health Agency or other regulatory bodies.
The Shawnee County Health Agency is located at 2115 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66604, phone (785) 251-4600. Fictitious business name (DBA) filings in Kansas are registered with the Shawnee County Register of Deeds if the business operates under a name other than the owner's legal name; sole proprietors and partnerships file trade names at the county level. Corporation and LLC formations, registrations, and searches are handled by the Kansas Secretary of State, Business Services Division, Memorial Hall, 120 SW 10th Avenue, 1st Floor, Topeka, KS 66612, phone (785) 296-4564, website https://www.sos.ks.gov/business/business-services.html. The Kansas Business Center at https://www.kansas.gov/businesscenter/ provides online search tools to look up entity names, status, registered agents, officers, and annual report compliance. Entity searches are free and updated regularly. UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) financing statements and lien searches are also filed with the Kansas Secretary of State and can be searched online for a fee. Business personal property taxes and real property taxes for commercial parcels in Auburn are assessed by the Shawnee County Appraiser's Office, and business owners can look up assessments and tax obligations using the online property search at https://www.snco.us/app/. Understanding property tax obligations is critical for Auburn businesses, as Kansas taxes both real and personal business property annually.
Elections & Voter Records
Auburn, Kansas voters are served by the Shawnee County Election Office, located at 200 SE 7th Street, Room B-20, Topeka, KS 66603, phone (785) 251-4317, website https://www.snco.us/election/. This office, part of the Shawnee County Clerk's operation, administers all federal, state, county, and local elections for Auburn residents, including voter registration, polling place assignments, advance voting, absentee ballots, and election results. Kansas residents can register to vote online at https://www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/voterreg/default.aspx through the Kansas Department of Revenue voter registration portal, or by mail using a paper application available from the County Election Office. The registration deadline is 21 days before any election. Voters must provide a valid Kansas driver's license or state ID number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number. Since Auburn is unincorporated with no city government, there are no mayoral or city council elections specific to Auburn. However, Auburn residents vote in Shawnee County Commission races, Kansas state legislative districts (House and Senate), U.S. Congressional elections (Kansas 2nd District), statewide offices, and school board elections for USD 437 Auburn-Washburn. School board elections are typically held in the spring of odd-numbered years. Auburn voters can look up their assigned polling place by visiting the Kansas Voter View portal at https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView/, entering their name and date of birth, and viewing polling location, sample ballots, and registration status. Kansas law makes certain election records publicly accessible, including voter registration lists (though personal information like birthdates and driver's license numbers are restricted), campaign finance reports filed with the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission at https://www.kansas.gov/ethics/, candidate filings, and precinct-level election results published by the County Election Office. In the November 2024 presidential election, Shawnee County reported approximately 58% voter turnout, with over 100,000 ballots cast. Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, Auburn and Shawnee County voters will decide several key races: the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Jerry Moran (up in 2026), all four Kansas U.S. House seats, Governor and other statewide offices (not up in 2026; next gubernatorial election is 2026), Kansas State Legislature seats (all 125 House seats and half of the 40 Senate seats are up every two years), Shawnee County offices including County Commissioners, and potentially local school board positions. Kansas allows advance voting in person starting the Saturday 20 days before Election Day at the Shawnee County Election Office, and voters may request advance mail ballots (absentee ballots) by submitting an application to the County Election Office by mail, in person, or online; the application deadline is the Tuesday before Election Day at noon. Kansas does not require an excuse to vote by mail. Returned mail ballots must be received by 7:00 PM on Election Day to be counted.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: ✅ Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: ⚠️ State Office Required | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 8.5/10 — Shawnee County and Kansas offer robust online access to most public records including court cases, property data, jail rosters, business entities, and voter information, with vital records requiring state-level requests but available via online ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Auburn, Shawnee County, Kansas to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Auburn, Kansas, you will be transported to the Shawnee County Detention Center for booking and processing. During booking, officers record personal information, take fingerprints, and photograph the arrestee. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment, or released on bail. The Shawnee County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Shawnee County Clerk of Courts for case information.
2 What are the school district and education performance data for Auburn, Shawnee County, Kansas?
The Auburn area is served by public school districts in Shawnee County, Kansas. School performance data, enrollment statistics, and district boundaries are available through the Kansas Department of Education website. School report cards, test scores, and demographic data are published annually for all public schools.
3 What are the crime statistics for Auburn, Shawnee County, Kansas?
Crime statistics for Auburn, Kansas are reported annually to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program. Local crime data including incident reports, arrest statistics, and calls for service are typically published by the Auburn Police Department on their official website. The Kansas Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
4 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Auburn, Shawnee County, Kansas Library?
The Auburn Public Library provides residents with access to public records research tools. Library cardholders can access online genealogy databases, historical newspaper archives, and Kansas government document repositories. Reference librarians can assist with records requests, ancestry searches, and government document navigation.
5 Where is the Auburn, Shawnee County, Kansas Public Library located?
The Auburn Public Library main branch is located in Auburn, Kansas. Check the Auburn city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
6 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Auburn, Shawnee County, Kansas?
Fingerprinting services in Auburn, Kansas are available through the Auburn Police Department and authorized IdentoGO or Fieldprint enrollment centers. Fingerprinting is required for employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, real estate), concealed carry permits, and adoption applications. Contact the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
7 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Auburn, Shawnee County, Kansas, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records in Auburn, Kansas, contact the Kansas Vital Statistics Unit. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Marriage licenses are issued by the Shawnee County Clerk's office. Certified copies require valid government-issued photo ID and a processing fee. Online ordering is available through VitalCheck or the state health department portal.
8 About Police Reports
Police reports from Auburn, Kansas can be obtained from the Auburn Police Department or the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office. Submit a request in person, by mail, or online with the incident report number, date, and your identification. Under the Kansas Open Records Act, most incident reports are public records. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Traffic accident reports may also be available through the Kansas DMV.
9 About background check
A background check in Auburn, Shawnee County, Kansas typically includes a review of criminal history records, arrest records, court judgments, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards frequently request background checks. You can request a Kansas criminal history report through the Kansas Department of Public Safety. Federal background checks are available through the FBI Identity History Summary program.