About Audubon County
Audubon County is located in west-central Iowa, established in 1851 and named after ornithologist John James Audubon. The county seat is Audubon, a community that serves as the administrative and judicial center for the county's approximately 5,700 residents spread across 443 square miles. Audubon County is characterized by rolling prairies, productive agricultural land, and small rural communities including Exira, Hamlin, Brayton, and Gray.
- The county is home to the Albert the Bull roadside attraction in Audubon, the world's largest bull statue standing 30 feet tall, which has become a symbol of the area's strong agricultural heritage.
The Audubon County Courthouse, located at 318 Leroy Street in Audubon, houses most county offices including the County Recorder, County Clerk of Court, and County Assessor. The County Recorder's office maintains land records, deeds, and vital statistics, while the Assessor's office at the same location handles property valuations and tax assessments. The Auditor's office manages voter registration and election administration.
Audubon County's economy has historically been rooted in agriculture, particularly corn and soybean production, along with cattle and hog farming. The landscape features gently rolling terrain shaped by glacial activity, with fertile soil that supports the county's agricultural base. The county is traversed by U.S.
Highway 71 and Iowa Highway 44, providing transportation corridors for agricultural commerce and connecting residents to larger regional centers.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Audubon County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across the county, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office oversees the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community policing efforts and offers programs such as crime prevention workshops and neighborhood watch initiatives. The office plays a critical role in ensuring public safety and coordinating with other law enforcement agencies within the county.
Police Departments
In addition to the Audubon County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county includes the Audubon Police Department and the Exira Police Department. The Audubon Police Department serves the city of Audubon, focusing on urban law enforcement, while the Exira Police Department covers the city of Exira. These departments work in coordination with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive law enforcement coverage across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Audubon County Sheriff's Office, located at 318 Leroy Street in Audubon, Iowa 50025, provides primary law enforcement services throughout the unincorporated areas of the county and operates the Audubon County Jail. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (712) 563-2512 and maintains responsibility for civil process service, court security, and detention operations. The county jail houses pretrial detainees and sentenced inmates, with inmate information available by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours.
- Citizens may request arrest records, incident reports, and booking logs by submitting written requests to the Sheriff's Office or municipal police departments.
- Processing fees may apply for copying and retrieval services.
- Iowa law requires that arrest records be maintained and made available within a reasonable time frame, with fees not exceeding actual costs of retrieval and copying.
Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Audubon Police Department within the city limits of Audubon, serving the county seat community. Smaller municipalities including Exira and Hamlin contract with the county or maintain limited local policing arrangements. Under Iowa Code Chapter 22, the Iowa Open Records Law, arrest records and booking information are generally considered public records unless exempted by specific statute.
Mugshots and booking photographs are typically available through direct request to the Sheriff's Office, though some information may be withheld if it would jeopardize an ongoing investigation or reveal confidential informant information under Iowa Code §22.7. The Sheriff's Office does not currently maintain a publicly accessible online inmate roster, so interested parties must contact the jail directly for current custody information.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Audubon County encompass felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as the sex offender registry. These records are maintained by the Audubon County Sheriff's Office and the Iowa Department of Public Safety. Background checks can be conducted through the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, which provides comprehensive criminal history reports. The Iowa Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for residents seeking information on criminal records.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Audubon County are maintained by the Audubon County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, typically requiring a formal request and possible fees. Arrest records are governed by the Iowa Open Records Law, which ensures public access to government records while protecting individual privacy.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Audubon County Jail, located in the city of Audubon, handles the booking and detention of individuals arrested within the county. The booking process includes photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information. Inmate information can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office, which provides details on current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to this facility, requiring appointments and adherence to security protocols. The bond and bail process follows Iowa state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees pending court appearances.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Audubon County are taken and retained by the Audubon 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. While there is no specific online portal for mugshot searches, requests can be made directly to the office. Iowa does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can petition for removal or sealing under certain circumstances.
Courts & Case Records
Audubon County is served by the Iowa District Court for the Fourth Judicial District, with the Audubon County Courthouse located at 318 Leroy Street, Audubon, Iowa 50025. The Clerk of Court can be reached at (712) 563-4275 and handles all district court filings including civil, criminal, probate, juvenile, and domestic relations matters. Iowa operates a unified court system under the Iowa Supreme Court, meaning there is one trial court of general jurisdiction—the District Court—which handles all case types.
- This system provides case summaries, party information, and disposition details for most public cases, though certain juvenile, mental health, and sealed records are restricted from public view.
- There are fees for certified copies of court documents, typically $15 for certification plus copying costs.
- Small claims cases with amounts in controversy up to $6,500 are heard in district court.
The Iowa Judicial Branch provides online case access through the Iowa Courts Online Search system at www.iowacourts.state.ia.us, where users can search civil, criminal, probate, and traffic cases by party name, case number, or attorney. Under Iowa Code §22.1 and Iowa Court Rules, court records are presumed to be public unless specifically exempted by statute or court order. Probate matters, including estates and guardianships, are handled by the Clerk of Court with files available for public inspection during regular business hours.
Traffic violations and simple misdemeanors may be resolved through the Clerk's office or require court appearances depending on the charge. The courthouse maintains a physical records archive for older cases not yet digitized, accessible by appointment.
Property & Public Records
The Audubon County Recorder's Office, located at 318 Leroy Street in Audubon, Iowa 50025, maintains all real property records for the county including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage releases, liens, easements, plat maps, and other instruments affecting title to real property. The Recorder's office can be contacted at (712) 563-2326 and is open weekday business hours for in-person research and document requests.
- Citizens seeking property records can visit the Recorder's office to search grantor/grantee indexes and review recorded documents, with copying fees typically $1.00 per page for standard documents.
- Certified copies require an additional certification fee.
- The Assessor can be reached at (712) 563-3535 and provides information on property classifications, assessed values, and agricultural land classifications.
Under Iowa Code Chapter 331.601-331.608, the County Recorder is responsible for recording and preserving land records and making them available for public inspection. Many Iowa counties, including Audubon, provide property record access through third-party vendor websites or county-specific portals, though availability and scope vary. The Audubon County Assessor's Office, also located in the courthouse at 318 Leroy Street, maintains property tax assessment records, parcel maps, and valuation information.
Property tax payment records and outstanding tax obligations are maintained by the County Treasurer's office. Iowa law requires that assessment records be open to public inspection under Iowa Code §22.2. Some Iowa counties participate in regional GIS systems or offer online parcel viewers showing property boundaries, ownership, and assessment data, though implementation varies by county resources and technology partnerships.
Vital Records
Vital records for Audubon County, including birth and death certificates, are maintained both at the county level and by the Iowa Department of Public Health Bureau of Health Statistics. Birth certificates for births occurring in Audubon County can be requested through the Audubon County Recorder's office at 318 Leroy Street, Audubon, Iowa 50025, phone (712) 563-2326. Death certificates for deaths that occurred in the county are similarly available from the Recorder.
- Certified birth certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates follow the same fee structure.
- Processing times vary from immediate for in-person requests to 2-4 weeks for mail requests.
- Marriage license fees are established by state law.
Under Iowa Code Chapter 144, vital records are protected documents with access restrictions based on relationship to the registrant. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record, such as being the registrant, parent, legal guardian, or legal representative. The Iowa Department of Public Health maintains statewide vital records and offers online ordering through VitalChek at www.idph.iowa.gov/health-statistics/vital-records, with additional service fees applied for online processing.
Marriage licenses are issued by the Clerk of District Court in Audubon County at the courthouse, with both parties required to appear in person with valid identification. Divorce decrees are court records maintained by the Clerk of Court and accessed through the court records system. Historical vital records prior to statewide registration may be incomplete, with many nineteenth-century records held by county offices or genealogical societies.
Business & Licensing
Business registration and licensing in Audubon County involves both county-level and state-level processes depending on the type of business activity. The Audubon County Auditor's office handles certain local business permits and regulatory functions at the courthouse located at 318 Leroy Street in Audubon. Businesses operating under an assumed name (DBA - Doing Business As) must file a fictitious name statement with the County Recorder's office pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 547.
- This online database provides information on business name, registered agent, status, and filing history.
- The Audubon Chamber & Community Development organization, reachable through local economic development contacts, provides business networking and community promotion services.
The Iowa Secretary of State Business Services Division maintains the statewide business entity database accessible at sos.iowa.gov, where users can search for corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other registered business entities. Professional licenses for occupations such as healthcare providers, contractors, real estate agents, and other regulated professions are issued by respective Iowa professional licensing boards under the Iowa Department of Commerce. Sales tax permits are administered by the Iowa Department of Revenue and must be obtained before conducting retail sales.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are handled at the municipal level within incorporated cities or by the Audubon County Zoning Administrator for unincorporated areas. The Audubon County Economic Development Corporation works to attract and retain businesses in the county, offering resources for entrepreneurs and expanding enterprises. Agricultural operations may require additional permits or registrations with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship depending on the nature and scale of activities.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Audubon County are administered by the Audubon County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections, located at 318 Leroy Street, Audubon, Iowa 50025. The Auditor's office can be reached at (712) 563-2555 for voter registration questions, polling place locations, and absentee ballot requests.
- The 2024 general election saw turnout in Iowa rural counties typically ranging from 68-75% of registered voters, with Audubon County generally consistent with state rural patterns.
- Absentee ballots in Iowa can be requested online through the Secretary of State's website, by written request to the County Auditor, or in person at the Auditor's office beginning 120 days before an election.
- Absentee ballot request forms are also available at www.auduboncounty.iowa.gov and must include voter identification number (driver's license or Iowa ID number) or an approved form of identification.
Voter registration in Iowa is available online through the Iowa Secretary of State's website at sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterreg, in person at the County Auditor's office, at Iowa Department of Transportation driver's license stations, or by mail using the National Mail Voter Registration Form. Iowa law requires voters to register at least 11 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election, though same-day registration is available at the polls or Auditor's office during the early voting period and on Election Day with proper identification and proof of residency. Voters can find their polling place by contacting the Auditor's office or using the online polling place locator at sos.iowa.gov/elections/electioninfo/pollingplaces.
Audubon County typically operates multiple precincts based on geographic townships and municipal boundaries. Public election records in Iowa include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted under Iowa Code §22.7), campaign finance disclosure reports filed by candidates and committees, candidate nomination papers, and certified election results by precinct. These records are available for inspection at the Auditor's office and through the Iowa Secretary of State's website.
The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, Iowa state legislative seats, county offices, and potentially special elections or ballot measures. Election transparency in Iowa is governed by Iowa Code Chapters 22, 39, 48A, and 49, which establish public access rights to voter lists, campaign finance data, and election administration records while protecting individual ballot secrecy.
Economy & Demographics
Audubon County's economy is fundamentally based on agriculture, with crop production and livestock operations forming the economic foundation. Corn, soybeans, cattle, and hogs represent the primary agricultural products, taking advantage of the county's fertile soils and favorable growing conditions. According to U.S. Census data, the median household income in Audubon County is approximately $54,000, below the state median, reflecting the rural character and agricultural economic base.
- Manufacturing has a limited presence, with most industrial activity related to agricultural processing and support services.
The county's population has experienced gradual decline over recent decades as agricultural consolidation has reduced the number of family farms and younger residents have migrated to urban areas for employment opportunities. Major employers include agricultural cooperatives, grain elevators, livestock operations, educational institutions, healthcare facilities including Audubon County Memorial Hospital, and retail establishments serving local needs. The unemployment rate typically mirrors state trends, hovering between 2-4% in recent years due to the tight rural labor market.
Retail trade, healthcare and social assistance, and educational services provide important non-farm employment. The county has pursued economic development initiatives focused on retaining young families, supporting entrepreneurship, and improving broadband infrastructure to enable remote work opportunities. Wind energy development has emerged as a supplemental revenue source for some landowners through turbine lease agreements.
Tourism plays a modest role, with visitors drawn to Albert the Bull statue, recreational opportunities, and rural heritage attractions. The economic outlook remains closely tied to agricultural commodity prices, federal farm policy, and weather patterns affecting crop yields.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online via Iowa Courts | Property: ⚠️ Limited Online Access | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person/Mail Primary | Business: ✅ State Online | Elections: ✅ Online Registration | Overall Score: 6/10 — Audubon County provides standard Iowa access through state portals; local digitization limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Audubon County
Nearby Counties
Explore public records in counties that border Audubon County.