About Augusta County
Augusta County is located in the Shenandoah Valley of western Virginia, bordered by the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Allegheny Mountains to the west. The county seat is Verona, which houses the Augusta County Government Center at 18 Government Center Lane. the region encompasses approximately 971 square miles, making it one of the largest counties in Virginia by land area. As of the 2020 Census, the population was approximately 77,487 residents. The county is unique in that it completely surrounds the independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro, which are separate jurisdictions.
this county was formed in 1738 and named after Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha, wife of Frederick, Prince of Wales. Major landmarks include the Blue Ridge Parkway, portions of Shenandoah National Park, the Skyline Drive, and historic sites related to the Civil War Battle of Piedmont. The county is known for its agricultural heritage, particularly poultry production, and its scenic mountain landscapes.
Public records are maintained by several county offices: the Circuit Court Clerk at 1 East Johnson Street, Verona, VA 24482, handles land records and court filings; the Commissioner of the Revenue assesses property values; and the County Treasurer collects taxes. The the county Government Center consolidates many administrative functions, providing centralized access to various county services and records.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Augusta County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of the county. The office oversees the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community outreach programs and operates specialized divisions such as the K-9 unit and a drug task force. The office plays a crucial role in ensuring public safety and works closely with other local law enforcement agencies to address crime in the region.
Police Departments
In addition to the Augusta County Sheriff's Office, the Staunton Police Department and the Waynesboro Police Department serve the incorporated areas within the county. The Staunton Police Department handles law enforcement within the city limits of Staunton, while the Waynesboro Police Department operates within Waynesboro. These agencies coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and regional law enforcement initiatives, ensuring comprehensive coverage and public safety throughout Augusta County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Augusta County is primarily provided by the Augusta County Sheriff's Office, located at 18 Government Center Lane, Verona, VA 24482. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (540) 245-5333 and maintains a website at www.co.augusta.va.us/government/sheriff. The Sheriff's Office operates the Middle River Regional Jail, a multi-jurisdictional facility serving the area, Staunton, and Waynesboro.
- Inmate searches can be conducted online through the Middle River Regional Jail website at www.mrrj.com, which provides a roster of current inmates, booking information, and bond status.
- Written requests should specify the nature of the records sought and may incur copying fees.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the Middle River Regional Jail's online inmate search system or by contacting the jail directly.
The jail is located at 1 Corrections Way, Verona, VA 24482, and can be contacted at (540) 245-3304. Municipal police services within the area's borders are limited, as most incorporated towns are small; however, the independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro maintain their own police departments separate from county jurisdiction. Arrest records and incident reports can be requested from the Sheriff's Office under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq.), which requires agencies to respond to records requests within five working days.
Some commercial third-party websites also aggregate booking photos, though official records should be obtained from the jail or Sheriff's Office. Virginia law allows law enforcement agencies to withhold certain records if disclosure would jeopardize an ongoing investigation or violate privacy rights, but arrest records are typically considered public once charges are filed.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Augusta County include felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and sex offender registry information. These records are maintained by the Augusta County Sheriff's Office and the Virginia State Police. Residents can conduct background checks through the Virginia State Police's online portal, which provides access to statewide criminal history records. The Virginia Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for background checks, ensuring that Augusta residents have access to comprehensive criminal record information as needed.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Augusta County are maintained by the Augusta County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal written requests, in compliance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. An the region arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and the arresting officer's information. The Sheriff's Office provides guidance on how to access these records, ensuring transparency and adherence to state laws.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Middle River Regional Jail serves Augusta County and is located in Staunton. The facility handles the booking process for individuals arrested in the county, where they are photographed and fingerprinted. Inmate information can be accessed through the jail's online inmate lookup tool. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance. The bond and bail process in Virginia allows for the posting of bail through cash or a bail bondsman, and information on recently arrested individuals can be obtained by contacting the jail directly.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Augusta County are taken and retained by the Middle River Regional Jail during the booking process. These booking photos can be accessed through the jail's online system or by contacting the Sheriff's Office. While Virginia does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals may request removal through legal channels if applicable. The availability of mugshots is subject to privacy laws and the discretion of the law enforcement agencies involved.
Courts & Case Records
Augusta County's judicial system is anchored by the Circuit Court of Augusta County, located at 1 East Johnson Street, Verona, VA 24482. The Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $4,500, domestic relations matters including divorce, and appeals from lower courts. The court can be reached at (540) 245-5321, and the Clerk's Office maintains land records, wills, and court case files.
- Access to full case files typically requires an in-person visit to the Clerk's Office, with copies costing $0.50 per page.
- The Circuit Court Clerk's land records division maintains an online subscription service through Kofile Technologies for searching deeds, mortgages, and other recorded instruments, with fees for premium access.
- Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the Clerk's Office with proper identification and payment of statutory fees, typically $2 for the certificate plus copying costs.
The this jurisdiction General District Court, located at 6 Court Square, Verona, VA 24482, phone (540) 245-5328, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases up to $25,000, and preliminary hearings for felonies. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, at the same address (phone 540-245-5329), has jurisdiction over juvenile delinquency, child abuse and neglect, custody and visitation, and domestic violence protective orders. Court records can be searched through the Virginia Judiciary's online Case Information System at https://eapps.courts.state.va.us/ocis, which provides case status and hearing dates for cases filed after specific dates varying by court.
Virginia Code § 17.1-208 and § 17.1-292 govern public access to court records, establishing that court records are generally open to public inspection unless sealed by court order or protected by statute.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Augusta County are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 1 East Johnson Street, Verona, VA 24482, phone (540) 245-5321. The Clerk's Office serves as the Register of Deeds, recording all instruments affecting real property including warranty deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, liens, easements, releases, plat maps, and subdivision plats. The office maintains both historical records dating back to the county's formation and current documents.
- Recording fees are established by Virginia Code § 17.1-275 and vary based on document type and page count.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Circuit Court Clerk for $2 certification fee plus $0.50 per page.
Online access to land records is available through a subscription-based service provided by Kofile Technologies at https://kofiletech.com, where users can search and view recorded documents by name, date, instrument type, or deed book and page number. Free name index searches are available, but viewing full document images requires payment. Property tax records are maintained separately by the Commissioner of the Revenue at 18 Government Center Lane, Verona, VA 24482, phone (540) 245-5640, who assesses property values, and the County Treasurer at the same address, phone (540) 245-5650, who collects taxes and maintains payment records.
Augusta County provides a free online GIS property search tool through its website at www.co.augusta.va.us, accessible via the Commissioner of the Revenue page, allowing users to search parcels by owner name, address, or parcel identification number. The GIS system displays property boundaries, assessment values, tax information, zoning, and aerial photography. Researchers can visit the Clerk's Office during business hours (typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) to conduct in-person searches at no charge, with assistance from staff.
Vital Records
Vital records for Augusta County, Virginia, are administered under Virginia Code § 32.1-250 et seq. Birth and death certificates are maintained by the Virginia Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, 2001 Maywill Street, Suite 101, Richmond, VA 23230. For recent vital events in Augusta County, certified copies can be requested from the Central Shenandoah Health District office serving the county. Birth certificates cost $12 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, with processing typically taking 2-3 weeks for mail requests.
- Online ordering is available through the Virginia Department of Health's VitalChek service at www.vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records, with additional convenience fees.
- Couples must apply in person, provide identification, and pay a fee (typically $30).
- Certified copies of marriage records can be obtained from the same office for a fee.
- Same-day service for vital records is generally not available through the state office but may be possible at local health department offices for an additional fee.
Death certificates are the same price. Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record, such as being a family member or legal representative. Expedited service is available for an extra charge.
Marriage licenses are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 1 East Johnson Street, Verona, VA 24482, phone (540) 245-5321. There is no waiting period in Virginia, and the license is valid for 60 days. Divorce decrees are obtained from the Circuit Court Clerk where the divorce was granted.
Historical vital records (births and deaths more than 25 years old) may require research through the Library of Virginia's Archives, and marriage records dating back to the county's establishment are available through the Circuit Court Clerk.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Augusta County are available through multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. The Augusta County Commissioner of the Revenue at 18 Government Center Lane, Verona, VA 24482, phone (540) 245-5640, handles local business license applications and renewals. Most businesses operating in the county must obtain a local business license, known as a Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL), with fees based on gross receipts. Applications are typically due by January 1 of each year for renewal.
- The Commissioner of Revenue's website at www.co.augusta.va.us provides downloadable applications and information about license requirements.
- This database includes entity status, registered agent information, formation dates, and annual report filings.
- Fictitious name certificates (DBA – "doing business as") must be filed with the Circuit Court Clerk at 1 East Johnson Street, Verona, VA 24482, with fees for recording.
- The county's website provides information on the permitting process and associated fees.
For business entity formation and registration, the Virginia State Corporation Commission maintains the central business registry. The SCC's Clerk's Information System at https://cis.scc.virginia.gov provides free online searches for corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other registered business entities operating in Virginia. The the county Department of Community Development, located at 18 Government Center Lane, phone (540) 245-5627, handles building permits, zoning approvals, and development applications.
Building permit records are public and can be searched through the department. Professional licenses such as those for contractors, healthcare providers, and real estate agents are issued by Virginia state agencies, not the county. Sales tax registration is handled by the Virginia Department of Taxation.
The Greater Staunton area Regional Chamber of Commerce, serving the area, Staunton, and Waynesboro, is located at 28 Sears Road, Staunton, VA 24401, and maintains a website at www.the countyva.com, providing business resources and networking opportunities.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Augusta County, Virginia, are administered by the Augusta County Office of Voter Registration and Elections, located at 18 Government Center Lane, Verona, VA 24482. The office can be reached at (540) 245-5656, and information is available at www.co.augusta.va.us/government/voter-registration-elections. Voter registration in Virginia is available online through the Virginia Department of Elections at www.elections.virginia.gov, where eligible residents can register or update their registration information. The registration deadline is 22 days before any election in Virginia.
- Absentee voting in Virginia is available to any registered voter without requiring an excuse.
- Voters can request an absentee ballot online through the Virginia Department of Elections 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, and completed ballots must be returned by 7:00 PM on Election Day.
- Campaign finance records for local candidates are filed with the Virginia Department of Elections and searchable online, while local electoral board minutes and policies are available through the registrar's office.
- Citizens can request information under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act regarding election administration, though certain security information may be withheld to protect the integrity of voting systems.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, Virginia residents, at least 18 years old by the next general election, and not currently declared mentally incapacitated by a court or convicted of a felony (unless rights have been restored). Same-day registration is not available in Virginia.
Residents can find their polling place by visiting the Virginia Department of Elections website and using the Citizen Portal, or by contacting the local registrar's office. the county operates numerous precincts throughout the county, with polling places in community centers, schools, and public buildings. Election records that are public under Virginia Code § 24.2-101 et seq.
include voter registration lists, which can be purchased for lawful purposes; precinct-level election results, which are published after each election; campaign finance disclosures filed with the Virginia Department of Elections and available at www.elections.virginia.gov; and candidate filings showing who qualified for the ballot. In the November 2024 general election, the area had approximately 65% voter turnout, consistent with the county's strong civic engagement in presidential election years. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races and potentially Virginia state legislative seats, depending on district boundaries. Early in-person voting is available at the registrar's office beginning 45 days before the election, with expanded hours in the final weeks. Election transparency in the region is strong, with the registrar's office providing election night results on the county website, maintaining voter registration records as required by law, and allowing observation of electoral processes including absentee ballot processing by authorized poll watchers.
Economy & Demographics
Augusta County's economy is characterized by a diverse mix of agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and service industries. The county is Virginia's leading producer of poultry and turkey, with numerous large-scale poultry operations and processing facilities. Cargill Incorporated operates a major turkey processing plant in the county, employing several hundred workers. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the local economy, with cattle farming, crop production, and dairy operations contributing significantly.
- The median household income in Augusta County was approximately $63,000 according to recent Census estimates, slightly above the Virginia state median.
- The this area Service Authority provides water and sewer infrastructure to support commercial and residential growth.
Manufacturing plays an important role, with companies producing automotive components, food products, and industrial equipment. Hershey Company operates a chocolate manufacturing facility in nearby Stuarts Draft, providing substantial employment. The tourism sector benefits from the county's proximity to Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and numerous outdoor recreation opportunities, generating revenue through lodging, restaurants, and retail.
Major employers include the Augusta Health hospital system, though it primarily serves the Staunton area, and various school divisions. Retail and commercial development along the Route 250 and Interstate 81 corridors has expanded in recent decades. The county's unemployment rate has historically tracked closely with Virginia's state average, typically ranging between 3-5% in normal economic periods.
Economic development initiatives focus on attracting light manufacturing, technology companies, and supporting the agricultural sector's modernization. The county benefits economically from its location between the Staunton-Waynesboro metropolitan area and proximity to Charlottesville and Harrisonburg, creating commuter populations and regional economic connections. Wine production and agritourism have emerged as growing sectors, with several vineyards and farm-based tourism operations opening in recent years.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (case lookup) | Property: Yes: Free Tax Search, Paid Land Records | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Search | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Online (State), Local In-Person | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 8/10 — Augusta County provides strong online access to court case information, property tax data, jail records, and election information, though full land record access requires subscription fees.
Official Government Resources
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Cities & Towns in Augusta County
Explore public records for 20 cities and communities in Augusta County, Virginia.