About Bond County
Bond County, Illinois is located in the south-central portion of the state, approximately 50 miles east of St. Louis, Missouri. Established in 1817, Bond County is one of Illinois' oldest counties and was named after Shadrach Bond, the first governor of Illinois. Bond County Seat is Greenville, situated at 200 West College Avenue, which is the hub of county government operations. Bond County includes approximately 380 square miles and has a population of around 16,500 residents according to recent census estimates.
Bond County is characterized by gently rolling agricultural land, with farming acting as a key part of the local economy for over two centuries. Major landmarks include Governors Run State Fish and Wildlife Area, providing outdoor recreation opportunities, and historic downtown Greenville with its classic courthouse square. Bond County Courthouse, constructed in 1859, stands as an architectural landmark and houses several county offices.
Key county agencies include Bond County Recorder's Office at 200 West College Avenue, Bond County Clerk's Office at the same address, and Bond County Assessor's Office, all located in the courthouse complex. Bond County is traversed by Interstate 70, U.S. Route 40, and Illinois Route 127, providing strong transportation connectivity.
Greenville is home to Greenville University, a private liberal arts institution founded in 1892 that significantly contributes to the cultural and educational fabric of the community. Bond County maintains a balance between preserving its agricultural heritage and embracing measured growth, with small municipalities including Mulberry Grove, Pocahontas, Sorento, and Smithboro complementing Bond County Seat.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Bond County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Bond County. The office oversees Bond County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community policing initiatives and works closely with local schools and organizations to promote safety and crime prevention. Notable programs include the Program and neighborhood watch initiatives, which aim to foster a collaborative relationship between law enforcement and the community.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Bond County is provided by Bond County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments, including the Greenville Police Department. The sheriff's office handles law enforcement in rural areas, while city departments manage policing within their respective jurisdictions. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and response throughout Bond County. The Greenville Police Department focuses on community policing and crime prevention within the city limits.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Bond County is primarily provided by Bond County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 203 West College Avenue in Greenville, Illinois 62246. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and operates 24 hours a day providing patrol services, investigations, civil process service, and detention operations. Bond County Sheriff maintains Bond County jail facility, also located at the Sheriff's Office complex on West College Avenue.
- Mugshots and booking photographs are generally considered public records and can be requested through the same FOIA process.
- Processing times for FOIA requests typically range from 5 to 10 business days, though immediate access may be available for recent bookings.
- The Sheriff's Office website, when available, may provide online access to current jail rosters and booking information.
Inmate lookup and jail roster information can typically be obtained by calling the Sheriff's Office directly or visiting their administrative office during business hours. The facility houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Greenville Police Department serving Bond County Seat, with additional police services in smaller municipalities like Pocahontas and Mulberry Grove handled by local police departments or through county sheriff coverage.
Arrest records in Bond County are public records under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.), and citizens may request such records by submitting a written FOIA request to Bond County Sheriff's Office or the specific municipal police department that made the arrest. Illinois law requires that arrest records be maintained and made accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. Sex offender registry information for Bond County residents is available through the Illinois State Police Sex Offender Registry website.
There are no tribal police jurisdictions in Bond County as it contains no federally recognized tribal lands.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Bond County cover felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses. Bond County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Residents can request background checks through the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification, which provides full criminal history reports. Bond County also maintains a sex offender registry, making sure of community awareness and safety.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Bond County are maintained by Bond 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 by contacting the sheriff's office directly. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act governs the accessibility of these records, for public access while protecting sensitive information. Arrest records typically include the date of arrest, charges filed, and any court proceedings related to the case.
Jail & Inmate Records
Bond County Jail, located in Greenville, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Bond County. The booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup services are available through the sheriff's office, allowing the public to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.
- The bond and bail process in Illinois allows detainees to be released pending trial, with information on posting bail available through the jail's administration.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Bond County are taken and retained by Bond 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 or online databases. Illinois does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals can request removal from third-party websites under certain conditions. The sheriff's website may provide a portal for searching mugshots, although availability can vary.
Courts & Case Records
Bond County court matters are handled by the Second Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois, with Bond County Circuit Court located in Bond County Courthouse at 200 West College Avenue, Greenville, Illinois 62246. The Circuit Court Clerk's office can be reached at and handles all case filings, court records, and public inquiries regarding both civil and criminal matters.
- Fees for copying court documents are established by statute at $2.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, with certification adding $6.00 per document.
- Certified copies of judgments, orders, and other court documents can be obtained from the Circuit Clerk upon payment of appropriate fees.
The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over all legal matters in Bond County including felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $50,000, family law matters including divorce and child custody, probate and estate administration, traffic violations, and misdemeanor criminal cases. Illinois operates under a unified court system, so there is no separate municipal court or justice court; all matters flow through the Circuit Court structure. The Circuit Clerk maintains all court records and makes them available to the public under Illinois Supreme Court Rules and the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1).
The public may search court records in person at the Circuit Clerk's office during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Some case information may be available through the Illinois Courts website case search portal, though access varies by case type and may require registration. Remote access to certain court records is governed by Illinois Supreme Court Rule 1203, which balances public access with privacy concerns.
Bond County also handles probate matters including wills, estates, and guardianships through the Circuit Court's probate division.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Bond County, Illinois are maintained by Bond County Recorder of Deeds, located in Bond County Courthouse at 200 West College Avenue, Greenville, Illinois 62246. The Recorder's Office can be contacted at and is responsible for recording and maintaining all real estate documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage releases, liens, lis pendens, easements, right-of-way agreements, plat maps, and subdivision plats. These records are public under Illinois law (55 ILCS 5/3-5001 et seq.) and can be searched during regular business hours.
- Document recording fees are set by state statute and vary based on the number of pages and document type.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Recorder's Office for statutory fees.
The Recorder's Office maintains grantor-grantee indexes dating back to Bond County's establishment in 1817, providing a full chain of title for all properties in Bond County. While some Illinois counties offer online property record searches through third-party vendors, Bond County residents and researchers should contact the Recorder's Office directly to confirm current online access options. Property tax records and assessment information are maintained separately by Bond County Supervisor of Assessors and Bond County Treasurer, both located in the courthouse complex.
The Assessor's Office at maintains property assessment records, parcel identification numbers, and property characteristics used for tax assessment purposes. Property tax payment information and tax sale records are handled by the County Treasurer. Bond County GIS mapping system may provide online parcel viewing capabilities; interested parties should contact the County Clerk or Assessor for access information.
Title companies and attorneys regularly access these records for real estate transactions throughout Bond County.
Vital Records
Vital records for Bond County, Illinois residents are maintained at both Bond County and state levels. Birth and death certificates occurring in Bond County can be obtained from Bond County Clerk's Office located at 200 West College Avenue, Greenville, Illinois 62246, phone. Bond County Clerk maintains birth records and death records for events occurring within Bond County. Under Illinois vital records law (410 ILCS 535/1 et seq.), certified copies of birth certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $2 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates cost the same fee structure.
- Only eligible individuals can request vital records, including the person named on the certificate (if of legal age), parents, legal guardians, legal representatives, or individuals with a direct and tangible interest.
- Proper identification is required when requesting vital records, typically including a valid government-issued photo ID.
- Processing time for in-person requests is often immediate or same-day, while mail requests may take 2-4 weeks.
- Some vital records ordering may be available through the state's online portal at www.vitalchek.com, though expedited fees apply.
The Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Vital Records in Springfield is the central repository for all Illinois vital records and can provide certified copies of any birth or death certificate filed in Illinois, including Bond County events, for Marriage licenses are issued by Bond County Clerk's Office, which also maintains marriage records for ceremonies performed in Bond County. Illinois requires a one-day waiting period after license application, and licenses are valid for 60 days. Divorce records (dissolution of marriage decrees) are maintained by Bond County Circuit Clerk as court records.
Genealogical research requests for older records should be directed to the County Clerk's office.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Bond County, Illinois are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and registration. Bond County Clerk's Office at 200 West College Avenue, Greenville, Illinois 62246, phone, handles assumed business name (DBA) filings and fictitious name registrations for businesses operating in Bond County. These filings are required under Illinois law when a business operates under a name different from the legal owner's name. Bond County Clerk maintains an index of these registrations which is open to public inspection.
- The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at www.ilsos.gov where the public can search for registered business entities, view formation dates, registered agents, and status information.
- This database is free to use and provides full information on all business entities authorized to conduct business in Illinois.
- Bond County Chamber of Commerce, serving the Greenville area, provides resources for businesses and can be reached through local business networks to support economic development initiatives throughout Bond County.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other statutory entities, businesses must register with the Illinois Secretary of State Business Services Department. Local business licensing requirements vary by county within Bond County, with the City of Greenville and other municipalities issuing their own business licenses and permits. Interested parties should contact Greenville City Hall for city-specific business license requirements.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are handled by Bond County Zoning Administrator and local municipal building departments. Professional licenses such as those for contractors, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are issued at the state level through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Sales tax permits are obtained through the Illinois Department of Revenue.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Bond County, Illinois are administered by Bond County Clerk's Office, serving as the election authority for all federal, state, and local elections conducted within Bond County. Bond County Clerk's Election Division is located at 200 West College Avenue, Greenville, Illinois 62246, and can be reached for voter registration information, polling place locations, and election related inquiries.
- Vote-by-mail (absentee balloting) is available to any registered Bond County voter who requests a ballot application from the County Clerk.
- Illinois offers grace period registration and voting, allowing individuals to register and vote simultaneously during the early voting period and on Election Day at designated locations.
Voter registration in Bond County can be completed in person at the County Clerk's office, by mail using the Illinois State Board of Elections voter registration application, or online through the Illinois State Board of Elections website at www.elections.il.gov. Illinois law requires voter registration to be completed at least 27 days before an election for that registration to be valid for that election. Online voter registration is available for people with a valid Illinois driver's license or state ID.
Residents can verify their voter registration status and find their assigned polling place through the Illinois State Board of Elections online voter information portal by entering their name and address. Bond County maintains multiple polling places throughout Bond County based on precinct boundaries, with specific locations announced prior to each election. Election records that are public under Illinois Election Code (10 ILCS 5/1-1 et seq.) include voter registration lists, candidate nominating petitions, campaign finance disclosure reports filed with the County Clerk, precinct-by-precinct election results, and election judge rosters.
In the 2024 general election, Bond County recorded voter turnout consistent with typical Illinois rural county patterns, generally ranging between 60-70% in presidential election years. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, U.S.
Senate race if Illinois has a seat up, Illinois Governor and statewide constitutional offices, Illinois General Assembly seats, and county offices. Applications can be submitted online through the State Board of Elections, by mail, or in person. Early voting is conducted at Bond County Clerk's office beginning approximately 40 days before each election.
Election transparency in Bond County is maintained through public access to election results posted at the County Clerk's office and on Bond County website when available, public testing of voting equipment, and the availability of election judge applications to citizens who wish to serve.
Economy & Demographics
Bond County, Illinois maintains a diverse economy rooted in agriculture while incorporating manufacturing, education, and service sectors. Agriculture remains the dominant economic driver, with corn and soybean production occupying the majority of Bond County's 237,000 acres of farmland. Wheat, hay, and livestock operations including cattle and hog production contribute significantly to agricultural output. The average farm size in Bond County exceeds 300 acres, reflecting the consolidation trends in modern agriculture.
- Manufacturing provides substantial employment, with several facilities operating in the Greenville area producing automotive components, food products, and industrial materials.
- Median household income in Bond County is estimated at approximately $55,000-$60,000, somewhat below the Illinois state median but consistent with rural agricultural counties.
- Louis metropolitan area, approximately 50 miles west, provides access to broader employment markets while maintaining lower cost of living.
Greenville University is a major employer with approximately 150-200 faculty and staff, contributing to education sector employment while bringing economic activity through student population and university operations. Healthcare services anchored by HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville provide significant employment in the medical sector. Bond County unemployment rate typically tracks close to or slightly above the state average, fluctuating with seasonal agricultural cycles.
Retail trade and accommodation/food services support local consumer needs and benefit from Interstate 70 traffic passing through Bond County. Bond County's proximity to the St. Economic development efforts focus on supporting existing businesses, attracting light industrial and distribution facilities with access to I-70, and promoting agribusiness expansion.
Bond County Enterprise Zone offers tax incentives for qualifying businesses. Recent infrastructure investments in broadband expansion aim to improve connectivity for businesses and residents. Small business entrepreneurship remains vital to the local economy with downtown Greenville supporting independent retail and professional services.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: In-Person Primary | Property: Limited: In-Person/Phone | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person Required | Business: Yes: State Online/County In-Person | Elections: Limited: Online | Overall Score: 5/10, Bond County maintains traditional in-person access to most public records with limited online databases. Improvements in digital accessibility would enhance transparency for this rural Illinois county.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Bond County
Explore public records for 6 cities and communities in Bond County, Illinois.