About Boone County
Boone County, Indiana, established in 1830 and named after frontiersman Daniel Boone, is located in the central part of the state approximately 20 miles northwest of Indianapolis. The county seat is Lebanon, situated at the geographic center of the county. As of the 2020 Census, Boone County had a population of approximately 70,812 residents spread across 423 square miles. The county is predominantly agricultural and suburban, experiencing significant residential growth due to its proximity to the Indianapolis metropolitan area.
Boone County is bordered by Clinton County to the north, Hamilton County to the east, Marion County to the southeast, Hendricks County to the south, and Montgomery and Tippecanoe counties to the west. Major municipalities include Lebanon (the largest city), Zionsville (partially), Whitestown, and Thorntown. The county is served by Interstate 65 and U.S.
Highway 52, providing excellent access to Indianapolis and Lafayette. The Boone County Courthouse, located at 1 Courthouse Square in Lebanon, houses several key county offices including the County Clerk, Recorder, and Assessor. The Boone County Recorder's Office maintains property records and is located in the Government Center at 1905 Indianapolis Avenue, Lebanon.
The County Assessor's Office, also at the Government Center, handles property assessments and tax records. What makes Boone County unique is its blend of rich agricultural heritage with modern suburban development, serving as a bedroom community for Indianapolis professionals while maintaining its small-town character and strong farming economy.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Boone County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement services in the unincorporated areas of the county. It operates the Boone County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is involved in community policing and crime prevention programs, and it also manages emergency response and public safety initiatives. The Sheriff's Office plays a crucial role in coordinating with other local law enforcement agencies to ensure comprehensive coverage and safety throughout the county.
Police Departments
In addition to the Boone County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county, including the Lebanon Police Department, Zionsville Police Department, and Whitestown Metropolitan Police Department. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective city limits, handling local crimes, traffic enforcement, and community policing initiatives. These agencies collaborate with the Sheriff's Office on major investigations and emergencies, ensuring a coordinated approach to public safety across Boone County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Boone County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 1905 Indianapolis Avenue in Lebanon, Indiana 46052, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of the county. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (765) 482-1412 and maintains a website at www.boonecountysheriff.org where residents can access information about services, warrants, and sex offender registries.
- Citizens can request arrest records by contacting the arresting agency directly, either in person at their offices or through written requests.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the Boone County Jail's online inmate search system and are considered public records.
- The Sheriff's Office charges fees for copies of reports as permitted under IC 5-14-3-8, with rates varying depending on the complexity of the request.
- Indiana law requires law enforcement agencies to respond to public records requests within a reasonable time, typically within 24 hours for simple requests and up to seven days for more complex inquiries.
The Boone County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office at the same location, houses inmates for the county and provides an online inmate roster accessible through the sheriff's website, allowing the public to search current detainees by name, booking date, or charges. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Lebanon Police Department serving the city of Lebanon, the Zionsville Police Department for areas within Zionsville's Boone County jurisdiction, the Whitestown Police Department, and the Thorntown Marshal's Office. Arrest records and booking reports in Boone County are public records under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code 5-14-3), which establishes that law enforcement agencies must provide access to arrest logs, incident reports, and booking information upon request, though certain investigatory records may be exempted.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Boone County's criminal records encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Boone County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Indiana State Police provides statewide background checks. Residents can request background checks through the Indiana State Police website, which offers a comprehensive view of an individual's criminal history. The Indiana Bureau of Investigation also assists in compiling and maintaining criminal records, ensuring accuracy and accessibility for Boone County residents.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Boone County are maintained by the Boone 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, either in person or through written requests. The records typically include the date of arrest, charges filed, and the arresting agency. Indiana's Access to Public Records Act governs the availability of these records, ensuring transparency and public access while protecting sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Boone County Jail, located in Lebanon, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting personal information of the detainees. Inmate information can be accessed through the Boone County Sheriff's Office website, which provides an online inmate lookup tool. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require scheduling in advance, with certain restrictions on the number of visitors and visitation times.
- The bond and bail process follows Indiana state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees pending court appearances, provided they meet the set conditions.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Boone County are taken and retained by the Boone County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. While Indiana does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, individuals may petition for removal or sealing of records under certain circumstances, such as expungement of charges. Mugshots are often used in conjunction with arrest records and are available for public viewing unless restricted by court order.
Courts & Case Records
Boone County's judicial system consists of the Boone Superior Courts 1 and 2 and the Boone Circuit Court, all located at the Boone County Courthouse, 1 Courthouse Square, Lebanon, Indiana 46052. The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over all civil, criminal, juvenile, and probate matters. The Superior Courts handle a variety of cases including felonies, misdemeanors, civil disputes, family law matters including divorce and custody, estates, guardianships, and small claims. The courts can be reached at (765) 482-3510 for general inquiries.
- Boone County also has a Small Claims Court division handling disputes up to $10,000.
- The Indiana Judiciary maintains the mycase.IN.gov portal, which provides free public access to search Boone County court cases, view dockets, check case status, and access certain filed documents.
- While basic case information is available free online, certified copies of court documents must be obtained from the Clerk's Office for a fee.
- The Boone County Clerk's Office charges $1.00 per page for document copies plus a $1.00 certification fee per document, as established by Indiana statute.
- The Clerk's office accepts requests in person, by mail, or by phone for document retrieval.
Property & Public Records
The Boone County Recorder's Office, located at 1905 Indianapolis Avenue, Suite 210, Lebanon, Indiana 46052, maintains all land and property records for the county. The office can be reached at (765) 482-0444 and operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Recorder is responsible for recording and preserving documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage releases, liens, lis pendens, easements, rights-of-way, plat maps, surveys, and other instruments affecting real property.
- The Recorder's Office charges fees according to Indiana Code: $14.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page for recorded documents, plus additional fees for various endorsements.
- Certified copies are available for an additional $5.00 certification fee.
Indiana law requires these records to be publicly accessible under IC 36-2-11. Boone County provides free online access to recorded documents through the Laredo system at https://www2.landex.com/sites/IN/Boone/, where users can search by grantor/grantee name, document type, date range, or legal description. The online database contains imaged documents dating back several decades.
Property tax records and assessment information are maintained by the Boone County Assessor's Office at 1905 Indianapolis Avenue, Suite 320, Lebanon, phone (765) 482-0750. The County Treasurer, located in the same building, handles tax payments and can be reached at (765) 482-3727. Both offices provide online access through the Indiana Gateway portal at https://gateway.ifionline.org/, where property owners can view current and historical assessments, tax bills, and payment history.
The county also maintains a GIS mapping system accessible through the Auditor's Office website, providing parcel boundaries, aerial imagery, and property characteristics for all parcels in Boone County.
Vital Records
Vital records for Boone County, Indiana, are maintained at both the local and state level according to Indiana Code 16-37. Birth certificates for births occurring in Boone County can be requested from the Boone County Health Department, located at 1905 Indianapolis Avenue, Lebanon, Indiana 46052, phone (765) 482-5711. Birth records are restricted to qualified applicants as defined by IC 16-37-1-11, including the registrant (if 18 or older), parents, legal guardians, or legal representatives with proper identification.
- The fee for a certified birth certificate is $10.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Processing typically takes 1-2 weeks if the record is on file locally.
- Death certificates for deaths occurring in Boone County are also available through the Boone County Health Department at the same fee schedule.
- Online ordering of birth and death certificates is available through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com with additional processing fees.
- The marriage license fee is $18.00, and there is no waiting period in Indiana.
Death certificates are available to immediate family members, legal representatives, or persons with a direct and tangible interest as established by state law. The Indiana State Department of Health Vital Records Office in Indianapolis serves as the central repository for all vital records statewide and can be contacted at (317) 233-2700 or online at www.in.gov/health/vital-records/. Marriage licenses are issued by the Boone County Clerk's Office, located at the Courthouse, 1 Courthouse Square, Lebanon, Indiana 46052, phone (765) 482-3510.
Certified copies of marriage records are $2.00 each. Divorce records are filed with the Clerk's Office as part of court proceedings and can be accessed through the court records system. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification when requesting vital records in person.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Boone County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. The Boone County Clerk's Office at 1 Courthouse Square, Lebanon, Indiana 46052, phone (765) 482-3510, handles the registration of Doing Business As (DBA) names, also known as assumed business names or fictitious names, as required by IC 23-15-1. The filing fee for a business certificate is approximately $30.00, and these records are public and searchable at the Clerk's Office.
- The Boone County Economic Development Corporation, accessible at www.aboutboone.com, provides resources for business development and can be reached at (765) 482-5336.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, businesses must register with the Indiana Secretary of State's Business Services Division. The Secretary of State maintains a free online business entity database called INBiz at www.inbiz.in.gov, where the public can search registered businesses, view formation documents, check business status, and access annual reports. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, cosmetologists, healthcare providers, and others are issued by various state licensing boards, searchable through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency at www.in.gov/pla/.
Local business licenses and permits may be required by individual municipalities; the City of Lebanon requires business registration through the Lebanon Mayor's Office at (765) 482-8000. Building permits, zoning approvals, and development applications are handled by the Boone County Area Plan Commission, located at 1905 Indianapolis Avenue, Lebanon, phone (765) 483-9429. The Plan Commission maintains records of plat approvals, variances, special exceptions, and zoning ordinance compliance.
The Boone County Chamber of Commerce, located in Zionsville, promotes local business and can be contacted through www.boonechamber.org.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Boone County, Indiana, are administered by the Boone County Clerk's Office, Elections Division, located at 1 Courthouse Square, Lebanon, Indiana 46052. The Elections Division can be reached at (765) 482-3510, and election information is available through the county website at www.co.boone.in.us.
- In the November 2024 general election, Boone County experienced robust turnout of approximately 72-75% of registered voters, consistent with Indiana's relatively high participation rates in presidential elections.
- The Boone County Clerk maintains election results archives and can provide certified copies of results for a statutory fee.
Voter registration in Indiana is governed by IC 3-7 and can be completed online through the Indiana Voters portal at indianavoters.in.gov, in person at the Clerk's Office, at the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles when obtaining or renewing a driver's license, or by mail using a downloadable registration form. The voter registration deadline in Indiana is 29 days before any election. Indiana requires voters to present an approved photo ID at the polls, as established by IC 3-11-8-25.1, including Indiana driver's licenses, Indiana state ID cards, U.S.
passports, or military IDs. Voters can find their polling place by visiting indianavoters.in.gov and entering their name and date of birth, or by contacting the Clerk's Office. Boone County typically operates approximately 18-20 voting precincts across its municipalities and townships.
Election records that are public in Indiana include voter registration lists (available for purchase for lawful purposes under IC 3-7-26.3), campaign finance reports filed with the county or state (accessible through the Indiana Campaign Finance portal), candidate declarations of candidacy, and certified election results by precinct. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House midterm elections, one U.S.
Senate seat, Indiana state constitutional officers, state legislative races, and various county offices. Absentee voting by mail is available to qualified voters under IC 3-11-10; applications must be received by the Boone County Clerk's Election Office by 11:59 PM eleven days before the election (October 27, 2026, for the November 3 election). Early in-person voting is available at the Boone County Government Center beginning 29 days before Election Day.
Indiana law provides strong transparency for election records, allowing citizens to request precinct-level voting data, poll books, absentee ballot applications (with personal identifiers redacted), and election administration records under the Access to Public Records Act. Voter history (participation record, not vote choices) is public information in Indiana and can be obtained through the county or state.
Economy & Demographics
Boone County, Indiana, has experienced significant economic transformation over the past two decades, evolving from a predominantly agricultural economy to a diverse mix of manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and residential-bedroom community functions serving the Indianapolis metropolitan area. As of recent estimates, the median household income in Boone County is approximately $85,000, significantly above both the state and national averages, reflecting the county's prosperity and educated workforce.
Major employers include Duke Energy's coal-fired generating station near Cayuga (though this is actually in Vermillion County, Boone County hosts Witham Health Services, a major regional healthcare provider headquartered in Lebanon), and multiple manufacturing and distribution facilities attracted by the county's strategic location along Interstate 65. The Anson development near Whitestown represents one of the largest economic development projects in central Indiana, featuring millions of square feet of advanced manufacturing and logistics space with tenants including Frito-Lay, PepsiCo, and other Fortune 500 companies. Agriculture remains economically significant, with corn and soybean production dominating the rural landscape, along with substantial hog and cattle operations.
The county's unemployment rate typically runs below the state average, hovering around 2-3% in recent years, indicating a tight labor market. Retail and service sectors have expanded considerably, particularly in Whitestown and along the I-65 corridor, with significant commercial development including restaurants, hotels, and shopping centers. The Zionsville portion of Boone County contributes upscale residential and boutique commercial development.
The Boone County Economic Development Corporation actively recruits businesses, offering incentives and tax abatement programs to attract employers. Major economic sectors by employment include healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing, retail trade, construction, and educational services. The county's proximity to Indianapolis International Airport and the extensive highway network makes it attractive for logistics and distribution operations.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online via mycase.IN.gov | Property: ✅ Free Search Online (Recorder/Assessor) | Arrest/Jail: ✅ Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or Mail Required | Business: ✅ State Online via INBiz | Elections: ✅ Online Voter Portal | Overall Score: 8.5/10 — Boone County provides excellent digital access to most public records with free online portals for court, property, and jail records, strong state election systems, and responsive county offices.
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Cities & Towns in Boone County
Explore public records for 6 cities and communities in Boone County, Indiana.
Nearby Counties
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