About Boone County
Boone County, Missouri, is located in the central portion of the state and serves as home to Columbia, Boone County Seat and Missouri's fourth-largest city. Established in 1820 and named after frontiersman Daniel Boone, Boone County includes approximately 685 square miles and has a population of around 183,000 residents as of recent estimates.
Boone County is distinguished by its blend of vibrant urban centers, rich agricultural heritage, and status as a major educational hub, being home to the University of Missouri (Mizzou), one of the nation's oldest public universities west of the Mississippi River. Major landmarks include the Francis Quadrangle on the MU campus, Shelter Gardens, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, and the Katy Trail State Park which passes through Boone County. Boone County government operates from the Roger B.
Wilson Boone County Government Center at 801 East Walnut Street in Columbia. Key county offices include Boone County Recorder at the Government Center, Boone County Clerk also located at 801 East Walnut Street, and Boone County Assessor's Office at the same address. Boone County's economy is heavily influenced by the University of Missouri, state government employment, healthcare through MU Health Care and Columbia area Hospital Center, and traditional agriculture.
Boone County includes the municipalities of Columbia, Ashland, Centralia, Hallsville, Sturgeon, and Rocheport. Boone County represents a unique combination of college-town culture, state government influence, and rural Missouri traditions.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Boone County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Boone County. It operates Boone County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is tasked with patrolling rural areas, responding to emergencies, and conducting criminal investigations. The Sheriff's Office also runs several community programs, including crime prevention initiatives and a citizen's academy designed to educate residents about law enforcement operations.
Police Departments
Boone County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Boone County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Columbia Police Department is the largest city department, handling law enforcement within Columbia's city limits. Other municipal departments include the Ashland Police Department, Centralia Police Department, and Hallsville Police Department. These agencies work together to address major crimes and ensure public safety across Boone County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement and arrest records in Boone County, Missouri, are primarily managed by Boone County Sheriff's Department, headquartered at 2121 County Drive in Columbia, Missouri 65202. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a website at showmeboone.com/sheriff where citizens can access various public safety information. Boone County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Department, houses inmates at the same County Drive location.
- An inmate roster and jail population lookup is available online through the Sheriff's website, providing booking information, charges, bond amounts, and expected release dates.
- The University of Missouri Police Department also provides law enforcement services on the MU campus with full arrest powers.
- Arrest records in Boone County are considered public records under Missouri's Sunshine Law (Chapter 610 RSMo), and citizens may request arrest reports and incident records from the arresting agency.
- Requests should be submitted in writing to the respective police department or Sheriff's Office, and agencies may charge reasonable copying fees.
This roster is updated regularly and accessible to the public free of charge. Municipal law enforcement agencies within Boone County include the Columbia Police Department (the largest agency in Boone County), Ashland Police Department, Centralia Police Department, Hallsville Police Department, and Sturgeon Police Department. Mugshots and booking photos from Boone County Jail are typically included in the online inmate roster and are public record.
Third-party websites also aggregate booking photos, though the official source remains the Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Department maintains records of all individuals booked into Boone County detention facility, including fingerprints, photographs, and criminal history information available to law enforcement.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Boone County includes a variety of records such as felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Boone County Sheriff's Office and the Columbia Police Department maintain these records, while the Missouri State Highway Patrol provides additional resources through the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS). Residents can request background checks through the Missouri Bureau of Investigation, which offers full criminal history reports for a fee.
- The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, allowing residents to search for offenders in their area.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Boone County are maintained by Boone County Sheriff's Office and the Columbia Police Department, depending on Boone County of the arrest. These records include details such as the date of arrest, charges, and personal information about the individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the respective law enforcement agency, often requiring a formal written request or an online application. Arrest records are subject to the Missouri Sunshine Law, which governs public access to government records.
Jail & Inmate Records
Boone County Jail, also known as Boone County Detention Center, is located in Columbia and is managed by Boone County Sheriff's Office. The facility handles the booking process for people arrested within Boone County, where they are photographed, fingerprinted, and processed. Inmate information, including booking details and charges, can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website. The jail has specific visitation rules, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to security protocols.
- In Missouri, the bond or bail process allows for the release of inmates pending trial, with specific conditions set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Boone County are taken and retained by Boone County Sheriff's Office during the booking process at Boone County Jail. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. The availability of mugshots may vary, and they are often included in arrest records. Missouri does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals may petition for removal in certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related charges.
Courts & Case Records
Boone County judicial system operates under the 13th Judicial Circuit Court of Missouri, with Boone County Courthouse located at 705 East Walnut Street in Columbia, Missouri 65201. The Circuit Court handles all civil cases over $25,000, felony criminal cases, family law matters including divorce and child custody, probate cases, and appeals from municipal courts.
- Boone County Associate Circuit Court hears civil cases valued under $25,000, misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and small claims disputes up to $5,000.
- Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the Circuit Clerk's office for a fee of $3.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a $2.00 certification fee.
- Online access through Case.net is free, but copies of actual filed documents often require an in-person or mail request to the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse.
The court can be reached for Case records and docket information are available through the Missouri Case.net system at www.courts.mo.gov/casenet, which provides free online access to circuit court case information statewide, including Boone County. Users can search by party name, case number, or attorney to view case summaries, filed documents, and hearing schedules. Municipal courts in Columbia, Ashland, Centralia, and other Boone County municipalities handle ordinance violations and traffic tickets within their respective city limits.
Boone County Probate Division, part of the Circuit Court system, manages estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health commitments. Court records are presumed open to the public under Missouri Supreme Court Rule 2 and Chapter 610 RSMo (Sunshine Law), though certain records involving juveniles, mental health proceedings, and sealed cases have restricted access.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Boone County, Missouri, are maintained by Boone County Recorder of Deeds, located at the Roger B. Wilson Boone County Government Center, 801 East Walnut Street, Columbia, MO 65201. The Recorder's Office can be contacted at and maintains a website at showmeboone.com/recorder.
- Boone County offers a free online document search system through its website, allowing users to search by name, document type, book and page, or legal description.
- Scanned images of recorded documents are available online for documents recorded from the mid-1990s forward.
- Older records may require an in-person visit or written request.
- The recording fee structure varies by document type, with standard deeds typically costing $28.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page.
- Tax payment information is available through Boone County Collector's Office for Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested for $1.00 per page plus certification fees.
The office is responsible for recording and preserving documents affecting real property, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, releases, assignments, easements, right-of-way agreements, plat maps, subdivisions, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, UCC filings, and federal tax liens. Missouri law requires most real estate documents to be recorded in Boone County where the property is located. Property tax records and assessed valuations are maintained by Boone County Assessor's Office, also located at 801 East Walnut Street, phone.
The Assessor maintains an online Geographic Information System (GIS) and parcel viewer at gis.showmeboone.com, where users can search for property information by address, parcel number, or owner name. This system displays parcel boundaries, aerial imagery, assessment values, and property characteristics.
Vital Records
Vital records for Boone County, Missouri, including birth and death certificates, are available through both Boone County Health Department and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Bureau of Vital Records. Boone County Health Department, located at 1204 East Walnut Street, Columbia, MO 65201, phone, maintains birth and death records for events occurring within Boone County. Birth certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $13.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates cost $13.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for each additional copy.
- Applicants must complete a request form and provide valid photo identification.
- Processing time for walk-in requests is typically immediate if the record is on file; mail requests may take 2-3 weeks.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at vitalchek.com for an additional processing fee.
- The license fee is $51.00 and there is no waiting period in Missouri.
Only eligible persons may obtain certified copies, including the registrant (if of legal age), immediate family members, legal representatives, or individuals with a tangible interest as defined by Missouri statute. Birth records less than 100 years old and death records less than 50 years old have restricted access under Section 193.245 RSMo. The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City maintains statewide records and can be reached at or online at health.mo.gov/vitalrecords.
Marriage licenses are issued by Boone County Recorder of Deeds office at 801 East Walnut Street, Columbia, phone. Both parties must appear in person with valid identification and Social Security numbers. Marriage records are maintained by the Recorder's office and are public record.
Divorce records are filed with the Circuit Clerk at Boone County Courthouse and can be searched through Missouri Case.net or requested in person.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Boone County, Missouri, are managed through multiple offices depending on the type of business activity. Boone County Clerk's office at 801 East Walnut Street, Columbia, MO 65201, phone, handles fictitious name registrations (DBA - Doing Business As) for businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. Fictitious name statements cost $7.00 to file and must be renewed every five years under Section 417.200 RSMo.
- The Secretary of State maintains a full online Business Entity Search at bsd.sos.mo.gov where users can search for registered businesses, view formation dates, registered agents, and current status.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and registered trademarks, businesses must file with the Missouri Secretary of State Business Services Division in Jefferson City. This database is free and searchable by entity name or registration number. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, healthcare providers, cosmetologists, and real estate agents are issued by the Missouri Division of Professional Registration, searchable at pr.mo.gov.
Boone County Resource Management Department at 801 East Walnut Street, phone, handles building permits, zoning approvals, and development review for unincorporated areas of Boone County. The City of Columbia and other municipalities maintain separate building and business licensing requirements within city limits. Columbia business licenses are managed by the City of Columbia Finance Department.
Sales tax permits are issued by the Missouri Department of Revenue. The Columbia Chamber of Commerce, located at 300 South Providence Road, Columbia, MO 65203, phone, website columbiamochamber.com, provides business development resources, networking opportunities, and economic information for businesses throughout Boone County.
Elections & Voter Records
Election administration in Boone County, Missouri, is managed by Boone County Clerk's Office, located at 801 East Walnut Street, Columbia, MO 65201. The elections division can be reached, and election information is available at showmeboone.com/clerk/elections. Voter registration in Boone County can be completed online through the Missouri Secretary of State's website at sos.mo.gov/voterregistration, in person at the County Clerk's office, at Missouri license offices, or by mail using a voter registration application.
- Citizens, Missouri residents, and at least 17.5 years old to register (must be 18 to vote).
- Boone County maintains approximately 125,000 registered voters across numerous precincts in Columbia, Ashland, Centralia, Hallsville, and rural areas.
- Boone County provides strong election transparency with detailed precinct-level results published on election night and full historical election data available through the Clerk's office.
The registration deadline is the fourth Wednesday prior to any election (28 days before Election Day) under Missouri law. Residents must be U.S. Voters can verify their registration status and find their polling location using the Missouri Voter Registration Search at sos.mo.gov/elections/voterlookup.
Polling places are assigned by residential address and listed on the County Clerk's election website. Election records that are public include voter registration lists, precinct-level election results, candidate filing information, and ballot issue language. Campaign finance disclosures for county-level candidates are filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission and searchable at mec.mo.gov.
In the November 2024 general election, Boone County experienced approximately 73% voter turnout, significantly higher than the statewide Missouri average of approximately 67%, reflecting Boone County's highly educated and politically engaged population. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, which will include races for U.S. House of Representatives (Missouri's 4th Congressional District covers Boone County), statewide offices, Missouri General Assembly seats, and county offices.
Absentee voting is available for Missouri voters who are unable to vote in person on Election Day due to absence from Boone County, incapacity or confinement due to illness, religious belief or practice, employment as an election authority, or incarceration (though not for a felony conviction). Absentee ballot applications can be submitted to Boone County Clerk beginning six weeks before any election. No-excuse absentee voting by mail is not currently permitted in Missouri except for voters over age 65 or voters with specific qualifying reasons.
Economy & Demographics
Boone County, Missouri's economy is characterized by a diverse blend of education, healthcare, government, agriculture, and emerging technology sectors. The University of Missouri-Columbia is by far the largest employer in Boone County with over 13,000 employees including faculty and staff, contributing billions annually to the local economy through employment, student spending, research activities, and healthcare services. MU Health Care, the university's hospital and clinic system, is a major healthcare provider and employer.
- The median household income in Boone County is approximately $56,000, slightly above the Missouri state average, though income levels vary considerably between the urban Columbia area and rural parts of Boone County.
Other significant employers include Boone Hospital Center (part of BJC HealthCare), the State of Missouri government offices concentrated in Columbia, Columbia Public Schools, Veterans United Home Loans (a major mortgage lender headquartered in Columbia with over 3,000 employees), and Shelter Insurance Company. Agriculture remains economically important in Boone County's rural areas, with principal products including soybeans, corn, cattle, and hogs. Boone County benefits from its position along Interstate 70, providing transportation access for distribution and logistics operations.
The technology sector has grown in recent years, with companies attracted by the university's research capabilities and educated workforce. Columbia has been recognized as one of Missouri's strongest economies with relatively low unemployment rates typically running 1-2 percentage points below state and national averages. Economic development initiatives are coordinated by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, the Regional Economic Development Inc.
(REDI), and Boone County government. Recent development projects include expansion of the Columbia Regional Airport, development of the Discovery Ridge Research Park affiliated with the University of Missouri, and continued growth in the healthcare corridor along Stadium Boulevard. The service sector, retail trade, and hospitality industries also contribute significantly to employment, supported by the university's student population of over 30,000.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (Case.net) | Property: Yes: Free Online Search & GIS | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Roster | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail Required | Business: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall Score: 9/10, Boone County provides excellent digital access to most public records with online portals and GIS systems.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Boone County
Explore public records for 8 cities and communities in Boone County, Missouri.