About Cabarrus County
Cabarrus County, located in the south-central Piedmont region of North Carolina, includes approximately 365 square miles and serves as home to over 225,000 residents as of recent census estimates. Cabarrus County Seat is Concord, the largest city in Cabarrus County and the site of most major county government offices. Established in 1792 and named after the royal House of Cabarrus, Cabarrus County has evolved from its agricultural and textile manufacturing roots into a dynamic economic region known for motorsports, advanced manufacturing, and biotechnology.
- The Register of Deeds office maintains property records and is accessible at the same Government Center location.
Cabarrus County is internationally recognized as home to Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, which draws hundreds of thousands of NASCAR fans annually. Cabarrus County includes incorporated municipalities of Concord, Kannapolis, Harrisburg, Midland, and Mount Pleasant. Major landmarks include Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site in Midland, where the first documented gold find in the United States occurred in 1799, sparking America's first gold rush.
Cabarrus County Government Center, located at 65 Church Street SE in Concord, houses many county departments. Cabarrus County Tax Assessor's office, responsible for property tax assessments, operates from 65 Church Street SE as well. Cabarrus County Manager form of government administers services across diverse communities ranging from rapidly developing suburban areas near Charlotte to more rural townships in the northern portions of Cabarrus County.
Interstate 85 and Interstate 485 provide major transportation corridors, making Cabarrus County an attractive location for distribution centers and corporate facilities.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Cabarrus County. The office oversees the operation of Cabarrus County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records.
Police Departments
In addition to Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Cabarrus County. The Concord Police Department and Kannapolis Police Department are two of the primary agencies serving their respective cities. These departments focus on enforcing local laws, responding to emergencies, and investigating crimes within their jurisdictions. Coordination between the Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments is essential for handling major crimes and making sure of full law enforcement coverage throughout Cabarrus County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 30 Corban Avenue SE in Concord, NC 28025, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Cabarrus County and operates Cabarrus County Detention Center.
- Inmate searches for Cabarrus County Detention Center are available online through the Sheriff's Office website using the inmate locator tool, which allows searches by name, booking date, or inmate number.
- The facility provides current custody status, bond information, and projected release dates for detained individuals.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting written or in-person requests to the Sheriff's Office or the specific municipal police department that made the arrest.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest reports and related documentation.
Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Concord Police Department serving Cabarrus County Seat, the Kannapolis Police Department for the second-largest city, the Harrisburg Police Department, the Mount Pleasant Police Department, and the Midland Police Department. Under North Carolina General Statute § 132-1 et seq, the North Carolina Public Records Law, arrest records are generally considered public documents. Mugshots and booking photos from Cabarrus County Detention Center are typically accessible through the online inmate search portal.
Some third-party websites also aggregate this information, though the official Sheriff's Office portal remains the most reliable source. No federally recognized tribal lands exist in Cabarrus County, so no tribal law enforcement agencies operate within county boundaries.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Cabarrus County includes a variety of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Cabarrus County Clerk of Superior Court maintains court records, while the Sheriff's Office handles arrest and incident reports. Residents can conduct background checks through the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, which provides statewide criminal history information. The system ensures that both local and state-level records are accessible for legal and personal inquiries.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Cabarrus County are maintained by Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office. These records are public and can be requested by residents and attorneys under the North Carolina Public Records Law. An arrest record typically includes the individual's personal details, the nature of the offense, and the arresting agency. Requests for arrest records can be made in person, by mail, or through the Sheriff's Office website.
Jail & Inmate Records
Cabarrus County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing inmates in Cabarrus County. The booking process at the detention center involves photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information of the arrestee. The facility provides an online inmate lookup tool for the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.
- In Cabarrus County, the bond or bail process follows North Carolina's legal framework, allowing detainees to be released pending trial upon meeting the set conditions.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Cabarrus County are taken and retained by Cabarrus 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 website or by request. While North Carolina does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, individuals may seek removal through legal channels if the mugshot is deemed inaccurate or if charges are dismissed. The availability of mugshots online handles public access but also raises privacy concerns for those involved.
Courts & Case Records
Cabarrus County Courthouse, located at 77 Union Street South in Concord, NC 28025, houses both Superior Court and District Court operations. The Clerk of Superior Court office, reachable, maintains criminal and civil case records, estates, special proceedings, and civil filings including judgments and liens. Superior Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $25,000, and appeals from District Court.
- District Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanors, civil cases up to $25,000, domestic matters including divorce and child custody, juvenile cases, estates, and small claims up to $10,000.
- Fees for certified copies typically run $3 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, with additional certification fees.
- Magistrates, operating under District Court authority, are available 24/7 at Cabarrus County Magistrate's Office for setting bonds, issuing criminal process, and conducting initial appearances.
- Online payment options exist for certain court costs and fines through the North Carolina court system portal.
The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides online access to court calendars and limited case information through the statewide eCourts portal, though full case searches often require in-person or written requests to the Clerk's office. Under North Carolina General Statute § 132-1 and § 7A-109, most court records are public unless sealed by court order or protected by specific confidentiality statutes governing juveniles, adoptions, and certain mental health proceedings. The Clerk of Superior Court also issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records.
Business hours for the Clerk's office are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with some limited services available through the Magistrate's Office during non-business hours.
Property & Public Records
Cabarrus County Register of Deeds, located at 65 Church Street SE in Concord, NC 28025, maintains all land records including deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, releases, plats, maps of survey, military discharges (DD-214s), and various liens and encumbrances affecting real property. The office can be contacted through the office’s website, and their website at www.cabarruscounty.us/deeds provides access to online search tools and information about recording requirements. The Register of Deeds offers a free online database for searching recorded instruments dating back to the early 1980s, with images available for download.
- Recording fees are established by North Carolina statute and vary by document type, with standard deeds typically costing $26 for the first 15 pages plus $4 for each additional page.
- Real estate excise tax of $1 per $500 of value also applies to most conveyances.
- Their online GIS mapping system at gis.cabarruscounty.us provides interactive parcel searches with tax information, sales history, building characteristics, and property sketches.
- The Register of Deeds office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates in Cabarrus County are available through the North Carolina Vital Records office, as county-level vital records registration is centralized at the state level. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records division processes all certified birth and death certificate requests. Birth certificates cost $24 for the first copy and $15 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Death certificates cost $24 for the first copy and $15 for additional copies.
- Processing time typically ranges from two to four weeks for mail requests, though expedited service is available for additional fees.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Cabarrus County Register of Deeds office at 65 Church Street SE in Concord, with both parties required to appear in person with valid photo identification and social security numbers.
- The marriage license fee is $60, and there is no waiting period or blood test requirement in North Carolina.
- Certified copies of divorce decrees cost $3 for the first page and $1 for additional pages.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate eligibility under North Carolina General Statute § 130A-93, which restricts access to the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, or individuals with documented legal interest. Online ordering is available through VitalChek at vitalrecords.nc.gov with credit card payment and delivery options including regular mail or overnight shipping. Walk-in service is available at the NC Vital Records office at 225 North McDowell Street in Raleigh.
Divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court at 77 Union Street South in Concord, as divorce proceedings are court actions. Birth records are confidential for 100 years, and death records for 25 years under North Carolina law.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing in Cabarrus County is administered at both county and municipal levels depending on business location and type. The City of Concord Business License division, located at 35 Cabarrus Avenue W, Concord, NC 28025, handles business privilege licenses for businesses operating within city limits, reachable for The City of Kannapolis maintains a separate business licensing system for businesses within that county. Unincorporated areas of Cabarrus County may have different requirements through county administration.
- The North Carolina Secretary of State maintains the official business entity database at www.sosnc.gov, where corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other formal business entities register.
- This searchable online database provides information on business entity status, registered agents, principal office addresses, and filing history at no cost.
Fictitious name registrations (DBA - Doing Business As) and assumed name certificates are filed with Cabarrus County Register of Deeds at 65 Church Street SE and become part of the public record, searchable through the office's online database. Professional and occupational licenses are typically issued by North Carolina state licensing boards rather than county offices. Sales tax permits and certificates of registration are obtained through the North Carolina Department of Revenue.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and certificates of occupancy for commercial properties are issued by Cabarrus County Planning and Development Department at 65 Church Street SE Cabarrus County Regional Chamber of Commerce, located at 3003 Dale Earnhardt Boulevard in Kannapolis, provides business resources, networking opportunities, and economic development support, accessible at www.Cabarrus.org. Their business directory helps residents locate and verify local businesses operating in Cabarrus County.
Elections & Voter Records
Cabarrus County Board of Elections, located at 1303 South Cannon Boulevard in Kannapolis, NC 28083, administers all federal, state, and local elections within Cabarrus County. The office can be contacted through the office’s website, and their website at www.cabarruscounty.us/elections provides full voter information, sample ballots, polling locations, and election results. North Carolina offers online voter registration through the State Board of Elections at www.ncsbe.gov/registering, requiring a valid North Carolina driver's license or DMV-issued identification card.
- Residents may also register in person at the Board of Elections office, any North Carolina DMV office, or at designated voter registration drives.
- North Carolina maintains a searchable voter registration database, though full voter rolls with detailed information require formal public records requests under G.S.
- In the November 2024 general election, Cabarrus County reported approximately 67% voter turnout among registered voters, reflecting strong civic engagement typical for presidential election years in Cabarrus County.
- North Carolina does not require an excuse for absentee voting; any registered voter may request an absentee ballot by submitting a completed application to Cabarrus County Board of Elections.
- Applications are available online and must be received by the Tuesday before Election Day at 5:00 PM, though it's recommended to apply earlier to ensure timely ballot delivery.
The registration deadline is 25 days before any election in North Carolina. To find your specific polling place in Cabarrus County, voters can use the polling place lookup tool on Cabarrus County Board of Elections website or the state portal by entering their residential address. § 163-82.10.
Campaign finance filings for county-level candidates are available through the State Board of Elections website, while precinct-level election results are published by Cabarrus County Board of Elections after each election and maintained as public record. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. Senate and House races, North Carolina state legislative seats, county commissioners, and various municipal and judicial positions.
Completed absentee ballots must be returned by mail or in person to the Board of Elections office and received by 7:30 PM on Election Day. Early voting, or One-Stop voting as it's known in North Carolina, allows voters to register and vote simultaneously during the early voting period at designated sites throughout Cabarrus County, typically beginning 17 days before Election Day. The Board of Elections publishes early voting schedules, locations, and wait times.
Under North Carolina election transparency laws, citizens may request copies of voter registration lists, absentee ballot applications and records (excluding voted ballots), campaign finance reports, candidate filing information, and certified election results. The Board of Elections office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours during early voting periods.
Economy & Demographics
Cabarrus County has transformed from a textile and agricultural economy into a diversified economic powerhouse anchored by motorsports, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and distribution/logistics sectors. Cabarrus County's proximity to Charlotte Douglas International Airport and intersection of major interstate highways has attracted significant corporate investment.
- Median household income in Cabarrus County approximates $68,000 to $72,000 based on recent census estimates, above the state median.
Major employers include Atrium Health Cabarrus, Cabarrus County's largest employer with over 3,500 employees operating a full medical center in Concord; Speedway Motorsports, which owns and operates Charlotte Motor Speedway; and numerous automotive suppliers serving NASCAR teams clustered in the Concord area. The North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis, a 350-acre innovation hub developed on the site of the former Cannon Mills textile plant, hosts research facilities for major universities and companies including Dole, David H. Murdock Research Institute, and multiple UNC System research centers focused on nutrition, agriculture, and biotechnology.
Cabarrus County's unemployment rate typically tracks below state and national averages, ranging between 3.5% and 4.5% in normal economic conditions. Manufacturing remains significant with approximately 15% of employment, while healthcare, retail trade, and professional services represent growing sectors. Hendrick Motorsports, one of NASCAR's most successful racing organizations, maintains its headquarters and race shop in Concord.
Cabarrus County has invested heavily in infrastructure to support continued growth, including the Concord-Padgett Regional Airport for corporate aviation. Food Lion corporate offices in Salisbury-area influence regional employment, and distribution centers for major retailers have established operations along Interstate 85. Property tax revenue supports continued infrastructure development, with Cabarrus County maintaining a competitive tax rate to attract business investment while funding quality schools and services.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Portal | Property: Yes: Free Search & GIS | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: Limited: State-Level/Mail Required | Business: Yes: Online (State & County) | Elections: Yes: Online Access | Overall Score: 9/10, Cabarrus County provides excellent digital access to most public records with online search tools, modern GIS mapping, and transparent election information.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Cabarrus County
Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Cabarrus County, North Carolina.