About Cabell County
Cabell County is located in the southwestern region of West Virginia along the Ohio River border with Kentucky and Ohio. Established in 1809 and named after William H. Cabell, the fourth governor of Virginia, Cabell County includes approximately 288 square miles. Huntington, Cabell County Seat and West Virginia's second-largest city, serves as Cabell County's economic and cultural hub. Cabell County population is approximately 93,000 residents according to recent census estimates.
Cabell County is home to Marshall University, a major educational institution that significantly influences the local economy and culture. Cabell County features a diverse scene from the Ohio River floodplain to rolling hills characteristic of Appalachia. Major landmarks include the historic Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center, Ritter Park, and the extensive riverfront area.
Cabell County Courthouse, located at 750 Fifth Avenue in Huntington, houses several key government offices. Cabell County Clerk's office maintains vital records, marriage licenses, and certain business filings at this location. Cabell County Clerk's office, also situated in the courthouse, manages property deeds, mortgages, and land records.
Cabell County Assessor's office at 750 Fifth Avenue handles property assessments and tax records. What makes Cabell County unique is its strategic position as a tri-state area hub, its rich industrial heritage in railroad and manufacturing, and its ongoing transformation into a center for healthcare, education, and technology sectors in the Mountain State region.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Cabell County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Cabell County. The office oversees Cabell County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. It also provides patrol services, investigates crimes, and serves legal documents.
Police Departments
Cabell County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Cabell County Sheriff's Office, the Huntington Police Department, and the Barboursville Police Department. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, sharing resources and information to ensure public safety across Cabell County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Cabell County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 750 Fifth Avenue in Huntington, West Virginia 25701, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Cabell County. The agency provides patrol services, civil process service, courthouse security, and operates the Western Regional Jail facility that serves Cabell County and surrounding jurisdictions.
- Citizens can request arrest records by contacting the arresting agency directly, either the Sheriff's Office or municipal police department.
- Written requests should specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
- Historical arrest records may require a formal FOIA request submitted in writing.
- Processing fees may apply for extensive record searches or certified copies.
Inmates housed in connection with Cabell County charges can be searched through the West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority website at www.wvregionaljail.com, which provides a statewide inmate locator with booking information, charges, and bond status. Within Cabell County, the Huntington Police Department is the primary municipal law enforcement agency for the city of Huntington, operating from 675 Tenth Street. Smaller municipalities may contract with the Sheriff's Office or maintain their own departments.
Under West Virginia Code § 29B-1-1 et seq, the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, arrest records are generally public documents. Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through Cabell Countyal jail inmate search system, which displays booking photographs for current inmates.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Cabell County include felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as sex offender registry information. Background checks can be conducted through the West Virginia State Police, which provides full criminal history reports. The West Virginia State Police supports local agencies with forensic and investigative resources.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Cabell County are maintained by Cabell County Sheriff's Office and the municipal police departments. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the respective law enforcement agency. Under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, these records are accessible to the public, although certain restrictions may apply to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Western Regional Jail and Correctional Facility serves Cabell County and is located in Barboursville. This facility handles the booking process for people arrested within Cabell County, where they are photographed, fingerprinted, and held until they post bail or appear in court. Inmate information can be accessed through the West Virginia Regional Jail & Correctional Facility Authority's online inmate search tool. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and generally require scheduling in advance.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Cabell County are taken and retained by the arresting law enforcement agency, typically Cabell County Sheriff's Office or the Huntington Police Department. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the respective agency's website or by request. West Virginia does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can petition for removal if charges are dropped or they are acquitted.
Courts & Case Records
Cabell County's court system operates under the West Virginia unified court structure. Cabell County Circuit Court, located at 750 Fifth Avenue, Huntington, WV 25701, is the general jurisdiction trial court handling felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $300, domestic relations matters, and appeals from lower courts. The court can be contacted through the office’s website. Circuit Court records, including case filings, orders, and judgments, are maintained by the Circuit Clerk's office at the same address.
- Cabell County Magistrate Court, also located in the courthouse complex, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases under $10,000, emergency protective orders, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
- In-person record requests can be made at the Circuit Clerk's office during regular business hours.
- Some records may require a formal written request, and certain sensitive documents may be restricted.
- The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals provides appellate jurisdiction for cases originating in Cabell County courts.
West Virginia offers a statewide case search system through courtswv.gov where users can search civil and criminal cases by party name, case number, or attorney. Magistrate Court can be contacted through the office’s website. Cabell County Family Court division handles juvenile matters, child abuse and neglect cases, and certain domestic matters. Under West Virginia Code § 51-2-17, court records are generally public unless sealed by court order or protected by statute (such as juvenile records).
Online access to some court records is available at no charge through the state court system, though certified copies require payment of statutory fees, typically $1.00 per page for Circuit Court documents plus a certification fee.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Cabell County are maintained by Cabell County Clerk's office, which is the Recorder of Deeds, located at 750 Fifth Avenue, Room 108, Huntington, WV 25701. The office can be contacted for Available records include warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgages and deeds of trust, mortgage releases, liens (tax liens, mechanics liens, judgment liens), easements, rights-of-way, and recorded plat maps.
- Cabell County Clerk's office provides document recording services with fees established by West Virginia statute, currently $46 for the first two pages of a deed and $5 for each additional page.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the County Clerk's office for statutory fees.
Cabell County offers online property record searching through the County Clerk's website, though access and features may vary. Cabell County Assessor's office, located at 750 Fifth Avenue, Suite 301, Huntington, WV 25701, telephone, maintains property tax assessment records, parcel maps, and ownership information. The Assessor's office typically provides a free online property search tool where users can search by owner name, address, or parcel identification number to view assessment values, property characteristics, and tax district information.
Cabell County maintains a Geographic Information System (GIS) parcel viewer accessible through Cabell County website, offering aerial imagery, parcel boundaries, ownership data, and assessment information. Cabell County Clerk indexes all recorded documents by grantor (seller) and grantee (buyer) names, making historical title searches possible. Under West Virginia Code § 59-1-11, most land records are public documents available for inspection and copying.
Vital Records
Vital records for Cabell County, West Virginia, are maintained at both Cabell County and state levels. Birth and death certificates occurring in Cabell County may be requested through Cabell County Clerk's office at 750 Fifth Avenue, Room 108, Huntington, WV 25701, telephone. However, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Vital Registration Office, remains the official state repository for all vital records.
- The state office is located at 350 Capitol Street, Room 165, Charleston, WV 25301, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Birth certificates cost $12 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Certified death certificates cost $12 each.
- Processing times vary but typically range from one to three weeks for mail requests.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Cabell County Clerk's office and cost $56 with no waiting period.
- Certified marriage certificate copies cost $5 each.
Eligible applicants must prove direct and tangible interest under West Virginia Code § 16-5-20, meaning only the registrant (if of legal age), immediate family members, legal representatives, or those demonstrating a legal interest may obtain certified copies. Valid government-issued photo identification is required. Both parties must appear in person with valid identification and social security numbers.
Divorce records (divorce decrees) are maintained by the Circuit Clerk of Cabell County where the divorce was granted, not the County Clerk. West Virginia offers VitalChek online ordering for some vital records through www.vitalchek.com, though additional processing fees apply. Expedited service options are available for urgent requests.
Birth records less than 100 years old and death records less than 50 years old are restricted to eligible applicants only.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Cabell County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Cabell County Clerk's office at 750 Fifth Avenue, Room 108, Huntington, WV 25701, telephone, handles the registration of fictitious names (doing business as or DBA filings) for businesses operating under assumed names in Cabell County. DBA registration costs approximately $25 and must be filed before conducting business under a name other than the owner's legal name.
- This searchable database includes entity status, formation date, registered agent information, and filing history.
- West Virginia business entity formation fees vary: LLCs cost $100 to form and corporations cost $75.
For formal business entity formation and registration, the West Virginia Secretary of State, Business & Licensing Division, maintains the official state business registry. The Secretary of State's online Business & Licensing portal at business4.wv.gov provides free searching of corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and other business entities registered in West Virginia. The West Virginia State Tax Department handles business registration tax and sales tax permits, which can be applied for through their website at tax.wv.gov.
Professional licenses (attorneys, healthcare providers, contractors, etc.) are issued by respective state licensing boards, not county offices. Building permits and zoning approvals in unincorporated Cabell County are handled by Cabell County Planning and Zoning Office, while the City of Huntington maintains separate building and zoning departments for areas within city limits. The Building Inspection Department can provide information on contractors' licensing and permit history.
The Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce, located at 720 Fourth Avenue, Huntington, WV 25701, website www.huntingtonchamber.org, provides business development resources and maintains a member directory, though membership information is not equivalent to official licensing records.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Cabell County, West Virginia, are administered by Cabell County Clerk, serving as Cabell County's chief election official. Cabell County Clerk's office is located at 750 Fifth Avenue, Room 108, Huntington, WV 25701, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Election-specific information is available through the office and the West Virginia Secretary of State's Elections Division website at sos.wv.gov/elections.
- In the November 2024 general election, Cabell County voter turnout was approximately 52% of registered voters, consistent with typical West Virginia county turnout in presidential election years.
- Absentee voting in Cabell County is available to any registered voter who applies.
- Citizens may request copies of election records under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, with some restrictions on voter registration data to prevent commercial use or harassment.
Voter registration in Cabell County can be completed online through the state's online voter registration portal at GoVoteWV.com, by mail using the National Mail Voter Registration Form, or in person at the County Clerk's office. West Virginia law requires registration at least 21 days before an election. Eligible voters must be United States citizens, West Virginia residents, at least 18 years old by the next general election, and not currently under conviction for a felony (unless voting rights have been restored) or mentally incompetent by court order.
To find your polling place in Cabell County, voters can use the polling place locator at the Secretary of State's website by entering their address, or contact the County Clerk's office directly. West Virginia uses precinct-based voting with assigned polling locations. Public election records in Cabell County include voter registration lists (available for purchase by qualified requestors under WV Code § 3-2-30), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political committees (available through the West Virginia Secretary of State's Campaign Finance Reporting System), candidate filing information, and precinct-level election results.
Cabell County Clerk posts unofficial election results on election night and certifies official results following canvassing. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, potential U.S.
Senate races if applicable, and West Virginia state legislative contests including State Senate and House of Delegates seats. Applications for mail-in absentee ballots can be submitted through the County Clerk's office beginning 84 days before an election, with completed applications due by six days before Election Day. Early in-person voting is available at designated locations announced by the County Clerk, typically beginning 13 days before Election Day.
West Virginia Code § 3-1-1 et seq. Governs election procedures and public access.
Economy & Demographics
Cabell County's economy is anchored by healthcare, education, retail, and professional services sectors, with Huntington acting as a regional commercial center for the tri-state area. The largest employers include Cabell Huntington Hospital and St. Mary's Medical Center, which together employ thousands of healthcare workers and make healthcare Cabell County's dominant economic sector. Marshall University, with approximately 2,000 employees and over 11,000 students, contributes significantly through direct employment, student spending, and research activities.
- The median household income in Cabell County is approximately $42,000, below the national average but consistent with much of West Virginia.
The Amazon fulfillment center in Huntington represents a major recent economic development, bringing hundreds of logistics and distribution jobs to Cabell County. Other significant employers include the United States Army Corps of Engineers Huntington District, CSX Transportation (reflecting Cabell County's railroad heritage), and various retail operations along the U.S. Route 60 corridor.
Manufacturing, while diminished from its mid-20th century peak, remains present through specialized manufacturers and industrial suppliers. Cabell County's strategic location on the Ohio River and at the intersection of Interstate 64 and multiple U.S. Highways supports transportation and logistics activities.
Tourism contributes to the local economy through Marshall University athletics, the Pullman Square entertainment district, and Cabell Countyal appeal of Huntington's restaurants and cultural venues. Economic challenges include population decline, workforce development needs, and the ongoing transition from traditional manufacturing and extraction industries. Recent economic development initiatives focus on expanding healthcare services, developing the technology sector, and revitalizing downtown Huntington.
The unemployment rate in Cabell County typically tracks slightly above the national average but has shown improvement in recent years with diversification efforts.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail Required | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 8/10, Cabell County provides strong online access to court records, property searches via the Assessor and GIS systems, and inmate lookups through the regional jail system. State-level business and election resources supplement county services effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Cabell County, West Virginia?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Cabell County, West Virginia?
How do I get a criminal background check in Cabell County, West Virginia?
How can I look up sex offenders in Cabell County, West Virginia?
How do I register to vote in Cabell County, West Virginia?
How do I look up property records in Cabell County, West Virginia?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Cabell County, West Virginia?
How do I find business license records in Cabell County, West Virginia?
Cities & Towns in Cabell County
Explore public records for 7 cities and communities in Cabell County, West Virginia.