About Chesterfield County
Chesterfield County is located in the northeastern Piedmont region of South Carolina, bordered by North Carolina to the north and the Pee Dee River to the east. Established in 1785, Chesterfield County Seat is Chesterfield, with the largest county being Cheraw, a historic riverfront town known for its antebellum architecture and designation as one of America's oldest inland communities. Chesterfield County includes approximately 799 square miles and has a population of around 43,000 residents according to recent census estimates.
- Chesterfield County Register of Deeds office, located at 200 West Main Street in Chesterfield area, maintains property records and land transactions.
Chesterfield County features notable landmarks including the Cheraw State Park, one of South Carolina's oldest state parks with a championship golf course, and the Cheraw Historic District, which contains over 50 structures on the National Register of Historic Places. Chesterfield County's economy has historically been rooted in agriculture, particularly cotton and tobacco, though manufacturing and forestry have become increasingly important. Chesterfield County Clerk of Court handles court filings and vital records at the same address.
Chesterfield County Assessor's Office, responsible for property tax assessments, operates from the County Complex at 200 West Main Street. Chesterfield County is characterized by rural scenes, small-town community values, and deep historical roots dating to the Revolutionary War era, when significant military activity occurred in Chesterfield County. What makes Chesterfield County unique is its preservation of Southern heritage combined with ongoing economic development initiatives meant to attracting new industries while maintaining its agricultural traditions.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Chesterfield County's unincorporated areas. The office is tasked with patrolling these regions, managing Chesterfield County Detention Center, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records.
Police Departments
Chesterfield County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Cheraw Police Department and Pageland Police Department. Each agency operates within its jurisdiction, with the Sheriff's Office covering unincorporated areas and municipal departments handling law enforcement within city limits. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and public safety across Chesterfield County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 200 West Main Street, Chesterfield, SC 29709, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Chesterfield County. Chesterfield County Detention Center, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving sentences for misdemeanor offenses.
- Citizens can request arrest records by submitting a written FOIA request to the Sheriff's Office or the specific municipal police department that made the arrest.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the detention center's online inmate search system or by visiting the detention center in person during business hours.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest reports and associated documents.
- Response time for records requests is typically within 15 business days as outlined under South Carolina FOIA requirements.
Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office website and by calling the detention center directly for The roster typically includes booking photos, charges, bond amounts, and booking dates. Municipal law enforcement in Chesterfield County includes the Cheraw Police Department serving the town of Cheraw, Chesterfield Police Department for the town of Chesterfield, the Pageland Police Department, the Patrick Police Department, and the McBee Police Department. Under South Carolina Code of Laws Section 30-4-30, the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), arrest records are generally considered public information.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Chesterfield County includes a range of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. SLED's services include access to statewide criminal records, which Chesterfield residents can request for employment or personal purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Chesterfield County are maintained by Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office. These records detail the circumstances of an individual's arrest, including charges, booking information, and court dates. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The South Carolina Freedom of Information Act governs the accessibility of these records, for public access and public access to information. Arrest records typically include the arrestee's name, date of arrest, charges, and bond information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Chesterfield County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing inmates in Chesterfield County. The booking process at the detention center involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestee. Inmate lookup services are available to the public, allowing individuals 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 South Carolina allows for the release of detainees under certain conditions, which can be arranged through the detention center or local bail bondsmen.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Chesterfield County are taken and retained by Chesterfield 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. While South Carolina does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals seeking removal must typically petition the court or the arresting agency. Mugshots are often included in arrest records and may be available through third-party websites.
Courts & Case Records
Chesterfield County courts are part of South Carolina's unified judicial system. Chesterfield County Courthouse, located at 200 West Main Street, Chesterfield, SC 29709, houses the Court of Common Pleas (general civil jurisdiction) and Court of General Sessions (criminal jurisdiction). The Clerk of Court's office can be reached at and maintains case files, judgments, and court records.
- Chesterfield County Magistrate Court handles small claims cases up to $7,500, landlord-tenant disputes, misdemeanor criminal cases, and traffic violations.
- The Clerk of Court charges fees for certified copies of documents, typically $1.00 per page plus a certification fee.
- Online access through the Public Index provides free searching, though certified copies must be requested through the Clerk's office with applicable fees.
The South Carolina Judicial Department provides online case search through the Public Index available at publicindex.sccourts.org, where users can search civil, criminal, family court, and traffic cases by party name or case number at no charge. Magistrate offices are located in Chesterfield County, Cheraw, and Pageland, with contact information available through Chesterfield County website. Chesterfield County Probate Court, located at 200 West Main Street, handles estates, wills, guardianships, and conservatorships, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Municipal courts in Cheraw, Pageland, Chesterfield, and other incorporated towns handle ordinance violations and traffic citations issued within city limits.
Court records access is governed by South Carolina Code Section 30-4-40, which establishes public records access while protecting certain confidential information such as juvenile records, adoption files, and sealed documents. In-person record searches can be conducted during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding court holidays.
Property & Public Records
Chesterfield County Register of Deeds (ROD) office, located at 200 West Main Street, Chesterfield, SC 29709, maintains all land and property records for Chesterfield County. The office can be reached at and provides access to deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, easements, rights-of-way, military discharge records (DD-214s), and other recorded instruments affecting real property.
- Many searches can be conducted free of charge online, though certified copies require payment and can be requested in person or by mail.
- Recording fees are established by state statute and vary based on document type and page count.
- Chesterfield County Treasurer's office handles tax collections and provides information on payment history, delinquent taxes, and tax sale properties.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost approximately $1.00 per page plus a certification fee of $2.00.
- The Register of Deeds office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
The ROD office has digitized records with online access available through Chesterfield County's official property records portal, allowing users to search by owner name, deed book and page, plat book, or parcel identification number. Chesterfield County Assessor's Office, also located at the County Complex at 200 West Main Street (843-623-2562), maintains property tax assessment records, parcel maps, and ownership information used for taxation purposes. The Assessor's office provides an online GIS mapping system and property search tool accessible through Chesterfield County website, allowing users to view parcel boundaries, tax values, ownership history, and property characteristics at no charge.
Property records are public under South Carolina Code Section 30-4-30(a), and requests can be made in person, by mail, or through the online portal for most document types.
Vital Records
Vital records for Chesterfield County residents are maintained by both county and state agencies. Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Chesterfield County can be requested through the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Division of Vital Records, located at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201, or by calling. Birth certificates cost $12 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; death certificates cost $12 for the first copy and $3 for additional copies.
- Processing time is typically 3-5 business days for in-person requests and 2-4 weeks for mail requests.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at vitalchek.com with additional processing fees.
- Applicants must apply in person, provide valid photo identification, Social Security numbers, and pay a fee of $50, which is reduced to $10 if couples complete premarital counseling.
- Requesters must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of relationship or legal interest.
Chesterfield County Probate Court, located at 200 West Main Street, Chesterfield, SC 29709 (843-623-2575), issues marriage licenses for couples planning to marry in South Carolina. There is a 24-hour waiting period after issuance before the license becomes valid. Divorce records are maintained by Chesterfield County Clerk of Court for divorces granted in Chesterfield County.
According to South Carolina Code Section 44-63-40 through 44-63-165, vital records are confidential and can only be released to authorized individuals including the registrant (if of legal age), immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a direct tangible interest. Genealogical researchers can access records older than 100 years (births) or 50 years (deaths) without restriction through the South Carolina Department of Archives and History.
Business & Licensing
Business registration and licensing in Chesterfield County involves both county-level and state-level agencies. The South Carolina Secretary of State's office maintains the official business entity database, accessible at businessfilings.sc.gov, where users can search for corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other registered business entities free of charge. The database provides information on business formation dates, registered agents, principal addresses, and filing status.
- Business owners must register with the South Carolina Secretary of State before conducting business under an entity structure.
- DBA filings must be recorded with Chesterfield County and typically cost around $10 for registration.
- Contractors and builders must obtain permits before construction, with fees based on project valuation.
Chesterfield County Clerk of Court maintains fictitious name (DBA - Doing Business As) registrations at 200 West Main Street, Chesterfield, SC 29709 Chesterfield County Building and Zoning Department, located at the County Complex, issues building permits, certificates of occupancy, and handles zoning compliance matters. The South Carolina Department of Revenue handles sales tax permits, which can be obtained online at dor.sc.gov.
Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, cosmetologists, real estate agents, and healthcare providers are issued by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) at llr.sc.gov. Local business licenses may be required by individual municipalities within Chesterfield County, including Cheraw, Pageland, Chesterfield, McBee, and Patrick. Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce, serving the greater Chesterfield area, provides business support, networking opportunities, and economic information; more details are available through local chambers in Cheraw and Pageland.
Business owners should verify all licensing requirements with both county and municipal offices as requirements vary by location and business type.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Chesterfield County are administered by Chesterfield County Voter Registration and Elections Office, located at 200 West Main Street, Chesterfield, SC 29709. The office can be reached at and provides information on voter registration, polling locations, absentee voting, and election results. Voter registration in South Carolina can be completed online at scVOTES.gov, the official state voter registration portal managed by the South Carolina Election Commission. Registration applications must be submitted at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
- Residents can also register in person at Chesterfield County elections office, DMV offices, or through mail-in registration forms.
- To register, applicants must be U.S.
- The 2024 general election saw turnout in Chesterfield County of approximately 56-58% of registered voters, consistent with rural South Carolina county patterns in presidential election years.
Citizens, at least 18 years old by election day, residents of South Carolina and Chesterfield County, and not under a court order declaring mental incompetence or currently serving a sentence for a felony conviction. Voters can find their assigned polling place by visiting scVOTES.gov and using the polling place locator tool, or by contacting Chesterfield County elections office directly. Chesterfield County maintains multiple precincts across Chesterfield County in locations including Cheraw, Pageland, Chesterfield area, Ruby, Mt.
Croghan, and other communities. Public election records include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted), precinct-level election results, candidate filing information, and campaign disclosure reports for local candidates. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races for South Carolina's 5th Congressional District, potential U.S. Senate races if applicable, and state-level contests including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, state legislative seats, and county offices such as Sheriff, Clerk of Court, Auditor, and County Council members. Absentee voting is available for qualified voters who meet specific criteria under South Carolina law including age 65 or older, physical disability, documented illness, required absence during election period, certified poll workers or managers in different precincts, government employees required to work during voting hours, and active military or overseas citizens.
Absentee ballot applications can be obtained from Chesterfield County elections office or downloaded from scVOTES.gov and must be submitted by 5:00 PM the Friday before the election for mail ballots. In-person absentee voting is available at Chesterfield County elections office beginning approximately two weeks before election day. South Carolina law (Section 7-13-1620) provides transparency by making election results, voter turnout data, and precinct information publicly available, though individual voter history and certain personal data are protected from disclosure.
Economy & Demographics
Chesterfield County's economy is diversified across agriculture, manufacturing, forestry, and service sectors. Historically reliant on cotton and tobacco farming, Chesterfield County maintains a strong agricultural base with row crops, timber production, and poultry farming contributing significantly to the economic foundation. According to recent estimates, median household income in Chesterfield County is approximately $38,000, below the state average, reflecting the rural character and economic challenges facing Chesterfield County.
- Key economic sectors include advanced manufacturing, particularly automotive components and rubber products, forest products and lumber processing, agriculture and agribusiness, healthcare services, and retail trade.
- Chesterfield County's proximity to Interstate 20 and Charlotte, North Carolina markets provides strategic advantages for logistics and distribution operations.
Major employers include Continental Tire the Americas in Cheraw, one of Chesterfield County's largest industrial operations employing over 2,500 workers in tire manufacturing. Other significant employers include Chesterfield County School District, McLeod Health Cheraw hospital, Walmart Distribution Center, and various textile and manufacturing operations. Chesterfield County has experienced economic transitions as traditional textile mills have closed, requiring workforce development and diversification efforts.
The unemployment rate has historically tracked above state averages but has benefited from recent industrial recruitment and expansion projects. Economic development efforts are coordinated through Chesterfield County Economic Development Office and regional partnerships including the Pee Dee Regional Economic Development Corporation. Notable recent developments include expansions at existing manufacturing facilities and infrastructure improvements along major transportation corridors including US Highway 1, US Highway 52, and SC Highway 9.
Challenges include workforce development, broadband access in rural areas, and attracting new industries to offset manufacturing job losses in traditional sectors.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (Public Index) | Property: Yes: Free Online Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Roster | Vital Records: Limited: State Office/In-Person | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online Portal | Overall Score: 8/10, Chesterfield County provides good digital access to most public records through state and county portals with particularly strong property and court record access.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Chesterfield County
Explore public records for 8 cities and communities in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.