About Coffey County
Coffey County is located in east-central Kansas, established in 1855 and named after Captain Asbury M. Coffey, a pioneer and early settler. Coffey County Seat is Burlington, situated at 131 E. 8th Street, which is the administrative hub for county operations. Coffey County includes approximately 654 square miles and maintains a population of around 8,300 residents according to recent census estimates. Coffey County is characterized by rolling hills, prairies, and the John Redmond Reservoir, a significant recreational landmark managed by the U.S.
- Coffey County is served by several key offices including Coffey County Register of Deeds located in the courthouse at 110 S.
Army Corps of Engineers that attracts fishing, boating, and camping enthusiasts from across Coffey County. Agriculture remains the backbone of Coffey County's economy, with cattle ranching, wheat, corn, and soybean production dominating the scene. 6th Street in Burlington, Coffey County Clerk's office handling elections and vital records, and Coffey County Appraiser's office responsible for property valuations and tax assessments.
Historic downtown Burlington features preserved 19th-century architecture and shows Coffey County's pioneering heritage. LeRoy and Waverly are other incorporated municipalities within Coffey County. The Wolf Creek Generating Station, a nuclear power plant operated by Evergy, stands as a major landmark and employer, contributing significantly to Coffey Countyal power grid and local tax base.
Coffey County's unique blend of agricultural tradition, recreational opportunities at John Redmond Reservoir, and modern energy infrastructure makes it a distinctive community in the Flint Hills region of Kansas.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Coffey County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Coffey County. This office patrols rural regions, manages Coffey County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The sheriff's office is also involved in community outreach programs and collaborates with local agencies to ensure public safety. Notable divisions within the office include the patrol division, investigations, and a dedicated team for handling emergency management and disaster response.
Police Departments
Coffey County is served by multiple law enforcement agencies, including Coffey County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Burlington Police Department, Lebo Police Department, and New Strawn Police Department are key agencies within Coffey County. These departments handle law enforcement within their respective city limits, while the sheriff's office covers rural areas. Coordination between these agencies is crucial for handling major crimes and making sure of full coverage across Coffey County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Coffey County Sheriff's Office, located at 110 S. 6th Street in Burlington, Kansas 66839, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Coffey County. The agency operates Coffey County Jail, a detention facility housing inmates awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences.
Inmate lookup information can be obtained by calling the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, as Coffey County does not currently maintain a dedicated online inmate roster system. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Burlington Police Department serving Coffey County Seat, with smaller municipalities relying on county sheriff coverage or part-time officers. Arrest records in Coffey County are considered public information under the Kansas Open Records Act (K.S.
45-215 through 45-223), which requires government agencies to make public records available for inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by law. Booking photographs and mugshots are typically available through direct request to the Sheriff's Office, as Kansas law generally considers these public records once an individual has been formally booked into custody.
Coffey County does not have tribal law enforcement jurisdiction, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands within Coffey County boundaries. Traffic enforcement on state and federal highways is supplemented by the Kansas Highway Patrol Troop D, which covers this portion of east-central Kansas.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Coffey County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can request background checks through the KBI, which offers detailed reports on criminal history. The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, making sure of community awareness and safety.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Coffey County are maintained by Coffey 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. The Kansas Open Records Act governs the accessibility of these records, for public access and public access to information. Arrest records typically contain the date of arrest, charges filed, and the arresting officer's details.
Jail & Inmate Records
Coffey County Jail, located in Burlington, is the primary detention facility for people arrested in Coffey County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainee. Inmate lookup is available through the sheriff's office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled times and guidelines that must be adhered to.
- The bond and bail process follows Kansas state laws, allowing for the release of detainees under specific conditions while awaiting trial.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Coffey County are taken and retained by Coffey County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These photographs are part of the public record and can be accessed through the sheriff's office or online databases. While Kansas does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals can request removal or sealing of records under certain conditions, such as expungement. Searching for mugshots can be done through the sheriff's website or by visiting the office in person.
Courts & Case Records
The 4th Judicial District Court serves Coffey County, with Coffey County District Court located at 110 S. 6th Street, Burlington, Kansas 66839. Court administration can be contacted through the office’s website. Coffey County Court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $4,000, domestic relations including divorce and child custody, probate and estate administration, juvenile matters, and appeals from municipal courts. Kansas District Courts have general jurisdiction over most legal matters arising within their territorial boundaries.
- Remote access to some court documents is available through the Kansas eFiling system for registered attorneys and parties.
- The court requires proper identification for in-person record requests and may restrict access to confidential materials as defined by statute or court order.
The court maintains case records that are generally accessible to the public under Kansas Supreme Court Rule 1.12, which governs access to judicial records. Online case searches for Coffey County can be conducted through the Kansas Judicial Branch website at www.kscourts.org using the District Court case search portal, though some sensitive case types including juvenile and sealed records are restricted. Municipal courts operate in Burlington and other incorporated cities within Coffey County, handling traffic violations, city ordinance violations, and misdemeanor offenses occurring within city limits.
These municipal courts have limited jurisdiction and typically hold sessions weekly or monthly depending on caseload. Probate matters including estate administration, guardianships, and conservatorships are filed with the District Court Clerk's office in Burlington. Court records may be accessed in person at the Clerk of the District Court office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with certified copies available for a statutory fee of $1.00 per page plus a $1.00 certification fee.
Property & Public Records
Coffey County Register of Deeds office, located at 110 S. 6th Street, Burlington, Kansas 66839, maintains land and property records for Coffey County. The office can be contacted at and is responsible for recording and preserving documents affecting real property including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, releases, liens, easements, rights-of-way, and plat maps. These records are public documents available for inspection and copying under Kansas open records laws.
- Recording fees are established by Kansas statute, with standard documents costing $58.00 for the first page and $4.00 for each additional page as of current fee schedules.
- The Appraiser's office provides access to Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping tools that allow users to view parcel boundaries, aerial photography, and property characteristics.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Register of Deeds for the statutory fee, with walk-in service available during regular business hours.
The Register of Deeds provides online access to recorded documents through a subscription-based service, with document images typically available from the mid-1980s forward, though the office maintains historical records dating back to Coffey County's founding in 1855. Coffey County Appraiser's office, also located in the courthouse, maintains property tax records including valuations, parcel descriptions, ownership information, and assessment history. Property tax information can be searched through Coffey County's website or the Kansas Department of Revenue Property Valuation Division portal.
Coffey County Treasurer's office, located in the same courthouse complex, handles property tax collections and can provide payment history and tax statement information. Online property tax payments are accepted through Coffey County's payment portal. Historical land records and survey information are preserved as permanent records and are invaluable resources for title searches, boundary disputes, and historical research.
Vital Records
Vital records for Coffey County, Kansas are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Coffey County can be requested through Coffey County Clerk's office at 110 S. 6th Street, Burlington, Kansas 66839 However, the Kansas Office of Vital Statistics, located at 1000 SW Jackson Street, Suite 120, Topeka, Kansas 66612, is the central repository for all Kansas vital records and may be a more reliable source for certified copies, particularly for older records.
- Birth certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $15.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time, while death certificates follow the same fee structure.
- Processing time for vital records requests is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests, though in-person requests at Coffey County level may be available for same-day service if the record is readily accessible.
- The marriage license fee is $85.50, and there is no waiting period in Kansas, with the license valid for six months from issuance.
- Death certificates have fewer restrictions but still require requestors to demonstrate a legitimate purpose.
- Online ordering of Kansas vital records is available through VitalChek, an authorized vendor, at www.kdhe.ks.gov/vitals, though expedited service fees apply.
Marriage licenses must be obtained from Coffey County Clerk's office prior to the ceremony, with both applicants required to appear in person with valid government-issued photo identification. Divorce decrees are court records maintained by the Clerk of the District Court rather than vital records, and certified copies can be obtained from that office. Kansas law (K.S.
65-2422) restricts access to birth certificates to the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and individuals with a direct and tangible interest, requiring requestors to provide valid identification and proof of eligibility. Genealogical researchers should note that birth records older than 100 years are generally considered public records with fewer access restrictions.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Coffey County are maintained by several agencies depending on the type of business activity. Coffey County Clerk's office at 110 S. 6th Street, Burlington, processes assumed name filings (also called DBA or "doing business as" registrations) for businesses operating under names other than the owner's legal name, with fees established by Kansas statute.
- The Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce, accessible at burlingtonkschamber.com, provides resources for businesses including networking opportunities, community information, and economic development support.
However, formal business entity registration including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations must be filed with the Kansas Secretary of State's Business Services Division. The Kansas Secretary of State maintains a full online Business Entity Search available at www.kssos.org/business/business.html, allowing free public searches of registered entities, registered agents, filing dates, and current status. This database is the authoritative source for verifying business registrations in Kansas.
Professional licenses including those for contractors, cosmetologists, healthcare providers, and other regulated professions are issued by the Kansas Department of Commerce or specific professional licensing boards rather than at Coffey County level. Sales tax permits and registration are handled by the Kansas Department of Revenue. Local business licensing requirements vary by county, with the City of Burlington maintaining its own business license requirements for businesses operating within city limits; inquiries should be directed to Burlington City Hall.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are administered by Coffey County Planning and Zoning Department, which can be reached through Coffey County courthouse. Commercial construction and development projects require plan review and inspection to ensure compliance with adopted building codes and zoning regulations. Agricultural operations may require additional permits from the Kansas Department of Agriculture or Kansas Department of Health and Environment depending on the scale and nature of operations, particularly for confined animal feeding operations or pesticide applications.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Coffey County are administered by Coffey County Clerk, who serves as Coffey County election officer. Coffey County Clerk's office is located at 110 S. 6th Street, Burlington, Kansas 66839, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Election information and updates are posted through Coffey County website at coffeycountyks.org. Voter registration in Kansas can be completed online through the Kansas Secretary of State's website at www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/VoterReg/Default.aspx, by mail using a Kansas voter registration form, or in person at the County Clerk's office.
- Kansas law requires voters to register at least 21 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
- Citizens may request copies of precinct-level election results, candidate filings, and other election records under the Kansas Open Records Act, promoting transparency in the electoral process.
- Coffey County Clerk's office provides election result summaries following each election, typically posted on Coffey County website and available in printed form upon request.
Registered voters can verify their registration status and find their polling place by visiting the Kansas Voter View system at myvoteinfo.voteks.org, which provides personalized voter information including sample ballots, polling locations, and advance voting schedules. Coffey County typically operates several polling places on election day, with locations published on Coffey County website and through local media in advance of each election. Election records that are public under Kansas law include voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted for privacy), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political action committees, candidate filing documents, and certified election results broken down by precinct.
Coffey County Clerk maintains these records and makes them available for public inspection under K.S. 25-2011 and related election statutes. In the November 2024 general election, Coffey County experienced voter turnout of approximately 65-70%, consistent with typical presidential election year participation rates in rural Kansas counties.
The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, U.S. Senate seats if scheduled, Kansas state legislature positions, and various county offices depending on the election cycle.
Advance voting by mail is available in Kansas through the advance ballot process; voters may request an advance ballot from the County Clerk's office beginning approximately 60 days before an election, with applications accepted by mail, email, fax, or in person. Kansas requires advance ballot applications to be received by the second Tuesday before the election for mail delivery, though in-person advance voting at the County Clerk's office continues through noon on the Monday before election day.
Economy & Demographics
Coffey County's economy is fundamentally rooted in agriculture, with cattle ranching, crop production, and related agribusiness forming the traditional economic foundation. Coffey County contains approximately 420,000 acres of land, much of it devoted to agricultural use including wheat, corn, soybean, and hay production alongside significant cattle operations.
- The median household income in Coffey County is estimated at approximately $55,000 to $60,000, somewhat below the Kansas state average but reflective of the rural agricultural economy.
- The healthcare sector provides stable employment through the Coffey Health System in Burlington, which operates a critical access hospital and associated clinics serving Coffey County and surrounding region.
- Highway 75 provides north-south transportation connectivity, though the rural nature and distance from major metropolitan areas presents challenges for certain types of economic development.
However, the Wolf Creek Generating Station, a nuclear power plant operated by Evergy, represents the largest single employer and most significant economic contributor in Coffey County, employing several hundred workers with highly competitive wages and generating substantial property tax revenue that benefits schools and local government. The John Redmond Reservoir and associated U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation areas contribute to tourism and outdoor recreation sectors, supporting local businesses including marinas, campgrounds, bait shops, and hospitality services.
Manufacturing has a presence in Coffey County, though on a smaller scale than in more urbanized Kansas counties. Retail trade and service businesses concentrated in Burlington serve both local residents and the surrounding rural population. The unemployment rate in Coffey County typically tracks close to or slightly below the Kansas state average, generally ranging between 3% and 4% in recent years, reflecting relatively stable economic conditions.
Economic development efforts focus on maintaining the agricultural base while attracting compatible light manufacturing, supporting small business growth, and using recreational assets. Coffey County's location along U.S. Wind energy development has emerged as a newer economic factor in Coffey County, with some landowners receiving lease payments for turbine placement, though this sector is less developed in Coffey County than in western Kansas.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online via Kansas Courts | Property: Yes: Online Subscription + Appraiser Search | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Only | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: State Online Search | Elections: Yes: Online Voter Tools | Overall Score: 7/10, Coffey County provides good access to court and property records through state and county systems, though jail rosters require direct contact and vital records lack online ordering at county level.
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Cities & Towns in Coffey County
Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Coffey County, Kansas.