About Conway County
Conway County is located in central Arkansas, covering approximately 567 square miles of diverse terrain that includes portions of the Arkansas River Valley and the Ouachita and Ozark mountain foothills. The county seat is Morrilton, a city of approximately 6,700 residents situated along Interstate 40. Conway County was established on October 20, 1825, making it one of Arkansas's original counties, and was named after Henry Weedon Conway, a delegate to the United States Congress from the Arkansas Territory. The county's total population is approximately 20,000 residents.
- Other incorporated communities include Menifee, Plumerville, Oppelo, and Jerusalem.
Conway County is home to Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas's first state park, which sits atop Petit Jean Mountain and offers stunning vistas, hiking trails, Cedar Falls, and the historic Mather Lodge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The county is bisected by the Arkansas River and includes significant agricultural land, timber resources, and recreational areas. Major highways include Interstate 40, U.S.
Highway 64, and Arkansas Highway 9. The Conway County Courthouse, located at 117 South Moose Street in Morrilton, houses key offices including the County Clerk, Circuit Clerk, and County Judge. The Conway County Recorder maintains land records and property documents.
The Conway County Assessor's office, responsible for property valuations, is located at 1202 Oak Street in Morrilton. The county's economy historically relied on agriculture, particularly cotton and soybeans, but has diversified to include manufacturing, retail, and tourism centered around Petit Jean State Park and Lake Overcup.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Conway County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of the county. It oversees the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is committed to public safety and community engagement, offering programs such as neighborhood watch and drug prevention initiatives. The Sheriff's Office also collaborates with local police departments to ensure a coordinated approach to law enforcement across the county.
Police Departments
Conway County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Conway County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Morrilton Police Department and the Plumerville Police Department. Each department has jurisdiction within its respective city limits, while the Sheriff's Office covers the broader unincorporated areas. These agencies work together on major crimes and public safety initiatives, ensuring comprehensive law enforcement coverage throughout the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Conway County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 1105 Prairie Street in Morrilton, Arkansas 72110, provides primary law enforcement services throughout the unincorporated areas of Conway County and operates the Conway County Detention Center. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (501) 354-3024, and maintains responsibility for civil process service, courthouse security, and criminal investigations.
- Smaller municipalities including Menifee and Plumerville may contract with the Sheriff's Office for primary law enforcement or maintain limited police services.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written FOIA request to the Sheriff's Office or municipal police department that made the arrest.
- Booking photos and mugshots are generally considered public records in Arkansas and may be requested through the same FOIA process, though the agency may charge reasonable fees for copying and research time.
- The Conway County Sheriff's Office processes requests during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.
- Response time varies but agencies must respond to FOIA requests within a reasonable time, typically within three business days for acknowledgment.
Inmates housed at the Conway County Detention Center can be located through the facility's roster, which is typically available by calling the detention center directly or visiting the Sheriff's Office in person during business hours. Arkansas law does not mandate online inmate lookup systems for all counties, though some information may be available through third-party databases. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Morrilton Police Department, which serves the county seat and can be reached at (501) 354-1911.
Arrest records in Conway County are public records subject to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at Arkansas Code Annotated § 25-19-101 et seq. No tribal law enforcement agencies operate within Conway County as there are no federally recognized tribal lands in the county.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Conway County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Conway County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Arkansas State Police provide additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Arkansas State Police, which offers a comprehensive view of an individual's criminal history within the state.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Conway County are maintained by the Conway County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, subject to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. An arrest record in Conway County typically contains the individual's personal information, the nature of the offense, and the arresting agency.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Conway County Detention Center is the primary jail facility in the county. It handles the booking process for individuals arrested within the county, where they are photographed and fingerprinted. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring appointments and adherence to strict guidelines. Bail and bond processes follow Arkansas state regulations, allowing for release pending trial under certain conditions.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Conway County are taken and retained by the Conway 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. Arkansas does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can petition for removal if charges are dropped or if they are acquitted.
Courts & Case Records
Conway County's judicial system operates through the Fifth Judicial District of Arkansas. The Conway County Circuit Court, located at 117 South Moose Street in Morrilton, Arkansas 72110, has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $25,000, domestic relations, probate, and appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Court can be reached at (501) 354-9621. Arkansas has a unified court system, and circuit courts serve as the primary trial courts of general jurisdiction.
- The Conway County District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and civil matters under $25,000 in disputed amount.
- Justice of the Peace Courts exist in Conway County to handle small claims matters (typically under $5,000) and preliminary hearings in criminal cases.
- The Circuit Clerk's office maintains court records and charges fees for certified copies, typically $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, plus a certification fee.
- Walk-in searches at the courthouse are generally free, though copy fees apply.
- Online access through CourtConnect is free for case information, though detailed documents may require in-person requests.
Municipal courts operate in incorporated cities like Morrilton to handle city ordinance violations and traffic matters within city limits. Court records in Arkansas are presumed to be public under the Arkansas FOIA (Ark. Code Ann.
§ 25-19-105) unless specifically exempted by law or court rule. The Arkansas Judiciary offers CourtConnect, an online case search system at courtconnect.arkansas.gov, where users can search Conway County court cases by party name, case number, or attorney. Some records, particularly in juvenile, adoption, and certain mental health proceedings, are sealed by statute.
Marriage licenses are issued by the County Clerk's office at the courthouse, and divorce decrees are filed with the Circuit Clerk after final judgment.
Property & Public Records
The Conway County Recorder's office, located at 117 South Moose Street in Morrilton, Arkansas 72110, maintains all land records including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, mortgage releases, tax liens, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, easements, right-of-way agreements, and plat maps. The Recorder's office can be reached at (501) 354-9631. Arkansas is a race-notice state for recording real property interests, meaning properly recorded documents provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors.
- The Conway County Recorder provides public access to land records during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding county holidays.
- While some Arkansas counties offer online property record searches, Conway County residents and researchers should contact the Recorder's office directly to confirm current online availability.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost approximately $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, plus a certification fee, though fees should be confirmed with the office.
- The Assessor's office typically provides property tax information and parcel data to the public, and some information may be searchable online through the county or state systems.
Land records in Conway County date back to the county's establishment in 1825, with older records sometimes maintained on microfilm or in bound volumes. The Conway County Assessor's office, located at 1202 Oak Street in Morrilton, Arkansas 72110, telephone (501) 354-2564, maintains property tax assessment records including ownership information, legal descriptions, assessed valuations, and tax history. The Conway County Collector is responsible for collecting property taxes based on assessments.
The county may offer GIS mapping and parcel viewer tools through the Assessor or a dedicated GIS office—residents should contact county offices directly for current online mapping availability. All property records are public under Arkansas law unless specifically exempted.
Vital Records
Vital records for Conway County, Arkansas, including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees, are maintained by multiple offices depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Conway County are filed with the Arkansas Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, located at 4815 West Markham Street, Slot 44 in Little Rock, Arkansas 72205. The state vital records office can be reached at (501) 661-2336. Birth certificates cost $12 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates cost $10 per copy.
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests and 3-5 business days for expedited online orders (additional fees apply).
- The marriage license fee is approximately $60 (subject to change), and there is no waiting period in Arkansas once the license is issued.
Certified copies can be ordered in person, by mail, or online through VitalChek at Arkansas.gov/health/services/vital-records. Only eligible persons may obtain certified copies: the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, or persons with a tangible interest as defined by Arkansas Code Annotated § 20-18-304. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification.
Marriage licenses are issued by the Conway County Clerk's office at the Conway County Courthouse, 117 South Moose Street in Morrilton, Arkansas 72110, phone (501) 354-9621. Both parties must appear in person with valid identification and Social Security numbers. The license is valid for 60 days.
Divorce decrees are filed with the Conway County Circuit Clerk after the court grants the divorce, and certified copies can be obtained from the Circuit Clerk's office at the same courthouse address. Arkansas law (Ark. Code Ann.
§ 20-18-101 et seq.) governs vital records access and confidentiality provisions.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Conway County are maintained at multiple levels of government. The Conway County Clerk's office, located at 117 South Moose Street in Morrilton, Arkansas 72110, phone (501) 354-9621, handles certain local business filings including fictitious name registrations (doing business as or DBA filings) and may maintain records of business licenses depending on county ordinances.
- The Secretary of State's business search is available online at sos.arkansas.gov/business-commercial-services and allows free searches by business name, registered agent, or filing number.
- This database includes entity status, formation date, registered agent information, and principal office addresses.
- Business formation documents can be ordered from the Secretary of State for a fee.
- The Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce, serving Conway County, can be reached at morriltonareachamber.com or (501) 354-2393, and provides resources for businesses locating or operating in the area.
For comprehensive business entity searches, the Arkansas Secretary of State Business & Commercial Services Division maintains the official statewide database of corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other registered business entities. Professional and occupational licenses in Arkansas are typically issued by state-level boards and commissions rather than county offices—examples include licenses for contractors, cosmetologists, real estate agents, and healthcare professionals, all searchable through respective state licensing boards. Sales tax permits are issued by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration and can be verified through state systems.
Local business licenses and permits may be required by municipalities within Conway County; the City of Morrilton may have specific business license requirements—contact Morrilton City Hall at (501) 354-1911 for city-specific requirements. Building permits, zoning approvals, and development permits in unincorporated Conway County are handled by the County Judge's office or a designated planning and zoning department. Construction and contractor licensing is regulated at the state level through various boards.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Conway County, Arkansas are administered by the Conway County Clerk, who serves as the county election official. The County Clerk's office is located at 117 South Moose Street in Morrilton, Arkansas 72110, and can be reached at (501) 354-9621 for election-related questions. Voter registration in Conway County is handled through the County Clerk's office and the Arkansas Secretary of State. Arkansas residents may register to vote online at Arkansas.gov/vote-in-arkansas, the official state voter registration portal, or by submitting a paper application to the County Clerk.
- The 2024 general election in Conway County saw turnout of approximately 50-56% of registered voters, consistent with rural Arkansas counties in presidential election years.
- Transparency in Conway County elections is supported by Arkansas FOIA requirements, allowing citizens to request election materials, vote totals, absentee ballot logs, and pollbook records.
To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens, Arkansas residents, at least 18 years old by the next election, and not currently adjudicated mentally incompetent or convicted of a felony (unless rights have been restored). The voter registration deadline in Arkansas is 30 days before any election.
Conway County voters can find their assigned polling place by contacting the County Clerk's office or using the voter view lookup tool on the Arkansas Secretary of State website, which provides polling location, sample ballots, and voter registration status. Arkansas law makes certain election records public, including certified voter registration lists (available for lawful election purposes), candidate filing information, campaign finance reports (filed with the Arkansas Ethics Commission), and precinct-level election results. The Conway County Clerk posts unofficial election results on election night and certifies official results following the canvass period.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, and will include U.S. House of Representatives races (Arkansas has four congressional districts), potential U.S. Senate races depending on the election cycle, Arkansas state constitutional offices including Governor, and state legislative seats.
Conway County is part of Arkansas State House and Senate districts determined by redistricting. Absentee voting in Arkansas is available to voters who meet specific criteria under Arkansas Code Annotated § 7-5-402, including being unavoidably absent from the polling site, being unable to attend due to illness or physical disability, or being a member of the uniformed services or overseas citizen. Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to the Conway County Clerk, and voted ballots must be returned by the close of polls on Election Day.
Early voting is available at designated locations in Conway County beginning 15 days before Election Day and ending the day before the election (excluding Sundays), typically at the County Clerk's office or other designated sites. Campaign finance disclosure is managed at the state level through the Arkansas Ethics Commission.
Economy & Demographics
Conway County's economy reflects a blend of traditional Arkansas industries and modern diversification. Agriculture remains significant, with row crops including soybeans, corn, rice, and wheat cultivated in the fertile Arkansas River Valley bottomlands. Cattle ranching and poultry production also contribute to the agricultural economy, consistent with statewide trends in Arkansas agribusiness. Timber and forest products are harvested from the county's substantial forested areas in the hill country.
- The median household income in Conway County is approximately $42,000 to $48,000, below the Arkansas state median, reflecting the rural character and agricultural base of the economy.
- The Arkansas River provides recreational opportunities and historically supported transportation and commerce.
- The county's location along Interstate 40, approximately 50 miles northwest of Little Rock, provides transportation access for logistics and distribution businesses.
Manufacturing has grown as a key employment sector, with several facilities operating in and around Morrilton. Major employers include Virco Manufacturing, which produces school and office furniture; Lennox Industries, manufacturing heating and cooling equipment; and Rocket Supply, a distribution company. Tourism centered on Petit Jean State Park generates significant economic activity, with the park attracting visitors year-round for camping, hiking, and events at the Mather Lodge.
Retail and service businesses in Morrilton serve as the primary commercial hub for the county. Healthcare is provided by CHI St. Vincent Morrilton, a critical access hospital and major employer.
Unemployment rates in Conway County typically track slightly above state averages, ranging from 3.5% to 5% depending on economic conditions. Economic development efforts focus on industrial recruitment, downtown revitalization in Morrilton, and leveraging tourism assets. The Conway County Economic Development Corporation works to attract new businesses and retain existing employers.
No significant tribal economic enterprises operate in Conway County.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online via CourtConnect | Property: ⚠️ Limited Online, In-Person Available | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person Requests | Vital Records: ⚠️ State Office/VitalChek Online | Business: ✅ State Online Search | Elections: ✅ State Voter Portal, Local Records Available | Overall Score: 6/10 — Conway County provides access to public records primarily through in-person requests and state-level online systems; local digitization is limited compared to larger Arkansas counties.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Conway County
Explore public records for 9 cities and communities in Conway County, Arkansas.
Nearby Counties
Explore public records in counties that border Conway County.