About Coos County
Coos County is located on the southwestern coast of Oregon, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and stretching inland to cover approximately 1,629 square miles of diverse terrain including coastal beaches, forested mountains, and river valleys. Coos County Seat is Coquille, though the largest city is Coos Bay, which is the economic and commercial hub of Coos County. As of the 2020 Census, Coos County had a population of approximately 64,929 residents.
Coos County was established on December 22, 1853, making it one of Oregon's original counties, and was named after the Coos Native American tribe. Major landmarks include the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Shore Acres State Park, Cape Arago State Park, and the historic Coos Bay Bridge. Coos County's economy has historically been tied to timber harvesting, commercial fishing, and port operations, with the Port of Coos Bay being the largest deep-draft coastal harbor between San Francisco and the Columbia River.
Coos County Courthouse is located at 250 North Baxter Street in Coquille, housing the County Clerk's office. Coos County Clerk's office, responsible for recording deeds and property documents, operates within the Clerk's office at the same address. Coos County Assessor's office, which maintains property tax records and assessments, is located at 250 North Baxter Street, Room 102, Coquille, OR 97423, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Coos County's rich natural resources, scenic coastal beauty, and maritime heritage make Coos County a unique blend of working-class industrial communities and outdoor recreation destinations.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Coos County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Coos County. The office manages Coos County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also oversees various programs, including search and rescue operations and marine patrols, which are crucial given Coos County's extensive waterways. The office is committed to community safety and works closely with local police departments to address crime and public safety concerns.
Police Departments
Coos County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Coos County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Coos Bay Police Department, North Bend Police Department, and Bandon Police Department. Each department has jurisdiction over its respective city, while the Sheriff's Office covers unincorporated areas. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, making sure of full law enforcement coverage throughout Coos County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Coos County is primarily handled by Coos County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 250 North Baxter Street in Coquille, Oregon 97423. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a website at www.co.coos.or.us/departments/sheriff. The agency provides patrol services to unincorporated areas of Coos County, operates Coos County Jail, and manages civil process service. Coos County Jail, located at the same address as the Sheriff's Office, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates.
- Citizens can request arrest records by submitting a written request to the law enforcement agency that made the arrest, identifying the specific records sought.
- Response time and any associated fees vary by agency.
Inmate information can be obtained by calling the jail at or visiting the Sheriff's Office website, which may provide an inmate roster with booking information. Municipal police departments operating within Coos County include the Coos Bay Police Department (500 Central Avenue, Coos Bay), the North Bend Police Department (1840 Sheridan Avenue, North Bend), the Bandon Police Department (555 Highway 101, Bandon), the Coquille Police Department (851 North Central Boulevard, Coquille), and the Myrtle Point Police Department (424 Fifth Street, Myrtle Point). Arrest records in Coos County are considered public records under Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 192, the state's public records law.
Booking photographs (mugshots) are generally available through the jail or arresting agency, though some information may be restricted if it pertains to ongoing investigations or juvenile records. The Coquille Indian Tribe maintains limited law enforcement jurisdiction on tribal lands. Oregon's public records law (ORS 192.410-192.505) governs access to arrest logs, incident reports, and booking records, with certain exemptions for active investigations and personal privacy considerations.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Coos County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Coos County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Oregon State Police manage the statewide sex offender registry. Background checks can be conducted through the Oregon State Police, which provides full criminal history reports. The Oregon Bureau of Investigation offers resources for residents to access criminal records and ensure public safety.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Coos County are maintained by Coos County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by submitting a formal request to the Sheriff's Office, following the guidelines set by the Oregon Public Records Law. A Coos County arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, arrest date, charges, and case status.
Jail & Inmate Records
Coos County Jail, located in Coquille, is the primary detention facility for Coos County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmate information can be accessed through Coos County's online inmate lookup system. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, and visitors must adhere to strict guidelines. The bond process follows Oregon's regulations, allowing for bail to be posted through cash or bond agencies.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Coos County are taken and retained by Coos 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. Oregon does not have specific mugshot removal laws, so mugshots remain accessible unless expunged by court order. The Sheriff's Office provides guidance on how to search for mugshots and any associated records.
Courts & Case Records
Coos County is served by Coos County Circuit Court, part of Oregon's unified trial court system. The courthouse is located at 250 North Baxter Street, Coquille, OR 97423, and the main phone number is. The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over all civil, criminal, juvenile, probate, and domestic relations matters arising in Coos County. Oregon does not use the term "Superior Court" or "District Court" at Coos County level; instead, the Circuit Court handles all trial-level proceedings. The court also includes a Small Claims Department for disputes under $10,000.
- Case information can be accessed through the Oregon Judicial Department's online case information system, Oregon eCourt (formerly OJIN), available at www.courts.oregon.gov.
- Fees for copies of court documents are established by ORS 21.145 and typically include $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, with certified copies costing an additional fee.
- Traffic violations and minor infractions may be processed through the court's Violations Bureau.
The eCourt portal allows users to search civil and criminal case records by party name, case number, or attorney. Some records may require in-person access at the courthouse, particularly sealed or confidential files. Court records are governed by Oregon's public records law (ORS 192.410-192.505) and court-specific rules regarding access to judicial records.
Coos County Clerk's Office, located within the courthouse, maintains the official court record and can assist with document retrieval. Probate matters, including estate administration and guardianship proceedings, are handled by the Circuit Court's Probate Department. All court proceedings are matters of public record unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute, such as juvenile dependency cases or certain family law matters.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Coos County are maintained by Coos County Clerk's office, which is the County Recorder, located at 250 North Baxter Street, Coquille, OR 97423. The office can be reached, extension 244. The Recorder's office maintains documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens (mechanic's liens, judgment liens, tax liens), easements, right-of-way agreements, plat maps, subdivision maps, and other instruments affecting real property title.
- The Recording Department charges fees based on Oregon Revised Statutes, typically $55 for the first page and $5 for each additional page for recording deeds and similar documents.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost approximately $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, plus a certification fee.
- The GIS system provides valuable visual context for property research, though official documents should be obtained from the Recorder's office.
Oregon law requires that most real property documents be recorded to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors. Coos County offers an online property records search through its website at www.co.coos.or.us, though access may be limited compared to in-person research. Property tax information is maintained by Coos County Assessor's office at 250 North Baxter Street, Room 102, Coquille, OR 97423, phone.
The Assessor maintains property assessment records, tax rolls, and parcel information. Property tax inquiries and payments are handled by Coos County Tax Collector's office at the same location. Coos County provides a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) property viewer accessible through Coos County website, allowing users to view parcel boundaries, ownership information, assessed values, and tax account numbers.
Land records are public records under ORS 192.410 and are accessible to any member of the public during regular business hours.
Vital Records
Vital records for Coos County, Oregon, including birth and death certificates, are available through multiple sources. For births and deaths that occurred in Coos County, certified copies can be requested from the Oregon Center for Health Statistics, P.O. Box 14050, Portland, OR 97293-0050, phone, or online at www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/BIRTHDEATHCERTIFICATES. The state office is the primary repository for Oregon vital records. Birth certificates cost $25 for the first certified copy and $25 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates cost $25 for the first copy and $25 for each additional copy.
- Processing time is typically 6-8 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- The license costs approximately $60 and is valid for 60 days.
- Divorce records (dissolution of marriage decrees) are court records maintained by Coos County Circuit Court and can be accessed through the court clerk's office.
- Applicants requesting vital records must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of relationship or legal interest in the record being requested.
Online ordering through VitalChek is available for an additional service charge, with faster turnaround times. Birth records in Oregon are confidential for 100 years under ORS 432.120 and are only available to the registrant (if of legal age), parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, or legal representatives. Death records are public records after they become final, typically within a few days of filing.
Marriage licenses in Oregon are issued by the County Clerk's office in Coos County where the ceremony will take place. Coos County Clerk's office at 250 North Baxter Street, Coquille, OR 97423, phone, issues marriage licenses for ceremonies performed in Coos County. A three-day waiting period applies unless waived by the court.
Marriage records become public records after filing and can be obtained from the County Clerk or the state office.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Coos County involves multiple levels of government. Local business licenses and permits are typically handled by individual municipalities rather than Coos County. The City of Coos Bay requires business licenses for most commercial activities within city limits; applications can be obtained from the Coos Bay City Hall at 500 Central Avenue, Coos County Bay, OR 97420, phone. North Bend, Bandon, Coquille, and Myrtle Point have similar municipal business license requirements.
- The business registry includes entity name, registration number, registered agent, business address, status (active/inactive), and formation date.
For county-level business name registrations, Coos County Clerk's office at 250 North Baxter Street, Coquille, OR 97423, phone, accepts assumed business name (DBA or "doing business as") filings. However, the primary repository for business entity records in Oregon is the Oregon Secretary of State Corporation Division. The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at egov.sos.state.or.us/br/pkg_web_name_srch_inq.login where users can search for corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other registered business entities operating in Oregon, including those based in Coos County.
Oregon does not have a state sales tax, so sales tax permits are not required. Professional and occupational licenses are regulated by state boards and agencies rather than Coos County. Building permits, land use permits, and zoning approvals for unincorporated areas of Coos County are handled by Coos County Planning Department, located at 250 North Baxter Street, Coquille, OR 97423, phone, extension 354.
The Building Department issues permits for construction, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce serves the Coos Bay and North Bend area and can be reached at www.oregonsbayareachamber.com, phone. Business records filed with Coos County and state are generally public records under ORS 192.410, subject to limited exceptions for trade secrets and certain confidential financial information.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Coos County, Oregon, are administered by Coos County Clerk's Office, which serves as Coos County elections authority. The elections office is located at 250 North Baxter Street, Room 102, Coquille, OR 97423, and can be reached, extension 201. Coos County elections website is accessible through www.co.coos.or.us/departments/clerk. Oregon conducts all elections entirely by mail, meaning there are no traditional polling places; instead, all registered voters receive ballots by mail approximately 14-18 days before Election Day.
- Since Oregon is a vote-by-mail state, ballots are automatically mailed to all active registered voters at their registered address.
- Citizens can request copies of ballot images, signature verification logs (with signatures redacted), and other election administration records through a public records request to the County Clerk.
Voter registration in Oregon can be completed online at oregonvotes.gov, the Secretary of State's voter registration portal, or by submitting a paper registration form to the County Clerk. Oregon has automatic voter registration through the DMV, and the registration deadline is 21 days before any election. Voters can update their registration, check registration status, and track ballot status through the state's My Vote portal at egov.sos.state.or.us/myvote.
Voted ballots must be returned by 8:00 PM on Election Day, either by mail (postage is prepaid) or by depositing them in official ballot drop boxes located throughout Coos County. Drop box locations are listed on Coos County elections website and typically include locations in Coos Bay, North Bend, Bandon, Coquille, and Myrtle Point. In the November 2024 general election, Coos County had a voter turnout of approximately 72%, consistent with Oregon's typically high vote-by-mail participation rates.
The next major election is November 3, 2026, when Oregon voters will elect members of the U.S. House of Representatives, one U.S. Senator (depending on the cycle), state constitutional officers including Governor, and state legislators, along with local county offices and ballot measures.
Election records that are public in Oregon include the voter registration list (with certain personal information redacted under ORS 247.965), campaign finance reports filed with the Oregon Secretary of State and accessible at egov.sos.state.or.us/orestar, candidate filing information, precinct-level election results, and vote totals by district. Abstract and detailed election results are posted on Coos County elections website following certification. Oregon's public records law (ORS 192.410-192.505) and election-specific statutes (ORS Chapter 247-260) govern public access to election materials.
Oregon's vote-by-mail system includes security features such as signature verification, ballot tracking, and chain-of-custody documentation, all of which contribute to election transparency.
Economy & Demographics
Coos County's economy has historically been dominated by natural resource extraction, particularly timber harvesting and commercial fishing, though economic diversification efforts have expanded the employment base in recent decades. Coos County's median household income was approximately $48,000 according to recent estimates, below both the state and national averages. Major economic sectors include healthcare and social assistance, with Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay being one of the largest employers in Coos County.
- The Coquille Indian Tribe operates The Mill Casino Hotel & RV Park in North Bend, which provides employment and generates economic activity for Coos County.
- Manufacturing, including food processing and industrial equipment, maintains a presence in Coos County.
The timber and wood products industry, while substantially reduced from its peak employment levels in the 1970s and 1980s, remains economically significant, with mills and forestry operations providing jobs throughout Coos County. The Port of Coos Bay is a critical economic asset, handling forest products, bulk cargo, and supporting maritime industries including shipbuilding and repair. Commercial fishing, particularly for Dungeness crab, salmon, and tuna, contributes to Coos County's economy, with Coos Bay and Charleston serving as working waterfronts.
Tourism has become increasingly important, driven by the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, state parks, fishing, crabbing, and scenic coastal attractions that draw visitors year-round. Retail trade and accommodation/food services employ significant numbers of residents, many in seasonal positions. Unemployment rates in Coos County have historically tracked above state averages, reflecting the decline of timber employment and the seasonal nature of tourism jobs.
Economic development efforts focus on attracting freight shipment operations through the port, supporting small business development, promoting tourism infrastructure, and investing in workforce training. The Coos Bay-North Bend area is the commercial center for southwestern Oregon's coast. The timber-dependent communities of Coquille, Myrtle Point, and Bandon have worked to diversify their economic bases through small business growth and agricultural development, including cranberry cultivation, dairy farming, and livestock operations.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online via Oregon eCourt | Property: Yes: Online GIS/Assessor | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/Limited Online | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: State Online Search | Elections: Yes: Online Portal & Mail Ballots | Overall Score: 7.5/10, Coos County provides good digital access through state systems and county GIS tools, though some records require in-person requests or phone contact.
Official Government Resources
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Cities & Towns in Coos County
Explore public records for 9 cities and communities in Coos County, Oregon.