About Coosa County
Coosa County, Alabama is a rural county located in the east-central portion of the state, established on December 18, 1832. Named after the Coosa River that forms much of its western and southern boundaries, Coosa County includes approximately 778 square miles of rolling hills, forests, and waterways. Coosa County Seat is Rockford, a small town situated near the geographic center of Coosa County. According to recent U.S. Census estimates, Coosa County has a population of approximately 10,300 residents, making it one of Alabama's least populous counties.
Coosa County is bordered by Talladega County to the north, Clay County to the east, Tallapoosa County to the south, and Chilton and Elmore Counties to the west. Major landmarks include Lake Martin, one of Alabama's largest man-made reservoirs, which attracts recreational visitors and has spurred lakefront development. Coosa County Courthouse, located at 1 Court Square in Rockford, houses several key offices including Coosa County Probate Office, the Circuit Clerk, and the County Commission.
Coosa County Recorder functions are handled by the Judge of Probate, who maintains land records and property deeds. Coosa County Revenue Commissioner's office, also in Rockford, handles property tax assessments and collections. Historically, Coosa County's economy relied heavily on timber, agriculture, and textile mills.
Coosa County includes the municipalities of Rockford, Goodwater, Kellyton, and portions of Equality. What makes Coosa County unique is its largely undeveloped scene, preservation of rural character, and its position along the scenic Rockford area River corridor, which has shaped both its history and contemporary identity.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Coosa County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across the unincorporated areas of Coosa County. The office is tasked with patrolling these regions, managing Coosa County jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also engages in community outreach and crime prevention programs specific to Coosa County. Notable divisions within the office include the patrol division, investigations, and a dedicated team for handling drug-related offenses.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Coosa County is primarily managed by Coosa County Sheriff's Office, which covers the unincorporated areas. In addition to the Sheriff's Office, there are municipal police departments in the incorporated areas, such as the Rockford Police Department. These agencies work collaboratively to address crime and ensure public safety throughout Coosa County. Coordination between the Sheriff's Office and municipal departments is crucial for handling major crimes and emergencies.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Coosa County is primarily provided by Coosa County Sheriff's Office, Alabama 35136. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and is responsible for patrol services throughout unincorporated areas of Coosa County, serving warrants, courthouse security, and operating Coosa County Jail. Coosa County Detention Center, located adjacent to the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving sentences. Inmate information and booking records can be obtained by contacting the jail directly at or by visiting the Sheriff's Office in person.
- Citizens may request arrest records, incident reports, and booking information by submitting a written request to Coosa County Sheriff's Office.
- Mugshots and booking information may be viewed by visiting the Sheriff's Office during regular business hours and making a formal records request.
- Response times vary, but most requests are processed within 5-10 business days.
Currently, Coosa County does not maintain a full online inmate roster, so inquiries typically require phone contact or in-person visits during business hours. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Goodwater Police Department, which serves the town of Goodwater, Coosa County's largest county. Under Alabama's public records law, specifically the Alabama Open Records Act (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40), arrest records are generally considered public information.
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs and booking photographs (mugshots) as part of standard booking procedures. Some booking information may also be available through third-party mugshot websites that aggregate Alabama arrest data, though the Sheriff's Office remains the official source. There are no tribal law enforcement agencies in Coosa County, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands within county boundaries.
Special jurisdiction may apply at Lake Martin for boating and water safety enforcement, which involves the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's Marine Police Division.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Coosa County includes various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Coosa County Sheriff's Office maintains these records, while the Alabama Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request background checks through the ABI, which offers full reports on criminal history. The process involves submitting a formal request and may require a fee.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Coosa County are maintained by Coosa County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of arrests made within Coosa County, including the charges, arresting officer, and date of arrest. Residents and attorneys can request access to these records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, in compliance with the Alabama Open Records Act. A typical arrest record in Coosa County includes the individual's personal information, a description of the alleged offense, and the arresting agency.
Jail & Inmate Records
Coosa County Jail, located in Rockford, is the primary detention facility for Coosa County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate lookup is available through Coosa County Sheriff's Office, which provides information on current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to this facility, typically requiring appointments and adherence to a strict schedule.
- The bond and bail process follows Alabama state guidelines, allowing for the release of individuals pending trial, provided they meet the set conditions.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Coosa County are taken and retained by Coosa 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. Mugshots may also be available through third-party websites that aggregate public records. Alabama does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the underlying charges.
Courts & Case Records
The judicial system in Coosa County operates through several court divisions. Coosa County Circuit Court, located at 1 Court Square, Rockford, AL 35136 (phone: 256-377-4988), handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $10,000, appeals from lower courts, domestic relations matters including divorce and child custody, and equity cases. The Circuit Clerk maintains all circuit court records and can be reached at the same address.
- Coosa County District Court, also located at the courthouse in Rockford, has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, preliminary hearings for felonies, and civil cases under $10,000.
- Copies of court documents typically cost $0.50 per page for standard documents, with certified copies available for an additional fee of $1.00 per document plus the per-page charge.
- Case file searches may incur a research fee if extensive staff time is required.
Coosa County Probate Court, overseen by the Judge of Probate at 1 Court Square (phone: 256-377-4919), handles estates, wills, adoptions, name changes, guardianships, mental health commitments, and issues marriage licenses. Coosa County also has a municipal court in Goodwater that handles city ordinance violations and traffic matters within city limits. Court records in Alabama are governed by Alabama Rule of Judicial Administration 20, which establishes public access to most court documents with limited exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile matters, and certain confidential proceedings.
To search court records in Coosa County, individuals may visit the Circuit Clerk's office in person during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM). Currently, Coosa County does not offer a full online case search portal, though some limited case information may be available through the Alabama Judicial System's Alacourt.com platform, which requires paid access ($25 annual subscription for limited searches).
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Coosa County are maintained by Coosa County Judge of Probate, who is the ex-officio Register of Deeds. The Probate Office is located at 1 Court Square, P.O. Box 218, Rockford, AL 35136, and can be reached for The office maintains full records including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgages and deeds of trust, mortgage satisfactions, liens (mechanic's liens, judgment liens, tax liens), easements and rights-of-way, subdivision plats and surveys, and powers of attorney related to real property.
- Currently, Coosa County does not offer free online access to digitized land records through the Probate Office website.
- Researchers must visit the office in person or submit written requests by mail to obtain copies of recorded documents.
- Copies of recorded documents typically cost $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page.
- Certified copies require an additional fee.
- Property tax records and assessment information are maintained by Coosa County Revenue Commissioner's Office, also located in the courthouse complex in Rockford (phone: 256-377-4916).
These records date back to Coosa County's formation in 1832, with older records preserved on microfilm and in bound volumes. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The Revenue Commissioner maintains current and historical property tax information, property assessment values, property ownership data, and parcel identification numbers.
While some Alabama counties offer online GIS (Geographic Information System) mapping and property search tools, Coosa County's online property search capabilities are limited. Property owners and researchers typically need to contact the Revenue Commissioner's office directly for tax information or visit in person to access assessment rolls and tax maps. Alabama law (Code of Alabama § 40-9-26) provides that assessment records are public documents open to inspection during regular business hours.
Vital Records
Vital records for Coosa County residents are available through multiple sources depending on the type of record and date of the event. Birth and death certificates are maintained at both Coosa County and state levels.
- Birth certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy of the same certificate ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy.
- Processing time for mail requests is typically 4-6 weeks, though expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek.com, the state's authorized vital records ordering service, though this option includes additional service fees.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Coosa County Probate Court at 1 Court Square, Rockford, AL 36136 (phone: 256-377-4919).
For births and deaths that occurred in Coosa County, certified copies can be requested through Coosa County Department of Public Health, though for official certified copies recognized for legal purposes, most residents are directed to the Alabama Department of Public Health's Center for Health Statistics, located at 201 Monroe Street, Suite 1150, Montgomery, AL 36104 (phone: 334-206-5418). Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship or legal interest in the record. As of January 1, 2019, Alabama implemented a new marriage certificate system that eliminated the requirement for ceremony and solemnization; couples now simply record a marriage certificate after both parties sign.
The fee is $74 if filed electronically or $82 if filed in person. Certified copies of marriage records can be obtained from the Probate Office for a fee. Divorce records (divorce decrees) are maintained by the Circuit Clerk's office in Coosa County where the divorce was granted.
For Coosa County divorces, contact Coosa County Circuit Clerk for Alabama vital records law is codified at Code of Alabama §§ 22-9A-1 through 22-9A-20, which governs the registration, amendment, and disclosure of vital records.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Coosa County can be accessed through several offices depending on the type of business activity. For local business licenses and permits, contact Coosa County Commission office at the courthouse in Rockford (phone: 256-377-4988). Many business licenses in Alabama are issued at the municipal level, so businesses operating within Goodwater city limits should contact Goodwater Town Hall regarding city business licenses.
- Fictitious name registrations (Doing Business As or DBA filings) are filed with Coosa County Judge of Probate at 1 Court Square, Rockford, AL 35136 (phone: 256-377-4919).
- This searchable database includes business formation documents, registered agents, annual reports, and status information for entities registered in Alabama.
- Coosa County Chamber of Commerce, while not a government records repository, provides business development resources and networking opportunities for local businesses.
These records are public and can be searched by visiting the Probate Office during regular business hours. For full business entity searches including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and registered trademarks, the Alabama Secretary of State maintains a free online business entity database accessible at www.sos.alabama.gov. Professional and occupational licenses in Alabama are generally issued by state licensing boards rather than county offices.
Sales tax permits and licenses are issued by the Alabama Department of Revenue and can be applied for online through the My Alabama Taxes (MAT) portal. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits in unincorporated Coosa County are handled by Coosa County Commission and Coosa County's building inspection office. Contact the County Commission for information about construction permits, septic system permits, and zoning matters.
Economic development information may be available through Coosa County Economic Development office, which works to attract and retain businesses in Coosa County.
Elections & Voter Records
Election administration in Coosa County is managed by Coosa County Board of Registrars and Coosa County Probate Judge, who is the ex-officio election official. The Board of Registrars office is located at Coosa County Courthouse, 1 Court Square, Rockford, AL 35136, and can be reached for Voter registration in Coosa County is available through multiple methods: in-person registration at the Board of Registrars office during regular business hours, by mail using a downloadable Alabama voter registration form, or online through the Alabama Secretary of State's website at alabamavotes.gov.
- Alabama law requires voters to register at least 15 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
- To register, applicants must be U.S.
- These records can be requested through the Probate Office or Board of Registrars.
- In the November 2024 general election, Coosa County experienced voter turnout of approximately 55-60% of registered voters, consistent with turnout patterns in rural Alabama counties during presidential election years.
- Alabama election law (Code of Alabama Title 17) provides for public access to most election records while protecting certain voter privacy information such as Social Security numbers and dates of birth.
Citizens, residents of Alabama and Coosa County, at least 18 years old by election day, and not disqualified due to felony conviction or mental incapacity as determined by law. Voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling place by using the online voter portal at alabamavotes.gov or by contacting the Board of Registrars directly. Coosa County maintains several polling locations across Coosa County to serve voters in different precincts; specific polling place assignments are based on residential address.
Election records that are publicly available in Coosa County include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted per Alabama law), campaign finance reports filed by candidates for county offices, candidate qualifying information, and precinct-level election results. Historical election results for Coosa County are also available through the Alabama Secretary of State's website. The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House and Senate races (though Alabama's Senate seat is not up in 2026), along with Alabama state offices including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, state legislative seats, and various county offices. Absentee voting in Coosa County is available for voters who meet Alabama's absentee voting criteria, including voters who will be absent from Coosa County on election day, voters with physical illness or infirmity, voters who work a required shift, voters who are students or military stationed outside Coosa County, and voters over age 65. Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to Coosa County Absentee Election Manager (the Probate Judge) and can be downloaded from alabamavotes.gov.
Applications must be received by the Thursday before the election for regular absentee voting or by Monday at noon for emergency absentee situations. Completed absentee ballots must be returned by the close of polls on election day to be counted.
Economy & Demographics
Coosa County's economy is characterized by its rural nature, with traditional sectors including forestry, agriculture, and small-scale manufacturing playing important roles. Coosa County's largest employers include Coosa County Board of Education, which operates public schools throughout Coosa County, Coosa County government, healthcare providers including rural health clinics, and retail establishments. The timber industry remains economically significant, with privately owned forestland comprising a substantial portion of Coosa County's land area.
Agricultural operations focus primarily on cattle ranching, hay production, and small-scale farming. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Coosa County's median household income is approximately $41,000 to $45,000, significantly below both state and national averages, reflecting Coosa County's rural character and limited industrial base.
The poverty rate in Coosa County is higher than the Alabama state average. Lake Martin, which lies partially within Coosa County boundaries, drives a substantial portion of the local economy through recreation, tourism, and lakefront property development. The lake attracts visitors for boating, fishing, and vacation home rentals, supporting local marinas, restaurants, and service businesses.
Unemployment in Coosa County has historically tracked slightly above Alabama's state average, with rates fluctuating based on seasonal employment in construction, forestry, and tourism-related sectors. Recent economic development efforts have focused on improving infrastructure, promoting Coosa County's natural assets including Lake Martin, and attracting small manufacturers and distribution operations. Coosa County's proximity to larger employment centers including Sylacauga (in Talladega County) and Alexander City (in Tallapoosa County) means that many Coosa County residents commute outside Coosa County for work.
There are no major corporate headquarters or large industrial facilities within Coosa County. Retail activity is concentrated in Goodwater and along Highway 231. Coosa County has worked to promote agritourism and outdoor recreation as emerging economic sectors.
Broadband internet expansion remains a priority for economic development, as limited connectivity has historically hampered business growth and remote work opportunities.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Online (Alacourt paid access) | Property: Limited: In-Person Required | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Only | Vital Records: Limited: State Portal or In-Person | Business: Yes: State Online Search Available | Elections: Yes: State Portal for Voter Info | Overall Score: 5/10 — Coosa County's small size and limited resources result in minimal digital records access; most public records require in-person visits or phone contact with county offices in Rockford.