About Craig County
Craig County is a rural county located in the western portion of Virginia, located in the Allegheny Mountains along the state's border with West Virginia. Established in 1851 from portions of Botetourt, Roanoke, Giles, and Monroe counties, Craig County was named after Congressman Robert Craig. Craig County Seat is New Castle, a small town that is the administrative and judicial center for Craig County. Craig County includes approximately 331 square miles of mountainous terrain, characterized by steep ridges, valleys, and the scenic New Castle area Creek that runs through Craig County.
- The Commissioner of the Revenue assesses property values and maintains tax records, while the County Treasurer collects taxes and fees.
With a population of approximately 5,000 residents according to recent estimates, Craig County is one of Virginia's least populated counties, offering a rural lifestyle with strong community ties. Major landmarks include the Jefferson National Forest, which covers significant portions of Craig County, Fenwick Mines Recreation Area, and Craigs Creek, a popular trout fishing destination. Craig County's economy has historically been tied to agriculture, timber, and natural resource extraction.
Craig County Courthouse, houses the Circuit Court Clerk's office, which is the primary custodian of land records, court documents, and marriage licenses. Craig County Administrator's office and Board of Supervisors oversee county operations from the same complex. Craig County's remote location and preserved natural beauty make it unique among Virginia counties, attracting outdoor enthusiasts while maintaining its agricultural heritage.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Craig County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Craig County. The office patrols the unincorporated areas, making sure of the safety and security of its residents. It also manages Craig County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records.
Police Departments
In addition to Craig County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Craig County is supported by the New Castle Police Department, which serves the town of New Castle. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, making sure of full coverage and response to incidents throughout Craig County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Craig County, Virginia, is primarily provided by Craig County Sheriff's Office, New Castle, VA 24127. Craig County does not maintain a standalone county jail; inmates are typically housed at the New River Valley Regional Jail in Dublin, Virginia, or the Western Virginia Regional Jail in Salem, Virginia.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office, and reasonable fees may be charged for copying and research time.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the Sheriff's Office or the detention facility where an individual is housed, though policies vary regarding online publication.
To search for inmates from Craig County, citizens should contact the Sheriff's Office directly or visit the New River Valley Regional Jail website at www.nrvregionaljail.com, which provides an online inmate locator system. The Town of New Castle, Craig County's only incorporated county, does not operate its own police department; all law enforcement functions are handled by the Sheriff's Office. Arrest records and booking information in Craig County are considered public records under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq.), which provides broad public access to government records with certain exemptions for ongoing investigations and protected personal information.
The Virginia State Police also maintains jurisdiction throughout Craig County for highway patrol and may assist with major investigations. No tribal police agencies operate in Craig County, and no special jurisdiction law enforcement entities beyond the standard state and county agencies have presence in Craig County.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Craig County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registrations. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Virginia State Police, which offers full reports that include statewide criminal history.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Craig County are maintained by Craig County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of an individual's arrest, including the charges, date, and location of the arrest. Residents and attorneys can request access to these records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The information typically included in a Craig County arrest record consists of the individual's personal details, the nature of the charges, and any court dates.
- Virginia's Freedom of Information Act governs the public's access to these records, for public access while protecting sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Craig County Jail, operated by Craig County Sheriff's Office, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Craig County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting the personal information of the detainee. Inmate lookup services are available, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about those currently held at the facility. Visitation rules are specific to the jail and typically require scheduling in advance, with guidelines on what visitors can bring.
- In Virginia, the bond or bail process allows individuals to be released from custody while awaiting trial, and this process is handled through the local court system in Craig County.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Craig County are taken and retained by Craig 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. While some counties may offer online databases for mugshot searches, Craig County may require direct contact with the Sheriff's Office for such inquiries. Virginia does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals can petition for removal or sealing under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related charges.
Courts & Case Records
The judicial system in Craig County, Virginia, operates through the 25th Judicial Circuit Court, which Craig County shares with several other jurisdictions. Craig County Circuit Court is, New Castle, VA 24127, and can be contacted through the office’s website. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases involving amounts over $4,500, domestic relations matters including divorce, and appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Court Clerk is the custodian of court records and maintains files for civil, criminal, probate, and land records.
- Craig County also has a General District Court, which handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and civil cases up to $25,000, as well as preliminary hearings for felony charges.
- The Circuit Court Clerk's office charges fees for certified copies of documents, typically $2.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a certification fee.
- Court records searches can be conducted in person at the Clerk's office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, or by submitting written requests with appropriate fees.
- The online system provides basic case information without charge, but detailed documents require in-person or mail requests with applicable fees.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Craig County, Virginia, are maintained by Craig County Circuit Court Clerk's office, which functions as the Register of Deeds for Craig County. The Clerk's office is, New Castle, VA 24127, and can be contacted through the office’s website. The office maintains full records including deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, liens, judgments, easements, right-of-way agreements, plat maps, and subdivision plans dating back to Craig County's formation in 1851. These land records are indexed by grantor, grantee, and property location to help with searches.
- Recording fees are established by state statute and typically include a base fee plus additional charges per page.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available from the Circuit Court Clerk for statutory fees, and the office accepts requests by mail with prepayment.
Virginia law requires that most land transactions be recorded to establish priority and provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers. Citizens may search land records in person at the Clerk's office during regular business hours, and staff can assist with locating specific documents or conducting property history searches. Craig County Commissioner of the Revenue, located at 108 Court Street, New Castle, VA 24127, phone, assesses all real property and personal property for taxation purposes and maintains detailed property tax records including ownership information, assessed values, land use classifications, and tax exemptions.
Craig County Treasurer, at the same address, phone, collects property taxes and maintains payment history records. Craig County offers limited online property search capabilities through Craig County website, though full GIS mapping and detailed tax information may require in-person visits or telephone inquiries.
Vital Records
Vital records for Craig County, Virginia, including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce records, are maintained at both the local and state levels. For recent vital records, the Virginia Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, located at 2001 Maywill Street, Richmond, VA 23230, is the central repository and can be contacted through the office’s website. Birth and death certificates from Craig County can be ordered through the state vital records office, with birth certificates costing $12.00 for the first copy and death certificates also $12.00 each.
- Processing time typically ranges from two to four weeks for mail requests.
- The state of Virginia offers online ordering through VitalChek at www.vdh.virginia.gov/vital records, though additional service fees apply for expedited processing and credit card transactions.
- Virginia requires couples to apply in person, pay the license fee, and observe any waiting periods as required by state law.
- To obtain certified copies of vital records, applicants must provide valid photo identification, demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record (for confidential records), and pay applicable fees.
- Eligible requestors include the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and others authorized by law.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Craig County, Virginia, are maintained through multiple agencies at Craig County and state levels. For business entity formation and registration, the Virginia State Corporation Commission maintains the central business entity database, accessible online at www.scc.virginia.gov/clk/begin.aspx. This searchable database includes corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and registered trade names doing business in Virginia, including those operating in Craig County.
- Business entity searches are free online and provide information about registered agents, formation dates, status, and principal office addresses.
- Most businesses operating in Craig County must obtain a local business license, with fees based on gross receipts and business classification.
For local business licenses and permits, applicants should contact Craig County Commissioner of the Revenue's office at 108 Court Street, New Castle, VA 24127, phone, which administers business licensing requirements under Virginia Code § 58.1-3700 et seq. Fictitious name registrations and DBAs may be filed with Craig County Circuit Court Clerk at 182 Main Street, New Castle, VA 24127. For building permits, zoning compliance, and land development matters, Craig County Building Inspector and Zoning Administrator can be reached through the County Administrator's office for Craig County enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and local zoning ordinances.
Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, real estate agents, and healthcare professionals are issued by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) and can be verified at www.dpor.virginia.gov. Sales tax permits are issued by the Virginia Department of Taxation and are required for businesses selling tangible goods. Craig County area is served by regional economic development organizations that assist with business startup resources and expansion planning.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Craig County, Virginia, are administered by Craig County Electoral Board and the General Registrar, with the office, New Castle, VA 24127. The Registrar's office can be contacted through the office’s website. voter registration questions, absentee ballot requests, and polling place information. Voter registration in Craig County and throughout Virginia can be completed online at www.elections.virginia.gov, the official website of the Virginia Department of Elections, or by submitting a paper application available at the Registrar's office, public libraries, and various government offices.
- Virginia requires voters to register at least 22 days before an election, and the state offers same-day registration during the early voting period with proof of residency.
Residents can check their voter registration status and find their assigned polling place by visiting the state elections website and entering their name and date of birth, or by contacting the local Registrar directly. Craig County typically operates three to four polling locations on Election Day, with specific precinct assignments based on residence address. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races, potential U.S. Senate races depending on the cycle, and various Virginia state and local offices. Craig County maintains a voter registration list that is considered a public record under Virginia Code § 24.2-444, and certified copies can be obtained for legitimate purposes upon written request and payment of applicable fees.
Campaign finance disclosure reports for local candidates and political action committees are filed with the Virginia Department of Elections and are available for public inspection online at www.elections.virginia.gov/candidatepac-info/. Absentee voting is available to all Virginia voters without excuse required since recent law changes; applications for absentee ballots can be submitted online, by mail, by fax, or in person at the Registrar's office, with the deadline being seven days before the election for mail applications and 5:00 p.m. The Saturday before Election Day for in-person applications.
Early voting in person is available at the Registrar's office beginning 45 days before the election and continuing through the Saturday before Election Day. Craig County's voter turnout in the 2024 general election was approximately 68-72%, reflecting strong civic engagement typical of rural Virginia counties, above the state average. Election results by precinct, including vote totals for candidates and referenda, are posted on Craig County website and the state elections site following certification.
Craig County maintains transparency in elections through public testing of voting equipment, appointment of bipartisan election officers, and availability of election records for public review under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
Economy & Demographics
Craig County, Virginia, maintains a rural economy centered on agriculture, forestry, tourism, and small businesses, with a median household income estimated between $45,000 and $55,000 based on recent census data, below the state median but reflecting the rural character and lower cost of living. Craig County's economy has traditionally relied on natural resource industries, particularly timber harvesting from the extensive forestry lands within the Jefferson National Forest boundaries, which comprise a significant portion of Craig County's land area.
- Several small sawmills and wood product manufacturers operate in Craig County, processing timber from surrounding forests.
Agriculture remains important, with cattle farming, hay production, and small-scale farming operations providing income for many residents. Craig County's rugged terrain and scenic mountain scenes support a growing outdoor recreation and tourism sector, attracting hunters, anglers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts to Craig Creek and surrounding wilderness areas. Retail and service businesses in New Castle and scattered throughout Craig County provide employment, though many residents commute to larger employment centers in Roanoke County, Botetourt County, or the City of Roanoke for work.
Craig County government, school system, and health services represent significant public sector employment. Craig County has experienced challenges with population decline and limited economic diversification opportunities due to its remote location and mountainous terrain that limits large-scale development. Unemployment rates in Craig County typically track slightly higher than state averages, reflecting the rural economy's seasonal nature and limited job diversity.
Recent economic development efforts have focused on improving broadband internet access to support remote work opportunities and small business growth, along with promoting heritage tourism and outdoor recreation assets. Craig County lacks major corporate facilities or industrial plants, maintaining its character as one of Virginia's most rural and least developed counties.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (Virginia Judiciary System) | Property: Limited: Online (records require in-person visit) | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person (regional jail website) | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Online (State Corporation Commission) | Elections: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Overall Score: 6/10, Craig County relies heavily on in-person and phone access for many records, though state-level online systems provide some transparency.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Craig County
Explore public records for 2 cities and communities in Craig County, Virginia.