About Decatur County
Decatur County, Indiana is located in the southeastern portion of the state, encompassing approximately 373 square miles. Established in 1822, the county was named after Commodore Stephen Decatur, a distinguished naval officer in the War of 1812. The county seat is Greensburg, a distinctive city known worldwide for its trees growing from the courthouse tower—a phenomenon that has persisted since the 1870s and earned Greensburg the nickname 'Tree City.' As of recent census estimates, Decatur County has a population of approximately 26,500 residents.
The county is bordered by Rush County to the north, Ripley County to the east, Jennings County to the south, and Bartholomew and Shelby counties to the west. Major roadways include Interstate 74, U.S. Route 421, and State Road 3, providing excellent transportation connectivity.
The Decatur County Courthouse, located at 150 Courthouse Square in Greensburg, houses many essential county offices. The Decatur County Recorder's Office, responsible for land records, is located at 150 Courthouse Square, Suite 205, Greensburg, IN 47240. The Decatur County Clerk's Office, which maintains court records, marriage licenses, and voter registration, operates from Room 201 of the courthouse.
The Decatur County Assessor's Office, handling property tax assessments, is situated at 150 Courthouse Square, Room 200. The county features a mix of agricultural heritage and growing industry, with communities including Greensburg, St. Paul, Westport, Millhousen, and New Point.
The county's economy has historically been based on agriculture, particularly corn and soybean production, but has diversified to include manufacturing and distribution centers. The distinctive courthouse trees, along with the county's proximity to both Indianapolis and Cincinnati, make Decatur County a unique blend of small-town charm and strategic location.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Decatur County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of the county. The office oversees the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The sheriff's office also conducts patrols and provides law enforcement services to the community. Notable programs include community policing initiatives and a focus on drug enforcement to address local concerns.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Decatur County is provided by the Decatur County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments, including the Greensburg Police Department and the Westport Police Department. The sheriff's office handles rural and unincorporated areas, while city police departments manage law enforcement within their respective municipalities. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and public safety initiatives to ensure comprehensive coverage throughout the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Decatur County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of the county, operating from 150 Courthouse Square, Greensburg, IN 47240. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (812) 222-5120 and maintains a website at www.decaturcountysheriff.com. The agency provides patrol services, criminal investigations, court security, and operates the Decatur County Jail, a detention facility housing pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates.
- Citizens may request arrest records, booking logs, and incident reports by submitting a written request to the Decatur County Sheriff's Office or the Greensburg Police Department.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available as part of booking records, either through the jail's online roster or by submitting a formal public records request.
- The Sheriff's Office maintains these records and processes requests in accordance with IC 5-14-3-3, which requires agencies to respond within a reasonable time.
- Fees for copies may apply based on the actual cost of reproduction.
Inmate lookup for the Decatur County Jail is available through the Sheriff's Office website or by calling the jail directly at (812) 222-5120. The online roster typically includes inmate names, booking dates, charges, and bond information. Municipal law enforcement within Decatur County includes the Greensburg Police Department, serving the county seat, which can be contacted at (812) 663-2313.
Under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code 5-14-3), arrest records are generally considered public information. Some records may be withheld if they are part of an ongoing investigation or contain confidential information under IC 5-14-3-4 exemptions. The county does not have tribal police jurisdiction, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands within Decatur County.
Special jurisdiction may include Indiana State Police, which maintains a post in nearby areas and has concurrent jurisdiction on state highways, and conservation officers from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources who enforce wildlife and boating laws throughout the county.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Decatur County encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Decatur County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Background checks can be conducted through the Indiana State Police, which provides comprehensive criminal history information for residents. The Indiana Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for accessing statewide criminal records, aiding in thorough background assessments.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Decatur County are maintained by the Decatur County Sheriff's Office. These records include details such as the date of arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrested individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the sheriff's office directly. The Indiana Access to Public Records Act governs the availability of these records, ensuring transparency and public access to governmental information.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Decatur County Jail, located in Greensburg, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate lookup services are available through the sheriff's office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to security protocols.
- The bond process in Indiana allows for the posting of bail to secure a defendant's release, with specific procedures outlined by the county.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Decatur County are taken and retained by the Decatur County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through the sheriff's office or online databases. Indiana does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of records.
Courts & Case Records
The Decatur County court system includes the Decatur Circuit Court and Decatur Superior Court, both located at the Decatur County Courthouse, 150 Courthouse Square, Greensburg, IN 47240. The Decatur Circuit Court handles a broad range of civil and criminal matters, including felonies, misdemeanors, family law cases, estate proceedings, and juvenile matters. The court can be reached at (812) 222-2951. The Decatur Superior Court, established to handle the increasing caseload, shares jurisdiction with the Circuit Court and handles similar case types.
- The Clerk's Office charges fees for certified copies of court documents: typically $1.00 per page for copies plus a $6.00 certification fee.
- Document retrieval fees may also apply for archived records.
- Small claims court matters are handled within the Circuit and Superior Court structure, with jurisdiction over disputes up to $6,000.
- Traffic violations and infractions are also processed through these courts.
- The office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards for fee payment.
Court records are maintained by the Decatur County Clerk's Office, located in Room 201 of the courthouse, phone (812) 222-2951. Indiana maintains a statewide online case search system called MyCase, accessible at www.mycase.in.gov, which provides free public access to most court records including case filings, dockets, judgments, and orders for Decatur County cases. Users can search by party name, case number, or attorney.
Under Indiana's Access to Court Records policy, adopted pursuant to Indiana Code 33-32-9, most court records are presumed open to public inspection, with specific exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile records, adoption files, and certain sensitive documents. To access records in person, visitors can visit the Clerk's Office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For genealogical research or historical cases, older records may be archived and require advance notice for retrieval.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Decatur County, Indiana are maintained by the Decatur County Recorder's Office, located at 150 Courthouse Square, Suite 205, Greensburg, IN 47240. The Recorder's Office can be contacted at (812) 222-2958 and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The office is responsible for recording and maintaining documents affecting real property, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage releases, liens, lis pendens, easements, right-of-way agreements, and plat maps for subdivisions.
- Decatur County participates in the Tapestry system, which provides online access to recorded documents.
- Users can search the county's land records database at no charge through the county's online portal, though there may be fees to download or print recorded documents.
- For certified copies of recorded documents, the Recorder charges $1.00 per page plus a $6.00 certification fee.
- The Assessor's website provides access to property tax assessment data, including assessed values, property characteristics, sales data, and tax exemptions.
- The county's Geographic Information System (GIS) provides aerial photography, parcel boundaries, zoning information, and other spatial data useful for property research.
The search interface allows queries by grantor/grantee name, document type, legal description, or document number, with images of recorded instruments available for recent years. Property tax records and assessment information are maintained separately by the Decatur County Assessor's Office, located at 150 Courthouse Square, Room 200, Greensburg, IN 47240, phone (812) 222-2950. Tax payment information is available through the Decatur County Treasurer's Office at (812) 222-2968.
Many Indiana counties, including Decatur County, participate in the Indiana Gateway for Government Units portal, which may provide GIS mapping and parcel viewer capabilities. All these records are public under Indiana Code 5-14-3 unless specifically exempted by statute.
Vital Records
Vital records for Decatur County, Indiana, including birth and death certificates, are available through both local and state offices. The Decatur County Health Department, located at 922 South Ireland Street, Greensburg, IN 47240, phone (812) 663-7632, maintains birth and death records for events occurring within the county. Birth certificates for births occurring in Decatur County can be requested from the County Health Department for a fee of $15.00 for the first certified copy and $4.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates are also available through the County Health Department for deaths occurring in Decatur County, with the same fee structure of $15.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for additional copies.
- Processing time for walk-in requests is typically immediate if records are readily available, though older records may require additional retrieval time.
- Marriage license applications require both parties to appear in person with valid identification and social security numbers, and the fee is $18.00.
- After the marriage is performed, certified copies of the marriage certificate can be obtained from the Clerk's Office for $2.00 per copy.
- Divorce records, including dissolution decrees, are maintained as court records by the Clerk's Office and can be accessed through the same office.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of relationship to the person named on the certificate, as only authorized individuals may obtain certified copies under Indiana Code 16-37-1. Marriage licenses are issued by the Decatur County Clerk's Office, located at 150 Courthouse Square, Room 201, Greensburg, IN 47240, phone (812) 222-2951. For vital records statewide or when the county of event is unknown, the Indiana State Department of Health Vital Records Office in Indianapolis processes requests; their website is www.in.gov/health/vital-records.
The state office charges $21.00 for birth and death certificates. Online ordering for Indiana vital records is available through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com, though additional processing fees apply for this expedited service.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Decatur County, Indiana are maintained by several offices depending on the type of business activity and registration. The Decatur County Clerk's Office, located at 150 Courthouse Square, Room 201, Greensburg, IN 47240, phone (812) 222-2951, handles registration of assumed business names (DBAs or 'Doing Business As' names) and fictitious business names for sole proprietorships and partnerships operating in the county.
- The filing fee for assumed name certificates is typically around $30.00, and these records are public and searchable at the Clerk's Office.
- For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, businesses must register with the Indiana Secretary of State.
The Secretary of State maintains the INBiz portal at www.inbiz.in.gov, which provides free online access to search business entity records, view annual reports, check business name availability, and examine registered agent information for all Indiana businesses. This database is the most comprehensive resource for verifying business registration status in Decatur County and throughout Indiana. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, cosmetologists, healthcare providers, and real estate agents are regulated by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, accessible at www.in.gov/pla.
County-level business operating permits and local licenses may be required depending on the county; businesses operating within Greensburg city limits should contact the Greensburg City Hall at (812) 663-2737 for local business licensing requirements. Building permits, construction permits, and zoning compliance are handled by the Decatur County Plan Commission and Building Department, which can be contacted through the county government offices at (812) 222-2949. The Decatur County Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 127 East Main Street, Greensburg, IN 47240, phone (812) 663-2832, website www.greensburgchamber.com, provides business resources, networking opportunities, and economic development information for the local business community.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Decatur County, Indiana are administered by the Decatur County Clerk's Office, which serves as the county election board and voter registration office. Located at 150 Courthouse Square, Room 201, Greensburg, IN 47240, the election division can be reached at (812) 222-2951. The office maintains voter registration rolls, processes absentee ballot applications, recruits and trains poll workers, and certifies election results for all federal, state, county, and local elections.
- Indiana law requires voters to register at least 29 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
- These records can be requested from the Decatur County Clerk's Office under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act, IC 5-14-3.
- Decatur County voter turnout in the 2024 general election was approximately 68-72% of registered voters, reflecting strong civic engagement typical of competitive presidential election years in rural Indiana counties.
- Indiana allows any registered voter to vote absentee by mail or in-person before Election Day without providing an excuse.
Voter registration in Decatur County can be completed in person at the Clerk's Office, at the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles when obtaining or renewing a driver's license, or online through the Indiana Voter Registration Portal at www.indianavoters.in.gov. Eligible voters must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by the next general election, residents of Indiana for at least 30 days, and residents of their precinct for at least 30 days.
To find your polling place in Decatur County, voters can use the Indiana Voters Portal at www.indianavoters.in.gov, which allows users to enter their address and view their polling location, sample ballot, and registration status. The county operates multiple precincts across its townships, with polling places typically at schools, community centers, and township fire stations. Election records that are public in Indiana include voter registration lists (excluding certain sensitive information like social security numbers and dates of birth), campaign finance reports filed with the county election board or Indiana Election Division, candidate declarations and filings, precinct-level election results, and absentee ballot statistics.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, which will include U.S. House of Representatives races for Indiana's congressional districts, potential U.S. Senate seats if any are up for election in that cycle, Indiana statewide constitutional offices including Secretary of State, and various county offices.
To request an absentee ballot in Decatur County, voters may apply in person at the Clerk's Office, by mail using the official Indiana absentee ballot application form (ABS-Mail), or online through the Indiana Voters Portal. Applications for mail-in absentee ballots must be received by the county election office no later than 11:59 PM eleven days before Election Day. Early in-person voting is available at the Decatur County Clerk's Office beginning 28 days before an election, with extended hours during the final weeks.
Transparency in Decatur County elections is ensured through public testing of voting equipment, the ability for candidates to appoint poll watchers and challengers, public canvassing of results, and the availability of election records for public inspection in accordance with IC 3-11-13 and IC 5-14-3.
Economy & Demographics
Decatur County, Indiana features a diverse economy built upon its agricultural heritage, manufacturing base, and strategic location along Interstate 74 between Indianapolis and Cincinnati. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the local economy, with the county's fertile soil supporting extensive corn, soybean, and wheat production, along with livestock operations including cattle and hog farming. The median household income in Decatur County is approximately $57,000 to $62,000 based on recent American Community Survey estimates, slightly below the Indiana state median.
- The manufacturing sector includes automotive suppliers, metal fabrication, plastic injection molding, and food processing operations.
Major employers in the county include Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, which operates a significant automotive facility in Greensburg producing Civic, CR-V, and Insight models and employs over 2,500 workers, making it the largest employer in the county. This facility has been a transformative economic driver since its establishment in 2008. Other significant employers include Decatur County Memorial Hospital, employing several hundred healthcare workers; the Decatur County Community Schools system; county and city government; and various manufacturing and distribution companies.
The county has benefited from its proximity to major metropolitan areas, with many companies choosing Decatur County for distribution and logistics operations due to excellent highway access. Retail and service sectors are concentrated in Greensburg, the county seat, which serves as a regional shopping destination. The unemployment rate in Decatur County has historically tracked close to or slightly below the state average, typically ranging from 3% to 4% in recent years, reflecting a relatively stable labor market.
Economic development efforts are coordinated through the Decatur County Economic Development Corporation, which works to attract new businesses and support existing industry expansion. Recent economic development initiatives have focused on infrastructure improvements, workforce development partnerships with Ivy Tech Community College, and downtown revitalization in Greensburg. Tourism, while not a dominant sector, contributes to the local economy through visitors attracted to the unique courthouse tower trees and annual events such as the Decatur County Fair.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (MyCase) | Property: ✅ Online Search (Tapestry/Assessor) | Arrest/Jail: ✅ Online Roster | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person/Mail Required | Business: ✅ Online (INBiz) | Elections: ✅ Online Portal | Overall Score: 8.5/10 — Decatur County provides excellent digital access to most public records through state and local online systems, with only vital records requiring in-person or mail requests.
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Cities & Towns in Decatur County
Explore public records for 6 cities and communities in Decatur County, Indiana.
Nearby Counties
Explore public records in counties that border Decatur County.