About Glenn County
Glenn County is located in the northern Sacramento Valley of California, approximately 100 miles north of Sacramento. Glenn County Seat is Willows, which is the governmental and commercial hub for this predominantly rural county. Established in 1891 from portions of Colusa County, Glenn County includes approximately 1,327 square miles and has a population of around 28,000 residents according to recent estimates. Glenn County is named after Dr. Hugh J. Glenn, a prominent wheat farmer who was once among the largest landowners in California during the 19th century.
Major landmarks include the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Black Butte Lake, and the scenic Mendocino National Forest along the western border. Glenn County's economy is heavily agricultural, known for rice, almonds, walnuts, and prunes production. Glenn County Recorder's Office is located at 516 West Sycamore Street in Willows and maintains property records and official documents.
Glenn County Clerk-Recorder's Office handles vital records, elections, and business filings from the same location. Glenn County Assessor's Office, also situated in the County Courthouse at 526 West Sycamore Street, manages property tax assessments and parcel information. Glenn County's small-town character, agricultural heritage, and proximity to outdoor recreation areas in the Coast Range make it a unique part of Northern California's scene.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Glenn County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement services in the unincorporated areas of Glenn County. This office oversees Glenn County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community-oriented programs, including crime prevention and public safety education. The office works closely with other local law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of Glenn County residents.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Glenn County is provided by Glenn County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities like Willows and Orland. The Willows Police Department and the Orland Police Department handle law enforcement within their respective city limits, while the Sheriff's Office covers the unincorporated areas. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, making sure of full coverage across Glenn County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Glenn County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 543 East Walker Street in Willows, California 95988, provides primary law enforcement services throughout the unincorporated areas of Glenn County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a website at www.glenncounty.net/government/sheriff. The Sheriff's Office operates Glenn County Jail, located at the same address, which houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving sentences. Inmate information can be obtained by calling the jail directly at or visiting the Sheriff's Office in person during business hours.
- To request arrest records, citizens may submit written requests to the Sheriff's Office or the appropriate police department, specifying the information sought.
- Booking photos and mugshots are generally considered public records in California and may be obtained through formal public records requests to the custodian agency.
- Response times typically range from 10 to 30 days depending on the complexity of the request.
- Fees for copying and research time may apply as permitted under California law.
Current inmate rosters may be available through Glenn County website or by direct inquiry. Within Glenn County, the City of Orland maintains its own Police Department located at 815 Fourth Street, Orland, CA 95963, phone, serving the incorporated city limits. The City of Willows contracts law enforcement services through Glenn County Sheriff's Office.
Arrest records in Glenn County are public records subject to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Section 6250 et seq.). Glenn County does not have federally recognized tribal lands with separate police jurisdiction, so law enforcement is primarily handled by the Sheriff's Office and Orland Police Department.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Glenn County's criminal records system includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic, and sex offender registry records. The Sheriff's Office maintains these records, while the California Department of Justice provides statewide background checks. Residents can request background checks through the California Bureau of Investigation, which offers fingerprint-based searches. Glenn County's criminal records are accessible under the California Public Records Act, allowing for transparency and public access.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Glenn County are maintained by Glenn County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys under the California Public Records Act. An arrest record typically includes the individual's name, charges, and the date of arrest. Requests for records can be made in person or through written applications to the Sheriff's Office, which provides guidance on the process.
Jail & Inmate Records
The primary detention facility in Glenn County is Glenn County Jail, located in Willows. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting individuals who have been arrested. Inmate information can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office, which provides details on current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance. Bail can be posted according to California's bail schedule, and information on recently arrested individuals is available through the Sheriff's Office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Glenn County are taken and retained by Glenn County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images are part of the arrest record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While some mugshots may be available online, California law provides certain protections for people seeking the removal of their booking photos from public websites. Requests for mugshot access or removal must comply with state regulations.
Courts & Case Records
The Superior Court of California, County of Glenn, is the trial court of general jurisdiction serving Glenn County. The courthouse is located at 526 West Sycamore Street, Willows, CA 95988, and can be reached for The court handles all criminal, civil, family law, probate, juvenile, and small claims matters within Glenn County. Glenn County Superior Court operates under the unified court system established by California, meaning there are no separate municipal or justice courts—all matters are handled by the Superior Court.
- The court maintains case information, and some limited case information may be available online through the California Courts website or local court portal.
- Fees for case searches, copies, and certified documents vary by service; copy fees are typically $0.50 per page for standard copies, with certified copies costing additional fees around $25 for the certification.
- The court clerk's office can provide specific guidance on accessing particular case types and any associated fees or restrictions.
Court records can be searched in person at the courthouse during business hours, Monday through Friday, typically 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding court holidays. Remote access to certain case information may be available through the statewide case management system. Public access to court records in California is governed by California Rules of Court, Rule 2.500 et seq, and Government Code Section 68106, which establish the presumption that court records are public unless specifically sealed or protected by law.
Probate matters, civil case filings, criminal case information (excluding sealed juvenile records), and family law cases (with certain privacy protections) are generally accessible to the public.
Property & Public Records
Glenn County Recorder-Clerk's Office, located at 516 West Sycamore Street, Willows, CA 95988, maintains all official land records for Glenn County. The office can be reached at and operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours. The Recorder's Office maintains documents including grant deeds, trust deeds, reconveyances, mortgages, deeds of trust, mechanic's liens, tax liens, judgment liens, easements, notices of default, and other instruments affecting real property. Official records are indexed by grantor, grantee, and parcel number.
- While Glenn County may offer limited online access to recorded documents through third-party vendors or county systems, most full searches are conducted in person or by written request.
- Document copies typically cost $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page of the same document.
- Certified copies require an additional fee of approximately $5.00 for certification.
- All record requests are subject to California Government Code Section 6250 et seq, the California Public Records Act.
Property tax information is managed by Glenn County Assessor's Office at 526 West Sycamore Street, Willows, CA 95988, phone. The Assessor maintains parcel maps, assessment rolls, and ownership information. Property tax payment records are handled by Glenn County Treasurer-Tax Collector's Office.
Glenn County provides a GIS parcel viewer and property tax lookup system that may be accessible through Glenn County website at www.glenncounty.net, allowing users to search by parcel number, owner name, or address to view basic assessment and tax information. Detailed title searches and full document retrieval typically require in-person visits or engagement of a title company.
Vital Records
Vital records for Glenn County, California, are maintained by Glenn County Clerk-Recorder's Office located at 516 West Sycamore Street, Willows, CA 95988, phone. Birth certificates for births occurring in Glenn County can be requested from the County Clerk-Recorder, with certified copies typically costing $29 for the first copy and $15 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Processing time for vital records requests is generally 2-4 weeks when submitted by mail, though in-person requests may be processed same-day or within a few days depending on workload.
- Death certificates are similarly available through Glenn County Clerk-Recorder for deaths occurring within Glenn County, with the same fee structure and identification requirements.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Glenn County Clerk-Recorder's Office; couples must apply in person, and the current fee is approximately $89 with optional confidential marriage license available.
- For vital records from other California counties or for faster service, requesters may contact the California Department of Public Health, Vital Records Office, MS 5103, P.O.
- Online ordering typically includes expedited processing and delivery for additional fees.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct relationship or tangible interest in the record as required by California Health and Safety Code Section 102425. Marriage certificates are issued after the ceremony when the completed license is returned. Divorce records (dissolution of marriage decrees) are maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Glenn, at 526 West Sycamore Street, Willows, CA 95988.
Box 997410, Sacramento, CA 95899-7410, or order online through VitalChek at www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/chsi/pages/vital-records-obtaining-certified-copies.aspx. All vital records access is governed by California Health and Safety Code Division 102, Sections 102425 and 103526.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Glenn County involves multiple agencies depending on the business type and activity. Glenn County Clerk-Recorder's Office at 516 West Sycamore Street, Willows, CA 95988, phone, handles Fictitious Business Name (DBA) filings for businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. DBA filings must be published in a local newspaper of general circulation and filed with the County Clerk. Fees for fictitious business name statements are approximately $15-$40 depending on the number of owners.
- Glenn County Chamber of Commerce, located in Orland, can be reached at www.orlandchamber.com and provides resources for new and existing businesses.
For information on businesses incorporated or registered as LLCs, partnerships, or corporations in California, the California Secretary of State Business Programs Division maintains a searchable online database at https://businesssearch.sos.ca.gov where users can look up business entities, corporate officers, and registration status free of charge. Local business licenses and permits within Glenn County cities are issued by the respective city offices: the City of Orland requires business licenses through Orland City Hall at 815 Fourth Street, Orland, CA 95963, phone, and the City of Willows issues business licenses through Willows City Hall at 201 North Lassen Street, Willows, CA 95988, phone. Unincorporated areas may require county business licenses depending on the business type.
Building permits, land use permits, and zoning information are handled by Glenn County Planning and Community Development Services Agency, located at 777 North Colusa Street, Willows, CA 95988, phone. Professional and occupational licenses (contractors, health professionals, etc.) are typically issued by state agencies and boards rather than county offices.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Glenn County are administered by Glenn County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, located at 516 West Sycamore Street, Willows, CA 95988. The elections office can be reached, and election information is available on Glenn County website at www.glenncounty.net/government/elections. Voter registration in Glenn County can be completed online through the California Secretary of State's website at registertovote.ca.gov, by mail using a paper registration form, or in person at the County Clerk's office.
- California law requires voters to register at least 15 days before an election, though conditional voter registration is available up to and including Election Day for those who missed the deadline.
- Citizens may request copies of election results, voter statistics, campaign finance reports, and other election documents by contacting the Registrar of Voters.
- Sample ballots are mailed to all registered voters approximately 30 days before each election.
- Glenn County Elections Office provides election night results on its website and updates results as vote-by-mail and provisional ballots are processed in the weeks following the election.
Voters can find their polling place by visiting the County Elections Office website, calling the elections office, or using the Secretary of State's polling place lookup tool at www.sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place. Glenn County offers vote-by-mail ballots to all registered voters; any voter may request a permanent vote-by-mail status or request a one-time ballot for a specific election by contacting the Registrar of Voters or submitting a request through Glenn County elections website. Applications for vote-by-mail ballots must be received by the Tuesday before Election Day, though voters may vote in person at designated vote centers during early voting periods or on Election Day.
Election records that are public in Glenn County include the official voter registration roll (with certain personal information redacted for privacy), campaign finance disclosure forms filed by candidates and committees (available through Glenn County and California Fair Political Practices Commission), candidate statements and filings, and precinct-by-precinct election results. In the November 2024 general election, Glenn County voter turnout was approximately 65-70%, consistent with rural Northern California turnout patterns. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives midterm elections, one U.S. Senate seat, California constitutional officers including Governor, and state legislative races. Transparency in Glenn County elections is governed by the California Elections Code and the California Public Records Act (Government Code Section 6250 et seq.), which provide for public inspection of most election materials.
Economy & Demographics
Glenn County's economy is predominantly agricultural, with farming and related agribusiness serving as the primary economic driver. Glenn County is a major producer of rice, almonds, walnuts, prunes, and other tree crops, with agriculture accounting for a significant portion of employment and economic output. Major employers include food processing facilities, agricultural services companies, school districts, and county government.
- The median household income in Glenn County is approximately $50,000 to $55,000, lower than the California state average, reflecting the rural character and agricultural wage structure.
- Key economic sectors include agriculture and food processing, retail trade, healthcare and social assistance, educational services, and public administration.
- Glenn County's strategic location along Interstate 5 provides transportation access for agricultural exports and distribution activities.
- Economic development efforts focus on supporting agricultural innovation, attracting food processing and value-added agriculture businesses, and improving infrastructure.
Unemployment rates in Glenn County typically run slightly higher than state averages, fluctuating seasonally with agricultural cycles. Starbucks operates a significant roasting and distribution facility near Orland, representing one of the larger non-agricultural employers in Glenn County. Glenn County also benefits from outdoor recreation and tourism related to Black Butte Lake, managed by the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers, and the Mendocino National Forest, which attract visitors for fishing, boating, camping, and hunting. Glenn County Economic Development Corporation works to promote business retention and attraction. Renewable energy projects, including solar installations on agricultural land, represent emerging economic opportunities.
Glenn County faces economic challenges including water availability, commodity price fluctuations, and workforce development needs in skilled technical and professional occupations.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Online, In-Person Available | Property: Limited: Basic Online GIS, Full Records In-Person | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Inquiry | Vital Records: No: In-Person or Mail Required | Business: Yes: State Database Online, Local DBA In-Person | Elections: Yes: Voter Info Online | Overall Score: 5/10 — Glenn County provides basic online access for elections and property lookups, but most records require in-person visits or direct contact with county offices.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Glenn County
Explore public records for 7 cities and communities in Glenn County, California.