About Greene County
Greene County is located in west-central Alabama along the Tombigbee River, bordered by Sumter, Hale, Pickens, Tuscaloosa, and Marengo counties. Greene County Seat is Eutaw, a historic town situated approximately 90 miles southwest of Birmingham. Established on December 13, 1819, Greene County was one of Alabama's original counties and was named after Revolutionary War General Nathanael Greene.
- Eutaw's historic district features antebellum architecture and was added to the National Register of Historic Places, showcasing Greek Revival mansions and structures from the pre-Civil War era.
Greene County includes approximately 647 square miles and had a population of approximately 7,730 residents according to recent census estimates, making it one of Alabama's less populated rural counties. Greene County's economy has historically centered on agriculture, particularly cotton production and timber harvesting. The Tombigbee River forms a significant geographic feature along the western border and has played an important role in Greene County's history and development.
Public records in Greene County are maintained by several key offices: Greene County Probate Office located at 400 Morrow Avenue in Eutaw handles vital records, marriage licenses, and probate matters; Greene County Revenue Commissioner manages property tax assessments; and the Circuit Clerk maintains court records. Greene County's rural character, deep historical roots in the Black Belt region of Alabama, and preservation of antebellum architecture make Greene County a unique repository of Alabama history and culture.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Greene County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Greene County. It oversees Greene County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is focused on public safety through regular patrols, community engagement, and crime prevention programs. The sheriff's office also collaborates with local police departments for coordinated law enforcement efforts. Notable programs include community policing initiatives meant to building trust and cooperation between law enforcement and residents.
Police Departments
In addition to Greene County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Greene County. The Eutaw Police Department serves the city of Eutaw, focusing on local law enforcement and community safety. Other city departments include the Forkland Police Department and the Boligee Police Department. These agencies have jurisdiction within their respective city limits and work in coordination with the sheriff's office on major investigations and emergencies. This collaboration ensures full coverage and efficient response to incidents across Greene County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Greene County Sheriff's Office, located at 13 Shannon Street in Eutaw, Alabama 35462, is the primary law enforcement agency for Greene County's unincorporated areas and provides jail services. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and operates Greene County Detention Center, which houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving misdemeanor sentences. Inmate information for Greene County jail can typically be obtained by calling the detention center directly or visiting the facility in person, though online inmate lookup systems may be limited compared to larger Alabama counties.
- Municipal law enforcement within Greene County includes the Eutaw Police Department, which provides police services within the city limits of Eutaw.
- To request arrest records, individuals should contact Greene County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours and submit a written request identifying the specific records sought.
- There may be nominal fees for copying and certification of arrest records.
Arrest records in Greene County are considered public records under the Alabama Public Records Law (Alabama Code § 36-12-40), which generally permits citizens to inspect and copy public records unless specifically exempted by law. Mugshots and booking photos are generally part of the arrest record and may be available through the Sheriff's Office, though policies on public release can vary. Alabama law enforcement agencies typically maintain booking logs that include arrest information, charges, booking photos, and bond amounts.
For recent arrests and bookings, contacting Greene County Detention Center directly at is the most reliable method to obtain current inmate status and booking information. No tribal police jurisdictions operate in Greene County, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands within Greene County boundaries.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Greene County includes a variety of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Greene 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 sheriff's office or directly from the Alabama Bureau of Investigation, which offers a full report on an individual's criminal history.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Greene County are maintained by Greene County Sheriff's Office. These records include information about the individual's arrest, charges, and booking details. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the sheriff's office directly, following the procedures outlined under the Alabama Open Records Act. A typical arrest record in Greene County will contain the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the arresting officer's details.
Jail & Inmate Records
Greene County Jail, located in Eutaw, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Greene County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the sheriff's office, allowing family members and attorneys to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules at the jail require prior scheduling and adherence to specific guidelines, including identification checks and restricted visiting hours.
- The bond and bail process follows Alabama state law, allowing detainees to secure release pending trial by posting bail set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Greene County are taken and retained by Greene County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These photographs are part of the public record and can be accessed through the sheriff's office. While there is no specific online portal for mugshot searches, requests can be made in person or via mail. Alabama does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related criminal record.
Courts & Case Records
Greene County's court system includes Greene County Circuit Court, which has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $10,000, divorces, and appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Clerk's office is located at 400 Morrow Avenue, Eutaw, AL 35462, and can be reached for Greene County District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, small claims up to $6,000, and preliminary hearings for felony cases.
- Copy fees are generally $0.50 per page for standard documents, with additional charges for certified copies (typically $1.00 to $5.00 certification fee plus per-page costs).
- Case information may also be obtained by contacting the Circuit Clerk's office by phone, though detailed records typically require an in-person visit or written request with appropriate fees.
Greene County Probate Court, also located at 400 Morrow Avenue, has jurisdiction over wills, estates, guardianships, mental health commitments, and marriage licenses, and the Probate Judge can be contacted for Municipal Court operates in Eutaw to handle city ordinance violations and traffic matters within city limits. Court records in Alabama are generally accessible to the public under Alabama Code § 12-13-1, which establishes the public's right to access judicial records with certain exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile matters, and confidential proceedings. To search court records in Greene County, individuals can visit the Circuit Clerk's office in person during regular business hours (typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM).
While Alabama's Administrative Office of Courts operates the Alacourt online system, access is restricted to attorneys and authorized users, so members of the public seeking Greene County court records typically must request them in person or by mail.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Greene County, Alabama are maintained by the Judge of Probate, who is the ex-officio Register and recorder of deeds. Greene County Probate Office is located at 400 Morrow Avenue, Eutaw, AL 35462, and can be reached for The Probate Office maintains records of deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, rights-of-way, plat maps, and other instruments affecting real property in Greene County. These records date back to Greene County's founding in 1819 and are indexed by grantor, grantee, and property description.
- Greene County Revenue Commissioner's office, located at 19 Shannon Street, Eutaw, AL 35462 (phone: 205-372-3278), maintains property tax records, including assessments, tax payments, and parcel information.
- Certified copies of deeds and other recorded instruments can be obtained from the Probate Office for a fee, typically $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a certification fee.
Under Alabama Code § 36-12-40 and § 12-13-1, land records are public documents available for inspection and copying during regular business hours. Property owners and researchers can visit the Revenue Commissioner's office to search property tax records by owner name, parcel number, or property address. Online property search capabilities for Greene County are limited compared to larger Alabama counties, and most full record searches require an in-person visit to the courthouse in Eutaw.
The Revenue Commissioner may provide property tax information and assessment data, though detailed ownership history requires accessing the deed records at the Probate Office. Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping or online parcel viewers may not be available for Greene County, making in-person research the primary method for full property record searches.
Vital Records
Vital records for Greene County, Alabama, including birth and death certificates, are primarily maintained by the Alabama Department of Public Health Center for Health Statistics, located at The RSA Tower, 201 Monroe Street, Suite 1150, Montgomery, AL 36104. Birth certificates for events occurring in Greene County can be requested from the state office, with fees of $15.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Death certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for each additional copy.
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service may be available for an additional fee.
- Marriage licenses in Greene County are issued by Greene County Probate Court at 400 Morrow Avenue, Eutaw, AL 35462 (phone: 205-372-3349).
- Divorce records are maintained by Greene County Circuit Clerk's office at 400 Morrow Avenue, Eutaw, AL 35462 (phone: 205-372-3340), as divorce cases are filed in Circuit Court.
- Certified copies of divorce decrees can be requested from the Circuit Clerk for appropriate fees.
- Online ordering of Alabama vital records is available through the state's authorized vendor VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com, though additional processing fees apply.
Birth records less than 125 years old and death records less than 25 years old are confidential under Alabama Code § 22-9A-1 et seq. And are only available to authorized individuals including the registrant (for birth records), immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with a direct and tangible interest. As of January 1, 2019, Alabama implemented a simplified marriage certificate system eliminating the requirement for ceremony and witnesses; couples complete a marriage certificate form, pay the fee (typically $74.00 in most Alabama counties), and the certificate is recorded, creating a legal marriage.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship or eligibility when requesting vital records.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Greene County involves both county-level and state-level processes. Local business licenses and permits are typically handled by individual municipalities within Greene County; businesses operating in Eutaw should contact Eutaw City Hall for city business license requirements and fee schedules.
- The fee for filing a trade name is typically around $10.00 for initial filing.
- Corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other formal business entities must register with the Alabama Secretary of State, Business Services Division.
Greene County Probate Court at 400 Morrow Avenue, Eutaw, AL 35462 (phone: 205-372-3349) may maintain certain business-related filings, though Alabama counties have limited business registration functions compared to states with full county-level business filing systems. For businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name, DBA (Doing Business As) or trade name registrations are filed with Greene County Probate Court under Alabama Code § 8-17-1 et seq. The Alabama Secretary of State's office is the primary state agency for business entity formation and registration.
The Secretary of State maintains a free online business entity search at https://arc-sos.state.al.us/cgi/corpname.mbr/input, allowing the public to search for registered businesses, view formation dates, registered agents, and status. Sales tax permits are issued by the Alabama Department of Revenue and are required for businesses selling tangible goods. Professional licenses (such as contractors, cosmetologists, healthcare providers) are issued by respective Alabama state licensing boards.
Building permits and zoning matters in unincorporated Greene County are handled by county planning or building departments, though rural counties may have limited zoning enforcement; contact Greene County Commission for building permit requirements. Greene County Chamber of Commerce or local economic development authority can provide information about starting and operating businesses in Greene County.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Greene County, Alabama are administered by Greene County Probate Judge, who serves as Greene County's chief elections official, with offices located at 400 Morrow Avenue, Eutaw, AL 35462. The Probate Court can be reached for voter registration and election information. Voter registration in Greene County is handled through the Alabama Secretary of State's office and Greene County Probate Judge.
- Alabama residents can register to vote online at www.alabamainteractive.org/sos/voter_registration, by mail using the National Mail Voter Registration Form, or in person at Greene County Probate Office.
To be eligible to vote in Alabama, individuals must be U.S. Citizens, residents of Alabama and Greene County, at least 18 years old by election day, and not disqualified due to mental incapacity or felony conviction (unless rights have been restored). The voter registration deadline in Alabama is 15 days before any election.
Voters can verify their registration status and find polling place locations through the Alabama Secretary of State's voter information website at myinfo.alabamavotes.gov or by contacting Greene County Probate Office. Greene County typically operates several polling locations throughout Greene County on election day, with specific precinct assignments based on residence address. Election records that are public in Alabama include voter registration rolls (with certain personal information redacted under Alabama Code § 17-4-2), campaign finance reports filed with the Alabama Secretary of State, candidate qualifying information, and precinct-level election results.
The Alabama Secretary of State's office maintains election results at www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/election-results. In the November 2024 general election, Greene County, like many rural Alabama Black Belt counties, had voter turnout in the range of 55-65% of registered voters, with results typically favoring Democratic candidates in local and federal races, reflecting Greene County's demographic composition. The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, and will include U.S.
House of Representatives races for Alabama's congressional districts, potential U.S. Senate races if scheduled, and Alabama state legislative seats including State Senate and House of Representatives districts covering Greene County. Absentee voting in Alabama is available for voters who meet specific criteria under Alabama Code § 17-11-3, including being out of Greene County on election day, having a physical illness or infirmity, working a required shift that prevents voting in person, being a student or military member outside Greene County, appointed election officials, and other specified reasons.
Absentee ballot applications for Greene County voters can be obtained from Greene County Absentee Election Manager at the Probate Office (205-372-3349) or downloaded from the Alabama Secretary of State's website. Completed absentee ballot applications must be received by the Absentee Election Manager no later than 5:00 PM five days before the election. Alabama does not offer universal no-excuse absentee voting; applicants must qualify under one of the statutory reasons.
Election transparency in Greene County is governed by Alabama's public records laws and election code provisions, allowing citizens to observe vote counting, request copies of election results, and access campaign finance reports through the Alabama Secretary of State's Electronic Fair Campaign Practices Act reporting system.
Economy & Demographics
Greene County's economy is predominantly rural and agricultural, with forestry, timber production, and farming serving as traditional economic foundations. Greene County is part of Alabama's historic Black Belt region, named for Greene County's distinctive dark, fertile soil that historically supported extensive cotton plantations. Today, agriculture remains important with production of soybeans, corn, cattle, and timber products. According to U.S.
- The timber and wood products industry provides employment through logging operations, timber management, and related services.
- Retail trade, primarily concentrated in Eutaw, provides service sector employment.
- Highway 11 and State Route 14 provides transportation access, though it lacks interstate highway access which has limited industrial development.
Census Bureau data, Greene County's median household income is approximately $30,000 to $35,000, significantly below the Alabama state median of around $52,000 and the national median, reflecting Greene County's rural character and limited industrial development. Greene County's poverty rate has historically been among the highest in Alabama, with economic challenges including limited employment opportunities and population decline. Major employers in Greene County include Greene County Board of Education (Greene County's school system), Greene County government, healthcare providers, and small manufacturing operations.
Greene County's location along U.S. Unemployment rates in Greene County have typically exceeded state averages, reflecting the rural economy's limited diversification. Economic development efforts have focused on leveraging Greene County's natural resources, including timber lands and the Tombigbee River corridor.
Greene County's rich historical heritage, including numerous antebellum structures in Eutaw's historic district, presents potential for heritage tourism development, though this sector remains underdeveloped. Recent economic development initiatives have explored opportunities in renewable energy, forestry products manufacturing, and agricultural value-added processing, though Greene County continues to face significant economic challenges common to rural Black Belt counties in Alabama.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: In-Person Access | Property: Limited: In-Person Required | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: State Office/In-Person | Business: Yes: State Online Search | Elections: Yes: Online Registration/Results | Overall Score: 4/10 — Greene County maintains traditional in-person access for most records with limited online services, reflecting its rural character and smaller government infrastructure.