About Hazard — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The Perry County Detention Center is the primary jail facility for the county, processing everyone arrested within its borders. After booking, arrestees are photographed and fingerprinted at the facility. Families and attorneys can locate inmates through the detention center's online lookup system, which provides current information on detainees. Visitation requires advance appointments, and visitors must follow strict guidelines when visiting. Kentucky law allows for cash bonds or property bonds, with release occurring once the required bond amount is posted.
Arrest Records
The Perry County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, documenting details of each arrest, the charges filed, and personal information about arrestees. Anyone seeking arrest records can contact the Sheriff's Office directly to request them. The Kentucky Open Records Act grants individuals the right to access public records, including arrest documentation, except where specific legal exemptions apply. These records typically show the arrest date, charges filed, and which agency made the arrest.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Perry County cover felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as the sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks through the Kentucky Court of Justice's online portal or by contacting the Kentucky State Police. The bureau provides criminal history reports, which include convictions and pending charges, to authorized individuals and agencies.
Vital Records
The Hazard-Perry County Health Department, situated at 11 Medical Park Dr, Hazard, KY 41701, is the primary source for vital records in the area. Residents can obtain birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses by visiting the department or by accessing the online portal at https://kyhealthfacts.org/. The department also is important in public health initiatives and community outreach programs.
Business & Licensing Records
The Hazard-Perry County Chamber of Commerce operates from 101 Main St, Hazard, KY 41701, serving as the central resource for local businesses and entrepreneurs. The chamber keeps a directory of registered businesses, offers development resources for new and existing ventures, and organizes community events designed to stimulate economic growth. Business owners can register and update their information through the chamber's website at https://hazardperry.org/.
Economy & Demographics
Hazard's economy is heavily influenced by the healthcare and education sectors. The Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center, located at 100 Medical Center Dr, Hazard, KY 41701, is one of the city's largest employers, providing a wide range of medical services. The University of Kentucky College of Medicine - Hazard Campus, situated at 100 Airport Rd, Hazard, KY 41701, contributes to the city's economic growth through research, education, and healthcare initiatives.
Elections & Voter Records
The Perry County Clerk's Office administers all elections for Hazard, Perry County, Kentucky, operating from 145 Main Street, Hazard, KY 41701. Residents can reach the office at 606-436-4614 or visit perryclerk.com. Kentucky residents register to vote online through the Kentucky State Board of Elections at elect.ky.gov/voters, though registration closes 29 days before any election. Registration requires a Kentucky driver's license number or the last four digits of a Social Security number, plus proof of U.S. Citizenship, Kentucky residency, and age 18 by the next election.
The city conducts municipal elections for mayor and city council positions, with mayoral races occurring every four years, most recently in 2022, next in 2026, while city council seats are elected on staggered terms. Residents also vote in Perry County Fiscal Court elections, Kentucky General Assembly races covering House District 92 and Senate District 29, and federal contests. Voters can locate their assigned polling place using the lookup tool at elect.ky.gov/voters or by contacting the Perry County Clerk. Kentucky provides broad public access to election records. Voter registration lists are available for purchase by qualified requesters under KRS 117.015, campaign finance reports are searchable through the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance at kref.ky.gov, and candidate filings are kept by both the Perry County Clerk and Secretary of State. The State Board of Elections publishes precinct-level results. During the November 2024 presidential election, Perry County reported approximately 6,800 votes cast, representing around 51% turnout among registered voters. Kentucky doesn't offer true absentee voting but provides excuse-required absentee ballots and no-excuse early voting. Mail-in absentee ballot applications must be submitted to the Perry County Clerk with qualifying reasons under KRS 117.085, while in-person early voting takes place at the Perry County Clerk's office from the Thursday before Election Day through the Monday before Election Day.
Public Records Resources for Hazard, Kentucky
Official government websites for Hazard, Kentucky and the surrounding area. We prioritize official government sources (.gov, .us, or .mil) and supplement with verified municipal, county, or statewide portals (.org or .com) where the agency uses a non-government domain.
- Kentucky Vital Records IndexRecord index of Kentucky marriages, deaths and divorces.
- Kentucky Death RowInformation from the Kentucky Dept. of Corrections about Kentucky death row inmates.
- Kentucky Fictitious Business Names FilingsFind general info and check name availability with the Kentucky Secretary of State.
- Kentucky Federal ResourcesLearn about the government of the United States, including the executive, judicial, and legislative branches.
- Kentucky Historic Public RecordsRequest records from the Kentucky department for libraries and archives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Hazard, Kentucky?
To register to vote in Hazard, Kentucky, residents can register online through the Kentucky State Board of Elections website, by mail, or in person at the Perry County elections office. Kentucky requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Kentucky State Board of Elections voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Hazard, contact the Perry County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Hazard, Kentucky?
Property records for Hazard, Kentucky are maintained by the Perry Property Valuation Administrator's Office and the Perry County Clerk. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Perry County, including parcels in Hazard. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Perry County Clerk maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Kentucky counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Perry County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Hazard, Kentucky?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Hazard, Kentucky residents are available through both county and state offices. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Vital Statistics, located in Frankfort, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Kentucky. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Perry County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Perry County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.