About Henderson County

Population 117,387 residents
County Seat Hendersonville
Established 1838
Named After North Carolina Supreme
Area 375 square miles

Henderson County is located in the western mountains of North Carolina, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains with a population of approximately 117,000 residents as of recent census estimates. Henderson County seat is Hendersonville, a vibrant city known for its historic downtown, apple orchards, and as a path to outdoor recreation. Established in 1838 and named after North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Leonard Henderson, Henderson County includes approximately 375 square miles of mountainous terrain. Major landmarks include the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site in Flat Rock, Chimney Rock State Park (partially in Henderson County), and Jump Off Rock offering panoramic mountain views. Henderson County is renowned for its apple production, hosting the North Carolina Apple Festival annually, and features a thriving retirement community due to its mild climate and natural beauty. Henderson County contains several incorporated municipalities including Hendersonville, Fletcher, Flat Rock, Laurel Park, and Mills River. Henderson County Register of Deeds, located at 200 North Grove Street, Suite 133, Hendersonville, NC 28792, maintains official land and property records. Henderson County Clerk functions are handled through the Clerk of Superior Court at Henderson County Courthouse, 200 North Grove Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792. Henderson County Tax Assessor's office, responsible for property valuations and tax assessments, is located at 201 South Main Street in Hendersonville. Henderson County's economy blends agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and retirement services, making it a unique blend of traditional Appalachian heritage and modern economic development.

  • Henderson County Register of Deeds, located at 200 North Grove Street, Suite 133, Hendersonville, NC 28792, maintains official land and property records.

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement

Law Enforcement & Arrests

  • There may be nominal fees for copying and processing records.
  • Mugshots and booking photographs are generally available through the detention facility's online inmate search system or by direct request to the Sheriff's Office Records Division.
  • Processing times for records requests typically range from a few days to several weeks depending on the complexity and volume of the request.
100 North Grove Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792 • Phone: 828-697-4596

Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records

Arrest Records

  • Requests for arrest records can be made in person, by mail, or through the Sheriff's Office website, depending on the specific requirements of the office.

Courts & Case Records

  • Fees for copies are typically $2 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, with certified copies costing an additional $3-5 per document.
  • Henderson County also handles magistrate functions through the Magistrate's Office, which operates 24/7 for initial appearances, bond hearings, and the issuance of criminal warrants and civil processes.
  • Small Claims Court, part of District Court, handles civil disputes up to $10,000.
200 North Grove Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792 • Phone: (828) 697-4808

Property & Public Records

Property records for Henderson County, North Carolina are maintained by the Henderson County Register of Deeds. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Henderson County.

Vital Records

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

  • The cost for a certified birth certificate is $24 for the first copy and $15 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
  • Death certificates cost the same and are available to similar qualified applicants.
  • Processing time is typically 7-10 business days for mail requests and immediate for in-person requests if the record is readily available.
  • Marriage licenses are issued by Henderson County Register of Deeds office with both parties required to appear in person with valid government-issued photo identification and Social Security numbers.
  • The marriage license fee is $60, and there is no waiting period or blood test required in North Carolina.

Business & Licensing

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

  • Henderson County Building Safety Division issues building permits, electrical permits, plumbing permits, and mechanical permits for construction projects, with fees based on project valuation.
200 North Grove Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792 • Phone: (828) 697-4890

Official Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I search for someone recently arrested in Henderson County, North Carolina?
To search for someone recently arrested in Henderson County, North Carolina, you can contact the Henderson County Detention Center. They maintain an inmate lookup process that can be accessed by calling the detention center directly or visiting their facility at 375 First Avenue East, Hendersonville, NC. The county Sheriff's Office website may provide an online inmate search tool for recent arrests and bookings.
Mugshots or booking photos in Henderson County, North Carolina, can be obtained from the Henderson County Sheriff's Office. You can visit their office at 100 North Grove Street, Hendersonville, NC, or check their official website for any available online portals. The office may provide access to booking photos upon request, subject to North Carolina public records laws.
To obtain a criminal background check in Henderson County, North Carolina, you can request it through the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). Locally, you may also contact the Henderson County Clerk of Superior Court for assistance with accessing court records related to criminal history. The SBI provides a formal process for background checks, which may require submitting fingerprints and a fee.
To look up sex offenders in Henderson County, North Carolina, you can use the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and can be accessed online. By entering the relevant details, you can search for registered sex offenders in Henderson County and view their profiles and locations.
You can register to vote in Henderson County through the North Carolina State Board of Elections online portal at ncsbe.gov/registering, in person at the Henderson County Board of Elections office at 200 North Grove Street, Suite 50, Hendersonville, or at the DMV. Registration must be completed at least 25 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. North Carolina also offers same-day registration during the early voting period, and absentee ballots are available to any registered voter upon request starting 60 days before an election.
Property records in Henderson County can be accessed through the Register of Deeds office at 200 North Grove Street, Suite 133, Hendersonville, or online at hendersoncountync.gov/rod where you can search and view recorded deeds, mortgages, liens, and plat maps free of charge. For property tax information, assessments, and ownership details, visit the Henderson County Tax Assessor's website at hendersoncountync.gov/tax which offers a free GIS mapping system and property search tool. Both systems allow searches by owner name, address, or parcel number and provide access to historical records, sales data, and current valuations.
Birth and death certificates in North Carolina are primarily obtained through the North Carolina State Vital Records office, though limited services are available at the Henderson County Register of Deeds office at 200 North Grove Street, Suite 133, Hendersonville. Certified copies cost $24 for the first copy and $15 for additional copies ordered at the same time, with processing taking 7-10 business days for mail requests. Online ordering is available through vitalrecords.nc.gov, and applicants must provide valid identification and proof of their qualified relationship to the person named on the certificate as required by N.C.G.S. § 130A-93.
Business name registrations (DBAs) filed in Henderson County can be found through the Register of Deeds office at 200 North Grove Street, Suite 133, Hendersonville, or by contacting them at 828-697-4970. For searches of corporations, LLCs, and other formal business entities, use the North Carolina Secretary of State's free online business search at sosnc.gov. Local business permits and zoning approvals are handled by the Henderson County Planning Department at 828-697-4890, while specific industry licenses are issued by their respective state licensing boards rather than at the county level.

Nearby Counties

Greenville County SC Buncombe County NC Rutherford County NC Haywood County NC Transylvania County NC Polk County NC