About Henry County
Henry County, Kentucky, established in 1798, is located in the north-central region of the Commonwealth along the Kentucky River. Named after Patrick Henry, the legendary Virginia statesman and orator, Henry County includes approximately 289 square miles of rolling Bluegrass scene. Henry County Seat is New Castle, a charming historic community that is the administrative and judicial center.
With a population of approximately 16,000 residents according to recent census estimates, Henry County maintains its rural agricultural character while benefiting from proximity to the Louisville metropolitan area. Henry County is bordered by Trimble, Carroll, Owen, Franklin, Shelby, and Oldham counties. Major landmarks include the Kentucky River, which forms much of Henry County's eastern boundary, and numerous historic sites dating to Kentucky's early settlement period.
Henry County Courthouse, located at 65 South Main Street in New Castle, houses the County Clerk's office, which maintains vital records, marriage licenses, and various legal documents. The Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) office handles property assessments, while the County Clerk is the primary custodian of public records. Henry County's economy has historically been driven by agriculture, particularly tobacco and livestock, though modern diversification has brought small manufacturing and service industries.
Henry County is known for its scenic beauty, historic architecture, and strong community traditions that reflect Kentucky's rich heritage.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Henry County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across Henry County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office handles a range of duties including patrolling rural areas, executing warrants, and maintaining Henry County jail. Notable programs include community outreach initiatives meant to crime prevention and public safety education.
Police Departments
In addition to Henry County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Henry County is supported by municipal police departments in cities such as Eminence and Campbellsburg. The Eminence Police Department and the Campbellsburg Police Department handle law enforcement duties within their respective city limits, focusing on community policing and local ordinance enforcement. These agencies coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and regional law enforcement initiatives.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Henry County, Kentucky, is primarily provided by Henry County Sheriff's Office, located at 65 South Main Street in New Castle, Kentucky 40050.
- Arrest records in Henry County are public records accessible under Kentucky's Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 to 61.884), which mandates government agencies provide access to public records upon request.
- Fees for copying and processing records are permitted under KRS 61.874.
- The Kentucky State Police Post 5 in Campbellsburg also provides investigative support and highway patrol services throughout Henry County.
Henry County Detention Center houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving sentences, and current inmate information can be obtained by contacting the jail directly or through the Kentucky Department of Corrections online offender search system. The City of New Castle operates its own municipal police department serving the incorporated areas of Henry County Seat, providing additional law enforcement coverage within city limits.
Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the detention center, and recent arrests may be posted on the Sheriff's Office social media pages or local news outlets. Kentucky law requires agencies to respond to open records requests within five business days, either providing the requested documents, denying the request with legal justification, or explaining why additional time is needed.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Henry County includes a variety of records including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks through the Kentucky Court of Justice or the Kentucky State Police, which provides full criminal history reports. The system ensures that all criminal activities are documented and accessible for legal and public safety purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Henry County are maintained by Henry County Sheriff's Office. These records include details such as the nature of the offense, arresting officer, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The process is governed by the Kentucky Open Records Act, which ensures public access to government records while protecting individual privacy. Arrest records typically include the date of arrest, charges, and any court proceedings related to the arrest.
Jail & Inmate Records
Henry County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing inmates in Henry County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate lookup is available through the detention center's administrative office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled visiting hours and regulations on items that can be brought into the center.
- The bond process follows Kentucky state guidelines, where bail can be posted through the court system or a bail bondsman.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Henry County are taken and retained by Henry 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 or through online databases that compile booking photos. While Kentucky does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals can petition for removal or sealing of records under certain circumstances, such as expungement of charges.
Courts & Case Records
Henry County judicial system operates under Kentucky's unified court system, with Henry County Circuit Court serving as the primary trial court of general jurisdiction. The Circuit Court, located at Henry County Judicial Center at 65 South Main Street, New Castle, KY 40050, handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $5,000, domestic relations including divorce and custody, probate and estate matters, and appeals from District Court.
- Records requests should be directed to the Circuit Court Clerk during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The court can be contacted through the office’s website. Henry County District Court, sharing the same address, exercises jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases under $5,000, small claims, preliminary hearings in felony cases, and juvenile matters. Court records in Henry County are accessible to the public under Kentucky Court of Justice Administrative Order 2020-38 and KRS 26A.140, which establish the framework for public access to court records while protecting confidential information. The Kentucky Court of Justice operates CourtNet, an online case information system available at kycourts.gov, where users can search civil, criminal, and traffic cases by party name or case number for a fee of approximately $10.00 per search or through subscription.
Certified copies of court documents may be obtained from the Circuit Court Clerk's office for a statutory fee of $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus a $6.00 certification fee per document as established by KRS 64.012. Henry County Attorney prosecutes misdemeanor cases, while felony prosecutions are handled by the Commonwealth's Attorney for the 15th Judicial Circuit.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Henry County, Kentucky, are maintained by Henry County Clerk's office, which is the official Recorder of Deeds at 65 South Main Street, New Castle, KY 40050 Henry County Clerk's office maintains full records including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgages and deeds of trust, mortgage releases, mechanic's liens, UCC financing statements, easements, rights-of-way, plat maps and subdivision plans, and various other instruments affecting real property.
- Henry County Clerk provides public access to these records during regular business hours, and many counties in Kentucky are transitioning to online access, though availability varies by county.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available from the County Clerk for statutory fees: $3.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page as set by KRS 64.012.
Kentucky law requires all documents conveying or encumbering real estate to be recorded in Henry County where the property is located under KRS 382.135. Property tax records and assessment information are maintained separately by Henry County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) at 65 South Main Street, New Castle, KY 40050 The PVA office maintains property tax cards, assessment values, ownership information, property characteristics, and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping data.
Kentucky's Department of Revenue website offers some property search capabilities, and citizens should contact the PVA office directly to inquire about online parcel viewers or GIS mapping access specific to Henry County. Henry County Clerk also maintains marriage records, military discharge records (DD-214s), and various business filings. All property records are public under Kentucky's Open Records Act unless specifically exempted by statute.
Vital Records
Vital records for Henry County, Kentucky, including birth and death certificates, are maintained under Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 213. Birth certificates for events occurring in Henry County can be requested from Henry County Clerk's office at 65 South Main Street, New Castle, KY 40050, phone, or from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics, 275 East Main Street, Frankfort, KY 40621.
- The fee for a certified birth certificate is $10.00, with processing typically taking 2-3 weeks for mail requests.
- Death certificates for Henry County residents are similarly available from the County Clerk or the state Office of Vital Statistics for the same $10.00 fee.
- Both parties must appear in person to apply, present valid photo identification, and pay the marriage license fee of $35.50.
- The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics offers online ordering through VitalChek at vitalchek.com for an additional convenience fee.
- Expedited processing is available for additional fees.
Birth records less than 100 years old are confidential and available only to the registrant (if 18 or older), parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, or individuals with a direct and tangible interest as defined by KRS 213.121. Death records are public records after 50 years; newer records are restricted to immediate family members and those with legal interest. Marriage licenses are issued by Henry County Clerk's office, which maintains all marriage records performed in Henry County.
There is no waiting period or blood test required in Kentucky. Divorce records are maintained by Henry County Circuit Court Clerk as part of court proceedings, not by the vital records office. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate their eligibility to receive restricted vital records under KRS 213.131.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Henry County, Kentucky, are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and registration. Henry County Clerk's office at 65 South Main Street, New Castle, KY 40050, phone, handles local business filings including Doing Business As (DBA) registrations, assumed name certificates, and fictitious name statements required under KRS 365.015 for businesses operating under names other than the owner's legal name.
- Henry County Chamber of Commerce, though not a government agency, provides business resources and networking opportunities for local enterprises.
For full business entity searches including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other formal business structures, the Kentucky Secretary of State maintains the primary database. The Secretary of State's online business entity search is available at web.sos.ky.gov/ftsearch, providing free access to business formation documents, registered agent information, good standing status, and annual report filings. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, plumbers, electricians, and healthcare providers are issued by Kentucky's respective professional licensing boards at the state level.
Henry County Planning and Zoning Commission, which can be contacted through the County Judge-Executive's office, handles building permits, zoning applications, and land use approvals. Business owners may need to obtain local occupational licenses depending on the city or county requirements; the New Castle City Clerk should be contacted for business licenses within city limits. Sales tax permits and employer withholding accounts are administered by the Kentucky Department of Revenue.
Kentucky requires most businesses to register with the Secretary of State, obtain a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, and comply with local zoning and licensing requirements before commencing operations.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Henry County, Kentucky, are administered by Henry County Clerk, who serves as Henry County's chief election official under Kentucky election law. Henry County Clerk's office is located at 65 South Main Street, New Castle, KY 40050, and can be contacted through the office’s website. The office is responsible for voter registration, maintaining accurate voter rolls, processing absentee ballot applications, recruiting and training poll workers, and certifying election results.
- To register, applicants must be U.S.
- Kentucky maintains precinct-based voting, and registered voters must cast ballots at their assigned precinct on Election Day.
- Kentucky election records are subject to public inspection under the Open Records Act, promoting transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
Kentucky voters can register to name using several methods: in person at the County Clerk's office, by mail using a voter registration application, at Kentucky driver's license facilities, or online through the Kentucky State Board of Elections website at govoteky.com. The voter registration deadline in Kentucky is 29 days before any election. Citizens, Kentucky residents, at least 18 years old by the next general election, and not currently serving a sentence for a felony conviction.
Voters can find their polling place by visiting the Kentucky State Board of Elections voter information portal at elect.ky.gov or by contacting Henry County Clerk's office directly. Election records that are public in Kentucky include voter registration lists (excluding Social Security numbers and birthdates), campaign finance reports filed with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance, candidate filings and declarations, and precinct-level election results. In the November 2024 general election, Henry County voter turnout was approximately 60-65%, consistent with typical rural Kentucky county participation in presidential elections.
The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, potential U.S. Senate contests if applicable, and various Kentucky state and local offices.
Kentucky offers excuse-based absentee voting under KRS 117.085 for voters who will be absent from Henry County on Election Day, have a medical condition, are students, or meet other qualifying criteria. Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to the County Clerk by the statutory deadline, typically seven days before the election for mail ballots. Early in-person voting is available at the County Clerk's office beginning the Thursday before Election Day through the Saturday before Election Day.
Economy & Demographics
Henry County, Kentucky's economy reflects a blend of traditional agricultural heritage and modern diversification. Historically rooted in tobacco farming, livestock production, and crop agriculture, Henry County has experienced gradual economic transformation as agriculture's share of employment has declined while manufacturing, retail trade, and service sectors have expanded. Major employers in Henry County include Henry County Public Schools system, Henry County Government, local healthcare providers, and several small to medium-sized manufacturing operations.
- Henry County's proximity to Louisville, approximately 40 miles southwest, provides employment opportunities for commuters and access to larger markets for local businesses.
- Census Bureau estimates, the median household income in Henry County is approximately $55,000 to $60,000, somewhat below the Kentucky state median.
- The Kentucky River provides recreational opportunities that support modest tourism activity.
According to U.S. Agriculture remains economically significant, with cattle operations, hay production, corn, and soybeans replacing much of the historical tobacco acreage. Henry County's rural character and relatively affordable land prices have attracted some residential development, particularly among families seeking less urbanized environments within commuting distance of Louisville.
Unemployment rates in Henry County typically track closely with state and national trends, experiencing lows during economic expansions and rising during recessions. Economic development efforts focus on small business support, infrastructure improvements including broadband expansion, and attracting light manufacturing and distribution facilities that benefit from Henry County's location near Interstate 71 corridor. Henry County Industrial Development Authority works to recruit new businesses and support existing enterprises.
Retail activity centers primarily in New Castle and along major transportation routes.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (CourtNet) | Property: Limited: Online | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: Online (State Level) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 6/10, Henry County provides moderate public records access with state-level online resources for courts, business entities, and elections, though property and jail records require direct contact with county offices.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Henry County
Explore public records for 11 cities and communities in Henry County, Kentucky.