About Henry County
Henry County, Virginia is located in the southern portion of the Commonwealth along the North Carolina border, covering approximately 382 square miles in the Piedmont region. Henry County Seat is Martinsville, an independent city that is geographically surrounded by Henry County but operates as a separate jurisdiction. As of the 2020 Census, Henry County had a population of approximately 50,948 residents.
- Army Corps of Engineers that provides recreation and flood control, and the Blue Ridge Parkway which runs along Henry County's northern edge.
Henry County was established in 1777 and named after Patrick Henry, the famous Virginia statesman and revolutionary who declared "Give me liberty, or give me death!" Henry County's economy historically centered on tobacco farming and textile manufacturing, with the Martinsville-Henry County area once known as a major furniture and textile production hub. Major landmarks include Philpott Lake, a 2,880-acre reservoir managed by the U.S. Henry County Administration Building is located at 3300 Kings Mountain Road in Martinsville, Virginia 24112.
The Circuit Court Clerk's office, which is the primary records repository, is housed at Henry County General District Court building at 3351 Kings Mountain Road. The Commissioner of the Revenue office, responsible for assessment functions, operates from the Administration Building. Henry County is characterized by rolling hills, agricultural lands, and forested areas, with the Smith River flowing through Henry County providing scenic beauty and recreational opportunities.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Henry County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for Henry County, responsible for maintaining public safety and order. The office patrols the unincorporated areas of Henry County, manages Henry County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also engages in community outreach programs and has specialized divisions such as the narcotics unit and the K-9 unit to address specific law enforcement needs.
Police Departments
Henry County is served by multiple law enforcement agencies, including Henry County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Martinsville Police Department. The Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement in the unincorporated areas, while the Martinsville Police Department focuses on the city of Martinsville. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, sharing resources and information to enhance their effectiveness.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Henry County Sheriff's Office, located at 3320 Kings Mountain Road, Martinsville, VA 24112, provides primary law enforcement services throughout the unincorporated areas of Henry County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a website at www.henrycova.com/departments/sheriff. The agency operates Henry County Jail, also known as the Adult Detention Center, which houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders.
- Written requests for arrest records should be submitted to the Sheriff's Office FOIA Officer, specifying the name and date of arrest if known.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Virginia and can be requested through the same FOIA process, though some restrictions may apply for juvenile arrests or ongoing investigations.
- The Sheriff's Office also manages civil process service, court security, and operates a warrants division for criminal process.
Inmate information can be obtained by contacting the jail directly at or through the Sheriff's Office website, which may provide an online inmate lookup feature. Arrest records and booking information are maintained by the Sheriff's Office and are subject to public disclosure under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), codified at Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq. The City of Martinsville, while geographically surrounded by Henry County, operates its own independent Martinsville Police Department and is not under Henry County Sheriff jurisdiction.
Smaller communities within Henry County such as Bassett, Ridgeway, and Fieldale fall under Sheriff's Office patrol jurisdiction. Response times and patrol coverage vary depending on the location within Henry County's 382 square miles.
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. Henry County Sheriff's Office and the Virginia State Police maintain these records, providing essential information for background checks and legal proceedings. Residents can request background checks through the Virginia State Police, which offers a summary of an individual's criminal history.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Henry County are maintained by Henry County Sheriff's Office. These records provide detailed information about the circumstances of an arrest, including the charges filed, the date and location of the arrest, and the arresting officer's details. Residents and attorneys can request access to these records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The process is governed by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, which ensures public access to government records while protecting individual privacy.
Jail & Inmate Records
Henry County Jail, located in Martinsville, is the main detention facility for Henry County. It handles the booking process for people arrested within Henry County, which includes fingerprinting, photographing, and collecting personal information. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and attorneys to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are strictly enforced, with specific hours and guidelines that must be followed.
- The bond and bail process in Virginia allows for the release of detainees under certain conditions, and this process can be initiated through the jail's administrative office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
In Henry County, mugshots are taken and retained by Henry County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a formal request. While Virginia does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, individuals can petition the court for expungement of records under certain conditions, which may result in the removal of associated mugshots.
Courts & Case Records
Henry County is served by the 21st Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, with Henry County Circuit Court located at 3351 Kings Mountain Road, Martinsville, VA 24112, phone. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases involving amounts exceeding $4,500, domestic relations matters including divorce and custody, and appeals from lower courts. Henry County General District Court, located at the same address (phone 276-634-4624), handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil claims up to $25,000, preliminary hearings for felonies, and magistrate functions.
- While basic case information is available free online, detailed documents may require in-person requests or payment of fees.
- Copies of court records cost $0.50 per page for non-certified copies and typically $2.00 for the first page plus $0.50 for each additional page for certified copies, as established by Virginia Code § 17.1-275.
- The Clerk's office is open weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and requests can be made in person, by mail, or in some cases electronically.
Henry County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court (phone 276-634-4658) has exclusive jurisdiction over juvenile delinquency, child abuse and neglect, custody and visitation disputes, and domestic violence protective orders. Court records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk's office, and case information can be searched through the Virginia Judiciary's online Case Information System at https://eapps.courts.state.va.us/ocis/search. Public access to court records is governed by Virginia Code § 17.1-208, which presumes court records are open to public inspection unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Henry County are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk's office at 3351 Kings Mountain Road, Martinsville, VA 24112, phone. The Clerk is the Recorder of Deeds for Henry County, maintaining all recorded instruments including deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, liens, easements, plat maps, subdivision plats, and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings. Virginia operates under a Clerk-based recording system rather than having a separate Register of Deeds office.
- Recording fees are established by Virginia Code § 17.1-275 and typically include a base fee plus additional charges per page and for indexing.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested from the Circuit Court Clerk for the statutory fee.
Land records dating back to Henry County's formation in 1777 are preserved, with older records maintained in archival format. Henry County provides online access to land records through a web-based system accessible at https://henrycova.com or through the Circuit Court Clerk's page, where users can search by name, book and page, or parcel identifier. Some historical records may not be digitized and require in-person research.
Property tax records and assessment information are maintained separately by the Commissioner of the Revenue at 3300 Kings Mountain Road, Martinsville, VA 24112, phone. The Commissioner's office conducts property assessments and maintains ownership records for taxation purposes. Property tax inquiries and payments are handled by the County Treasurer's office at the same location, phone.
Henry County offers an online GIS mapping system and property search portal that allows users to search by owner name, parcel number, or address to view assessment values, tax information, property characteristics, and aerial imagery at no cost.
Vital Records
Vital records for Henry County, Virginia are managed through a dual system involving both local and state offices. Birth and death certificates are official state records maintained by the Virginia Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, located at 2001 Maywill Street, Suite 101, Richmond, VA 23230. However, Henry County Circuit Court Clerk's office at 3351 Kings Mountain Road, Martinsville, VA 24112, phone, can assist with ordering vital records as a local agent.
- Birth certificates for births occurring in Henry County can be requested from the state office with a fee of $12 for the first copy and $12 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates cost the same amount.
- Processing time typically ranges from 2-4 weeks for mail requests or same-day service for in-person requests at the state office in Richmond.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records with an additional service fee.
- Vital records access is governed by Virginia Code § 32.1-252, which protects the confidentiality of these records while allowing access to qualified applicants.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest as required by Virginia Code § 32.1-250 through § 32.1-271, which restricts access to immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a court order. Marriage licenses are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk's office in Henry County; couples must appear in person to apply, pay the required fee (approximately $30), and wait until the next business day before the license becomes valid. Divorce records and final divorce decrees are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk in the court case files where the divorce was granted.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Henry County are managed through multiple offices depending on the type of business activity. Local business licenses are issued by Henry County Commissioner of the Revenue at 3300 Kings Mountain Road, Martinsville, VA 24112, phone. Businesses operating within Henry County must obtain a local business license, with fees based on gross receipts and business classification under the Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) tax system authorized by Virginia Code § 58.1-3700.
- The Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce, located at 115 Broad Street, Martinsville, VA 24112, phone, website www.mhcchamber.com, provides business development resources and networking opportunities.
The Commissioner's office maintains records of licensed businesses and can provide verification of business license status. Assumed name certificates (DBAs or "doing business as" names) are filed with Henry County Circuit Court Clerk at 3351 Kings Mountain Road, phone, as required by Virginia Code § 59.1-69 through § 59.1-76. For formal business entity formation such as corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships, the Virginia State Corporation Commission maintains the central registry.
The SCC Clerk's Office provides a free online business entity search at https://cis.scc.virginia.gov where users can search by entity name or identification number to view formation documents, registered agents, and status. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, healthcare providers, and real estate agents are issued by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), with verification available at www.dpor.virginia.gov. Building permits, zoning approvals, and certificates of occupancy are handled by Henry County Building Inspections and Code Compliance Department, phone.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Henry County, Virginia are administered by Henry County Office of the General Registrar and Electoral Board, located at 3279 Kings Mountain Road, Martinsville, VA 24112. The office can be reached at and provides information about voter registration, polling locations, and election procedures. Virginia offers online voter registration through the Virginia Department of Elections website at www.elections.virginia.gov/registration/how-to-register, where eligible citizens can register or update their registration information.
- In the 2024 general election, Henry County reported a voter turnout of approximately 62% of registered voters, consistent with rural Virginia turnout patterns in presidential election years.
- Citizens can request copies of election materials, precinct results, and other public records through the Registrar's office under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
The voter registration deadline in Virginia is 22 days before any election, and applicants must be U.S. Citizens, residents of Virginia, and at least 18 years old by the next general election. Registered voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling place by using the online voter lookup tool at https://vote.elections.virginia.gov or by contacting the Registrar's office directly.
Henry County operates multiple polling locations throughout Henry County on election day, typically open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Election records that are public include voter registration lists (excluding certain protected information like Social Security numbers and birthdates), campaign finance reports filed with the Virginia Department of Elections, candidate qualification documents, and precinct-level election results. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races for Virginia's 5th Congressional District, potential U.S. Senate races, and Virginia state legislative contests for House of Delegates seats. Absentee voting in Virginia is available to all registered voters without requiring an excuse; applications can be submitted online through the Virginia Department of Elections Citizen Portal at https://vote.elections.virginia.gov, by mail, or in person at the Registrar's office.
The deadline for absentee ballot applications is typically 11 days before the election for mail ballots and up to the Saturday before the election for in-person absentee voting. Early voting (in-person absentee) begins 45 days before any election. Virginia's election transparency is governed by Virginia Code § 24.2-101 et seq, which establishes public access to most election records while protecting voter privacy.
Economy & Demographics
Henry County's economy has undergone significant transformation over the past several decades, transitioning from a manufacturing-based economy centered on textiles and furniture production to a more diversified economic base. Historically, the Martinsville-Henry County region was known as a global center for furniture manufacturing and textile production, with companies like Hooker Furniture, Bassett Furniture, and Stanley Furniture operating major facilities.
- Census data, the median household income in Henry County is approximately $42,000, below both the Virginia and national averages, reflecting the economic challenges of deindustrialization.
The decline of domestic manufacturing in the late 20th and early 21st centuries led to substantial job losses and economic restructuring. According to U.S. Major current employers include Sovah Health-Martinsville (healthcare), Henry County Public Schools system, county and city government, and remaining manufacturing operations.
The Commonwealth Crossing Business Centre, a 3,500-acre mega-site located in Henry County along U.S. Route 220, represents one of Virginia's premier economic development opportunities with direct access to major transportation corridors and available infrastructure for large-scale industrial development. Agriculture remains an important economic sector, with tobacco, cattle, hay, and timber production contributing to the local economy.
Henry County has actively pursued economic diversification through initiatives promoting advanced manufacturing, logistics and distribution, and tourism centered around Philpott Lake and the Smith River. The unemployment rate has historically been higher than state averages but has shown improvement through targeted economic development efforts. Recent investments in broadband infrastructure through the Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation headquarters located in Henry County have positioned Henry County as a leader in rural high-speed internet access, supporting business development and remote work opportunities.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search Available | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Online (State Level) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 7/10 — Henry County provides good online access to property and court case searches, though some public safety and vital records require traditional request methods.
Official Government Resources
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Cities & Towns in Henry County
Explore public records for 8 cities and communities in Henry County, Virginia.