About Highland County
Highland County, Virginia, is the least populous county in the Commonwealth, with a population of approximately 2,200 residents as of recent estimates. Located in the Allegheny Mountains in the western part of Virginia, Highland County spans 416 square miles of rugged, mountainous terrain. Highland County Seat is Monterey, a small town that is the governmental and commercial hub. Highland County is known as 'Virginia's Switzerland' due to its high elevation, scenic mountain vistas, and cool climate.
Highland County is bordered by Bath County to the south, Augusta County to the east, and Pendleton County, West Virginia, to the west and north. Major landmarks include the George Washington National Forest, which covers much of Highland County, and the Allegheny Mountains, which offer extensive outdoor recreational opportunities. Highland County was formed in 1847 from parts of Bath and Pendleton counties.
Highland County's economy traditionally centered on agriculture, particularly sheep and cattle farming, and timber. Highland County Courthouse in Monterey houses the Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 20 West Main Street, Monterey, VA 24465. The Commissioner of the Revenue serves assessment functions, and the County Treasurer manages tax collection.
Highland County is unique for its annual Maple Festival each March, celebrating Highland County's maple syrup production, and its designation as Virginia's least populated county creates a close-knit rural community character unlike any other jurisdiction in the state.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Highland County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order within Highland County. It patrols the unincorporated areas, making sure of the safety and security of residents. The office also manages Highland County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is involved in various community programs meant to crime prevention and public safety education. Notable divisions within the office include patrol, investigations, and community services, each playing a critical role in Highland County's law enforcement efforts.
Police Departments
Highland County is primarily served by Highland County Sheriff's Office, which handles law enforcement duties across Highland County. There are no municipal police departments within Highland County due to its small population and rural nature. The Sheriff's Office coordinates with state law enforcement agencies on major crimes and public safety initiatives. This collaboration ensures full coverage and response to incidents that require additional resources or expertise beyond the local level.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Highland County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for Highland County, Virginia, with headquarters, Monterey, VA 24465. The Sheriff's Office phone number is. The Sheriff is an elected constitutional officer responsible for law enforcement, court security, civil process service, and operating Highland County jail. Highland County does not maintain a separate county detention facility; inmates arrested in Highland County are typically housed at the Rockingham-Harrisonburg Regional Jail or the Middle River Regional Jail in Verona, Virginia.
- To request arrest records, citizens should submit a written request to Highland County Sheriff's Office, though some records may be exempt from disclosure if they pertain to ongoing investigations.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the Sheriff's Office, though Highland County does not maintain an online booking photo database.
To locate an inmate from Highland County, citizens should contact the Sheriff's Office directly or check the Virginia Department of Corrections offender locator at https://vadoc.virginia.gov for state inmates. The Town of Monterey does not operate a separate municipal police department; all law enforcement is handled by the Sheriff's Office and the Virginia State Police. Arrest records in Highland County are public records under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq.).
Virginia State Police also maintain records of arrests that occur on state highways and may be contacted at their area office. Special jurisdiction law enforcement in Highland County includes conservation officers from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources who enforce hunting and fishing regulations on public lands throughout Highland County.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Highland County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Highland County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining these records, which are accessible to the public under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Background checks can be conducted through the Virginia State Police, which provides a centralized database for criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Highland County are maintained by Highland County Sheriff's Office. These records provide detailed information about the circumstances of an arrest, including the charges, date, and location of the incident. Residents and attorneys can request access to these records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, arrest records are generally accessible to the public, although certain restrictions may apply to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Highland County Jail, operated by Highland County Sheriff's Office, is the primary detention facility for Highland County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to this facility, typically requiring prior scheduling and adherence to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process follows Virginia state law, allowing for the release of detainees under certain conditions, and information on recent arrests can be obtained directly from the jail or the Sheriff's Office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Highland County are taken and retained by Highland County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can often be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. Virginia does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related charges. Mugshots are typically included in arrest records and may be used by law enforcement for identification purposes.
Courts & Case Records
Highland County's judicial system operates through Highland County Circuit Court, located in Highland County Courthouse at 20 West Main Street, Monterey, VA 24465. The Circuit Court Clerk's Office can be reached for The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases involving more than $4,500, domestic relations matters including divorce, and appeals from lower courts. The Honorable Circuit Court Judge serves Highland County along with Bath County as part of the 25th Judicial Circuit.
- Highland County General District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and civil cases up to $25,000, operating from the same courthouse building.
- Virginia's online case information system at https://eapps.courts.state.va.us/ocis provides statewide case searches, though not all Highland County records may be fully digitized.
- Fees for certified copies of court documents are established by Virginia Code § 17.1-275 and typically include $2 per page for certified copies plus a $2 certification fee.
Court records in Virginia are governed by Virginia Code § 17.1-208, which establishes the Circuit Court Clerk as the custodian of court records. To search court records, citizens may visit the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in person during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Land records, deeds, and marriage licenses maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk are also public records available for inspection.
The Clerk's Office maintains historical records dating back to Highland County's formation in 1847, making it an important resource for genealogical research.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Highland County, Virginia, are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office, which is the Register of Deeds, located at 20 West Main Street, Monterey, VA 24465, phone. The Clerk's Office maintains full records including deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, liens, easements, subdivisions, and plat maps. These records are indexed and available for public inspection during regular business hours. Highland County does not currently offer a fully full online property records search system, though some records may be accessible through third-party vendors.
- Citizens seeking property records typically must visit the Clerk's Office in person or submit written requests by mail.
- Certified copies of recorded instruments cost $2 per page plus the $2 certification fee as prescribed by Virginia statute.
- While Highland County does not maintain a sophisticated online GIS parcel viewer, the Commissioner's Office can provide property assessment information, parcel numbers, and ownership details upon request.
Vital Records
Vital records for Highland County, Virginia, are maintained both locally and at the state level. Birth and death certificates occurring in Highland County are available through the Virginia Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, 2001 Maywill Street, Richmond, VA 23230. The state vital records office can be reached for Birth certificates cost $12 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; death certificates cost the same. Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests. Expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records/, though convenience fees apply.
- Couples must apply in person, provide identification and Social Security numbers, and pay the required fee (currently $30).
To obtain a birth certificate, applicants must be the registrant (if 18 or older), a parent listed on the certificate, a legal guardian, or authorized representative, and must provide valid government-issued photo identification. Marriage licenses in Highland County are issued by Highland County Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 20 West Main Street, Monterey, VA 24465, phone. There is no waiting period in Virginia, and the license is valid for 60 days.
Divorce records are also maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk as part of case files. Virginia vital records law is codified in Virginia Code § 32.1-250 et seq, which governs the registration, preservation, and certified copying of vital records. Historical vital records for genealogical research may be available through the Circuit Court Clerk for older marriages and deaths recorded locally before statewide registration began.
Business & Licensing
Business records and licensing in Highland County, Virginia, involve multiple offices at Highland County and state levels. For local business operations, Highland County Commissioner of the Revenue's Office. Monterey, VA 24465, phone, handles business personal property taxation and business license applications for businesses operating within Highland County.
- The database provides information on business names, registered agents, status, and formation dates.
Virginia requires most businesses to register with the Virginia State Corporation Commission, and the SCC maintains a searchable online database at https://cis.scc.virginia.gov/ where citizens can look up corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other business entities registered in Virginia. For DBA (doing business as) or fictitious name registrations, businesses operating in Highland County must file with Highland County Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 20 West Main Street, Monterey, VA 24465. Professional licenses such as contractors, attorneys, medical professionals, and others are issued by various Virginia state licensing boards and can be searched through the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation at https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/.
Sales tax permits are issued by the Virginia Department of Taxation and can be applied for online. Building permits and zoning matters in Highland County are handled by Highland County Building Inspector and Zoning Administrator; contact the County Administrator's Office for current procedures. Highland County Chamber of Commerce, while informal due to Highland County's small size, can provide information about local business climate and economic development; contact information may be obtained through the County Administrator's Office.
Monterey.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Highland County, Virginia, are administered by Highland County Electoral Board and General Registrar, with offices, Monterey, VA 24465. The General Registrar's Office can be reached for Voter registration in Highland County can be completed in person at the Registrar's Office, by mail, or online through the Virginia Department of Elections at https://www.elections.virginia.gov/registration/. Virginia law requires voters to register at least 22 days before an election. To register, applicants must be U.S.
- Absentee voting in Virginia is available to all registered voters without requiring an excuse since 2020 reforms.
- Highland County voters can request absentee ballots through the Registrar's Office by mail, online at https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/, or in person.
- Citizens may request copies of election results, pollbooks, and other election materials through the Registrar's Office under FOIA procedures.
Citizens, Virginia residents, at least 18 years old by the next general election, and not currently declared mentally incapacitated by a court or convicted of a felony (unless rights have been restored). Voters can find their polling place by contacting the Registrar's Office or using the polling place locator at https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/. Highland County typically operates a small number of polling locations due to its small population, with Monterey serving as the primary voting location.
Election records that are public in Virginia include the registered voter list (with some restrictions on use), campaign finance reports filed with the Virginia Department of Elections, candidate filings, and certified election results by precinct. Highland County's voter turnout varies by election type, with presidential elections typically seeing 60-70% turnout and off-year elections seeing lower participation. In the 2024 general election, Highland County's turnout was consistent with rural Virginia patterns.
The next major election is November 3, 2026, which will include U.S. House of Representatives races and potentially Virginia state legislative seats, depending on redistricting. Early voting (in-person absentee) is available at the Registrar's Office beginning 45 days before an election.
Virginia's election transparency is governed by Virginia Code § 24.2-101 et seq, which establishes election procedures and public access to election records.
Economy & Demographics
Highland County, Virginia, has a predominantly rural economy based on agriculture, forestry, and tourism. As Virginia's least populous county, Highland lacks major corporate employers but maintains economic vitality through small businesses and natural resource industries. Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, with cattle and sheep farming being primary agricultural activities. Highland County is known for its maple syrup production, and the annual the local community Maple Festival attracts thousands of visitors each March, providing significant tourism revenue.
- The median household income in Highland County is approximately $42,000, below the Virginia state median, reflecting the rural character and limited industrial base.
The George Washington National Forest covers much of Highland County, providing employment through the U.S. Forest Service and supporting timber industries. Tourism contributes substantially to the local economy, with visitors attracted by outdoor recreation including hiking, fishing, hunting, trout fishing in stocked streams, and scenic mountain drives.
Small-scale specialty agriculture including organic farming and heritage livestock breeds has grown in recent years. Highland County's remote location and mountainous terrain have limited industrial development, but this has preserved Highland County's natural beauty and rural character. Unemployment in Highland County historically tracks close to or slightly above state averages, with seasonal variation due to tourism and agriculture cycles.
Recent economic development efforts have focused on promoting agritourism, supporting small business development, and improving broadband internet access to enable remote work opportunities. the local community Center, a multipurpose facility in Monterey, is a community gathering place and supports local events that contribute to the economy.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Online Search Available (State Portal) | Property: Limited: In-Person/Phone Required | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Contact Sheriff Required | Vital Records: Yes: State Online Ordering | Business: Yes: State Online Database | Elections: Yes: State Online Tools | Overall Score: 6/10 — Highland County's small size limits local digital infrastructure, but state-level Virginia systems provide access to many records; property and arrest records require direct office contact.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Highland County
Explore public records for 6 cities and communities in Highland County, Virginia.