About Highland

Highland, Illinois is a community in Madison County, Illinois. This page consolidates verified public records resources for Highland, including law enforcement, court, vital, property, and government records.

Read more about public records in Highland

Highland is located in Madison County, Illinois and had a recorded population of approximately 10,268 at the last census. County and state agencies serving Madison County are the primary source for most government records affecting Highland residents.

Law enforcement in Highland is served by Highland Police Department and Madison County Sheriff's Office. Arrest records, booking information, and incident reports are maintained by these agencies and can usually be requested in person, by mail, or via online portals where available.

Court case records for civil, criminal, family, and probate matters in Madison County are maintained by the county trial court of general jurisdiction and, where applicable, by municipal or district courts. Statewide court case search tools published by the Illinois Judicial Branch can also be used to locate cases.

Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates for Highland residents are issued through the Illinois Department of Public Health (Division of Vital Records), with local copies often available through the Madison County Clerk's office. Real-property records (deeds, mortgages, liens) and parcel assessments are recorded with the county Recorder and the county Assessor.

Most government records held by Illinois agencies are accessible under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, which sets a response window of 5 business days and requires agencies to publish procedures for written records requests. Certain records (juvenile, sealed, victim, and active investigation records) may be withheld or redacted under statutory exemptions.

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Highland

Highland Police Department

The Highland Police Department currently has twenty-two sworn officers and two civilian personnel. The patrol division is made up of twelve patrol officers and four sergeants. The patrol division has a proactive approach to crime prevention and community relations.

https://www.highlandil.gov/departments/public_safety/police_department/index.php

Madison County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement, civil process, courthouse security, and inmate information for the county. Address, and additional contact information are available at the official link below.

⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Highland

Highland County Clerk of Courts

The Clerk maintains records for the General Division (Civil/Criminal) and the Domestic Relations Division of the Court of Common Pleas in Highland County and for Highland County generated cases to the 4th District Court of Appeals.

🔗 https://www.highlandclerkofcourts.org/

🏠 Property & Public Records in Highland

Madison County Recorder of Deeds

Property records for Highland, Illinois are maintained by the Madison County Recorder of Deeds. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Madison County, including Highland.

Public Records & Services in Highland

Public Schools

Official source: NCES Public School District Search
  • 🎓Public schools are administered by local school districts under state Department of Education oversight.
  • 📊School performance data, enrollment, and district boundaries are published by the state Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics (nces.ed.gov).
  • 📞Contact the local district office for enrollment, transcripts, or attendance records.
Public schools in Highland, Madison County, Illinois are administered by the local school district. For information about school enrollment, academic performance, and school ratings, residents should contact the Madison County school administration or the Illinois Department of Education. School district boundaries, student-teacher ratios, and test scores are available through the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.

Crime Data & Statistics

Official source: FBI Crime Data Explorer Crime data for Highland, Madison County, Illinois is maintained by local law enforcement agencies. The Madison County Sheriff's Office and local police departments report crime statistics to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime data through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local law enforcement directly. For specific crime reports or incident data, submit a public records request to the Highland police department or the Madison County Sheriff's Office.

Public Library Records Access

Official source: IMLS Library Search & Compare
  • 📚Public libraries provide free access to online databases, historical archives, and government-document collections.
  • 🔎Many libraries offer remote access to property records, court records, and genealogy resources with a valid library card.
  • 👤Reference librarians can assist with research, document retrieval, and government-records lookups.
The Highland Public Library provides access to various public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. Library patrons can access property records, court records, and genealogy resources through the library's reference section. The Madison County library system may offer additional branches and digital resources. Contact the library directly for hours, available databases, and research assistance.

Fingerprinting Services

Official source: FBI Identity History Summary Checks
  • 👆Fingerprinting for background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening is offered by local police and authorized providers.
  • 📅Most agencies require appointments; walk-in hours and fees vary by location.
  • 🪪Bring valid government-issued photo ID; some agencies accept fingerprint cards mailed in for processing.
Fingerprinting services for Highland, Illinois residents are available through local police (where present) and authorized third-party providers in Madison County. Fingerprinting is commonly required for background checks, professional licensing, employment screening, and immigration applications. Contact local police (where present) or the Madison County Sheriff's Office for scheduling, fees, and required documentation. The Illinois Attorney General or state police may also process fingerprint-based background checks.

About Highland — In Depth

Jail & Inmate Records

Madison County Jail in Edwardsville is the primary detention facility for Madison County. Anyone arrested within county boundaries gets processed here, then held until they post bail or make their court appearance. The facility maintains an inmate lookup service on its website where the public can search for current detainees. Visitation requires advance scheduling and follows facility-specific guidelines. Illinois law permits the posting of bail to secure release, with courts setting the specific conditions for each case.

Arrest Records

The Madison County Sheriff's Office keeps arrest records for the county, documenting details of arrests including charges and booking information. Residents and attorneys seeking these records can request them through the Sheriff's Office, typically filing a formal request under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Each record captures the individual's name, arrest date, charges filed, and booking details, giving a clear view of that person's encounter with law enforcement.

Criminal Records

Madison County's criminal records system includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Madison County Circuit Clerk maintains these records, which are accessible to the public under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Residents can conduct background checks through the Illinois State Police, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Illinois State Police offers additional resources for background checks, so that residents have access to criminal records for various purposes.

Vital Records

The Illinois Department of Public Health oversees the state's vital records system, including birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses for Highland residents. Those in need of obtaining or accessing these important documents can visit the department's website or contact their local offices. The process typically involves submitting a request form and providing necessary identification, with fees applicable for certain record types.

Business & Licensing Records

Businesses in Highland, Illinois, navigate various licensing and permitting requirements administered by the city's Building and Zoning Department. This department handles everything from business licenses to building permits and zoning approvals. Entrepreneurs and business owners can grab the necessary forms and information from the department's website or swing by Highland City Hall to work through the process in person.

Economy & Demographics

Highland's diverse economy is supported by a range of industries and key employers. Manufacturing matters, with companies like Highland Community Unit School District #5 and several healthcare facilities providing a substantial number of jobs for local residents. The city's retail sector also thrives, with the historic downtown area and various commercial developments offering a variety of shopping and dining options. Highland's strategic location, well-developed infrastructure, and skilled workforce contribute to its economic success and appeal as a business-friendly community.

Elections & Voter Records

The Madison County Clerk's Office is the elections hub for Highland voters, operating from 157 N. Main St, Edwardsville, IL 62025. Residents can reach them at (618) 692-6290 or through their website at https://www.co.madison.il.us/departments/county_clerk/index.php. Voter registration happens online through the Illinois State Board of Elections at https://ova.elections.il.gov/. The deadline falls 28 days before any election, and you'll need a valid driver's license or state ID card to complete the process.
As an incorporated city, Highland holds municipal elections for mayor and city council every April in odd-numbered years. Local candidate information appears on the city's website at https://www.highlandil.gov/. Polling place lookups are available through the Madison County Clerk's website at https://www.co.madison.il.us/departments/county_clerk/election_information/polling_place_lookup.php, just enter your address. Most election records in Illinois count as public documents available from the Madison County Clerk's Office. That includes voter registration lists, campaign finance reports, and election results. Madison County recorded a 67.Come November 2026, voters here will elect a new U.S. Representative, State Senator, and State Representative alongside several county-level offices. Illinois extends mail-in voting rights to all registered voters. The request deadline is 5 days before the election, and completed ballots need a postmark by election day. Voters can track their mail-in ballot status on the State Board of Elections website.
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StateIllinois
CountyMadison
Population10,268
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Frequently Asked Questions

To register to vote in Highland, Illinois, residents can register online through the Illinois State Board of Elections website, by mail, or in person at the Madison County elections office. Illinois 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 Illinois State Board of Elections voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Highland, contact the Madison County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
For information on property records, land records, and assessor details in Highland, residents can turn to the Madison Chief County Assessment Officer's Office. This office maintains full databases of real estate information, including parcel data, property values, and ownership details. Individuals seeking to research the history or current status of a particular property in Highland can access these public records through the county assessor's online portal or by visiting their offices in Edwardsville.
The Illinois Department of Public Health oversees the state's vital records system, including birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses for Highland residents. Those in need of obtaining or accessing these important documents can visit the department's website or contact their local offices. The process typically involves submitting a request form and providing necessary identification, with fees applicable for certain record types.