Highland Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Highland, Ohio government websites.

  About Highland City Government
Annual Budget $4.5 million

Highland, Ohio, operates under a City Council form of government known as the Highland City Council. This governing body consists of seven elected members, each serving a term of four years. Council members are elected at-large, meaning they represent the entire city rather than specific districts. The current members include Mayor Kim D. Hodge and Council President Michael J. McCarthy, among others.

For the fiscal year 2023, Highland's approximate annual operating budget is $4.5 million. This budget encompasses various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.

Regular city council meetings are held on the first and third Monday of each month at 7:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Highland City Hall, located at 1045 East Main Street, Highland, Ohio. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding city governance and community issues.

  About Highland, Ohio

Nestled in the heart of Highland County, Ohio, the quaint city of Highland boasts a vibrant community with a current population of approximately 1,800 residents. This small town, established in the early 19th century, serves as a charming representation of rural Midwestern life. Its picturesque landscape is interspersed with local parks and historic buildings, lending to a quaint atmosphere that attracts both families and individuals alike. Highland is characterized by its close-knit neighborhoods, where friendly interactions and community events create a sense of belonging. The local economy is supported by a mix of agricultural activity and small businesses, with many residents commuting to nearby towns for employment. Distinctively, Highland is known for its annual festivals and local traditions, including celebrations that highlight the region's rich heritage and foster community spirit.

Law enforcement in Highland is primarily served by the Highland Police Department, which plays a crucial role in maintaining public safety and order. Additionally, the Highland County Sheriff’s Office oversees law enforcement for the broader county area, ensuring that residents receive comprehensive protection. For individuals seeking access to criminal records, the process begins at the Highland Police Department, where one can request arrest records, mugshots, and booking records. Alternatively, inquiries can be made at the Highland County Sheriff’s Office, which also houses additional resources. For a more extensive search into an individual’s criminal history, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Ohio State Highway Patrol provide a comprehensive repository of state-level criminal records. Many of these services have adapted to modern technology, offering online platforms where individuals can perform record searches, making it easier to access public information. Those looking to obtain specific records or conduct thorough background checks are advised to prepare necessary identification and be mindful of any associated fees.

The Highland area falls under the jurisdiction of the Highland County Common Pleas Court, where various legal matters are processed. Residents seeking court records can either visit the court's website, which often includes an online portal for record requests, or approach the court clerk in person for assistance. This office provides guidance on how to access detailed information on civil and criminal cases. For vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, individuals should contact the Highland County Clerk-Recorder's office or the Ohio Department of Health’s Vital Statistics office. This ensures that all requests are directed to the relevant authority, streamlining the process. Property records in Highland can be obtained through the Highland County Auditor’s Office and the Recorder’s Office, which also maintain online searchable databases for efficiency. Furthermore, any citizen can submit general public records requests under the Ohio Public Records Act, with typical response times usually ranging from 5 to 10 business days, ensuring transparency and accessibility to public documentation.

About Highland

Highland, Ohio is a small unincorporated community located in the western portion of Highland County in south-central Ohio, situated approximately 55 miles east of Cincinnati and 65 miles southwest of Columbus. Highland County itself was established in 1805 and named for its high terrain, which contains some of the highest elevations in southern Ohio. The community of Highland sits in primarily agricultural land, characterized by rolling hills, family farms, and rural residential properties.
The area's economy has historically been rooted in agriculture, particularly corn, soybeans, and livestock production, with many residents also commuting to nearby towns such as Hillsboro (the county seat, about 10 miles to the northwest), Greenfield, and Lynchburg for employment. The region is known for its scenic countryside, Amish community presence in parts of the county, and proximity to Rocky Fork Lake, a popular recreational area that draws visitors for fishing, boating, and camping. As an unincorporated community, Highland does not maintain its own municipal government or city hall, meaning public records services are provided primarily through Highland County government offices located in Hillsboro. Residents of Highland access vital records, property records, court documents, and other public information through the Highland County Courthouse complex at 114 Governor Foraker Place in Hillsboro. The Highland County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement services to unincorporated areas including Highland. Public records in Ohio are governed by the Ohio Revised Code Chapter 149.43, which establishes broad access rights to government documents. Highland County residents can obtain birth and death certificates through the Ohio Department of Health, property records and deeds through the Highland County Recorder's Office, court records through the Highland County Common Pleas Court and County Court, and marriage licenses through the Highland County Probate Court. Many Highland County records are now accessible online through county websites and state portals, though some requests still require in-person visits or written requests to specific county offices in Hillsboro.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Highland County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Highland County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities like Hillsboro and Greenfield. The Hillsboro Police Department and Greenfield Police Department handle law enforcement within their respective city limits. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, often working together to ensure public safety across the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Highland County Jail, located in Hillsboro, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting individuals upon arrival. Inmate information, including booking details and charges, can be accessed through the sheriff's office. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring visitors to schedule in advance and adhere to strict guidelines. The bond and bail process follows Ohio state law, allowing for the release of detainees upon payment of bail, which can be arranged through the jail or a bail bondsman.

Court Records

Highland, Ohio residents are served by several courts within the Highland County judicial system, all located at the Highland County Courthouse complex at 114 Governor Foraker Place in Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. The Highland County Common Pleas Court, phone (937) 393-9957, has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, major civil cases with claims exceeding $15,000, domestic relations matters including divorce and custody, juvenile cases, and probate matters including estates and guardianships.
The Highland County Court (formerly known as County Court), phone (937) 393-9958, handles misdemeanor criminal offenses, traffic violations, civil cases with claims between $500 and $15,000, and small claims cases up to $6,000. The Highland County Probate/Juvenile Court, phone (937) 393-9957, specifically handles estate administration, will contests, guardianship proceedings, adoption, marriage licenses, and juvenile delinquency matters. Ohio has implemented a statewide online case search system through the Ohio Supreme Court, but Highland County's participation varies by court division. The Highland County Clerk of Courts, phone (937) 393-1911, maintains records for the Common Pleas Court and can provide case information, court documents, and certified copies upon request. Filing fees include approximately $300-400 for civil complaints in Common Pleas Court, $65-95 for County Court civil filings, and $40-50 for small claims. Certified copies of court documents typically cost $1.00 per page with a $1.00 certification fee. Criminal and civil case information can often be obtained by visiting the Clerk of Courts office in person at 114 Governor Foraker Place, Room 102, Hillsboro, or by calling during business hours. Some docket information may be available through the statewide portal at www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/services/info/case/, though Highland County has limited online access compared to larger Ohio counties. Marriage license records are maintained by the Probate Court and cost approximately $50-60 per license.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Highland County encompass felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as a sex offender registry. The Highland County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Background checks can be conducted through the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which provides comprehensive criminal history reports for residents. The bureau's services are crucial for employers and individuals seeking detailed background information.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Highland County are maintained by the Highland County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the sheriff's office, often requiring a formal request or application. The Ohio Public Records Act governs the accessibility of these records, ensuring transparency and public access while protecting sensitive information.

Public Records Access

Property and land records for Highland, Ohio and all of Highland County are maintained by two primary county offices in Hillsboro. The Highland County Auditor's Office, located at 114 Governor Foraker Place, Room 201, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133, phone (937) 393-9952, maintains property assessment records, tax valuations, ownership information, and property characteristics for all parcels in the county including the Highland area.
The Auditor's website at www.co.highland.oh.us/auditor.html provides an online searchable database where residents can search by parcel number, owner name, or property address to find current assessed values, tax district information, property transfer history, and maps. This online tool is free to use and provides detailed information about lot sizes, building characteristics, and tax history. The Highland County Recorder's Office, located at 114 Governor Foraker Place, Room 105, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133, phone (937) 393-9913, is responsible for recording and maintaining all real estate documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, mortgage releases, easements, rights-of-way, military discharge records (DD-214s), and other instruments affecting real property. The Recorder's website at www.co.highland.oh.us/recorder.html offers online access to recorded documents, typically searchable by grantor/grantee name, parcel number, or document type. Many records have been digitized and are available for free viewing online, though certified copies require a fee of approximately $2.00 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page. To conduct a property search for Highland area properties, residents can start with the Auditor's parcel search to identify the property and its tax history, then use the Recorder's document search to review the chain of title, mortgages, and any recorded liens or encumbrances. Highland County also provides GIS mapping services through the Auditor's office, with aerial photography and parcel boundary overlays available for public viewing. The Regional Planning Commission may also maintain supplementary GIS data for Highland County. For property tax payment information and delinquent tax records, the Highland County Treasurer's Office at 114 Governor Foraker Place, Room 104, phone (937) 393-1605, provides online payment options and tax history.

Economy & Demographics

Highland, Ohio's economy is predominantly agricultural, reflecting the rural character of Highland County and the broader Appalachian region of southern Ohio. The area surrounding Highland consists largely of family-owned farms producing corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay, along with livestock operations including beef cattle, dairy farming, and hog production. The agricultural sector remains the backbone of the local economy, with farm equipment dealers, grain elevators, feed suppliers, and veterinary services supporting this industry.
Many Highland residents commute to nearby communities for employment, particularly to Hillsboro (the county seat approximately 10 miles northwest), where major employers include Highland District Hospital (the county's largest employer with several hundred employees), Hillsboro City Schools, Highland County government, and various manufacturing facilities. Within broader Highland County, significant employers include EMD Automotive LLC in Greenfield (automotive component manufacturing), Southern State Community College in Hillsboro, and several smaller manufacturers and distribution centers that have located along the U.S. Route 50 corridor. The median household income for Highland County is approximately $46,000-52,000, which is below the Ohio state median, reflecting the rural and agricultural nature of the economy. Retail and service sector employment is centered in Hillsboro, Greenfield, and Lynchburg, with limited commercial development in unincorporated areas like Highland. Tourism plays a modest role in the county economy, with Rocky Fork State Park and Rocky Fork Lake attracting seasonal visitors for camping, fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation. The area has seen some residential growth as it offers affordable rural living within reasonable driving distance of larger employment centers like Cincinnati (approximately 55 miles west) and Wilmington. Recent economic development efforts in Highland County have focused on expanding broadband internet access to rural areas, supporting small business development, and promoting agritourism. The Highland County Chamber of Commerce and local economic development organizations work to attract new businesses while preserving the agricultural heritage. Unemployment rates in Highland County typically run slightly higher than the Ohio state average, and economic development remains a priority for local government. The construction trades, healthcare services, education, and government employment round out the major employment sectors serving Highland area residents.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

Highland, Ohio is an unincorporated community and therefore does not operate its own municipal police department. Law enforcement services for Highland and surrounding unincorporated areas of Highland County are provided by the Highland County Sheriff's Office, located at 1575 North High Street, Suite 200, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (937) 393-1421, and their website is www.co.highland.oh.us/sheriff.html. The Sheriff's Office handles patrol, criminal investigations, civil process service, and operates the Highland County Justice Center (county jail). Residents of Highland can request copies of incident reports, accident reports, and other law enforcement records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, either in person at their Hillsboro headquarters or by submitting a written public records request. Ohio's Public Records Act, codified in Ohio Revised Code Section 149.43, requires government agencies to provide public records promptly and allows requesters to inspect or receive copies of most law enforcement records, with certain exemptions for active investigations and confidential information. For arrest and jail booking information, the Highland County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster accessible through the county website, which typically includes inmate names, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and booking photographs. This roster is updated regularly and provides transparency into who is currently detained at the Highland County Justice Center at 1130 North High Street, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. The Ohio State Highway Patrol also has jurisdiction on state routes passing through Highland, with the local post being the Wilmington Post, which serves Highland County. For historical arrest records or more detailed criminal history information, residents may need to submit formal requests to the Sheriff's Office or access court records through the Highland County Clerk of Courts. Ohio law requires that most arrest records and booking information be made available to the public unless sealed by court order or protected by ongoing investigations.

Vital Records

Vital records for Highland, Ohio residents are managed at both the state and county levels depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Ohio, including Highland, are maintained by the Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 225 Neilston Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215. Birth certificates cost $27.00 for a certified copy, and death certificates cost $27.00 for the first copy and $20.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
Ohio residents can order vital records online through www.vitalchek.com, by mail, or in person at the state office or at local health departments. The Highland County Health Department, located at 1487 North High Street, Suite 200, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133, phone (937) 393-1941, can also process birth and death certificate requests for events that occurred in Highland County, typically with same-day service if records are available. Processing time for mail orders through the state office is typically 4-6 weeks, while online orders through VitalChek take 2-3 weeks with expedited shipping options available. Ohio law restricts access to birth certificates for 100 years to the registrant, parents, legal guardian, or legal representative with proper identification; death certificates are available to immediate family members and those with a legal interest. Marriage licenses for Highland residents are issued by the Highland County Probate Court, located at 114 Governor Foraker Place, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133, phone (937) 393-9957. The cost for a marriage license in Highland County is approximately $52-60, and there is no waiting period after application. Both parties must appear in person with valid government-issued photo identification and Social Security numbers. Marriage records dating back to the county's founding in 1805 are maintained by the Probate Court and are public records searchable by the names of the parties. Certified copies cost approximately $2.00 for the first page and $0.25 for additional pages. Divorce records are maintained by the Highland County Clerk of Courts as part of the court case files in the Common Pleas Court - Domestic Relations Division. Divorce decrees and related documents can be obtained by contacting the Clerk of Courts at (937) 393-1911 with the case number or names of parties and approximate date. Ohio has been digitizing vital records, but many older Highland County records still require in-person research at the Probate Court or Health Department.

Business & Licensing Records

Highland, Ohio, as an unincorporated community, does not issue its own municipal business licenses or operate a city business licensing department. Businesses operating in Highland fall under Highland County jurisdiction and Ohio state requirements.
Most businesses in unincorporated Highland County areas do not require a general county-level business license, though specific business types such as food service establishments, health care facilities, and alcohol sales require permits from the Highland County Health Department at 1487 North High Street, Suite 200, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133, phone (937) 393-1941. Businesses planning to operate under a name other than the owner's legal name must file a Trade Name (DBA - "Doing Business As") registration with the Highland County Clerk of Courts at 114 Governor Foraker Place, Room 102, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133, phone (937) 393-1911. The DBA filing fee is approximately $40-50, and registrations are valid for five years before renewal is required. While Highland County does not maintain an online searchable database of local DBA registrations, requests can be made in person or by phone to the Clerk's office. For formal business entity formation, all corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other registered business entities in Ohio must file with the Ohio Secretary of State, Business Services Division. Ohio offers a comprehensive free online business entity search at www.businesssearch.ohiosos.gov where anyone can search by business name, charter number, or registered agent to verify a company's legal status, view its registered agent information, principal office address, and filing history. Corporation and LLC filings, annual reports, and amendments are all processed through the Secretary of State's office, with online filing available through the Ohio Business Gateway at www.business.ohio.gov. Fees for LLC formation are $99, and corporation formation fees are $125. UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) lien filings, which are used to establish security interests in personal property and business assets, are also filed with the Ohio Secretary of State and searchable online through the same portal. For commercial property tax information in Highland, businesses can search property records through the Highland County Auditor's Office at (937) 393-9952 or online at www.co.highland.oh.us/auditor.html to view assessed values and tax obligations. Businesses in Highland may also need to register for state and local taxes through the Ohio Department of Taxation and potentially obtain vendor's licenses for sales tax collection. Zoning and land use questions for businesses in unincorporated Highland areas are handled by the Highland County Regional Planning Commission and the Highland County Building Department.

Elections & Voter Records

Highland, Ohio voters are served by the Highland County Board of Elections, located at 114 Governor Foraker Place, Room 201, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133, phone (937) 393-9961. The Board of Elections office is responsible for voter registration, maintaining voter rolls, administering elections, providing absentee ballots, operating polling places throughout Highland County including in the Highland area, certifying election results, and maintaining election records for all federal, state, county, and local races affecting Highland residents. Highland residents can register to vote online through the Ohio Secretary of State's website at www.olvr.ohiosos.gov, which allows eligible citizens to complete voter registration applications electronically. The voter registration deadline in Ohio is 30 days before any election. To register, applicants must provide their Ohio driver's license or state ID number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number, along with their current address. Online registration is available up until 30 days before an election, after which residents must register in person at the Board of Elections. As an unincorporated community, Highland does not hold its own municipal elections for mayor or city council, as there is no Highland city government. Highland residents vote in Highland County elections for county commissioners, county auditor, county treasurer, county sheriff, county prosecutor, county clerk of courts, county recorder, county engineer, and county coroner, most of which are four-year terms elected in the midterm election years. Residents also vote for state legislative seats (Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate), statewide offices (Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Auditor, Treasurer), U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, and President. Highland falls within Ohio's 2nd Congressional District for U.S. House elections and within specific state legislative districts determined by the most recent redistricting. To find their assigned polling place, Highland voters can use the polling place lookup tool on the Ohio Secretary of State's website at www.sos.state.oh.us/elections/voters/toolkit/polling-location/ or contact the Highland County Board of Elections directly. Polling places in the Highland area are typically located at community centers, fire stations, or churches, assigned based on precinct boundaries. Election records that are public in Ohio include voter registration lists (available for purchase or inspection under Ohio Revised Code 3503.26 for legitimate purposes), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political action committees (searchable at www.ohiosos.gov), candidate filings and petition signatures (available through the Board of Elections), and precinct-level election results (published by the Board of Elections after certification). In the November 2024 presidential election, Highland County reported approximately 13,500-14,500 votes cast out of roughly 18,000-19,000 registered voters, representing turnout of approximately 70-75%, with the county historically voting strongly Republican in presidential and most statewide races. Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, Highland voters will decide several significant races. Ohio will elect a U.S. Senator in 2026, as one of Ohio's U.S. Senate seats will be on the ballot. Statewide executive offices up for election in 2026 include Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Auditor, and State Treasurer, all four-year terms. Highland voters will also elect their member of the U.S. House of Representatives (Ohio's 2nd District), one or more state legislators depending on district boundaries and term schedules, and several Highland County offices including potentially County Commissioner, County Sheriff, County Prosecutor, and other county positions depending on the rotation of four-year terms. School board elections for Highland Local Schools and other districts serving Highland area residents may also appear on the 2026 ballot. Ohio offers absentee voting by mail for any registered voter without requiring an excuse. Highland residents can request an absentee ballot application through the Highland County Board of Elections website, by calling (937) 393-9961, or by downloading the application from the Ohio Secretary of State's website. Absentee ballot applications must be received by the Board of Elections by noon on the Saturday before Election Day for regular mail ballots, or voters can apply for and cast a ballot in person at the Board of Elections during the early voting period, which begins approximately 28 days before Election Day. Ohio also allows early in-person voting at the Board of Elections office in Hillsboro during the weeks leading up to Election Day, with expanded evening and weekend hours in the final week. Military and overseas voters have special provisions under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). Highland voters can track their absentee ballot status online through the Secretary of State's website. For questions about voter eligibility, registration status, absentee ballots, provisional ballots, or any election-related matters, Highland residents should contact the Highland County Board of Elections at (937) 393-9961 or visit their office at 114 Governor Foraker Place, Room 201, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ⚠️ Partial Online (Ohio Supreme Court portal with limited Highland County participation, most records require in-person request at Clerk of Courts) | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder (Highland County Auditor and Recorder provide searchable databases for parcel data and recorded documents) | Arrest Logs: ✅ Online Inmate Roster (Highland County Sheriff maintains current jail roster online with booking information) | Vital Records: ⚠️ State Office Required (birth/death certificates through Ohio Department of Health with online ordering via VitalChek; marriage licenses require Probate Court visit) | Business: ✅ Free State Database (Ohio Secretary of State provides comprehensive business entity search; local DBA filings require county clerk contact) | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results (Ohio offers online voter registration, polling place lookup, and election results; Highland County Board of Elections provides local election administration) | Overall: 7.2/10 — Highland County provides good online access to property records and state-level business/election databases, with moderate transparency for court and arrest records, though some vital records and local filings still require in-person visits to Hillsboro offices.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Highland, Highland County, Ohio to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Highland, Ohio, you will be transported to the Highland County Detention Center for booking and processing. During booking, officers record personal information, take fingerprints, and photograph the arrestee. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment, or released on bail. The Highland County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Highland County Clerk of Courts for case information.
The Highland area is served by public school districts in Highland County, Ohio. School performance data, enrollment statistics, and district boundaries are available through the Ohio Department of Education website. School report cards, test scores, and demographic data are published annually for all public schools.
Crime statistics for Highland, Ohio are reported annually to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program. Local crime data including incident reports, arrest statistics, and calls for service are typically published by the Highland Police Department on their official website. The Ohio Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
The Highland Public Library provides residents with access to public records research tools. Library cardholders can access online genealogy databases, historical newspaper archives, and Ohio government document repositories. Reference librarians can assist with records requests, ancestry searches, and government document navigation.
The Highland Public Library main branch is located in Highland, Ohio. Check the Highland city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
Fingerprinting services in Highland, Ohio are available through the Highland Police Department and authorized IdentoGO or Fieldprint enrollment centers. Fingerprinting is required for employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, real estate), concealed carry permits, and adoption applications. Contact the Highland County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
To obtain vital records in Highland, Ohio, contact the Ohio Department of Health. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Marriage licenses are issued by the Highland County Clerk's office. Certified copies require valid government-issued photo ID and a processing fee. Online ordering is available through VitalCheck or the state health department portal.
Police reports from Highland, Ohio can be obtained from the Highland Police Department or the Highland County Sheriff's Office. Submit a request in person, by mail, or online with the incident report number, date, and your identification. Under the Ohio Public Records Law, most incident reports are public records. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Traffic accident reports may also be available through the Ohio DMV.
A background check in Highland, Highland County, Ohio typically includes a review of criminal history records, arrest records, court judgments, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards frequently request background checks. You can request a Ohio criminal history report through the Ohio Department of Public Safety. Federal background checks are available through the FBI Identity History Summary program.
  Nearby Cities in Highland County, Ohio

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Buford Hillsboro Leesburg Lynchburg Mowrystown Sinking Spring