About Jefferson County
Jefferson County, Illinois, is located in the south-central portion of the state, including approximately 571 square miles. Jefferson County Seat is Mount Vernon, a city of roughly 15,000 residents that is the governmental and commercial hub of Jefferson County. Jefferson County was established on March 26, 1819, carved from portions of Edwards and White counties, and named in honor of President Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson County's total population is approximately 38,000 residents.
Jefferson County is strategically positioned at the crossroads of Interstate 57 and Interstate 64, making it a transportation and distribution center for southern Illinois. Major landmarks include Rend Lake, a 18,900-acre reservoir managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that attracts thousands of visitors annually for fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation.
Jefferson County is home to the Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, a nationally recognized sculpture park and cultural institution. Jefferson County Courthouse, located at 100 South 10th Street in Mount Vernon, houses the County Clerk, Circuit Clerk, and other administrative offices. Jefferson County Recorder's office, responsible for maintaining land records, is located within the courthouse complex.
Jefferson County Assessor's office at 100 South 10th Street manages property assessments and taxation records. Jefferson County's economy has historically been based on agriculture, coal mining, and manufacturing, with recent growth in healthcare and retail sectors. What makes Jefferson County unique is its blend of small-town Illinois character with modern amenities, its position as a regional medical center with Good Samaritan Regional Health Center, and its rich history as a stop along early American migration routes westward.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Jefferson County, particularly in the unincorporated areas. The office oversees Jefferson County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also provides various community programs meant to enhancing public safety and supporting the community relations. Notable divisions within the office include the patrol division, which handles routine law enforcement duties, and the investigations division, which focuses on more complex criminal cases.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Jefferson County is provided by Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments. The Mount Vernon Police Department serves the city of Mount Vernon, handling local law enforcement duties and coordinating with the Sheriff's Office on major investigations. Other municipal departments include the Dix Police Department and the Woodlawn Police Department, each responsible for maintaining safety within their respective jurisdictions.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Jefferson County, Illinois, is primarily provided by Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 100 South 10th Street, Suite 2000, in Mount Vernon, Illinois 62864. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a website at jeffersoncountyil.gov where some public information is available. The Sheriff's Office operates Jefferson County Jail, which houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates.
- Arrest records in Jefferson County are public records under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.), which requires government agencies to provide access to public records upon request.
- To obtain arrest records, citizens should submit a FOIA request in writing to Jefferson County Sheriff's Office or the specific police department that made the arrest.
- Requests should include the name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any case numbers if known.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Illinois and may be obtained through FOIA requests to the Sheriff's Office.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of records.
To look up current inmates in Jefferson County Jail, citizens can call the jail directly at or visit the Sheriff's Office in person during business hours. Some inmate information may be available through third-party inmate search websites, though official inquiries should be directed to the jail administration. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Mount Vernon Police Department (serving Jefferson County Seat), the Waltonville Police Department, the Ina Police Department, and the Opdyke Police Department, each with jurisdiction within their respective city limits.
The Sheriff's Office maintains records of all bookings at Jefferson County jail, including booking photos, charges, bond amounts, and court dates. Response time for FOIA requests is typically five business days, though extensions may be granted under certain circumstances. Jefferson County does not have tribal police or special jurisdiction law enforcement agencies.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Jefferson County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and entries in the sex offender registry. Jefferson County Circuit Clerk's Office is responsible for maintaining these records, which are accessible to the public under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Residents can request background checks through the Illinois State Police, which provides full criminal history reports for people in Jefferson County.
- These agencies work together to ensure the accuracy and accessibility of criminal records, supporting both legal processes and public safety.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Jefferson County are maintained by Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of arrests made within Jefferson County, including the date, time, and nature of the offense. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, either in person or through written requests. Information typically included in an arrest record consists of the individual's personal details, charges, and arresting officer's information.
- The Illinois Freedom of Information Act governs the accessibility of these records, making sure of public access while protecting sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Jefferson County Justice Center is the primary detention facility in Jefferson County. It handles the booking and housing of individuals arrested within Jefferson County. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information of the detainee. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules at the Justice Center require visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to strict security protocols.
- The bond and bail process follows Illinois state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees upon payment of a set amount, pending their court appearances.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Jefferson County are taken and retained by Jefferson 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 request. The availability of mugshots online may vary, and individuals seeking removal of their mugshot must comply with Illinois state laws. Illinois does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals can petition for removal if the charges are dropped or if they are found not guilty.
Courts & Case Records
Jefferson County's judicial system operates under the Second Judicial Circuit of Illinois. Jefferson County Circuit Court is located at 100 South 10th Street, Mount Vernon, IL 62864, and can be reached for The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over all civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and juvenile matters arising in Jefferson County. The court hears felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases of all amounts, divorce and family law matters, estate and probate proceedings, and traffic violations.
- While some Illinois counties offer online case search through the state's eCourt system or local portals, Jefferson County primarily handles records requests in person or by mail.
- Fees for copying court records are established by Illinois statute: $2.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page of standard documents.
- Certified copies require an additional $6.00 certification fee per document.
- Requests for bulk data or extensive record searches may require advance notice and additional fees.
Court records are accessible under the Illinois Court Records Act and Supreme Court Rules governing public access to court records. The Circuit Clerk's office, located in Jefferson County Courthouse at 100 South 10th Street, maintains all court records and can be contacted for To search court records, individuals may visit the Circuit Clerk's office in person during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Case files can be searched by party name, case number, or attorney name.
Some records, including certain juvenile, mental health, and sealed records, are confidential and not available to the general public. Illinois Supreme Court Rule 61 governs restrictions on access to court records. The Circuit Clerk's office also issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage and divorce records for Jefferson County.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Jefferson County, Illinois, are maintained by Jefferson County Recorder of Deeds, located at 100 South 10th Street, Room 104, Mount Vernon, IL 62864. The Recorder's office can be contacted for The office is responsible for recording and maintaining documents affecting real property, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage releases, liens, lis pendens, easements, right-of-way agreements, plat maps, and subdivision documents.
- Recording fees are established by Illinois statute (55 ILCS 5/3-5018) and vary by document type: typically $25 for the first four pages and $1 per additional page.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus a $5.00 certification fee.
- Jefferson County offers limited online property search capabilities through third-party vendors, though full research typically requires in-person or mail requests.
These records create the chain of title for all properties in Jefferson County and are public records available for inspection and copying. The Recorder's office maintains an index of all recorded documents searchable by grantor name, grantee name, and property description. Walk-in researchers can access these records during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Property tax information is managed by Jefferson County Supervisor of Assessments, located at 100 South 10th Street, Room 102, Mount Vernon, IL 62864, phone. The Assessor's office maintains property assessment records, parcel numbers, legal descriptions, and ownership information. Property tax bills and payment information are handled by Jefferson County Treasurer's office for Jefferson County may offer a GIS (Geographic Information System) parcel viewer for basic property lookup, showing parcel boundaries, addresses, and assessment data.
For complex title searches or historical deed research, many users engage professional title companies or abstractor services.
Vital Records
Vital records for Jefferson County, Illinois, including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees, are maintained at both Jefferson County and state levels. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Jefferson County may be obtained from Jefferson County Clerk's office at 100 South 10th Street, Room 108, Mount Vernon, IL 62864, phone. However, under Illinois law (410 ILCS 535), the Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Vital Records is the official custodian of all birth and death records in the state.
- Birth certificates cost $15 for the first certified copy and $2 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates cost $19 for the first certified copy and $4 for each additional copy.
- Processing time at Jefferson County level is typically same-day or next-day if the record is on file locally; however, many requestors prefer to order directly from the state.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Jefferson County Clerk's office; couples must apply in person, provide valid identification, and pay a fee of approximately $40-$50.
- Divorce records (dissolution of marriage decrees) are maintained by Jefferson County Circuit Clerk as part of court case files and can be requested following the procedures for court records.
Birth records are restricted for 75 years and only available to the person named on the certificate (if of legal age), parents, legal representatives, or those with a direct and tangible interest. Death records are public records available to anyone. The Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records, 925 East Ridgely Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702, phone, maintains statewide records and offers online ordering through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com with additional convenience fees.
There is no waiting period or blood test required in Illinois. Marriage records and certified copies of marriage certificates are available from the County Clerk. Applicants for vital records must provide valid photo identification and proof of eligibility to receive restricted records.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Jefferson County, Illinois, are managed through multiple offices depending on the type of business activity and registration. For assumed name certificates (Doing Business As or DBA filings), sole proprietorships, and certain local business registrations, Jefferson County Clerk's office at 100 South 10th Street, Room 108, Mount Vernon, IL 62864, phone, is the primary contact. Jefferson County Clerk maintains records of assumed business names filed in Jefferson County, which are public records available for inspection.
- The filing fee for an assumed name certificate is typically $5-$10 as established by Illinois statute.
- However, most formal business entities, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, must register with the Illinois Secretary of State.
- This database is free and publicly accessible.
- Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, located in Mount Vernon, provides business resources and networking opportunities; more information is available at jeffersoncountyillinois.com.
The Secretary of State's Business Services Department maintains a searchable online database at www.ilsos.gov where anyyou can look up registered business entities, check corporate status, view registered agents, and access formation documents. Business licenses for specific activities within Jefferson County municipalities (such as liquor licenses, restaurant permits, or retail licenses) are typically issued by the city or village where the business operates. The City of Mount Vernon issues its own business licenses and can be contacted at City Hall, 108 South 10th Street, Mount Vernon, IL 62864.
Building permits and zoning approvals for construction and land use in unincorporated Jefferson County are handled by Jefferson County Zoning Department, which can be reached through Jefferson County administrative offices for Professional licenses for occupations such as real estate agents, cosmetologists, nurses, and contractors are issued by the State of Illinois through the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), with searchable license verification available at www.idfpr.com. Sales tax permits are issued by the Illinois Department of Revenue.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Jefferson County, Illinois, are administered by Jefferson County Clerk's office, which serves as Jefferson County's election authority. Jefferson County Clerk's office is located at 100 South 10th Street, Room 108, Mount Vernon, IL 62864, and can be reached for Election information and updates may be available through Jefferson County website at jeffersoncountyil.gov or by contacting the Clerk directly.
- In the November 2024 general election, Jefferson County voter turnout was approximately 60-65% of registered voters, consistent with typical presidential election turnout in southern Illinois counties.
- Citizens may request copies of precinct results, voter turnout statistics, and other election records from the County Clerk under FOIA procedures.
Voter registration in Jefferson County can be completed in several ways: in person at the County Clerk's office, by mail using the Illinois State Board of Elections voter registration form, or online through the Illinois State Board of Elections website at www.elections.il.gov. The voter registration deadline in Illinois is 30 days prior to any election for new registrations and 27 days for address changes. Illinois offers Election Day registration at designated locations, though advance registration is encouraged.
To find your polling place in Jefferson County, voters can contact the County Clerk's office, check their voter registration card which lists the assigned precinct and polling location, or use the polling place lookup tool on the Illinois State Board of Elections website. Election records that are public in Illinois include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted under 10 ILCS 5/4-8), campaign finance disclosure reports filed with the State Board of Elections or County Clerk for local candidates, candidate nominating petitions and statements of candidacy, and official election results by precinct. Jefferson County Clerk maintains these records and makes them available for public inspection.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, which will include U.S. House of Representatives races for Illinois's congressional districts, potential U.S. Senate races, Illinois statewide constitutional offices (Governor if applicable to the cycle), Illinois General Assembly seats, and various county and local offices.
To request an absentee or vote-by-mail ballot in Jefferson County, voters must submit an application to Jefferson County Clerk either in person, by mail, or through the online portal available through the Illinois State Board of Elections website. Applications must be received by the County Clerk no later than five days before the election. Ballots are mailed to voters who qualify for absentee voting due to absence from Jefferson County on Election Day, physical incapacity, religious observance, election judge duties, or voter preference (any registered voter may vote by mail without providing a reason under current Illinois law).
Voted mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received by the County Clerk within 14 days after the election to be counted. Illinois election records are governed by the Illinois Election Code (10 ILCS 5) and the Freedom of Information Act.
Economy & Demographics
Jefferson County, Illinois, has a diverse economy rooted in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail sectors. Historically, Jefferson County's economy was dominated by coal mining, and while that industry has declined, it still contributes to the local economy through remaining mining operations and reclamation activities. Agriculture remains significant, with corn, soybeans, wheat, and livestock production on Jefferson County's fertile farmland.
- Jefferson County's median household income is approximately $48,000 to $52,000, somewhat below the Illinois state median but consistent with rural southern Illinois counties.
- Jefferson County benefits from relatively low business costs, available industrial sites, and a central location in the Midwest.
Major employers in Jefferson County include Good Samaritan Regional Health Center, the largest healthcare facility in Jefferson County and one of Jefferson County's top employers with over 800 employees. Sysco Foods operates a major distribution center in Mount Vernon, employing hundreds of workers in warehousing and logistics. Specialty Foods Group and CertainTeed Corporation also maintain manufacturing facilities in Jefferson County.
The retail sector is anchored by Walmart, Kroger, and numerous local businesses concentrated in Mount Vernon's commercial districts. The unemployment rate typically hovers around 5-6%, slightly above the state average but varying with seasonal employment patterns. Key economic sectors include transportation and warehousing, benefiting from Jefferson County's position at the intersection of I-57 and I-64; healthcare and social assistance; retail trade; manufacturing; and accommodation and food services, supported by tourism to Rend Lake.
The Rend Lake area contributes significantly to the tourism economy, with the Army Corps of Engineers reporting over one million visitors annually to the lake and surrounding recreational areas. Economic development efforts are coordinated through Jefferson County Development Corporation and the Mount Vernon Economic Development Corporation, which work to attract new businesses and support existing employers. Recent development projects have focused on industrial park expansion, infrastructure improvements to support logistics companies, and downtown revitalization in Mount Vernon.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: In-Person/Phone | Property: Limited: Online | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail | Business: Yes: Online (State Level) | Elections: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Overall Score: 5/10, Jefferson County provides traditional access to public records primarily through in-person and phone requests, with limited online search capabilities. Most digital access requires state-level portals rather than county-specific systems.
Official Government Resources
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Cities & Towns in Jefferson County
Explore public records for 8 cities and communities in Jefferson County, Illinois.