About Lexington County
Lexington County is located in the heart of South Carolina, positioned in the central Midlands region of the state. Lexington County Seat is Lexington, a historic town that is the administrative center for this growing suburban county. Lexington County spans approximately 758 square miles and has a population exceeding 300,000 residents, making it one of the most populous counties in South Carolina. Lexington County is bordered by the Saluda River to the north and includes Lake Murray, a 50,000-acre reservoir that is one of the state's premier recreational destinations.
- Lexington County Register of Deeds, located at the same address, maintains property records and documents.
Established in 1804 from lands formerly part of Orangeburg District, Lexington County has evolved from an agricultural economy to a dynamic suburban community closely integrated with the greater Columbia metropolitan area. Major municipalities include Lexington County, Cayce, West Columbia, Irmo, Chapin, and Batesburg-Leesville. Lexington County is home to significant historical sites and modern landmarks, including Lexington County Museum complex which preserves 18th and 19th-century structures.
Lexington County Government operates from 212 South Lake Drive in Lexington, SC 29072. Lexington County Assessor's Office, responsible for property valuations, operates from 212 South Lake Drive, while Lexington County Clerk of Court handles court documents and proceedings. Lexington County has experienced substantial growth due to its proximity to the state capital, excellent schools, and quality of life, making it a key economic engine in South Carolina.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Lexington County Sheriff's Department is the primary law enforcement agency for Lexington County, responsible for patrolling unincorporated areas, managing Lexington County jail, and processing arrests. The department maintains criminal records and operates various community programs meant to crime prevention and public safety. Notable divisions within the sheriff's office include the Criminal Investigations Division and the Community Action Team, which focus on solving crimes and engaging with the community to address local concerns.
Police Departments
In addition to Lexington County Sheriff's Department, several municipal police departments operate within Lexington County, including the Lexington Police Department, West Columbia Police Department, and Cayce Department of Public Safety. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective city limits, while the sheriff's office covers unincorporated areas. These agencies often collaborate on major investigations and share resources to enhance public safety across Lexington County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Lexington County Sheriff's Department, headquartered at 521 Gibson Road, Lexington, SC 29072 (phone: 803-785-8230), is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Lexington County and provides detention services. Sheriff Jay Koon leads one of the largest sheriff's offices in South Carolina, with divisions covering patrol, investigations, narcotics, and corrections. Lexington County Detention Center, located at 521 Gibson Road, houses inmates awaiting trial or serving sentences.
- Booking photos and mugshots are typically available through the online jail roster on the sheriff's website.
- Processing fees may apply for certified copies of arrest reports and incident records.
- Response times for FOIA requests vary but agencies must respond within 15 business days under South Carolina law.
Municipal police departments operate independently within incorporated areas: the Lexington area Police Department serves the town of Lexington; West Columbia Police Department patrols West Columbia; Cayce Department of Public Safety provides police and fire services; Irmo Police Department covers Irmo; and smaller departments serve Chapin, Batesburg-Leesville, Pelion, and South Congaree. Arrest records in Lexington County are considered public information under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (SC Code § 30-4-10 et seq.). Some third-party websites aggregate booking information, but the official source is the sheriff's department.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) also maintains statewide criminal history information accessible through authorized channels.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Lexington County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request background checks through SLED's online portal, which provides full criminal history information. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division offers additional resources for residents seeking detailed criminal records.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Lexington County are maintained by Lexington County Sheriff's Department. These records include details such as the date of arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the sheriff's office directly, under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. Arrest records provide a summary of an individual's interactions with law enforcement within Lexington County.
Jail & Inmate Records
Lexington County Detention Center is the main jail facility for Lexington County, located in the town of Lexington. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting individuals upon arrest, and the facility provides an inmate lookup service through its website, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.
- The bond and bail process in South Carolina allows for the release of detainees pending trial, and information on posting bail can be obtained directly from the detention center.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Lexington County are taken and retained by Lexington County Sheriff's Department 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. South Carolina 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 charges.
Courts & Case Records
Lexington County's judicial system includes multiple court levels serving different jurisdictions. Lexington County Judicial Center, located at 205 East Main Street, Lexington, SC 29072, houses the Court of Common Pleas (Circuit Court) and Family Court. The Court of Common Pleas handles civil cases exceeding $7,500, real property disputes, and felony criminal cases. Circuit Court judges rotate through the Fifth Judicial Circuit. Family Court addresses domestic relations, custody, support, adoption, abuse and neglect, and juvenile delinquency matters.
- Lexington County Magistrate Court system operates multiple locations throughout Lexington County, handling civil cases under $7,500, landlord-tenant disputes, and misdemeanor criminal cases.
- Lexington County Probate Court, located at 212 South Lake Drive, Suite 202, Lexington, SC 29072 (phone: 803-785-8416), handles estates, wills, guardianships, and conservatorships.
- The South Carolina Judicial Department provides online case search through the Public Index at publicindex.sccourts.org, covering common pleas, family court, and magistrate cases.
- Lexington County Clerk of Court maintains official court records, with fees for certified copies typically $1 per page.
- Civil case filings require fees based on case type, with common pleas civil filings around $165.
Magistrate courts are located in Lexington area, West Columbia, Irmo, and Batesburg-Leesville. Municipal courts in incorporated towns address city ordinance violations and traffic offenses. Court records in South Carolina are governed by SC Code § 30-4-10 et seq.
(Freedom of Information Act) with certain exceptions for sealed records, juvenile matters, and confidential proceedings. Users can search by name, case number, or attorney. Criminal records may be accessed through the clerk's office, though ongoing cases may have restricted information.
The Probate Court maintains separate records with its own fee schedule.
Property & Public Records
Lexington County Register of Deeds, located at 212 South Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29072 (phone: 803-785-8218), maintains all land records including deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, easements, and other documents affecting real property in Lexington County. The office has digitized records dating back decades, with some historical documents available in physical form. The Register of Deeds provides an online property records search through Lexington County website at lex-co.sc.gov, allowing free public access to view recorded documents.
- Viewing documents online is free, but certified copies cost $2 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, plus a $1 certification fee.
- Documents can be requested in person, by mail, or through the online system.
- Recording fees for new documents are $15 for the first five pages and $2 for each additional page.
- Lexington County Assessor's Office, located at 212 South Lake Drive, Suite 101, Lexington, SC 29072 (phone: 803-785-8190), maintains property tax assessment records and parcel information.
- This system is free to use and provides detailed parcel data.
Users can search by name, book and page, document type, or parcel identification. The Assessor provides an online Geographic Information System (GIS) and property search tool through Lexington County website, offering aerial imagery, ownership information, assessed values, tax district information, and property characteristics. Lexington County Treasurer's Office, at 212 South Lake Drive, Suite 103 (phone: 803-785-8158), collects property taxes and maintains payment history.
Citizens can view and pay property taxes online through Lexington County website. All property records are public under South Carolina law, with limited exceptions for certain confidential taxpayer information. Lexington County's GIS system is particularly strong, offering layers for zoning, floodplains, school districts, and infrastructure.
Vital Records
Vital records in Lexington County are managed at both county and state levels. Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Lexington County can be requested through the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Office of Vital Records, located at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201 (phone: 803-898-3630). DHEC maintains statewide birth records from 1915 forward and death records from 1915 forward.
- Birth certificates cost $12 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously; death certificates cost $12 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests.
- Expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Lexington County Probate Court, located at 212 South Lake Drive, Suite 202, Lexington, SC 29072 (phone: 803-785-8416).
- Couples must apply in person with valid identification and Social Security numbers; the fee is $50, and there is a 24-hour waiting period before the license is valid.
Online ordering is available through DHEC's website at scdhec.gov/vitalrecords and through VitalChek, an authorized vendor. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record under SC Code § 44-63-10 et seq, the South Carolina Vital Records Act. Eligible parties include the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with a court order.
Marriage licenses are valid for 60 days. Divorce decrees are maintained by Lexington County Family Court and the Clerk of Court at 205 East Main Street. Certified copies of divorce decrees can be requested from the Clerk's office for a fee.
Some historical vital records may be available through the South Carolina Department of Archives and History for genealogical research.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Lexington County involves multiple agencies depending on the business type and location. Businesses operating in unincorporated Lexington County must obtain a business license through Lexington County Business Services Division, located at 212 South Lake Drive, Lexington County, SC 29072 (phone: 803-785-8195). Business license fees vary based on business classification and gross income. Applications can be submitted in person or by mail, and renewals are required annually.
- The Secretary of State's online Business Entities Portal at businessfilings.sc.gov allows free searches of registered businesses, including status, registered agent, formation date, and principal office address.
- Lexington County Building Services Department, located at 212 South Lake Drive (phone: 803-785-8125), issues building permits, conducts inspections, and enforces building codes.
- Lexington County Chamber of Commerce, located at 600 West Main Street, Lexington, SC 29072, provides business resources, networking, and advocacy.
Incorporated municipalities issue their own business licenses: the Town of Lexington Business License Department, West Columbia Business License Office, and City of Cayce all maintain separate licensing requirements. The South Carolina Secretary of State maintains the central registry for business entity formations including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations. New business entities can file online through this portal.
Fictitious name registrations (Doing Business As or DBA) for sole proprietorships and partnerships are filed with Lexington County Clerk of Court. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, real estate agents, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are regulated by state boards under the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. Zoning inquiries are handled by Lexington County Planning and Development Department.
Sales tax permits are obtained through the South Carolina Department of Revenue.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Lexington County are administered by Lexington County Voter Registration and Elections Office, located at 212 South Lake Drive, Suite 106, Lexington, SC 29072 (phone: 803-785-8361, website: lex-co.sc.gov/elections). The office manages voter registration, polling place operations, absentee voting, and election results reporting for all federal, state, county, and municipal elections.
- Registered voters can verify their registration status, find their assigned polling place, and view sample ballots through the scVOTES.gov website or by contacting Lexington County elections office.
- In the 2024 general election, Lexington County recorded strong voter turnout, consistently performing above state averages with approximately 68-72% of registered voters participating, reflecting high civic engagement.
- Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to Lexington County Voter Registration and Elections Office; applications are available online and must be received no later than 11 days before the election.
- Historical election data is maintained and available upon request.
- Lexington County's elections office maintains transparency through public testing of voting equipment before elections, allowing citizen observation.
South Carolina voters can register online through the South Carolina Election Commission website at scVOTES.gov, or submit paper applications available at Lexington County elections office, DMV branches, and various public agencies. Voter registration deadlines are 30 days before any election; for example, the deadline for the November 3, 2026 general election (featuring U.S. Senate, U.S.
House of Representatives, South Carolina state constitutional offices, General Assembly seats, and county offices) will be October 4, 2026. Lexington County operates numerous Election Day polling locations throughout Lexington County, organized by precinct based on residential address. Absentee voting in South Carolina requires an excuse: voters may request absentee ballots if they will be absent from Lexington County on Election Day, are physically disabled, are 65 years or older, work scheduled hours on Election Day that prevent voting, or meet other statutory qualifications under SC Code § 7-15-320.
In-person absentee voting is available at the elections office beginning approximately 30 days before Election Day. Public election records in Lexington County include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted under state law), precinct-level election results, candidate filings, campaign finance disclosures for county candidates, and poll manager lists. These records are accessible under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.
Lexington County elections office posts unofficial results on election night and certified results after the canvass period. The South Carolina State Ethics Commission maintains campaign finance reports for most candidates.
Economy & Demographics
Lexington County's economy has transformed significantly over recent decades, evolving from agricultural roots to a diverse suburban economy integrated with the Columbia metropolitan statistical area. Lexington County's population growth has driven substantial economic expansion, with major employment sectors including healthcare, education, retail, manufacturing, and professional services.
- The median household income in Lexington County exceeds $62,000, above the state average, reflecting Lexington County's strong economic base and proximity to state government employment in Columbia.
- Lake Murray provides substantial economic impact through recreation, tourism, hospitality, and real estate development.
Lexington Medical Center, one of the largest employers in Lexington County, operates a full hospital campus in West Columbia and multiple outpatient facilities throughout Lexington County, employing thousands of healthcare professionals. Amazon operates a major fulfillment center in Lexington County, contributing significantly to logistics and warehouse employment. The Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation, headquartered in West Columbia, manufactures respiratory medications and sterile injectable products, representing advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Spirit Communications (now Segra) maintains significant telecommunications infrastructure and operations. Lexington County School Districts One through Five employ thousands of educators and staff. The lake supports marinas, restaurants, vacation rentals, and year-round residential communities.
Manufacturing remains important, with facilities producing automotive components, plastics, and industrial products. Lexington County has actively pursued economic development through infrastructure improvements, including the extension of utilities and transportation corridors. The retail sector thrives along major corridors in Lexington, West Columbia, and Irmo, with multiple shopping centers and commercial districts.
Unemployment rates in Lexington County typically track below state averages, reflecting economic vitality. Small businesses and entrepreneurship are supported by Lexington County Chamber of Commerce and local development corporations.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search & GIS | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Roster | Vital Records: Limited: State Office/In-Person | Business: Yes: Online State Search | Elections: Yes: Online Voter Tools | Overall Score: 8.5/10, Lexington County provides excellent digital access to public records with online systems for property, courts, jail rosters, and elections information.