About Lincoln County
Lincoln County, Arkansas, is located in the southeastern region of the state within the Arkansas Delta. Established on March 28, 1871, the county was named after President Abraham Lincoln and encompasses approximately 563 square miles of predominantly agricultural land. Lincoln County operates under a unique dual county seat system, with Star City serving as the northern seat and Gould as the southern seat. According to recent U.S. Census estimates, the county has a population of approximately 13,000 residents.
The landscape is characterized by fertile delta farmland, cypress swamps, and portions of the Arkansas River floodplain. Major landmarks include the Lincoln County Regional Airport, Cane Creek State Park, and historic downtown Star City. The county's economy has historically been anchored by agriculture, particularly rice, soybeans, and cotton production.
Lincoln County is served by several key governmental offices including the Lincoln County Recorder located at the Lincoln County Courthouse in Star City at 300 South Drew Street, Star City, AR 71667, the Lincoln County Clerk who maintains official county records at the same location, and the Lincoln County Assessor responsible for property valuations and tax assessments. The dual courthouse system reflects the county's historical development and ensures accessible government services across its geographic area. The county is also home to several unincorporated communities and the municipalities of Grady, Gould, and Star City, each contributing to the county's rich cultural heritage rooted in Delta traditions and agricultural innovation.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of the county. This office oversees the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is dedicated to ensuring public safety through patrols, investigations, and community outreach programs. Notable divisions within the office include the Criminal Investigations Division and the Narcotics Unit, which focus on solving crimes and combating drug-related offenses in the county.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Lincoln County is provided by the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments within the county. The Star City Police Department serves the city of Star City, focusing on local law enforcement and community safety. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, ensuring comprehensive coverage and response across the county. Each department operates within its jurisdiction, but they often collaborate on investigations and emergency response efforts.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Lincoln County, Arkansas, and operates the Lincoln County Detention Facility. The Sheriff's Office is headquartered at 300 South Drew Street, Star City, AR 71667, and can be reached at (870) 628-5161. The office provides full-service law enforcement including patrol, investigations, civil process service, and jail operations.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written FOIA request to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office or the respective municipal police department that made the arrest.
- Requests should include the subject's name, date of birth if known, and approximate date of arrest.
- There may be copying fees associated with fulfilling records requests, typically ranging from $0.25 to $0.50 per page.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally part of the arrest record and may be obtained through the same FOIA request process.
To look up current inmates housed at the Lincoln County Detention Facility, citizens may contact the jail directly during business hours or visit the Sheriff's Office in person. Arkansas does not currently mandate a statewide online inmate database, so individual counties maintain their own systems. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Star City Police Department serving the county seat, and the Gould Police Department in the southern district.
Both departments handle local ordinance enforcement, traffic violations, and criminal investigations within their respective city limits. Arrest records in Lincoln County are considered public information under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in Arkansas Code Annotated § 25-19-101 et seq. Some arrest information may be redacted or withheld if it pertains to ongoing investigations or juvenile offenders.
Processing times for FOIA requests vary but agencies must respond within three business days acknowledging receipt of the request, though the actual records production may take longer depending on the volume and complexity of the request.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Lincoln County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are essential for legal proceedings and background checks. Residents can conduct background checks through the Arkansas State Police, which provides access to statewide criminal history information. The Arkansas Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for accessing criminal records, ensuring transparency and public safety.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Lincoln County are maintained by the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, often requiring a formal request under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Arrest records provide crucial information for legal proceedings and background checks, detailing the nature of the offense and any subsequent legal actions.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Lincoln County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing inmates in the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrested individuals. 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 the facility, typically requiring prior scheduling and adherence to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process in Arkansas allows for the release of inmates pending trial, with specific procedures managed by the county's judicial system.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Lincoln County are taken and retained by the Lincoln 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 or online databases. While Arkansas does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals seeking to remove or restrict access to their mugshots may need to pursue legal avenues. The availability of mugshots online varies, with some third-party websites offering search capabilities for public records.
Courts & Case Records
Lincoln County is served by the Second Judicial District Circuit Court, which handles both civil and criminal cases. The Lincoln County Circuit Court maintains courthouses in both county seats: the Star City courthouse at 300 South Drew Street, Star City, AR 71667, and the Gould courthouse at 803 West Gaines Street, Gould, AR 71643. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $25,000, domestic relations including divorce and child custody, probate matters, and appeals from lower courts.
- Circuit Court proceedings can be accessed by calling (870) 628-5114 for the Star City location.
- Lincoln County also operates District Court, which handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, preliminary hearings, and civil matters under $25,000.
- Justice of the Peace Courts exist within the county's various districts and handle small claims (up to $5,000), civil restitution matters, and landlord-tenant disputes.
- There may be fees for certified copies of court documents, typically $5.00 for certification plus copying costs.
- Docket sheets and case information may be available for viewing at no charge, though research fees may apply for extensive searches conducted by court staff.
Municipal courts in Star City and Gould handle city ordinance violations and traffic infractions occurring within city limits. Court records in Arkansas are generally public under Arkansas Code Annotated § 16-10-305 and the Arkansas Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 19, which governs public access to court records.
To search court records, citizens may visit the Circuit Clerk's office in person at either courthouse location during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. While Arkansas has implemented CourtConnect, a statewide case management system (https://caseinfo.arcourts.gov/cconnect/PROD/public/ck_public_qry_main.cp_main_idx), availability of online records varies by county and case type.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Lincoln County, Arkansas, are maintained by the Lincoln County Recorder's Office, also known as the Circuit Clerk and Ex-Officio Recorder, with offices in both Star City at 300 South Drew Street, Star City, AR 71667 (phone: 870-628-5114) and Gould. The Recorder's Office maintains comprehensive records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages and deeds of trust, releases and satisfactions, federal and state tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, easements and rights-of-way, powers of attorney, and recorded plat maps and surveys.
- While some Arkansas counties offer online property record searches, Lincoln County primarily provides records access through in-person visits to the Recorder's Office during regular business hours.
- Researchers can request specific documents by providing legal descriptions, grantor/grantee names, or book and page numbers.
- Copying fees are established by Arkansas statute at approximately $3.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, with certified copies requiring an additional certification fee of approximately $5.00.
These records date back to the county's establishment in 1871, with some reconstructed records following any historical losses. Arkansas law requires that most real property transactions be recorded to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors. Property tax records are maintained separately by the Lincoln County Assessor's Office and the Lincoln County Collector's Office, both located in the county courthouses.
The Assessor is responsible for determining property valuations and maintaining parcel ownership information, while the Collector handles tax billing and collection. Property tax information including assessed values, millage rates, and payment status may be available through in-person inquiry. Some property information may be accessible through regional GIS systems or the Arkansas Geographic Information Office, though comprehensive online parcel viewers are not universally available across all Arkansas counties.
For the most current and official property records, direct contact with the Lincoln County Recorder's Office is recommended.
Vital Records
Vital records for Lincoln County, Arkansas, including birth and death certificates, are maintained at both the county and state levels. The Lincoln County Clerk's Office, located at 300 South Drew Street, Star City, AR 71667 (phone: 870-628-5115), maintains historical vital records for events occurring within the county. However, the Arkansas Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, is the official state repository and is typically the most reliable source for certified copies needed for legal purposes.
- Birth certificates for events occurring in Lincoln County can be requested from the Arkansas Department of Health, Vital Records Section, 4815 West Markham Street, Slot 44, Little Rock, AR 72205.
- The current fee for a certified birth certificate is $12.00, with additional copies of the same record ordered simultaneously costing $10.00 each.
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service may be available for an additional fee.
- Death certificates follow the same request process with identical fees and restrictions under Arkansas Code Annotated § 20-18-101 et seq.
- The marriage license fee in Arkansas is generally $60.00 if neither party has completed premarital counseling, or $40.00 with proof of counseling completion.
Applicants must be the subject of the record, a parent listed on the certificate, a legal guardian or representative, or must demonstrate a direct and tangible interest. Valid government-issued photo identification is required. Marriage licenses are issued by the Lincoln County Clerk's Office in either Star City or Gould, with both parties typically required to appear in person with valid identification and social security numbers.
There is no waiting period, and licenses are valid for 60 days from issuance. Certified copies of marriage certificates can be obtained from the County Clerk for approximately $10.00. Divorce decrees are obtained from the Circuit Clerk's Office where the divorce was granted, with fees similar to other court records.
Online ordering of vital records is available through VitalChek (www.vitalchek.com), an authorized vendor for Arkansas vital records, though additional service fees apply. Birth records less than 100 years old and death records less than 50 years old are considered confidential under Arkansas law and require proper identification and relationship verification.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Lincoln County, Arkansas, are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and license required. The Lincoln County Clerk's Office at 300 South Drew Street, Star City, AR 71667 (phone: 870-628-5115) handles certain local business filings including fictitious name registrations (Doing Business As or DBA filings) for businesses operating under names other than the owner's legal name. The fee for DBA registration varies but is typically around $25.00 and must be renewed periodically.
- Most businesses are also required to register with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration for state tax purposes including sales tax permits if selling tangible goods.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and trademarks, filings are made with the Arkansas Secretary of State Business & Commercial Services Division. The Arkansas Secretary of State maintains a comprehensive online business entity search tool at https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/corps/search_all.php where citizens can look up registered businesses, view formation documents, registered agents, and current status. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, cosmetologists, real estate agents, and healthcare providers are issued by their respective state licensing boards rather than at the county level.
Building permits, zoning compliance, and development approvals in unincorporated Lincoln County are handled by the Lincoln County Judge's Office and may involve review by planning and zoning commissions where established. Within incorporated municipalities like Star City and Gould, city halls issue local business licenses and building permits according to municipal ordinances. The Star City Chamber of Commerce can provide information about local business resources and economic development opportunities, though it is not a regulatory agency.
Business owners should contact the Lincoln County Clerk, County Judge's Office, and municipal offices to determine all applicable licensing and permit requirements for operating within Lincoln County.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Lincoln County, Arkansas, are administered by the Lincoln County Clerk, who serves as the county election official. The Lincoln County Clerk's Office is located at 300 South Drew Street, Star City, AR 71667, and can be reached at (870) 628-5115.
- Arkansas requires voters to register at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
- Registered voters in Lincoln County can find their assigned polling place by contacting the County Clerk's office or by using the voter view system on the Arkansas Secretary of State website.
- Citizens may request to inspect or receive copies of these records by contacting the County Clerk.
- In the November 2024 general election, Lincoln County voter turnout was approximately 55-60% of registered voters, which is consistent with typical rural Arkansas county turnout in presidential election years.
- Lincoln County demonstrates reasonable election transparency, with records available upon request, though online real-time election night reporting may be limited compared to larger urban counties.
Voter registration in Lincoln County can be completed in person at the County Clerk's office, at the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration offices when obtaining or renewing a driver's license, or online through the Arkansas Secretary of State's voter registration portal at https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/elections/voter-information/voter-registration. The county typically operates multiple polling locations in Star City, Gould, Grady, and other communities, with consolidated vote centers sometimes used for efficiency. Under Arkansas law, specifically Arkansas Code Annotated § 7-1-101 et seq., numerous election records are public information.
Public election records include voter registration lists (excluding certain personal information like Social Security numbers and dates of birth), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political committees, candidate filing information, precinct-level election results, and absentee ballot statistics. Turnout in midterm and local elections is generally lower, often in the 35-45% range. The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House midterm elections, potential U.S. Senate races depending on terms, Arkansas state constitutional offices including Governor (if a gubernatorial term ends), state legislative seats, county offices, and local municipal positions depending on election cycles. Arkansas does not have true "no-excuse" absentee voting but allows absentee ballots for voters who will be unavoidably absent from their polling place on election day, voters who are ill or physically disabled, or voters who are members of the military or overseas.
Absentee ballot applications can be obtained from the Lincoln County Clerk and must be submitted according to statutory deadlines—typically the application must be received by the Tuesday before the election for mailed ballots. Early voting is available in Arkansas beginning the Monday prior to any election and continues through the day before election day at designated locations announced by the County Clerk.
Economy & Demographics
Lincoln County's economy remains predominantly agricultural, reflecting its location in the fertile Arkansas Delta region. The county's major economic sectors include agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, and government services. Row crop production, particularly rice, soybeans, cotton, and corn, constitutes the backbone of the local economy, with thousands of acres under cultivation. The agricultural sector supports related businesses including grain storage facilities, farm equipment dealers, agricultural chemical suppliers, and crop consulting services.
- Census data, Lincoln County's median household income is approximately $37,000, significantly below the Arkansas state median of around $52,000 and the national median.
- The Star City Municipal Airport provides some aviation-related economic activity.
Riceland Foods, one of the world's largest rice milling and marketing cooperatives headquartered in Stuttgart, Arkansas, has significant operations affecting Lincoln County farmers. Timber production and forestry also contribute economically, with hardwood and pine forests providing raw materials for lumber and paper industries. According to U.S.
The county faces economic challenges common to rural Delta communities, including population decline, limited diversification, and higher-than-average poverty rates exceeding 25% of the population. Major employers include the Star City School District, Lincoln County government, healthcare facilities, agricultural operations, and manufacturing plants. Unemployment rates in Lincoln County typically run 1-2 percentage points higher than state averages, fluctuating seasonally with agricultural cycles.
Economic development efforts focus on workforce development, infrastructure improvements, and attracting industries that can provide year-round employment beyond seasonal agricultural work. The Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation works to recruit new businesses and support existing enterprises. Retail and service sectors are limited, with many residents traveling to larger communities like Pine Bluff, Monticello, or even Little Rock for shopping and specialized services.
The advent of mechanized farming has reduced agricultural employment while increasing productivity, creating ongoing economic transition challenges for the county.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ Limited Online (CourtConnect partial) | Property: ⚠️ In-Person Required | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person Only | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or State Office | Business: ✅ Online (State Level) | Elections: ⚠️ In-Person/Phone | Overall Score: 5/10 — Lincoln County provides public records access primarily through traditional in-person and telephone requests, with limited online digital services at the county level.
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Cities & Towns in Lincoln County
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