About Lincoln County
Lincoln County is located in south-central Tennessee, bordered by the Alabama state line to the south. Established in 1809 and named after Revolutionary War General Benjamin Lincoln, the county encompasses approximately 570 square miles of rolling hills and rich agricultural land. The county seat is Fayetteville, a historic town situated along the Elk River. As of the 2020 Census, Lincoln County had a population of approximately 35,000 residents. The county is known for its significant Civil War history, being the site of several skirmishes and home to many antebellum structures.
- The county's Register of Deeds office, located in the Lincoln County Courthouse, maintains land records dating back to the county's founding.
Lincoln County is part of Tennessee's Highland Rim geographic region, characterized by productive farmland and limestone geology. Major landmarks include the Lincoln County Courthouse in downtown Fayetteville, built in 1973, located at 112 Main Avenue South, and the Elk River, which provides recreational opportunities and historically powered mills throughout the area. The County Clerk's office, also housed in the courthouse complex, handles vital records, business filings, and election administration.
The Lincoln County Assessor of Property, located at 112 Main Avenue South, maintains property tax assessment records and ownership information. The area's economy has historically centered on agriculture, particularly cattle and row crops, though manufacturing and service industries have grown significantly in recent decades.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency serving the unincorporated areas of the county. This office is responsible for patrolling rural regions, managing the county jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also engages in community outreach and crime prevention programs specific to the needs of Lincoln County residents. Notable divisions within the Sheriff's Office include the Criminal Investigations Division and the Patrol Division, both of which work to ensure public safety and uphold the law.
Police Departments
Lincoln County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Fayetteville Police Department is responsible for law enforcement within the city limits of Fayetteville, while the Petersburg Police Department serves the town of Petersburg. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the county. Each department operates within its jurisdiction but collaborates with the Sheriff's Office for investigations and emergency response.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, located at 481 Wilson Parkway in Fayetteville, Tennessee, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of the county. The Sheriff's Office operates the Lincoln County Jail, a detention facility housing pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates. Sheriff Murray Blackwelder oversees department operations, which include patrol, investigations, court security, and jail management. Citizens can contact the Sheriff's Office at (931) 433-5321.
- Citizens may request arrest records, incident reports, and booking information by submitting a public records request to the Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department.
- Requests should be made in writing and should specify the records sought with reasonable particularity.
- Agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Tennessee and may be obtained through formal public records requests to the arresting agency or the jail.
- Processing times vary, but agencies are required to respond promptly.
Inmate information for the Lincoln County Jail can be obtained by calling the jail directly or visiting the facility during business hours; some inmate roster information may be available through third-party websites, though official information should be verified directly with the jail. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Fayetteville Police Department, serving the county seat, located at 110 Elk Avenue South, phone (931) 433-1522. Arrest records in Lincoln County are public records under Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503 et seq., the Tennessee Public Records Act, which mandates that government records be open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
No tribal law enforcement operates within Lincoln County, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands in the area.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Lincoln County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal records through the Sheriff's Office or the respective police department, often requiring a formal application.
- The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation offers a statewide background check service, which can be accessed online for a fee, providing comprehensive criminal history information for Lincoln County residents.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Lincoln County are maintained by the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by submitting a formal request to the Sheriff's Office, often requiring a written application or online form. Arrest records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking details.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Lincoln County Jail, located in Fayetteville, is the main detention facility for the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmates can be searched through the county's online inmate lookup system. Visitation rules are specific to this facility and typically require scheduling in advance, with certain restrictions on the number of visitors and duration.
- The bond and bail process in Tennessee allows for the release of inmates through posting bail, which can be arranged through the court or a bail bondsman.
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 website or by submitting a request for records. Mugshots may also be available through third-party online databases that aggregate public records. Tennessee does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals can request removal from private websites through legal channels if they meet certain criteria.
Courts & Case Records
Lincoln County is served by several judicial bodies. The Lincoln County Circuit Court, located at 112 Main Avenue South in Fayetteville, has jurisdiction over civil cases exceeding $25,000, criminal felonies, divorce and family law matters, and appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Court Clerk's office can be reached at (931) 433-2454. The Lincoln County General Sessions Court, also located in the courthouse complex, handles civil cases under $25,000, preliminary hearings for felonies, misdemeanor criminal cases, and certain family matters including custody and support.
- The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts provides limited online case lookup through TNCourts.gov, though not all counties have full online dockets available.
- Copy fees are established by statute, generally $0.50 per page for standard documents, with certified copies requiring an additional fee.
- Online case access may be limited; citizens should contact the specific court clerk for current availability and any associated fees for remote access or detailed case files.
The General Sessions Court phone number is (931) 433-4757. Lincoln County Chancery Court handles equity matters, probate, guardianships, and land disputes. The Juvenile Court of Lincoln County has exclusive jurisdiction over matters involving minors.
Court records in Tennessee are generally public under Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503 and court rules, though certain records involving juveniles, adoption, and sealed cases are confidential. Lincoln County court records can be searched in person at the respective clerk's offices during business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Property & Public Records
The Lincoln County Register of Deeds, located at 112 Main Avenue South in Fayetteville, maintains land records including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, releases, easements, restrictions, plat maps, and subdivision plans. Register of Deeds Kay Helton oversees the office, which can be reached at (931) 433-1819. Records are indexed by grantor, grantee, and property location, with documents dating back to 1809 when the county was established. The office provides public access terminals for searching land records during business hours.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for a statutory fee, typically $5.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus certification fees.
- The Assessor's office provides access to property records including tax maps, assessment rolls, and sales data.
- GIS mapping may be available online, providing aerial imagery, parcel boundaries, and basic assessment data at no cost, though downloading or printing maps may incur fees.
Tennessee law requires that real property conveyances be recorded to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors. The Lincoln County Assessor of Property, located at 112 Main Avenue South, phone (931) 433-9497, maintains property tax assessment records, ownership information, and property characteristics used for ad valorem taxation. Lincoln County offers online property tax and assessment information through the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury's website and potentially through a county-specific GIS portal.
Property tax payments are handled by the Lincoln County Trustee's office at (931) 433-7603. Citizens can search property records by owner name, parcel number, or address.
Vital Records
Vital records for Lincoln County, Tennessee, are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates occurring in Lincoln County may be requested through the Lincoln County Clerk's office at 112 Main Avenue South, Fayetteville, TN 37334, phone (931) 433-3245. However, Tennessee centralized vital records in 1914, and the Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Vital Records in Nashville is the official state repository for birth certificates (1914-present) and death certificates (1914-present).
- Birth certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; death certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $5 for additional copies.
- Processing times vary from immediate for walk-in requests with proper documentation to 4-6 weeks for mail requests.
- VitalChek, a third-party vendor, offers expedited online ordering at https://www.vitalchek.com with additional convenience fees.
- Marriage licenses are issued by the Lincoln County Clerk's office; couples must apply in person with valid identification and pay the statutory fee.
The state office can be reached at (615) 741-1763 or online at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/vital-records.html. Certified copies for legal purposes require valid photo identification and proof of eligibility under Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-3-203, which restricts access to the person named (if of age), immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a court order. Divorce decrees are filed with the Lincoln County Circuit Court Clerk and are public records unless sealed by court order.
For records prior to 1914, the county office or Tennessee State Library and Archives may have historical records.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Lincoln County, Tennessee, involves multiple levels of government. The Lincoln County Clerk, located at 112 Main Avenue South, Fayetteville, maintains records of assumed name certificates (DBAs) and certain local business registrations. Businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must file an assumed name certificate with the County Clerk's office pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 47-25-101 et seq. The filing fee is established by statute and the registration must be renewed periodically.
- For formal business entity formation—corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships—businesses must register with the Tennessee Secretary of State, Division of Business Services.
- This database shows entity status, formation date, registered agent, and principal office address.
- The Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, located in Fayetteville, provides business development resources and networking opportunities; their website is https://www.fayettevillelincolnchamber.com.
The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at https://tnbear.tn.gov/Ecommerce/FilingSearch.aspx where citizens can search registered business entities by name, registered agent, or filing number at no cost. Professional licenses (medical, legal, contracting, cosmetology, real estate, etc.) are issued by respective Tennessee state boards and can be verified through the Department of Commerce and Insurance. Sales tax permits are issued by the Tennessee Department of Revenue and are required for businesses selling tangible goods.
Local business licenses may be required by the City of Fayetteville or other municipalities within Lincoln County; businesses should contact the respective city recorder's office. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are handled by the Lincoln County Planning and Codes Department.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Lincoln County, Tennessee, are administered by the Lincoln County Election Commission, located at 112 Main Avenue South, Suite 102, Fayetteville, TN 37334. The Election Commission can be reached at (931) 433-1824. The office oversees voter registration, maintains voter rolls, recruits and trains poll workers, manages early voting sites, certifies election results, and ensures compliance with Tennessee election law.
- Citizens may request these records under the Tennessee Public Records Act.
- Lincoln County provides transparency in elections through public testing of voting equipment, observer access during early voting and on Election Day, and public canvassing of results.
Voter registration in Lincoln County is available through multiple channels: in-person at the Election Commission office, by mail using a state voter registration form, or online through the Tennessee Secretary of State's Online Voter Registration system at https://ovr.govote.tn.gov/. Tennessee law requires voter registration applications to be submitted at least 30 days before an election for the applicant to be eligible to vote in that election, per Tennessee Code Annotated § 2-2-115. Voters must be U.S.
citizens, residents of Tennessee and Lincoln County, and at least 18 years old by Election Day. Lincoln County voters can find their assigned polling place by visiting the Tennessee Secretary of State's voter information lookup at https://tnmap.tn.gov/voterlookup/ or by contacting the Election Commission directly. The county operates multiple Election Day precincts throughout the county based on residential address.
Early voting is available at designated sites for approximately two weeks before each election, including Saturdays, providing convenient access for working citizens. Election records that are public in Tennessee include voter registration lists (excluding protected voters such as certain law enforcement and victims of domestic violence), campaign finance disclosures filed with the Registry of Election Finance, candidate nominating petitions, precinct-level election results, and canvass reports. Lincoln County voter turnout in the November 2024 general election was approximately 60-65% of registered voters, consistent with rural Tennessee county turnout in presidential election years; midterm elections typically see 40-50% turnout.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, which will include U.S. House of Representatives seats, one U.S. Senate seat, Tennessee gubernatorial race, state legislative seats, and various county offices.
Absentee voting by mail is available for Tennessee voters who meet specific criteria under Tennessee Code Annotated § 2-6-201, including: voters age 60 or older, voters with a physical disability, voters who will be outside the county during the entire early voting period and on Election Day, full-time students enrolled outside the county, election day poll workers, caregivers of hospitalized persons, and candidates whose names appear on the ballot. Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to the Lincoln County Election Commission with required documentation; applications are available on the state website or from the local election office. Tennessee has implemented voter ID requirements; acceptable forms include Tennessee driver's license, U.S.
passport, military ID, or photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Economy & Demographics
Lincoln County's economy has traditionally been rooted in agriculture, with cattle farming, hay production, corn, and soybeans being predominant agricultural products. The county's rich limestone soil and rolling terrain support productive farmland that continues to contribute significantly to the local economy. Manufacturing has grown substantially since the mid-20th century and now represents a major employment sector. Notable employers include automotive parts manufacturers, food processing facilities, and distribution centers.
- The median household income in Lincoln County is approximately $53,000 to $58,000 based on recent American Community Survey estimates, somewhat below the Tennessee state median.
Fayetteville and the surrounding area have attracted industrial development due to proximity to Interstate 65 and reasonable access to Nashville and Huntsville, Alabama markets. The civilian labor force numbers approximately 16,000 to 17,000 workers, with unemployment rates generally tracking slightly above state averages, ranging from 3.5% to 5.5% depending on economic conditions. Healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and educational services also provide significant employment.
Lincoln County benefits from tourism related to its Civil War heritage, outdoor recreation along the Elk River, and proximity to the Jack Daniel's Distillery in neighboring Moore County. Economic development efforts are coordinated through the Lincoln County Economic Development Alliance, which works to attract new industry and support existing businesses. Recent infrastructure improvements and industrial park development aim to diversify the economic base and create higher-wage employment opportunities.
The county's location within 75 miles of Nashville and Huntsville positions it as a potential growth area for distribution and light manufacturing.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ Limited Online, In-Person Available | Property: ✅ Online Search Available | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person Required | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or State Office | Business: ✅ State Online Search | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Lookup | Overall Score: 6/10 — Lincoln County provides moderate public records access with some online tools through state systems, but many records require in-person requests or phone contact.
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Cities & Towns in Lincoln County
Explore public records for 9 cities and communities in Lincoln County, Tennessee.
Nearby Counties
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