About Logan County

County Seat Lincoln
Established 1839

Logan County is located in central Illinois, including approximately 619 square miles of predominantly agricultural scene. Logan County Seat is Lincoln, a city of approximately 13,500 residents and the only city in the United States named for Abraham Lincoln before he became president. Logan County has a total population of roughly 28,000 residents as of recent census estimates. Logan County was established in 1839 and named after Dr. John Logan, a physician and politician who was the father of Civil War General John A. Logan County.

Major landmarks include the Lincoln Heritage Museum, Postville Courthouse State Historic Site (a reconstruction of the only courthouse where Abraham Lincoln practiced law that is still standing on its original site), and Kickapoo Creek Park. Logan County is bordered by Tazewell, McLean, DeWitt, Macon, Sangamon, and Menard counties. Logan County Courthouse, located at 601 Broadway Street in Lincoln, houses several key offices including the County Clerk, Circuit Clerk, and State's Attorney.

Logan County Recorder's office maintains land records and is located in the courthouse complex. Logan County Assessor's office, responsible for property valuations, operates at 601 Broadway Street as well. Logan County's economy traditionally centered on agriculture, particularly corn and soybean production, with several grain elevators and agricultural service companies serving as economic anchors.

Lincoln is home to Lincoln College (founded 1865) and Lincoln Christian University, both contributing to the educational and cultural fabric of the community.

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

Logan County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Logan County. It oversees Logan County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is key to community safety, offering programs such as neighborhood watch and crime prevention seminars. The office also has specialized divisions, including a K-9 unit and a drug enforcement task force, which focus on specific law enforcement challenges within Logan County.

Police Departments

Logan County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Logan County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities like Lincoln and Atlanta. The Lincoln Police Department handles law enforcement within the city limits of Lincoln, focusing on urban crime and traffic enforcement. The Sheriff's Office and municipal departments coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and response throughout Logan County.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

Logan County Sheriff's Office, led by the elected Sheriff, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Logan County and provides countywide services including civil process, court security, and detention operations. The Sheriff's Office is located at 100 North Chicago Street in Lincoln, Illinois, and can be reached for Logan County Jail, also known as Logan County Safety Complex, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates.

  • Requests should specify the individual's name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
  • Booking photos and mugshots are generally considered public records in Illinois and may be obtained through FOIA requests to the custodial agency.
  • Processing times for FOIA requests typically range from 5 to 10 business days, and fees may apply for copying and certification.

Inmates can be located through Logan County Sheriff's Office by calling the jail division or visiting the office in person during business hours. Municipal police departments operate within incorporated areas, including the Lincoln Police Department (serving the city of Lincoln), Mount Pulaski Police Department, and Atlanta Police Department. These agencies handle municipal law enforcement, traffic enforcement, and criminal investigations within their respective jurisdictions.

Arrest records in Logan County are public records under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.), and citizens may request such records by submitting a FOIA request to the Sheriff's Office or the specific police department that made the arrest. Some third-party websites aggregate mugshot information, though official sources remain the Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Sheriff's Office also operates a sex offender registry accessible to the public, and the Illinois State Police maintains a statewide offender database.

Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Logan County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. Logan County Sheriff's Office and the Circuit Clerk maintain these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Illinois State Police, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Illinois Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for background checks, so that Logan County residents have access to full criminal records information.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Logan County are maintained by Logan County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of an individual's arrest, including the charges, date, and location of the arrest. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following the procedures outlined by the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Arrest records typically include the individual's personal information, charges, and any court dates associated with the arrest.

Jail & Inmate Records

Logan County Jail, located in Lincoln, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Logan County. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting the personal information of the detainee. Inmate information can be accessed through Logan County Sheriff's Office, which provides an inmate lookup service. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to security protocols.

  • The bond process in Illinois allows for cash or surety bonds, and information on posting bail can be obtained from the jail staff.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

In Logan County, mugshots are taken and retained by Logan 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. While the Sheriff's Office may provide online access to mugshots, individuals can also request them in person. Illinois does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals may petition for removal if the charges are dropped or if they are found not guilty.

Courts & Case Records

Logan County courts operate under the Illinois Unified Court System as part of the Eighth Judicial Circuit. Logan County Courthouse at 601 Broadway Street, Lincoln, IL 62656, houses the Circuit Court, which has general jurisdiction over civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and juvenile matters. The Circuit Clerk's office can be reached at and maintains all court case files and records.

  • Illinois provides public access to court records under Supreme Court Rule 63 and the state's public records laws.
  • Copying fees are typically $2.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, with certification fees of $6.00 per document.
  • Remote access may be available for attorneys registered with the Illinois e-filing system.
  • Certified copies of judgments, orders, and other court documents can be requested in person or by mail with appropriate fees.
  • The court also handles small claims matters for disputes under $10,000, providing a simplified process for litigants.
601 Broadway Street, Lincoln, IL 62656

Logan County Circuit Court hears felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding small claims limits, divorce and family law matters, probate and estate administration, juvenile delinquency and dependency cases, and traffic violations. The Circuit Clerk maintains an index of cases, and the public may search records in person during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Case searches can be conducted by party name or case number.

While some Illinois counties offer online case lookup through the state's eFiling system or county-specific portals, Logan County primarily provides case information through in-person or telephone requests to the Circuit Clerk's office.

Property & Public Records

Logan County Recorder's Office, located at 601 Broadway Street, Lincoln, IL 62656, maintains all land and property records for Logan County. The office can be reached for The Recorder preserves and provides public access to deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, releases, liens (including mechanics liens, judgment liens, and tax liens), easements, right-of-way documents, plat maps, subdivision plats, and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings related to real property.

  • The Recorder's Office accepts document recordings during business hours, with fees based on document type and page count (typically $24 for the first four pages and $1 for each additional page).
  • Certified copies are available for an additional fee of approximately $2.00 per certification.
  • The Recorder's office also provides marriage license recording services, though applications are processed through the County Clerk.
601 Broadway Street, Lincoln, IL 62656

These records are public under Illinois statutes (55 ILCS 5/3-5001 et seq.) and are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description. Logan County Assessor's Office, also located at 601 Broadway Street, maintains property assessment records, tax maps, and property characteristic data used for taxation purposes. The Assessor's office phone number is.

Property tax records, including payment history and current amounts due, are maintained by Logan County Treasurer's office. While some Illinois counties offer strong online GIS and property search systems, Logan County property information may require in-person or telephone inquiry to the Assessor or Recorder. Residents and title companies regularly access these records for real estate transactions, title searches, lien searches, and property research.

Vital Records

Vital records for Logan County, Illinois, are managed by Logan County Clerk's office located at 601 Broadway Street, Lincoln, IL 62656, phone, and by the Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Vital Records. Birth certificates for births occurring in Logan County can be requested from the County Clerk if the birth occurred within Logan County. The current fee for a certified birth certificate is typically $15 for the first copy and $2 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, though fees are subject to change.

  • Processing time for in-person requests is usually immediate during business hours, while mail requests may take 2-4 weeks.
  • Death certificates are similarly available through the County Clerk for deaths that occurred in Logan County, with the same fee structure.
  • Divorce records (dissolution of marriage decrees) are court records maintained by Logan County Circuit Clerk and must be requested from that office.
601 Broadway Street, Lincoln, IL 62656

The Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Vital Records in Springfield maintains statewide records and can be reached at or via their website at dph.illinois.gov for births and deaths occurring anywhere in Illinois since 1916. Marriage licenses are issued by Logan County Clerk's office, requiring both parties to appear in person with valid identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport) and payment of the license fee (approximately $40-$50). There is no waiting period in Illinois, and licenses are valid for 60 days.

Certified copies of marriage certificates can be obtained from the County Clerk or the state vital records office. Illinois vital records law (410 ILCS 535/) governs access to birth and death certificates, restricting access to immediate family members, legal representatives, and persons with tangible interest unless the record is more than 75 years old (birth) or 20 years old (death).

Business & Licensing

Business and licensing records in Logan County, Illinois, are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and registration. Logan County Clerk's office at 601 Broadway Street, Lincoln, IL 62656, phone, processes assumed name (DBA, Doing Business As) registrations and fictitious name certificates for businesses operating under names other than the owner's legal name. The filing fee is typically around $5-$26 depending on the duration of registration.

601 Broadway Street, Lincoln, IL 62656

These records are public and can be searched through the County Clerk's office during regular business hours. For formal business entity formation such as corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and not-for-profit corporations, the Illinois Secretary of State Business Services Department maintains the official registry. The Secretary of State's online database at apps.ilsos.gov/businessentitysearch/ provides free searching of all registered business entities in Illinois, including those based in Logan County, showing entity name, registration number, filing date, status, registered agent, and registered office address.

Professional licenses for occupations such as real estate agents, contractors, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), not at Logan County level. Sales tax permits are issued by the Illinois Department of Revenue. Building permits, zoning approvals, and occupancy permits are handled by local municipalities within Logan County (such as the City of Lincoln Building Department) or by Logan County Building and Zoning Department for unincorporated areas.

The Lincoln & Logan County Development Partnership serves as Logan Countyal economic development organization and chamber of commerce, providing business assistance, networking, and community promotion; they can be reached through their website at lincolnillinois.com.

Elections & Voter Records

Elections in Logan County, Illinois, are administered by Logan County Clerk, serving as the election authority for Logan County. Logan County Clerk's office is located at 601 Broadway Street, Lincoln, IL 62656, and can be reached for Election information may also be available through Logan County's official communications.

  • To register, individuals must be U.S.
  • These records can be requested from the County Clerk under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.
  • In the November 2024 general election, Logan County, like many central Illinois counties, saw turnout in the range of 60-65% of registered voters, typical for presidential election years in Logan County.
  • The application deadline is typically five days before the election for mail requests.
  • Illinois maintains strong election transparency, and citizens may request election materials, observe vote counting, and access detailed precinct results through FOIA requests to the County Clerk.
601 Broadway Street, Lincoln, IL 62656

Voter registration in Logan County can be completed online through the Illinois State Board of Elections website at ova.elections.il.gov, in person at the County Clerk's office, at Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles facilities, or by mail using a voter registration form. The registration deadline in Illinois is 30 days before an election for in-person registration and 16 days for online registration. Illinois offers grace period registration during early voting and on Election Day at designated locations.

Citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of their precinct for at least 30 days. Logan County voters can find their polling place by contacting the County Clerk's office, visiting the Illinois State Board of Elections voter information website at ova.elections.il.gov, or checking their voter registration card mailed before elections. Polling places are typically located in schools, community centers, government buildings, and churches throughout Logan County.

Illinois election records that are public include voter registration lists (with certain information redacted for privacy), candidate filing documents, campaign finance disclosures (filed with the State Board of Elections and viewable at elections.il.gov), precinct-level election results, and election judge rosters. The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races (Logan County is part of Illinois' 16th Congressional District), potential U.S.

Senate races, Illinois statewide constitutional offices including Governor (if it is a gubernatorial election year), Illinois General Assembly seats, county offices, and local municipal positions. Absentee voting and vote-by-mail options are available to all Illinois voters. Applications for mail-in ballots can be submitted online through the State Board of Elections website, by mail, or in person at the County Clerk's office.

Early voting is offered at designated locations in Logan County beginning 40 days before the election and concluding the day before Election Day.

Economy & Demographics

Logan County's economy remains rooted in agriculture, with corn and soybean farming dominating land use and generating substantial economic activity through farming operations, grain storage, agricultural equipment sales, and related services. Logan County benefits from fertile prairie soils and is part of the central Illinois corn belt.

  • Median household income in Logan County is estimated at approximately $55,000-$60,000, somewhat below the Illinois state median.
  • Recent economic development initiatives have emphasized broadband expansion, industrial site development, and support for existing agricultural industries and value-added agriculture processing.

Major employers include the Logan Correctional Center (a state prison facility employing several hundred staff), Lincoln Christian University, Lincoln College (which faced financial challenges and closure in 2022, impacting the local economy), Logan County government, Memorial Health System's Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Lincoln (a significant healthcare employer), and various manufacturing and distribution companies. The unemployment rate typically tracks close to or slightly above state averages, fluctuating between 4-6% depending on economic conditions. Key economic sectors include agriculture and agribusiness, healthcare and social assistance, educational services, manufacturing (including food processing and industrial components), retail trade, and government services.

Logan County hosts several industrial parks and has attracted distribution and light manufacturing operations due to its central Illinois location and access to Interstate 55, which runs through the western portion of Logan County. Logan County also benefits from tourism related to Abraham Lincoln heritage sites, bringing visitors to historic locations and local businesses. Economic development efforts focus on business retention, downtown Lincoln revitalization, workforce development, and attraction of new industries.

The closure of Lincoln College in 2022 represented a significant economic challenge, removing hundreds of students and dozens of jobs from the community.

Transparency Score

Court Records: Limited: In-Person/Phone | Property: Limited: Online | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person Required | Business: Yes: Online (State Level) | Elections: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Overall Score: 5/10, Logan County provides basic public records access primarily through in-person and telephone requests, with limited online search capabilities at the county level, though state-level resources supplement local access.

Official Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I search for someone recently arrested in Logan County, Illinois?
To search for someone recently arrested in Logan County, Illinois, you can contact the Logan County Sheriff's Office. The the area Jail, located at 911 Pekin Street, Lincoln, IL, maintains an inmate lookup process. You can visit the Sheriff's Office in person or call them at (217) 732-4159 to inquire about recent arrests and inmate information.
Mugshots or booking photos in Logan County, Illinois, can be obtained from the Logan County Sheriff's Office. They may provide access to these records through their office located at 911 Pekin Street, Lincoln, IL. Some booking photos might be available through online portals or local news websites that report on recent arrests.
To obtain a criminal background check in Logan County, Illinois, you should contact the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification. Locally, you can also visit the Logan County Sheriff's Office for guidance on the process. They may assist you in submitting the necessary forms and fees required for a background check.
You can look up sex offenders in Logan County, Illinois, by accessing the Illinois Sex Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the Illinois State Police and provides detailed information about registered sex offenders in the area. You can search the registry online by name, address, or zip code to find offenders in Logan County.
To register to vote in Logan County, contact the Logan County Clerk's office at 601 Broadway Street, Lincoln, IL 62656, or call (217) 732-4148. You can register online at ova.elections.il.gov up to 16 days before an election, or in person up to 30 days before. Illinois also offers grace period and Election Day registration at designated locations. Absentee and vote-by-mail ballots can be requested through the County Clerk or online via the Illinois State Board of Elections website.
Property records in Logan County are maintained by the Logan County Recorder's Office and the the region Assessor's Office, both located at 601 Broadway Street, Lincoln, IL 62656, phone (217) 732-4148. The Recorder maintains deeds, mortgages, liens, and plat maps, while the Assessor maintains property valuations and tax assessment information. Property searches typically require contacting the offices directly by phone or visiting in person, as online search options are limited at the county level. Property tax payment information is available through the County Treasurer.
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Logan County can be requested from the Logan County Clerk's office at 601 Broadway Street, Lincoln, IL 62656, phone (217) 732-4148. The fee is typically $15 for the first certified copy and $2 for additional copies ordered simultaneously. In-person requests are processed immediately during business hours, while mail requests take 2-4 weeks. You can also order statewide Illinois vital records from the Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Vital Records at dph.illinois.gov or by calling (217) 782-6553.
Business licenses and assumed name (DBA) filings in Logan County are maintained by the Logan County Clerk's office at 601 Broadway Street, Lincoln, IL 62656, phone (217) 732-4148. For formal business entities like corporations and LLCs, search the Illinois Secretary of State's free online database at apps.ilsos.gov/businessentitysearch/. Local business licenses and permits for specific cities are handled by municipal offices such as the City of Lincoln. Professional licenses are issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, not at the county level.

Cities & Towns in Logan County

Nearby Counties

Sangamon County IL McLean County IL Tazewell County IL Macon County IL Mason County IL Menard County IL