About Long County
Long County is located in southeastern Georgia, positioned within the coastal plain region approximately 50 miles southwest of Savannah. Established in 1920 from portions of Liberty County, it is one of Georgia's younger counties and was named in honor of Dr. Crawford W. Long, the physician credited with pioneering the use of anesthesia in surgery. The county seat is Ludowici, which also serves as the largest county and commercial hub. Long County encompasses approximately 402 square miles and has a population of roughly 20,000 residents according to recent census estimates.
The county's geography is characterized by flat terrain, pine forests, and numerous small streams that are tributaries of larger coastal river systems. Fort Stewart, one of the largest military installations east of the Mississippi River, occupies a substantial portion of Long County's northern territory and significantly influences the local economy and demographics. Interstate 95 runs through the county, providing a critical transportation corridor connecting the Northeast to Florida.
The Long County Courthouse, located at 60 McDonald Street in Ludowici, houses the County Clerk's office and other administrative functions. The Long County Tax Assessor's office, responsible for property valuations and tax records, operates from the same complex. The County Recorder or Clerk of Superior Court maintains land records, deeds, and other official documents.
Major landmarks include the historic downtown Ludowici area and the vast training grounds of Fort Stewart, which bring substantial federal investment and military families to the region.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Long County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining peace and order in the county. It patrols the unincorporated areas, operates the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is committed to community policing and often engages in programs aimed at crime prevention and community safety. The Sheriff's Office also has specialized divisions that handle investigations, narcotics, and other critical areas of law enforcement, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the county's law enforcement needs.
Police Departments
In addition to the Long County Sheriff's Office, the city of Ludowici has its own police department, which handles law enforcement within the city limits. The Ludowici Police Department works in conjunction with the Sheriff's Office to address crime and safety issues across the county. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring a unified response to incidents that require resources beyond the capabilities of a single department. The collaboration between these law enforcement bodies helps maintain a safe environment for all residents of Long County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Long County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Long County and operates the county detention facility. Located at 135 South McDonald Street in Ludowici, the Sheriff's Office can be reached at (912) 545-2118 and maintains a website at longcountyga.com where basic information about services is available. The Long County Jail houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanants, and inmate information can be obtained by calling the jail directly or through third-party inmate lookup services that aggregate Georgia detention data.
- Within municipal boundaries, the Ludowici Police Department provides law enforcement services for the city and can be reached at their headquarters on EG Miles Parkway.
- § 50-18-70 et seq.), which allows citizens to request arrest reports, incident reports, and related documentation.
- Written requests should be submitted to the custodian of records at either the Sheriff's Office or municipal police department, depending on which agency made the arrest.
- Agencies may charge reasonable copying and research fees as specified under state law.
For current inmate rosters, booking information, and visitation schedules, the public should contact the jail administration during business hours. Arrest records in Long County are considered public records under the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the detention facility and may also appear on third-party booking photo websites that collect data from Georgia jails.
Fort Stewart maintains its own military police force with jurisdiction over federal property, and coordination between civilian and military law enforcement occurs regularly given the installation's prominence in the county. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation also maintains jurisdiction for certain cases and can be contacted for state-level criminal records information through the Georgia Crime Information Center.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Long County includes documentation of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Long County Sheriff's Office and the Ludowici Police Department are responsible for maintaining these records. Residents can request background checks through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which provides comprehensive criminal history reports. These reports include information from various law enforcement agencies across the state, offering a detailed view of an individual's criminal background.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Long County are maintained by the Long County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and any court proceedings. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The records typically include the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the arresting officer's details.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Long County Detention Center is the main facility for housing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or serving short sentences. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available to the public, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and generally require scheduling in advance.
- The bond and bail process follows Georgia state guidelines, which allow for the release of detainees under certain conditions while they await trial.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Long County are taken and stored by the Long County Sheriff's Office as part of the booking process. These photographs are considered public records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases. Interested parties can search for mugshots via the Sheriff's Office website or through third-party services that aggregate public records. Georgia law allows for the removal of mugshots from certain websites if the charges are dismissed or the individual is acquitted, providing a measure of privacy protection for those involved.
Courts & Case Records
Long County's judicial system includes several court levels serving different jurisdictions. The Superior Court of Long County, part of the Atlantic Judicial Circuit along with Glynn, McIntosh, and Camden counties, handles felony criminal cases, civil actions exceeding $15,000, divorce and family law matters, and real property disputes. The Superior Court Clerk's office is located at 60 McDonald Street in Ludowici and can be reached at (912) 545-2143. The Clerk of Superior Court maintains court records, land records, and other official filings.
- The Long County Magistrate Court handles civil claims up to $15,000, warrant applications, preliminary hearings, and county ordinance violations.
- The Superior Court Clerk charges statutory fees for certified copies, typically $2.50 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a $2.00 certification fee.
- While Long County does not currently offer a comprehensive online case search portal, certain records can be requested in person or by mail.
- The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority maintains a statewide index at gsccca.org where some Long County records may be accessible for a fee.
The Long County Probate Court, located in the same courthouse complex, has jurisdiction over wills, estates, guardianships, involuntary commitment proceedings, and the issuance of marriage licenses. The Probate Court also handles traffic citations in unincorporated areas and some misdemeanor cases. The Magistrate Court office can be contacted at (912) 545-2112.
The City of Ludowici operates a Municipal Court for traffic violations and city ordinance violations occurring within city limits. Court records in Georgia are governed by O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 (Georgia Open Records Act) and O.C.G.A.
§ 15-6-97 regarding access to court documents.
Property & Public Records
The Clerk of Superior Court in Long County serves as the official recorder of deeds and maintains all land records for the county. Located at 60 McDonald Street, Ludowici, GA 31316, the office can be reached at (912) 545-2143. The Clerk's office maintains an extensive collection of real property documents including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, security deeds (mortgages), liens, easements, plat maps, and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings. These records date back to the county's formation in 1920 and include indexed grantor-grantee records.
- Real property search access requires account registration and charges typically range from $0.25 to $1.00 per page depending on document type and age.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Clerk of Superior Court for statutory fees.
- Requests can be made in person, by mail with prepayment, or by phone with credit card payment.
The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA) provides online access to Long County deed records through their website at gsccca.org, where users can search by name, parcel number, or deed book and page for a per-page fee. For property tax information and assessment records, the Long County Tax Assessor's office, located at 60 McDonald Street, maintains current property valuations, ownership data, and tax digest information. The Assessor's office can be reached at (912) 545-2130.
Property tax records including current and delinquent tax information are maintained by the Long County Tax Commissioner's office at the same address, phone (912) 545-2029. Long County offers a GIS mapping system that may be accessible through the county website at longcountyga.com, providing parcel boundaries, ownership information, and tax assessment data.
Vital Records
Vital records for Long County, Georgia, including birth and death certificates, are maintained at both the county and state levels. Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Long County can be requested through the Long County Probate Court, located at 60 McDonald Street, Ludowici, GA 31316, phone (912) 545-2124. County offices typically maintain records for events that occurred within their jurisdiction, but their historical collections may vary.
- Birth certificates cost $25 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; death certificates cost $25 each.
- Processing times vary but typically range from 2-4 weeks for mail requests.
- Expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- Online ordering is available through the Georgia Department of Public Health's website at dph.georgia.gov/vitals or through authorized third-party vendor VitalChek at vitalchek.com, though convenience fees apply.
- § 31-10-1 et seq., which establishes who may obtain certified copies and defines eligible requestors.
The Georgia Department of Public Health, Vital Records Office, serves as the central repository for all Georgia vital records and maintains statewide birth records from 1919 forward and death records from 1919 forward. The state office is located at 1680 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349, and can be reached at (404) 679-4702. Certified copies are required for most legal purposes.
Marriage licenses are issued by the Long County Probate Court, and couples must apply in person with valid identification, social security numbers, and payment of the license fee (typically $56-76 depending on whether couples complete a premarital education program). There is no waiting period in Georgia, and licenses are valid for up to six months. Divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the divorce was granted.
Georgia vital records law is codified at O.C.G.A.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Long County operates through multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. For local business licenses and occupational tax certificates, businesses operating within Ludowici city limits should contact Ludowici City Hall at 50 Cypress Street, phone (912) 545-2227. Businesses operating in unincorporated Long County areas should contact the Long County Commission offices at 60 McDonald Street for information on county business license requirements and zoning compliance, phone (912) 545-2022.
- The Georgia business entity search is available free at ecorp.sos.ga.gov where users can search by business name, registration number, or registered agent.
- The Liberty County-Long County Chamber of Commerce, which serves both counties, can be reached at (912) 368-4445 and provides business resources, networking, and economic information for the region.
Trade name registrations (doing business as or DBA filings) and fictitious name filings are recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court at 60 McDonald Street, Ludowici, phone (912) 545-2143, with filing fees typically around $40. The Georgia Secretary of State Corporations Division maintains the central database for all formal business entity registrations including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other entities formed or registered to do business in Georgia. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, healthcare providers, cosmetologists, and real estate agents are issued by their respective Georgia state licensing boards, not at the county level.
Sales tax permits and certificates are obtained through the Georgia Department of Revenue. Building permits, construction permits, zoning approvals, and land disturbance permits are handled by the Long County Building and Zoning Department, located at the county administration complex. Contact information and business development resources may be available through their website.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Long County are administered by the Long County Board of Elections and Registration, which oversees voter registration, maintains voter rolls, manages polling places, and conducts all federal, state, and local elections. The elections office is located at 60 McDonald Street, Ludowici, GA 31316, and can be reached at (912) 545-2050. Voter registration in Georgia is available to U.S. citizens who are at least 17.5 years old (to vote at 18), residents of Georgia and Long County, and not serving a sentence for a felony conviction. The registration deadline is 29 days before any election.
- To register online, applicants must have a Georgia driver's license or state ID card.
- Absentee ballots are available to any registered voter without requiring an excuse.
- In the November 2024 general election, Long County reported voter turnout of approximately 58-62% of registered voters, consistent with typical Georgia county turnout in presidential election years.
- Citizens can request election-related records by submitting Open Records Act requests to the elections office.
- The Georgia Secretary of State Elections Division at sos.ga.gov/elections provides statewide election information, results, and voter resources.
Georgia offers online voter registration through the My Voter Page at mvp.sos.ga.gov, where eligible citizens can register, check registration status, find polling locations, view sample ballots, and request absentee ballots. Paper registration forms are available at the elections office, public libraries, and various government offices. Voters can find their assigned polling place by visiting the My Voter Page or contacting the Long County elections office.
Long County typically operates four to six polling locations on Election Day depending on the election type, with most locations in or near Ludowici. Early voting is available for most elections at the Long County elections office for a period beginning approximately three weeks before Election Day. Georgia law requires photo ID to vote, with acceptable forms including Georgia driver's license, state ID, U.S.
passport, military ID, or tribal ID. Applications for absentee ballots can be submitted online through the My Voter Page, by mail, or in person at the elections office, and must be received by the Friday before Election Day (though earlier submission is strongly recommended). Election records that are public under Georgia law include voter registration lists (O.C.G.A.
§ 21-2-225), campaign finance disclosures filed with the Georgia Ethics Commission, candidate qualifying records, and precinct-level election results. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, one U.S.
Senate seat, all Georgia statewide constitutional offices including Governor, and state legislative seats.
Economy & Demographics
Long County's economy is heavily influenced by the presence of Fort Stewart, which serves as the home of the 3rd Infantry Division and is one of the largest Army installations in the eastern United States. The military base is the dominant employer in the region, providing thousands of direct military and civilian jobs and generating substantial indirect economic activity through military families and defense contractors. According to economic data, Fort Stewart's economic impact on the surrounding region exceeds $3 billion annually.
- Median household income in Long County has been estimated at approximately $43,000 to $48,000, somewhat below the state average, reflecting the county's rural character and younger military-influenced population.
Beyond the military sector, Long County's economy includes forestry and timber production, which remain significant given the county's extensive pine forests and rural character. Agriculture, including row crops, livestock, and poultry operations, contributes to the economic base, though on a smaller scale than in previous decades. The county's location along Interstate 95 supports transportation, logistics, and travel-related businesses including truck stops, restaurants, and lodging facilities.
Retail trade and services concentrated in Ludowici serve both residents and highway travelers. The unemployment rate in Long County has historically tracked close to or slightly above the state average, with fluctuations tied to military deployment cycles and regional economic conditions. Economic development efforts focus on leveraging the county's transportation access, available land, and proximity to larger markets in Savannah and Brunswick.
The Long County Development Authority works to attract new industry and support existing businesses. Recent years have seen modest growth in warehouse and distribution facilities taking advantage of I-95 corridor access.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ Limited Online (GSCCCA) | Property: ✅ Online via GSCCCA | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or State Portal | Business: ✅ Online (State Level) | Elections: ✅ Online via State Portal | Overall Score: 6/10 — Long County provides some digital access through state systems, but lacks comprehensive local online portals for many record types.
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Cities & Towns in Long County
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Nearby Counties
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