About Marshall County
Marshall County is located in the western region of Kentucky, positioned along the shores of Kentucky Lake, one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States. Marshall County Seat is Benton, a community that is the administrative and governmental center for Marshall County's approximately 31,000 residents. Marshall County includes roughly 305 square miles of land and water, with the Tennessee River and its impounded Kentucky Lake forming a major geographic and economic feature.
- Marshall County Clerk can be reached at the courthouse and provides services ranging from vehicle registration to business filings.
Established in 1842 from portions of Calloway County, Marshall County was named after Chief Justice John Marshall of the United States Supreme Court. Marshall County is home to Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area along its eastern border, a 170,000-acre peninsula that attracts outdoor enthusiasts from across the nation. Major communities include Benton, Calvert City, and Hardin, with Calvert City serving as an industrial hub.
Marshall County Courthouse is, housing the County Clerk's office, which maintains vital records, marriage licenses, and various governmental documents. The Property Valuation Administrator's office, responsible for property assessments, operates from the same complex. Marshall County's economy has historically centered on manufacturing, chemical production, tourism related to Kentucky Lake, and agriculture.
Marshall County's natural beauty, combined with recreational opportunities and industrial development, creates a diverse economic base that distinguishes Marshall County within the Jackson Purchase region of western Kentucky.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Marshall County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Marshall County. It oversees Marshall County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in community programs meant to crime prevention and public safety education. The sheriff's office runs a drug task force that collaborates with other local and state agencies to combat drug-related crimes in Marshall County.
Police Departments
In addition to Marshall County Sheriff's Office, Marshall County is served by several municipal police departments, including the Benton Police Department and the Calvert City Police Department. These agencies are responsible for law enforcement within their respective city limits. They collaborate with the sheriff's office on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and response throughout Marshall County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Marshall County Sheriff's Office, Kentucky, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Marshall County and provides jail operations, court security, and warrant service. Citizens can contact the Sheriff's Office for non-emergency matters.
- Under Kentucky's Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 to 61.884), arrest records and booking reports are generally considered public records and can be requested from the Sheriff's Office or local police departments.
- Written requests should specify the records sought, and agencies must respond within five business days.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically maintained by the detention center and may be available upon request, though some jurisdictions post booking information online.
- Fees for copies of records may apply as authorized under KRS 61.874.
Inmate lookup and jail roster information is typically available by calling the detention center directly or visiting the facility in person, though some information may be accessible through third-party inmate search databases. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Benton Police Department, which serves Marshall County Seat, and the Calvert City Police Department, which patrols the industrial city along Interstate 24. Citizens seeking criminal history background checks should contact the Kentucky State Police or use the Kentucky Online Offender Lookup (KOOL) system for registered sex offenders.
Marshall County Sheriff works cooperatively with Kentucky State Police Post 1 in Mayfield, which provides investigative support and highway patrol services throughout Marshall County.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Marshall County's criminal records system 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 Kentucky State Police provides broader background check services. Residents can request background checks through the Kentucky Court of Justice's online portal or by contacting the Kentucky State Police, which offers full criminal history reports for a fee.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Marshall County are maintained by Marshall County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the sheriff's office directly, following the procedures outlined under the Kentucky Open Records Act. An arrest record in Marshall County typically includes the date of arrest, charges filed, and the arresting agency's details.
Jail & Inmate Records
Marshall County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing inmates in Marshall County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate information, including booking details and charges, can be accessed through the detention center's online inmate lookup tool. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, and visitors must adhere to strict guidelines.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Marshall County are taken by Marshall County Detention Center during the booking process. These booking photos are retained by the detention center and can be accessed through their online system or by request at the facility. Mugshots are public records in Kentucky, and there are no specific state laws for their removal once they are published. However, individuals may seek legal counsel if they wish to have a mugshot removed from third-party websites.
Courts & Case Records
Marshall County's judicial proceedings are conducted through Marshall County Circuit Court and Marshall County District Court, both located at Marshall County Judicial Center, 1101 Main Street, Benton, Kentucky 42025. The Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $5,000, dissolution of marriage proceedings, and appeals from District Court. Marshall County Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor offenses, traffic violations, civil cases under $5,000, juvenile matters, and probate proceedings.
- Fees for certified copies are established by statute, typically $5 for the first page and $2 for each additional page, plus a $6 certification fee.
Marshall County Clerk is the custodian of court records and can be contacted through the office’s website. Kentucky courts participate in the CourtNet system, which provides online access to case information for certain counties, though access and availability vary by jurisdiction. Under Kentucky Revised Statutes 61.870-61.884, court records are generally public unless sealed by court order or protected by specific confidentiality provisions. Citizens can search court records by visiting the County Clerk's office in person, where dockets, case files, and judgment records are maintained.
The Kentucky Court of Justice maintains an online case search portal at kycourtnet.net for participating counties, where users may search civil, criminal, and traffic cases by name, case number, or citation number. Probate matters, including wills, estates, and guardianships, are filed in District Court, with the County Clerk maintaining these records. Access to juvenile and domestic violence records may be restricted to protect privacy interests.
For official court dates, hearings, and trial schedules, parties should contact the Circuit or District Clerk's office directly.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Marshall County are maintained by Marshall County Clerk's office at 1101 Main Street, Benton, Kentucky 42025 Marshall County Clerk is the official recorder of deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, rights-of-way, and plat maps for all real property transactions in Marshall County. These records date back to Marshall County's formation in 1842 and provide a full chain of title for property ownership. Citizens can search land records in person at the Clerk's office during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Many Kentucky counties have implemented online property record searches, and Marshall County may offer limited online access through the County Clerk's website or third-party vendors.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $2 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, with an additional $6 certification fee.
- The PVA's office can be reached at and provides property assessment cards, sales data, and exemption information.
Marshall County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA), also located at the courthouse complex, maintains property tax assessment records, ownership information, and parcel maps. Online GIS mapping and parcel viewer systems may be available through the PVA or county website, allowing users to search by owner name, parcel number, or address to view property boundaries, assessed values, and tax information.
For historical deed research, title searches, or complex chain-of-title questions, users may need to examine microfilm or original record books maintained at the Clerk's office. Mortgage satisfactions, lien releases, and UCC filings are also recorded with the County Clerk.
Vital Records
Vital records for Marshall County, Kentucky, including birth and death certificates, are maintained by both Marshall County Clerk's office and the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics. Birth certificates for events occurring in Marshall County can be requested from the County Clerk at 1101 Main Street, Benton, Kentucky 42025 The fee for a certified birth certificate is typically $10 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy requested at the same time.
- Death certificates are similarly available through the County Clerk's office for deaths occurring in Marshall County, with the same fee structure.
- Processing time for in-person requests is often immediate, while mail requests may take one to two weeks.
- Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of relationship if requesting another person's record.
- The marriage license fee in Kentucky is $35.50, and there is no waiting period or blood test required.
- Online orders incur additional processing fees but offer expedited service and secure delivery options.
Under Kentucky Revised Statutes 213.046, birth and death certificates are confidential records, restricted to the person named (if of legal age), immediate family members, legal representatives, or individuals with a direct and tangible interest. Marriage licenses are issued exclusively by Marshall County Clerk's office, with both parties required to appear in person with valid identification and social security numbers. Divorce decrees are filed in Circuit Court and available through the County Clerk as court records.
For vital records more than five years old or for events outside Marshall County, applicants may contact the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics at 275 East Main Street, Frankfort, Kentucky 40621, or order online through the official VitalChek service at kyvitalrecords.health.ky.gov.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Marshall County involves multiple levels of government oversight. Marshall County Clerk's office at 1101 Main Street, Benton, is the filing location for assumed name certificates (DBA - doing business as) and certain local business registrations. Kentucky businesses must also register with the Kentucky Secretary of State's office, which maintains the official business entity database for corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other registered entities.
- Marshall County Chamber of Commerce, located in Benton, provides resources for new and existing businesses, networking opportunities, and economic development information.
The Kentucky Secretary of State's online business search portal at web.sos.ky.gov/bussearchnf allows users to search for registered business entities, view formation documents, registered agents, and annual report filings free of charge. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, healthcare providers, cosmetologists, and real estate agents are regulated by various Kentucky state licensing boards, not at Marshall County level. Sales tax permits and employer withholding accounts are administered through the Kentucky Department of Revenue.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use matters are handled by Marshall County Planning and Zoning office, which enforces county ordinances regarding construction, setbacks, and development. For city-specific business licenses, entrepreneurs should contact municipal offices in Benton or Calvert City, as incorporated areas may require local business licenses or occupational taxes. Their website at marshallcountychamber.com offers directories of local businesses and community resources.
Entrepreneurs starting businesses in Marshall County should also consult the Kentucky Small Business Development Center network and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development for additional guidance, financing programs, and incentive information.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Marshall County, Kentucky, are administered by Marshall County Clerk, who serves as Marshall County's chief election official. Marshall County Clerk's office, Benton, Kentucky 42025, can be contacted through the office’s website. voter registration, absentee ballot requests, and polling location information. Voter registration in Kentucky can be completed online at govoteky.com, the official state voter registration portal maintained by the Kentucky State Board of Elections. Eligible citizens must be U.S. Citizens, at least 18 years old on or before the next election, and residents of Kentucky.
- Voters may request absentee ballots if they will be absent from Marshall County on election day, have a medical condition, are students outside Marshall County, or meet other statutory criteria under KRS 117.085.
- Citizens may request precinct-level election data and vote totals under Kentucky's Open Records Act.
The voter registration deadline is 29 days before any election. Kentucky does not offer same-day voter registration. Marshall County voters can find their assigned polling place by visiting the Kentucky State Board of Elections' voter information portal at elect.ky.gov or by contacting the County Clerk directly.
Precinct assignments are based on residential address. Election records that are public under Kentucky law include voter registration rolls (excluding confidential information for certain protected voters), campaign finance reports filed with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance, candidate filings and petitions, and official election results by precinct. Marshall County Clerk publishes unofficial election results on election night, with certified results available after Marshall County board of elections canvasses returns.
In the November 2024 general election, Marshall County, like most rural Kentucky counties, experienced voter turnout consistent with state patterns, typically ranging from 55% to 65% in presidential election years and lower in off-year elections. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring federal midterm races for the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S.
Senate, along with Kentucky state legislative contests. Kentucky offers excuse-required absentee voting, with applications available from the County Clerk beginning 90 days before an election. Completed absentee ballot applications must be received by the County Clerk no later than seven days before the election, or by the second Tuesday before the election if applying in person.
Transparency in Marshall County elections is supported by public observation rights, post-election audit procedures, and access to voting equipment testing.
Economy & Demographics
Marshall County's economy is characterized by a diverse mix of manufacturing, chemical production, tourism, and agriculture. Marshall County is home to significant industrial facilities, including chemical plants and manufacturing operations concentrated in Calvert City along the Interstate 24 corridor. Major employers include Eastman Chemical Company, Akzo Nobel Chemicals, and other firms in the petrochemical and specialty chemicals sector, which have anchored the local economy for decades.
- According to recent Census estimates, Marshall County's median household income approximates $52,000, slightly below Kentucky's state median.
- Marshall County's proximity to Paducah, Marshall Countyal economic hub of western Kentucky, provides additional employment opportunities for Marshall County residents.
These industrial operations benefit from access to rail, interstate highways, and the Tennessee River for transportation and logistics. Kentucky Lake and the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area drive substantial tourism-related economic activity, supporting marinas, resorts, restaurants, and retail establishments. Outdoor recreation, fishing tournaments, and seasonal tourism provide year-round employment and revenue.
Agriculture remains important, with row crops, livestock, and timber production contributing to the rural economy. Marshall County's unemployment rate has historically tracked close to state averages, fluctuating with national economic conditions and seasonal tourism patterns. Economic development initiatives focus on industrial site development, workforce training partnerships with West Kentucky Community and Technical College, and infrastructure improvements to support business expansion.
Recent economic development projects have included expansions of existing chemical facilities and efforts to attract distribution and logistics operations near Interstate 24. Marshall County Fiscal Court and economic development authorities work to balance industrial growth with preservation of Marshall County's natural resources and quality of life.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Available In-Person/KyCourtNet | Property: Limited: In-Person Primary/Limited Online | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Inquiry | Vital Records: Yes: Available County Clerk & State | Business: Yes: State Online Search | Elections: Yes: County Clerk & State Portal | Overall Score: 7/10, Marshall County provides good access to vital records and business filings, with court and property records accessible in-person and through improving digital systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Marshall County, Kentucky?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Marshall County, Kentucky?
How do I get a criminal background check in Marshall County, Kentucky?
How can I look up sex offenders in Marshall County, Kentucky?
How do I register to vote in Marshall County, Kentucky?
How do I look up property records in Marshall County, Kentucky?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Marshall County, Kentucky?
How do I find business license records in Marshall County, Kentucky?
Cities & Towns in Marshall County
Explore public records for 4 cities and communities in Marshall County, Kentucky.