About Massac County
Massac County is located in the southernmost tip of Illinois, bordered by the Ohio River to the south and east, which forms the boundary with Kentucky. Established in 1843, Massac County was named after Fort Massac, a French colonial and later American fort built near present-day Metropolis. Massac County Seat is Metropolis, famously known as the "Home of Superman" due to its adoption of the comic book hero as a tourism centerpiece. Massac County covers approximately 243 square miles and had a population of approximately 14,169 according to recent census estimates.
Massac County is part of the Paducah, KY-IL Metropolitan Statistical Area. Major landmarks include Fort Metropolis area State Park, which preserves the historic fort site along the Ohio River, and the Superman statue and museum in downtown Metropolis. Massac County Courthouse, located at 1 Superman Square in Metropolis, houses several county offices.
Massac County Clerk's office manages vital records, elections, and various licenses. Massac County Recorder's office, responsible for maintaining land records and property documents, operates from the courthouse complex. Massac County Assessor's office handles property assessments and tax related inquiries.
The economy historically centered on agriculture, river commerce, and manufacturing, with the nearby Honeywell Metropolis Works being a significant industrial presence. Massac County's location along the Ohio River has made it strategically important throughout Illinois history, from French colonial times through the Civil War era to modern economic development.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Massac County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Massac County. The office is tasked with patrolling rural regions, executing arrest warrants, and maintaining public safety. The Sheriff's Office operates Massac County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is known for its community outreach programs and efforts to engage with local residents to enhance public safety.
Police Departments
In addition to Massac County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Massac County is provided by municipal police departments. The Metropolis Police Department serves the city of Metropolis, handling urban law enforcement and coordinating with the Sheriff's Office on major investigations. The Brookport Police Department and Joppa Police Department serve their respective communities, focusing on local crime prevention and community policing efforts.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Massac County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 25 State Street in Metropolis, Illinois 62960, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Massac County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains Massac County Detention Center, where individuals arrested in Massac County are processed and held. Inmate information and current jail roster can be obtained by contacting the detention facility directly at or visiting the Sheriff's Office in person during regular business hours.
- Citizens may submit FOIA requests in writing to the Sheriff's Office or local police departments to obtain arrest records, incident reports, and related law enforcement documents.
- Processing times for records requests typically range from several days to two weeks depending on the complexity of the request.
- The Illinois State Police also maintains jurisdiction over certain crimes and provides investigative support to local agencies.
Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Metropolis Police Department, which serves Massac County Seat and largest county. The Metropolis Police Department is located at 315 Market Street, Metropolis, IL 62960, and can be reached for Arrest records in Massac County are considered public records under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/), which requires governmental bodies to provide access to public records upon request. Booking photographs and mugshots are generally accessible through the detention center, though some information may be restricted if cases involve juvenile offenders or ongoing investigations.
All law enforcement agencies in Massac County cooperate with the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force and other regional partnerships to address narcotics trafficking and other serious crimes.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Massac County's criminal records system includes documentation of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registrations. Massac County Circuit Clerk maintains these records, providing access to the public and legal professionals. Background checks in Illinois can be conducted through the Illinois State Police, which offers full criminal history reports. The Illinois Bureau of Investigation supports local law enforcement with resources and information sharing to enhance public safety.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Massac County are maintained by Massac 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. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act governs the accessibility of these records, for public access and public access to information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Massac County Jail, located in Metropolis, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Massac County. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting the personal information of detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office for family members and legal representatives. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance. The bond and bail process follows Illinois state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees upon posting the required amount.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Massac County are taken and retained by Massac County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While the office does not provide an online database for mugshots, requests can be made in person or via mail. Illinois does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals can petition for expungement under certain circumstances.
Courts & Case Records
Massac County is served by the First Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois, which has jurisdiction over civil, criminal, juvenile, probate, and traffic matters. Massac County Circuit Court is located at 1 Superman Square, P.O. Box 429, Metropolis, IL 62960, and the Clerk of the Circuit Court can be reached for The circuit court handles all felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding small claims limits, domestic relations matters including divorce and child custody, estate probate proceedings, and appeals from administrative agencies.
- Fees for copies of court documents typically include $2.00 per page for standard copies and higher fees for certified copies required for legal purposes.
- Parties seeking court records should contact the Circuit Clerk's office directly to inquire about specific case information, filing requirements, and any applicable fees.
Court records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk's office and are generally accessible to the public under Illinois Supreme Court Rules and the state's public records laws. Case searches can be conducted in person at the Circuit Clerk's office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, typically 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding court holidays. Illinois has implemented a statewide case management system, and some circuit courts offer online case lookups, though access may vary by judicial circuit.
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/) and Illinois court rules govern access to court records, with certain documents such as adoption records, sealed juvenile files, and cases involving protective orders subject to confidentiality restrictions. Traffic matters and minor ordinance violations may be handled through Massac County's traffic division.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Massac County are maintained by Massac County Recorder of Deeds, located at 1 Superman Square, Metropolis, IL 62960. The Recorder's office can be reached at and is responsible for recording and preserving documents affecting real property, including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgages, mortgage releases, mechanic's liens, easements, plat maps, and other instruments. These records establish chain of title and provide public notice of interests in real estate throughout Massac County.
- Recording fees vary depending on document type and number of pages.
- Property tax records can be accessed through the County Treasurer's office for information on tax payments, delinquencies, and tax sales.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Recorder's office for a statutory fee, typically $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus a certification fee.
Illinois law (55 ILCS 5/) requires Massac County recorder to maintain permanent indices and make records available for public inspection. Massac County Assessor's office, also located in the courthouse, maintains property assessment records used for taxation purposes, including parcel identification numbers, legal descriptions, assessed values, and ownership information. While some Illinois counties offer full online GIS and property search systems, Massac County's online access may be limited, and researchers are often required to visit the courthouse in person or contact offices by phone for detailed property information.
Title companies, attorneys, and property owners regularly use these records for real estate transactions, title searches, and property research.
Vital Records
Vital records for Massac County, including birth and death certificates, are maintained by both local and state authorities under the Illinois Vital Records Act (410 ILCS 535/). Birth certificates for births occurring in Massac County can be requested from Massac County Clerk's office at 1 Superman Square, P.O. Box 429, Metropolis, IL 62960, phone. Death certificates for deaths that occurred in Massac County are similarly available through the County Clerk.
- Certified copies of birth certificates typically cost $15.00 for the first copy and $2.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates generally cost $19.00 for the first certified copy and $4.00 for additional copies.
- Processing times vary but typically range from several days for in-person requests to 2-4 weeks for mail requests.
- The marriage license fee in Illinois is typically around $60.00, with an additional fee if couples wish to have the one-day waiting period waived.
- Online ordering of vital records may be available through the state's vendor, VitalChek, though fees are higher for expedited service.
The Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records in Springfield, also maintains statewide records and can be contacted at or via their website at www.idph.state.il.us for records requests when local access is not convenient. Marriage licenses are issued by Massac County Clerk's office, which requires both parties to appear in person with valid government-issued photo identification. Divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk of the court where the dissolution was granted.
Applicants must demonstrate direct and tangible interest in the record or qualify under statutory exemptions to obtain certified copies of vital records.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Massac County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and regulatory requirements. Massac County Clerk's office, located at 1 Superman Square, Metropolis, IL 62960, phone, handles assumed name (DBA) registrations for businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. Illinois law requires businesses using fictitious names to register with Massac County clerk in each county where they conduct business.
- The Secretary of State's online business entity search is available at www.ilsos.gov and allows free public searching of registered business names, registered agents, filing dates, and corporate status.
For formal business entity filings including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and not-for-profit corporations, the Illinois Secretary of State Business Services Department maintains the official registry. Professional licenses such as those for contractors, healthcare providers, real estate agents, and other regulated professions are issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and can be verified through the state's online license lookup system. Local business licenses and permits may be required by the City of Metropolis for businesses operating within city limits; inquiries should be directed to Metropolis City Hall for Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are handled by Massac County Zoning Department and local municipal zoning offices.
Massac County Chamber of Commerce, located in Metropolis, provides resources for business development, networking, and economic information; they can be reached through local business directories or the City of Metropolis.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Massac County are administered by Massac County Clerk's office, which is the election authority for Massac County. Massac County Clerk's office is located at 1 Superman Square, P.O. Box 429, Metropolis, IL 62960, and can be reached for election related inquiries. Voter registration in Illinois can be completed online through the Illinois State Board of Elections website at www.elections.il.gov, by mail using a voter registration application, or in person at the County Clerk's office.
- Registered voters can verify their registration status and find their polling place by using the online voter registration lookup tool on the State Board of Elections website or by contacting the County Clerk directly.
- Absentee voting and vote-by-mail options are available to all registered Illinois voters under the state's no-excuse absentee voting law.
- Voters can request mail ballots by submitting an application to the County Clerk, with applications accepted beginning 90 days before an election and the deadline being 5 days before Election Day for mail requests.
The registration deadline is 16 days prior to any election, except for grace period registration and voting which is available at the County Clerk's office and designated sites during early voting and on Election Day for those who miss the regular deadline. Election records that are public include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted), candidate nomination papers, campaign finance disclosures filed with the State Board of Elections, election results by precinct, and ballot questions. Massac County, like most rural Illinois counties, typically experiences voter turnout between 55-65% in presidential election years and 35-45% in midterm elections, though 2024 general election certified results should be confirmed with the County Clerk.
The next major election is scheduled for November 4, 2025 (consolidated local elections) and November 3, 2026 (general election for U.S. House, U.S. Senate if applicable, statewide constitutional officers, and Illinois General Assembly seats).
Early voting in person is typically available at the County Clerk's office and designated early voting sites for a period beginning 40 days before Election Day. Transparency in elections is supported by Illinois Election Code provisions (10 ILCS 5/) requiring public access to most election records, candidate filings, and precinct-level results, which are posted following certification of election results.
Economy & Demographics
Massac County's economy is characterized by a mix of manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and river-related commerce. The most significant industrial employer is the Honeywell Metropolis Works (formerly Honeywell Specialty Materials), a uranium conversion facility that has operated in Massac County since 1958, employing several hundred workers and playing a critical role in the nuclear fuel cycle.
- The median household income in Massac County was estimated at approximately $46,000 to $52,000 in recent surveys, somewhat below the statewide Illinois median.
Agriculture remains important to Massac County economy, with corn and soybean production dominating the fertile farmland in the northern portions of Massac County, along with some livestock operations. Massac County's location on the Ohio River historically made it important for river traffic and commerce, though modern economic activity related to the river is more limited. Tourism represents a growing sector, driven primarily by Metropolis's Superman-themed attractions, Fort Massac State Park, and Massac County's position along scenic river routes.
The unemployment rate has historically tracked close to or slightly above state averages, with fluctuations tied to manufacturing sector performance and seasonal employment. Massac County has pursued economic development initiatives to attract new industry and retain existing employers, working with regional economic development organizations and the Southernmost Illinois Delta Empowerment Zone. Retail and service employment is concentrated in Metropolis, while healthcare services are provided by the local community Memorial Hospital and associated medical facilities.
Massac County's proximity to Paducah, Kentucky, creates economic interdependence and cross-border employment patterns, with some residents commuting to jobs in the larger Paducah area.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Online | Property: Limited: In-Person Preferred | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Yes: Available Locally & State | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Overall Score: 6/10, Massac County provides essential public records access primarily through in-person and phone requests, with state-level databases filling gaps in online local access.
Official Government Resources
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Cities & Towns in Massac County
Explore public records for 3 cities and communities in Massac County, Illinois.