About Mathews County
Mathews County is a distinctive Virginia county located on the Middle Peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and the Piankatank River. With a land area of approximately 86 square miles and a water area that nearly doubles its total size, Mathews County is essentially a peninsula surrounded by water on three sides. Mathews County Seat is Mathews, an unincorporated community that is the governmental and historical center. As of recent census estimates, the population is approximately 8,900 residents, making it one of Virginia's smaller counties by population.
Mathews County was established in 1791 from Gloucester County and named after Thomas Mathews County, the Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates. Mathews County's economy has historically been tied to maritime industries, including fishing, crabbing, and boat building. Notable landmarks include Mathews County Courthouse, built in 1833, and numerous historic homes and churches dating to the colonial period.
Mathews County is known for its rural character, scenic waterways, and strong maritime heritage. Public records in Mathews County are maintained by several offices: the Circuit Court Clerk is the County Recorder for land records and maintains vital records; the Commissioner of the Revenue assesses property values; and the County Treasurer collects taxes. Mathews County Circuit Court Clerk's office is located at 10622 Buckley Hall Road, Mathews area, VA 23109.
Mathews County's unique geography, with over 200 miles of shoreline and no incorporated towns, creates a distinctive character that attracts retirees, boaters, and those seeking a quiet coastal lifestyle.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Mathews County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for Mathews County. It is responsible for patrolling the unincorporated areas, managing Mathews County jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records. The office also engages in community policing efforts and works closely with residents to ensure public safety. Notable programs include neighborhood watch initiatives and outreach programs meant to crime prevention and community engagement.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Mathews County is primarily provided by Mathews County Sheriff's Office. There are no municipal police departments within Mathews County, as the sheriff's office covers all areas, including the town of Mathews. The office coordinates with state law enforcement agencies on major crimes and investigations, making sure of full coverage and response to criminal activities throughout Mathews County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Mathews County Sheriff's Office, located at 10622 Buckley Hall Road, Mathews, VA 23109, is the primary law enforcement agency for the entire county. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a website at mathewscountyva.gov for general information. Because Mathews County has no incorporated towns or cities, there are no municipal police departments within Mathews County; all law enforcement services are provided by the Sheriff's Office and the Virginia State Police.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written or verbal request to the Sheriff's Office, though the agency may charge reasonable fees for copying and research time.
- Requests should specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
The Sheriff's Office operates a small detention facility for short-term holding, but inmates requiring longer detention are typically housed at the Middle Peninsula Regional Security Center in Saluda, Virginia, which serves multiple counties. Inmate information can be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours. Arrest records in Mathews County are public records under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA), codified at Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq.
Booking photos and mugshots are generally considered public records in Virginia unless their release would jeopardize an ongoing investigation. The Sheriff's Office also maintains sex offender registry information as required by Virginia law. For state-level criminal history checks, the Virginia State Police maintains online resources through their Central Criminal Records Exchange.
Marine law enforcement on Mathews County's extensive waterways is provided by the Virginia Marine Police, a division of the Department of Wildlife Resources.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Mathews County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Mathews County Sheriff's Office maintains these records, while the Virginia State Police provide additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal records through the sheriff's office or use the Virginia State Police's online criminal history check system. The Virginia Bureau of Investigation offers further support for full background checks, making sure of access to statewide criminal data.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Mathews County are maintained by Mathews County Sheriff's Office. These records are accessible to the public under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the sheriff's office directly. A typical arrest record includes the individual's name, charges, arrest date, and booking details. The process for obtaining these records may involve submitting a formal request and paying a nominal fee.
Jail & Inmate Records
Mathews County does not have its own jail facility; instead, detainees are typically held at the Middle Peninsula Regional Security Center, which serves multiple counties in Mathews County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup can be conducted through Mathews Countyal facility's website, which provides information on current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to Mathews Countyal center, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.
- Bond and bail processes follow Virginia state law, allowing for release through cash bail or bond services.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Mathews County are taken and retained by Mathews County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images are part of the public record and can be accessed through the sheriff's office or online databases that compile booking photos. Virginia does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals may petition for removal based on privacy concerns or expungement of charges. Searching for mugshots typically involves using the sheriff's office resources or third-party websites.
Courts & Case Records
Mathews County Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction for Mathews County, handling felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $4,500, domestic relations matters, and appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Court is located at 10622 Buckley Hall Road, Mathews, VA 23109, and can be reached for The Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains all court records and serves multiple roles including land records recorder and vital records custodian. The 9th Judicial Circuit of Virginia includes Mathews County along with several other counties.
- Mathews County Circuit Court Clerk's office provides access to land records, judgments, and civil case files during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Fees for certified copies of court documents are established by Virginia Code § 17.1-275 and typically include $2 per page plus a certification fee.
For matters involving smaller claims, traffic violations, and misdemeanors, the General District Court for Mathews County shares facilities with the Circuit Court at the same address and can be contacted for The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court also operates at this location, handling juvenile delinquency, child abuse and neglect, custody and visitation, and domestic violence cases. Court records in Virginia are governed by Virginia Code § 17.1-208, which establishes that court records are public unless specifically exempted by law or sealed by court order. Online case information may be available through the Virginia Judiciary's Case Information System, though access requires registration and certain case types are restricted.
The Clerk's office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards for most transactions. Historical court records dating back to Mathews County's founding in 1791 are maintained by the Clerk's office, with some older records available on microfilm through the Library of Virginia.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Mathews County are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk's office, which is the County Recorder. The office is located at 10622 Buckley Hall Road, Mathews, VA 23109, phone. The Clerk maintains all documents related to real property including deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, releases, liens, easements, plat maps, and subdivision plats. These records date back to 1865, when many earlier records were destroyed during the Civil War, though some reconstructed records exist.
- Mathews County Clerk's office provides an online land records search system through Fidlar Technologies, accessible via Mathews County website.
- Users can search and view recorded documents, though there may be fees for printing or downloading documents.
- Certified copies of recorded land documents can be obtained from the Circuit Court Clerk for statutory fees of $2 per page plus certification charges.
Virginia is a race-notice state, meaning that properly recorded documents take priority based on the time of recording. Land records are indexed by grantor (seller) and grantee (buyer) names, and more recent records are also indexed by property parcel number. Property tax assessment information is maintained by the Commissioner of the Revenue, located at 10622 Buckley Hall Road, the local community, VA 23109, phone.
The Commissioner's office conducts property assessments and maintains records of property ownership, acreage, improvements, and assessed values. Property tax bills are sent by the County Treasurer, located at the same complex, phone. Mathews County provides a free online GIS mapping system that allows users to search for properties by owner name, address, or parcel number, view parcel boundaries, and access assessment information including building characteristics and sales history.
Mathews County participates in the Virginia Land Records program, which promotes electronic recording and preservation of land records.
Vital Records
Vital records for Mathews County are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk's office at 10622 Buckley Hall Road, Mathews, VA 23109, phone. Birth and death certificates occurring in Mathews County can be requested from the Clerk's office, which is the local registrar. Virginia law, specifically Virginia Code § 32.1-250 et seq, governs vital records and restricts access to protect privacy. Birth certificates are available only to the individual named (if of legal age), parents, legal guardian, or legal representative.
- The fee for a certified copy of a birth or death certificate is $12 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Processing time is typically immediate to three business days if the record is readily available in the local office.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through VitalChek, the state's authorized vendor, at vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records, though expedited service fees apply.
- Both parties must appear in person, provide valid identification, and pay the required fee of $30.
- Applicants requesting vital records must present valid photo identification, and mail requests must include a notarized application or photocopy of ID.
Death certificates have fewer restrictions but still require proper identification and relationship documentation. For records not available locally or for faster service, applicants may contact the Virginia Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, 2001 Maywill Street, Richmond, VA 23230, phone. The state office maintains birth records from 1912 to present and death records from 1912 to present, with delayed and amended records also available.
Marriage licenses are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk's office in Mathews County. There is no waiting period in Virginia, and the license is valid for 60 days. Marriage records are public records and can be searched through the Clerk's office.
Divorce records are also maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk as part of court case files.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Mathews County involves both local and state agencies. Mathews County Treasurer's office, located at 10622 Buckley Hall Road, Mathews, VA 23109, phone, handles local business license applications and renewals. Most businesses operating in Mathews County must obtain a local business license and pay the Business, Professional, and Occupational License (BPOL) tax based on gross receipts. License applications are typically due by March 1st each year for businesses operating during the previous calendar year.
- New businesses should contact the Treasurer's office to register within 30 days of beginning operations.
- For business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and registered trade names, businesses must file with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC).
- The SCC maintains the Clerk's Information System (CIS) at scc.virginia.gov/clk/begin.aspx, which provides free online searching of all registered business entities in Virginia.
- This database includes entity name, status, registered agent, formation date, and filing history.
- Mathews County Chamber of Commerce, accessible at mathewscountyva.com, provides resources for businesses including networking opportunities, business directories, and economic development information.
Fictitious name certificates (doing business as or DBA) are filed with the Circuit Court Clerk in Mathews County where the business primarily operates, which in Mathews County is for The fee for filing a fictitious name certificate is approximately $10. Professional licenses such as those for contractors, healthcare providers, and other regulated professions are issued by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), with online verification available at dpor.virginia.gov. Building permits, zoning compliance, and land use matters are handled by Mathews County Planning Department and Building Official, phone.
Mathews County follows the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. Sales tax permits are obtained through the Virginia Department of Taxation at tax.virginia.gov.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Mathews County are administered by Mathews County Office of Elections and General Registrar, located at 10622 Buckley Hall Road, Mathews, VA 23109. The office can be reached, and election information is available through Mathews County website at mathewscountyva.gov. Voter registration in Virginia is governed by Virginia Code § 24.2-400 et seq. And requires applicants to be U.S. Citizens, Virginia residents, at least 18 years old by the next general election, and not currently declared mentally incapacitated by a court.
- Mathews County voters may request an absentee ballot through the registrar's office by mail, online at vote.virginia.gov, or in person.
Voter registration applications must be submitted at least 22 days before an election. Virginia offers online voter registration through the Department of Elections at vote.virginia.gov, where eligible citizens can register or update their registration information using their Virginia driver's license or DMV-issued ID number and Social Security number. Same-day registration is not available in Virginia.
Voters can find their polling place by visiting the Virginia Department of Elections website and using the citizen portal, or by contacting the local registrar's office. Mathews County has several polling locations throughout Mathews County, typically including the local community High School and other public facilities. Public election records in Virginia include voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted under Virginia Code § 24.2-405), candidate filings and financial disclosures, campaign finance reports (available through the Virginia Department of Elections), precinct-level election results, and absentee ballot statistics.
Mathews County, like many rural Virginia counties, typically sees voter turnout of approximately 75-80% in presidential election years and 40-50% in midterm elections. In the 2024 general election, turnout in Mathews County was consistent with these patterns, demonstrating strong civic engagement. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races, potential U.S. Senate races depending on seat schedules, and Virginia state legislative elections for the House of Delegates and state Senate. Absentee voting in Virginia has been reformed in recent years to allow no-excuse absentee voting by mail or in-person during an early voting period.
Absentee ballot applications must be received by 5:00 PM on the Friday before the election for mail ballots, or voters may apply in person during early voting hours up to the Saturday before the election. Completed absentee ballots must be returned by 7:00 PM on Election Day. Virginia law requires voter identification, with acceptable IDs including Virginia driver's license, U.S.
Passport, employer-issued photo ID, student ID from a Virginia college, or other government-issued photo identification. Voters without ID may sign a statement and cast a provisional ballot. Election transparency in Mathews County is strong, with election results posted publicly after polls close and detailed statements of results available through the registrar's office and state Department of Elections.
Economy & Demographics
Mathews County's economy is characterized by its rural, maritime heritage and its evolution toward a retirement and tourism-based economy. With a population of approximately 8,900, Mathews County has a relatively small labor force, with many residents commuting to nearby counties or military installations for employment. The median household income is estimated at approximately $61,000, which is somewhat below the Virginia state median.
Major economic sectors include maritime industries (commercial fishing, crabbing, oyster aquaculture, and boat building and repair), agriculture (primarily soybeans, corn, and small-scale farming), retail trade, healthcare and social assistance, and tourism and hospitality services. Mathews County's extensive waterfront and natural beauty attract recreational boaters, fishermen, and tourists, particularly during summer months. Several marinas, boat yards, and marine services companies operate throughout Mathews County.
Major employers include Mathews County Public Schools, Mathews County government, Riverside Walter Reed Hospital (located in nearby Gloucester but employing Mathews County residents), and numerous small businesses. Mathews County has no large industrial facilities or major corporate headquarters, reflecting its rural character and zoning policies that favor preservation of the natural environment and maritime heritage. Unemployment rates in Mathews County typically track slightly higher than the Virginia state average, partly due to the seasonal nature of some maritime and tourism employment.
Mathews County has an aging population, with a median age significantly higher than the state average, reflecting its popularity as a retirement destination. Economic development efforts focus on supporting existing businesses, promoting heritage tourism, and maintaining Mathews County's quality of life. Mathews County's lack of public water and sewer infrastructure in most areas limits large-scale commercial development.
Recent initiatives have included broadband expansion to support remote workers and small businesses. Property values, particularly waterfront properties, have appreciated significantly in recent years, contributing to property tax revenues. Mathews County Economic Development office works to balance growth with preservation of Mathews County's rural and maritime character.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Search Available | Property: Yes: Free Online GIS & Records Search | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Required | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: Online via State SCC | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall Score: 7.5/10 — Mathews County provides strong online access to property and land records with a modern GIS system, and court records are searchable online. Election information and voter services are accessible digitally.
- However, jail and arrest records require direct contact with the Sheriff's Office, and vital records require in-person or mail requests with limited online options.