About Montgomery County

Population 26,900 residents
County Seat Troy
Established 1779
Named After General Richard Montgomery

Montgomery County is located in the south-central Piedmont region of North Carolina, bordered by Stanly, Moore, Richmond, Anson, and Randolph counties. Montgomery County Seat is Troy, a small historic town situated approximately 60 miles east of Charlotte. Established in 1779 and named after General Richard Montgomery, a Revolutionary War hero, Montgomery County includes approximately 502 square miles of rolling hills, pine forests, and the scenic Uwharrie Mountains.

  • Montgomery County Register of Deeds office, located at 102 East Main Street in Troy, maintains property records and vital statistics.
102 East Main Street, Troy, NC 27371

As of the 2020 Census, Montgomery County had a population of approximately 26,900 residents, making it one of North Carolina's smaller rural counties. The Uwharrie National Forest covers a significant portion of Montgomery County's western region, offering outdoor recreation including hiking, camping, and off-road vehicle trails at the Uwharrie OHV Trail System. Lake Tillery and Badin Lake provide waterfront recreation and economic activity.

Montgomery County's economy has historically centered on timber, agriculture, and textile manufacturing, though tourism related to the Uwharrie region has grown in recent decades. Montgomery County Tax Assessor operates from the same government complex, providing property valuations and tax information. Montgomery County Clerk functions are handled through the Clerk of Superior Court at 102 East Main Street, Troy, NC 27371.

Montgomery County retains much of its rural character while providing essential government services through offices concentrated in the historic downtown Troy area.

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

Montgomery County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Montgomery County. It operates Montgomery County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is involved in community policing and offers various programs such as crime prevention workshops and neighborhood watch initiatives.

Police Departments

In addition to Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Montgomery County includes municipal police departments such as the Troy Police Department and the Biscoe Police Department. These agencies handle law enforcement within their respective city limits and coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and investigations. The collaboration ensures full coverage and response to incidents throughout Montgomery County.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 109 East Spring Street, Troy, NC 27371, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Montgomery County. Citizens seeking inmate information can contact the detention center directly or visit the facility during regular business hours; North Carolina does not maintain a centralized statewide inmate database, so inquiries must be directed to Montgomery County facility.

  • The Troy Police Department, located at 113 North Main Street, Troy, NC 27371 (phone: 910-576-6730), provides municipal law enforcement services within the town limits of Troy.
  • To request arrest records, citizens should submit written requests to the Sheriff's Office or the specific police department that made the arrest.
  • Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through direct requests to the detention center, though processing times and fees may apply.
109 East Spring Street, Troy, NC 27371 • Phone: 910-576-6730
113 North Main Street, Troy, NC 27371

Star, Biscoe, and Candor also maintain small municipal police departments serving their respective town limits. Arrest records and booking information in Montgomery County are considered public records under North Carolina General Statute § 132-1, the North Carolina Public Records Act, which guarantees citizens access to most government documents. No tribal police agencies operate in Montgomery County.

For recent arrest information, citizens should contact the agency directly during regular business hours, as online arrest logs are not consistently maintained by all agencies in Montgomery County.

Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Montgomery County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request background checks through the state system, which includes fingerprint-based searches for full results. The sex offender registry is publicly accessible and managed by the state, providing information on registered offenders in Montgomery County.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Montgomery County are maintained by Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. These records are accessible to the public under the North Carolina Public Records Law, which allows residents and attorneys to request copies. An arrest record typically includes the individual's name, charges, booking date, and arresting agency. Requests for arrest records can be made in person or through written applications to the Sheriff's Office.

Jail & Inmate Records

Montgomery County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing inmates in Montgomery County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, which provides information on current detainees. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, and visitors must adhere to strict guidelines. The bond and bail process follows North Carolina state law, allowing for release through cash bonds or bail bondsmen.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Montgomery County are taken and retained by Montgomery County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images are part of the public record and can be searched through the Sheriff's Office website or by visiting the office in person. North Carolina does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals may petition for removal if charges are dropped or if they are found not guilty.

Courts & Case Records

Montgomery County's judicial functions are served by the 19A Prosecutorial District and the 19B Superior and District Court District. Montgomery County Courthouse is located at 102 East Main Street, Troy, NC 27371, and houses both Superior Court and District Court operations. The Clerk of Superior Court can be reached at and maintains civil and criminal case records, estate files, and special proceedings. Superior Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $25,000, and appeals from District Court.

  • District Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanors, civil cases under $25,000, domestic matters including divorce and child custody, estate administration, juvenile cases, and traffic infractions.
  • Copies of court documents typically cost $2 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, with certified copies requiring an additional fee.
  • Small claims cases involving amounts up to $10,000 are heard in District Court's small claims division.
  • Marriage licenses are issued through the Register of Deeds office adjacent to the courthouse.
102 East Main Street, Troy, NC 27371

North Carolina General Statute § 7A-109 establishes public access to most court records, though certain juvenile, adoption, and mental health records are sealed by statute. The North Carolina Judicial Branch operates an online case search system at NCcourts.gov where users can search civil and criminal cases by party name or case number; however, access to some detailed documents may require an in-person visit to the Clerk's office. Magistrates, available 24/7, handle initial appearances, search warrants, arrest warrants, and certain minor offenses.

Estate matters including probate of wills and administration of estates are filed with the Clerk of Superior Court.

Property & Public Records

Montgomery County Register of Deeds, located at 102 East Main Street, Troy, NC 27371 (phone: 910-576-4251), maintains all land and property records for Montgomery County. This office records and indexes deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, releases, plat maps, easements, rights-of-way, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, UCC financing statements, and military discharge papers (DD-214s). North Carolina General Statute § 161 governs the Register of Deeds operations and establishes recording requirements and fees.

  • The office provides public access terminals for searching recorded documents during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.
  • Recording fees vary by document type but typically range from $26 for the first 15 pages to additional charges for longer instruments.
  • Property tax records are maintained separately by Montgomery County Tax Administration office at 102 East Main Street, Troy, NC 27371 (phone: 910-576-4311).
  • Certified copies of recorded documents are available from the Register of Deeds for $5 for the first page and $3 for each additional page, plus a $5 certification fee.
102 East Main Street, Troy, NC 27371 • Phone: 910-576-4251

Montgomery County participates in the North Carolina Register of Deeds Online Services, allowing citizens to search and view recorded land records remotely at www.montgomerycountync.com through the Register of Deeds portal, though fees apply for document retrieval and printing. The Tax Assessor's office maintains property valuations, tax assessments, ownership information, and parcel data. Montgomery County offers an online GIS mapping system accessible through Montgomery County website, allowing users to search parcels by owner name, address, or parcel identification number and view property characteristics, tax values, and basic ownership information free of charge.

Vital Records

Vital records for Montgomery County are maintained by both Montgomery County Register of Deeds and the North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics. Birth and death certificates occurring in Montgomery County can be requested from the Register of Deeds office at 102 East Main Street, Troy, NC 27371 (phone: 910-576-4251). North Carolina General Statute § 130A-93 governs vital records access and establishes that birth and death certificates are confidential records available only to qualified applicants with a direct and tangible interest.

  • Birth certificates cost $24 for a certified copy, with additional copies ordered at the same time costing $15 each.
  • Death certificates cost $24 for the first copy and $15 for additional copies ordered simultaneously.
  • Processing time is typically immediate for in-person requests if the record is on file locally; however, older records or records requiring verification from state archives may take several weeks.
  • Marriage licenses are issued by the Register of Deeds office; couples must apply together in person, provide valid identification and social security numbers, and pay a $60 fee.
  • Online orders through VitalChek include additional processing fees but offer faster delivery options.
102 East Main Street, Troy, NC 27371 • Phone: 910-576-4251
1903 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699 • Phone: (910-576-4271

Business & Licensing

Business licensing and registration in Montgomery County operates through multiple agencies depending on business type and activity. Montgomery County Register of Deeds at 102 East Main Street, Troy, NC 27371 (phone: 910-576-4251) records assumed business names (DBAs) and trade name certificates for businesses operating under names different from the owner's legal name; the filing fee is $26 for a five-year registration.

  • The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at sosnc.gov where citizens can search registered businesses, view officer information, check entity status, and access annual report filings free of charge.
  • Montgomery County's Planning and Zoning Department, located at 102 East Main Street, Troy, NC 27371 (phone: 910-576-4268), issues building permits, zoning permits, and subdivision approvals.
  • Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, accessible at montgomerycountychamber.com, provides business resources, networking opportunities, and economic development support for local enterprises.
102 East Main Street, Troy, NC 27371 • Phone: 910-576-4251
320 Brewer Street, Troy, NC 27371 • Phone: 910-576-4268

For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, businesses must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State, Corporations Division, located in Raleigh. The North Carolina Department of Revenue handles state sales and use tax permits, which can be applied for online at ncdor.gov. Professional and occupational licenses are generally issued by state licensing boards rather than county offices; specific requirements vary by profession.

Commercial construction and business expansions require permitting through this office, which enforces Montgomery County's zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations. Health permits for food service establishments are issued by Montgomery County Health Department at 320 Brewer Street, Troy, NC 27371.

Elections & Voter Records

Elections in Montgomery County are administered by Montgomery County Board of Elections, located at 103 West Spring Street, Troy, NC 27371. The office can be reached at and operates under the oversight of the North Carolina State Board of Elections. Citizens can register to vote online at ncsbe.gov/registering, by mail using a voter registration form available from the elections office or public libraries, or in person at the Board of Elections office, Montgomery County Department of Social Services, or the NC Division of Motor Vehicles when conducting driver's license transactions.

  • Registered voters can verify their registration status, find their assigned polling place, and view sample ballots at ncsbe.gov/voter-search by entering their name and county.
  • Montgomery County Board of Elections website provides election calendars, candidate lists, and results following each election, supporting transparency in the democratic process.
103 West Spring Street, Troy, NC 27371

North Carolina law requires voter registration applications to be submitted at least 25 days before an election for the applicant to be eligible to vote in that election. Montgomery County typically operates approximately 10 polling places on election day across its various townships. Public election records available under North Carolina General Statute § 163 and § 132-1 include voter registration lists, precinct-level election results, candidate filing information, and campaign finance reports.

In the November 2024 general election, Montgomery County reported voter turnout of approximately 64%, consistent with typical rural North Carolina county participation rates in presidential election years. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, U.S.

Senate if applicable to the cycle, North Carolina state legislative seats, and various county and municipal offices. North Carolina offers absentee voting by mail for any qualified registered voter; applications for absentee ballots must be submitted to Montgomery County Board of Elections and received by the Tuesday before the election (with the completed ballot due by 5 PM on Election Day). Early voting, called One-Stop Early Voting in North Carolina, typically begins 17 days before Election Day and allows voters to register and vote during the same visit at designated early voting sites, usually including the Board of Elections office.

Economy & Demographics

Montgomery County's economy reflects its rural character with significant contributions from agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, and outdoor recreation tourism. Historically dependent on textile mills and furniture manufacturing, Montgomery County experienced economic restructuring following the decline of these industries in the 1990s and early 2000s. Today, major employers include FirstHealth Montgomery Memorial Hospital, Montgomery County Schools, county government, and several remaining manufacturing facilities.

  • Census data, the median household income in Montgomery County is approximately $45,000, below the North Carolina state median of approximately $57,000.
  • The service sector, including healthcare, education, and retail trade, provides substantial employment.
  • Montgomery County's proximity to major transportation corridors including US Highway 220 and NC Highway 24/27 provides logistics advantages.

Agriculture remains important with timber production, poultry farming, and crop cultivation generating significant economic activity. The Uwharrie National Forest and associated outdoor recreation draw visitors for camping, hiking, off-road vehicle use, and water sports on Badin Lake and Lake Tillery, supporting hospitality and retail businesses. According to U.S.

The poverty rate exceeds 16%, reflecting Montgomery County's rural economic challenges. Manufacturing still employs a significant portion of the workforce, with facilities producing automotive parts, industrial equipment, and consumer products. Economic development efforts focus on attracting light industrial operations, supporting small business growth, and expanding tourism infrastructure related to the Uwharrie region.

Unemployment rates typically track slightly above state averages, fluctuating between 4% and 6% in recent years. The Town of Troy is the commercial center with retail, professional services, and government employment concentrated downtown.

Transparency Score

Court Records: Yes: Online (NC Courts) | Property: Yes: Free Search Available | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Required | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: Online (NC Secretary of State) | Elections: Yes: Online Portal | Overall Score: 7/10, Montgomery County provides reasonable access to public records with online property searches and court records through state systems, though jail and arrest information requires direct contact.

Official Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I search for someone recently arrested in Montgomery County, North Carolina?
To search for someone recently arrested in Montgomery County, North Carolina, you can contact the Montgomery County Jail, located at 206 Glen Road, Troy, NC. The jail provides an inmate lookup service where you can inquire about recent arrests. You may also call the jail directly at (910) 576-4261 for more information on a specific inmate.
Mugshots or booking photos in Montgomery County, North Carolina, can be obtained from the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. The office is located at 111 West Main Street, Troy, NC. You can visit their official website or contact them at (910) 576-4261 to inquire about accessing mugshots online or in person.
To obtain a criminal background check in Montgomery County, North Carolina, you should contact the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). Locally, you can visit the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office for guidance on the process. The SBI provides a formal request process for background checks, which can be initiated online through their website.
You can look up sex offenders in Montgomery County, North Carolina, by accessing the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and can be accessed online. The registry allows you to search for offenders by name, address, or proximity to a specific location.
You can register to vote in Montgomery County through the Montgomery County Board of Elections at 103 West Spring Street, Troy, NC 27371, or online at ncsbe.gov/registering. Registration applications must be submitted at least 25 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. North Carolina offers same-day registration during the early voting period, and the Board of Elections can provide information about absentee voting by calling (910) 576-4311.
Property records in Montgomery County are maintained by the Register of Deeds at 102 East Main Street, Troy, NC 27371 (phone: 910-576-4251). The county offers a free online GIS mapping system accessible through www.montgomerycountync.com where you can search by owner name, address, or parcel number to view property characteristics and ownership information. For recorded deeds, mortgages, and plat maps, you can access the Register of Deeds online portal, though document retrieval may require fees, or visit the office in person during regular business hours.
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Montgomery County can be obtained from the Montgomery County Register of Deeds at 102 East Main Street, Troy, NC 27371 (phone: 910-576-4251). Certified copies cost $24 for the first copy and $15 for additional copies ordered simultaneously. You must present valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record. For expedited service or older records, you can also order through the North Carolina Vital Records office online at vitalrecords.nc.gov or by mail to the State Center for Health Statistics in Raleigh.
Business name registrations (DBAs and assumed names) are filed with the Montgomery County Register of Deeds at 910-576-4251. For formal business entity information including corporations and LLCs, search the North Carolina Secretary of State's free online database at sosnc.gov, which provides entity status, registered agent information, and filing history. County-level business licensing requirements vary by activity; contact the Montgomery County Planning and Zoning Department at (910) 576-4268 for zoning and building permits, and the Health Department at (910) 576-1744 for food service permits.

Cities & Towns in Montgomery County

Explore public records for 6 cities and communities in Montgomery County, North Carolina.

Nearby Counties

Davidson County NC Rowan County NC Randolph County NC Moore County NC Stanly County NC Richmond County NC Anson County NC