About Noble County
Noble County is located in north-central Oklahoma, covering approximately 743 square miles of rolling prairie, agricultural land, and energy-rich territory. The county seat is Perry, a city established during the Cherokee Outlet Land Run of 1893 and home to the historic Noble County Courthouse, a striking Classical Revival structure built in 1916 that remains a centerpiece of downtown Perry. With a population of approximately 11,000 residents as of recent census estimates, Noble County is a rural community characterized by family farms, cattle ranching, and oil and gas production.
- Agriculture remains the backbone of Noble County's economy, with wheat, cattle, and hay production dominating, while oil and gas extraction provides substantial revenue through production taxes and royalties.
The county was created at statehood in 1907 and named after John Willock Noble, who served as U.S. Secretary of the Interior under President Benjamin Harrison. Major communities include Perry, the largest city and commercial hub, as well as Billings, Marland, Morrison, Red Rock, and Lucien.
The county is home to significant landmarks including the Cherokee Strip Museum in Perry, which preserves the history of the 1893 land run, and Lake McMurtry to the south, a popular recreation area. The Noble County Courthouse is located at 300 Courthouse Drive in Perry, where residents access services from the County Clerk, County Assessor, County Treasurer, and Court Clerk. The County Recorder maintains land and property records at the same courthouse complex.
The landscape features gently rolling hills, creek valleys including the Red Rock Creek drainage, and remnants of tallgrass prairie ecosystems.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Noble County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across the unincorporated areas of the county. It oversees the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is committed to community safety and operates various programs aimed at crime prevention and community engagement. The Sheriff's Office also collaborates with local police departments to ensure comprehensive law enforcement coverage throughout the county.
Police Departments
In addition to the Noble County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county is provided by municipal police departments, including the Perry Police Department. These agencies have jurisdiction within their respective city limits and work in coordination with the sheriff's office on major crimes and investigations. The collaboration between these agencies ensures a comprehensive approach to law enforcement and public safety across Noble County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Noble County is primarily provided by the Noble County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 300 Courthouse Drive in Perry, Oklahoma. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (580) 336-2281 and is responsible for patrol operations throughout unincorporated areas, civil process service, court security, and operation of the Noble County Detention Center. The jail facility houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders, with inmate information typically available by calling the detention center directly at the main Sheriff's Office number.
- § 24A.1 et seq., and can be requested from the arresting agency or the District Court Clerk.
- Written requests should specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally part of arrest records and may be obtained through open records requests to the Sheriff's Office, though some records may be restricted if part of ongoing investigations.
- Processing fees typically apply for copies.
- The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation also maintains records of arrests that can be accessed through background check services.
Current inmate rosters may be obtained through direct contact with the facility, as many smaller Oklahoma counties do not maintain online inmate search databases. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Perry Police Department, which serves the county seat and maintains its headquarters at 516 Sixth Street in Perry, contact (580) 336-4291. Smaller municipalities may contract with the Sheriff's Office or maintain limited police services.
Arrest records in Noble County are public documents under the Oklahoma Open Records Act, 51 O.S. Noble County does not have tribal police jurisdiction, as it is not within reservation boundaries, though residents may encounter Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers on state highways including US-77 and US-64.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Noble County encompass felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as the sex offender registry. The Noble County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible for background checks and legal proceedings. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for residents seeking comprehensive background checks, offering statewide criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Noble County are maintained by the Noble County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of an individual's arrest, including the charges, arresting officer, and date of arrest. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records through the sheriff's office, following the procedures outlined in the Oklahoma Open Records Act. Arrest records provide essential information for legal proceedings and background checks.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Noble County Jail, located in Perry, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting the charges against the detainee. Inmate information can be accessed through the sheriff's office, which provides details on current inmates and visitation rules. Visitation is typically scheduled and requires adherence to specific guidelines. The bail process follows Oklahoma state laws, allowing for the posting of bond to secure release pending trial.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Noble County are taken and retained by the Noble County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These photographs are part of the public record and can be accessed through the sheriff's office or online databases. Oklahoma does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals can request corrections if inaccuracies are found. Mugshots are often used in conjunction with arrest records to provide a complete profile of an individual's arrest history.
Courts & Case Records
Noble County court matters are handled primarily through the District Court of Noble County, Eighth Judicial District, located at 300 Courthouse Drive in Perry, Oklahoma 73077. The court can be reached at (580) 336-2757. The District Court has general jurisdiction over all civil matters, criminal felonies, juvenile cases, probate and estate matters, guardianships, adoption, divorce and family law cases, and appeals from lower courts.
- Oklahoma provides public access to court records under the Oklahoma Open Records Act, 51 O.S.
- This database provides case summaries, docket entries, and sometimes images of filed documents.
- Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the Court Clerk for a fee of $1.00 per page plus a certification fee.
- Small claims matters, with jurisdictional limits up to $10,000 in Oklahoma, are filed in the District Court Small Claims division.
The Court Clerk maintains the official case files and public docket accessible during business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding court holidays. § 24A.1 et seq., though certain records involving juveniles, adoption, mental health proceedings, and sealed cases are restricted. Noble County participates in the Oklahoma District Court Records online system (OSCN.net), where users can search civil, criminal, and traffic cases free of charge by party name or case number.
Municipal courts operate in Perry and other incorporated towns, handling traffic violations, city ordinance violations, and misdemeanors occurring within city limits. The Perry Municipal Court is located at Perry City Hall, 516 Sixth Street, Perry, OK 73077. Probate matters, including wills, estate administration, and guardianships, are handled by the District Court.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Noble County are maintained by the Noble County Clerk's office, which serves as the Register of Deeds, located at 300 Courthouse Drive in Perry, Oklahoma 73077, phone (580) 336-2141. The County Clerk records and indexes deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, releases, easements, right-of-way agreements, oil and gas leases, liens (including mechanics liens, judgment liens, and tax liens), plat maps, surveys, and other instruments affecting real property title. Oklahoma law requires these records to be open for public inspection under 51 O.S. § 24A.1 et seq.
- The Clerk's office provides access to land records during regular business hours, and staff can assist with index searches by grantor/grantee name or legal description.
- Recording fees are established by state statute and vary by document type and page count.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the County Clerk for statutory fees, typically $1.00 per page plus certification charges.
Many Oklahoma counties, including Noble County, have digitized land records, though availability of online remote access varies—prospective searchers should contact the Clerk's office to inquire about any web-based document retrieval systems or subscription services. Property tax records, assessments, and parcel information are maintained separately by the Noble County Assessor's Office, also located at the courthouse, (580) 336-3648. The Assessor maintains ownership records, legal descriptions, assessed valuations, and property characteristics for all real and personal property in the county.
Tax payment records and amounts due are handled by the Noble County Treasurer. Oklahoma counties increasingly offer online GIS (Geographic Information System) mapping tools that allow users to search parcels by address or owner name and view tax information, though implementation varies by county budget and technical capacity.
Vital Records
Vital records for Noble County, Oklahoma, including birth and death certificates, are maintained under a dual system. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Noble County can be requested from the Noble County Court Clerk's office at 300 Courthouse Drive, Perry, OK 73077, phone (580) 336-2757, though the office maintains only older records. For comprehensive access and recent vital records, requests should be directed to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Vital Records Service, 123 Robert S. Kerr Avenue, Suite 1000, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.
- Birth certificates cost $15 for the first copy and death certificates are similarly priced at $15 each as of current fee schedules.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service may be available for additional fees.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek.com, the state's authorized vendor, with additional service fees.
- Marriage licenses are issued by the Noble County Court Clerk at the Perry courthouse; couples must apply in person, provide valid identification, and pay the license fee.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Oklahoma law (63 O.S. § 1-301 et seq.). Eligible applicants include the registrant (if of age), parents, legal guardians, adult children, spouses, and legal representatives.
There is no waiting period in Oklahoma, and the license is valid for ten days from issuance. Marriage ceremony returns are filed with the Court Clerk and become part of the permanent record. Divorce decrees are court records maintained by the District Court Clerk and are accessible as part of the case file, subject to open records laws.
Genealogical researchers often find older vital records at the county level, while recent records (within the last 50-75 years) may have restricted access.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Noble County are maintained through multiple offices depending on the type of business activity and registration. Sole proprietors and partnerships operating under an assumed name or DBA (Doing Business As) file with the Noble County Clerk's office at 300 Courthouse Drive, Perry, OK 73077, phone (580) 336-2141. These fictitious name registrations are public records and can be searched by business name or owner name at the Clerk's office.
- This service is free and provides official status information.
- The Perry Chamber of Commerce, located in downtown Perry, provides business resources and economic development support; their website and contact information can be found at local business directories.
For formal business entity formation—including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations—registration occurs at the state level through the Oklahoma Secretary of State, Business Filing Department. The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at https://www.sos.ok.gov/corp/corpInquiryFind.aspx where anyone can search by business name, filing number, or registered agent to view entity status, formation date, registered agent, and principal address. Professional and occupational licenses are regulated by various state boards and agencies depending on the profession—contractors, cosmetologists, healthcare providers, and other licensed professionals register with their respective Oklahoma state licensing boards.
Sales tax permits are issued by the Oklahoma Tax Commission and are required for businesses selling tangible goods; these can be verified through the Tax Commission. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use matters in unincorporated Noble County are handled by the Noble County Planning and Zoning office or County Commissioners, while incorporated cities maintain their own building inspection and permitting departments. County business personal property tax filings are made annually with the Noble County Assessor.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Noble County, Oklahoma are administered by the Noble County Election Board, located at 300 Courthouse Drive in Perry, OK 73077. The Election Board can be reached at (580) 336-5178 and is responsible for voter registration, conducting federal, state, county, and local elections, maintaining precinct boundaries, and certifying election results. Voter registration in Oklahoma is available to U.S. citizens who are residents of Oklahoma and will be 18 years of age or older at the time of the next election.
- Voters must register at least 24 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
- Citizens may request copies of precinct results, voter history, and other non-confidential election records from the County Election Board, subject to reasonable copying fees.
Oklahoma offers online voter registration through the Oklahoma Voter Portal at https://okvoterportal.okelections.us, where eligible citizens can register, update their address, check registration status, and view sample ballots. Paper registration forms are also available at the County Election Board, tag agencies, public libraries, and various state agencies. To find your polling place in Noble County, voters can use the Oklahoma Voter Portal by entering their name and birth date, or contact the County Election Board directly.
Polling locations are assigned based on residential address and precinct boundaries. Election records that are public in Oklahoma include voter registration rolls (with some personal information redacted for privacy), precinct-level election results, candidate filing information, and campaign finance reports filed with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission. Noble County, like most rural Oklahoma counties, typically experiences voter turnout in the range of 50-60% in presidential election years and 30-40% in midterm elections; the November 2024 general election saw robust turnout consistent with statewide patterns.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, potential U.S. Senate contests, Oklahoma statewide offices including Governor (if scheduled), State Legislature seats, county offices, and local questions.
Absentee voting is available to any registered Oklahoma voter; applications for absentee ballots can be requested from the County Election Board and must be received by the statutory deadline, typically the Wednesday prior to the election for in-person absentee voting and earlier for mail ballots. Absentee ballots can be cast in person at the County Election Board office during the early voting period or returned by mail with required notarization or witness signature. Oklahoma election transparency is supported by statutory requirements under Title 26 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which mandates public access to election records and results.
Economy & Demographics
Noble County's economy is anchored by agriculture, energy production, and government services, reflecting its rural character and natural resource endowment. Agriculture remains the leading economic sector, with cattle ranching, wheat farming, hay production, and some soybean cultivation dominating land use across the county's nearly 475,000 acres of farmland. The county consistently ranks among Oklahoma's wheat-producing counties, and cattle operations range from small family herds to larger commercial operations.
- Oil and gas production provides significant economic impact, with the county sitting atop productive geological formations that have yielded petroleum since the early 20th century.
- The median household income in Noble County is estimated at approximately $48,000-$52,000, somewhat below the Oklahoma state median, reflecting the rural economy and lower cost of living.
Gross production taxes from oil and gas contribute substantially to county government revenue and local school funding. The City of Perry serves as the primary commercial center, with retail trade, healthcare, education, and local government providing employment. Major employers include the Perry Public Schools, Noble County government, Perry Municipal Hospital (now part of a regional health network), agricultural cooperatives, and local manufacturing.
The county's unemployment rate typically tracks close to or slightly above the Oklahoma state average, with seasonal variation related to agricultural cycles. Economic development efforts focus on supporting existing agricultural businesses, attracting light manufacturing, and promoting tourism related to the Cherokee Strip history and outdoor recreation at Lake McMurtry. The county benefits from its location along US Highway 77, providing north-south transportation connectivity between Oklahoma City and Kansas.
While Noble County has not experienced rapid growth, its economy remains stable, supported by land values, agricultural productivity, and energy royalties that provide a steady tax base.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (OSCN.net) | Property: ⚠️ In-Person/Limited Online | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or State Office | Business: ✅ Online (State Level) | Elections: ✅ Online Voter Portal | Overall Score: 6/10 — Noble County provides solid access to court records through the state system and election information online, but property, jail, and vital records largely require in-person or phone contact, typical for rural Oklahoma counties.
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Cities & Towns in Noble County
Nearby Counties
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