About Perquimans County
Perquimans County is located in the northeastern region of North Carolina, part of the Inner Banks area along the Albemarle Sound. Perquimans County Seat is Hertford, a historic riverfront town situated on the Perquimans River. Established in 1668, Perquimans County is one of North Carolina's oldest counties, with its name derived from Perquimans County Indian tribe that originally inhabited Perquimans County. Perquimans County includes approximately 247 square miles with a population of around 13,500 residents as of recent estimates.
Perquimans County is characterized by its rich agricultural heritage, waterfront communities, and well-preserved colonial and antebellum architecture. Major landmarks include the Newbold-White House, North Carolina's oldest house (circa 1730), and the charming downtown Hertford historic district with its Missing Mill Park along Perquimans County River. Perquimans County maintains traditional government offices including Perquimans County Register of Deeds located at 130 West Market Street, Hertford, NC 27944, the County Tax Assessor's Office at the same address in the County Administrative Complex, and the Clerk of Superior Court also housed at 130 West Market Street.
The economy historically centered on agriculture, particularly corn, soybeans, and timber production, with fishing and tourism playing increasing roles. Perquimans County's location offers convenient access to the Outer Banks while maintaining a rural, small-town atmosphere that attracts retirees and families seeking a quieter lifestyle along North Carolina's coastal plain.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Perquimans County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Perquimans County. This office is tasked with patrolling rural regions, maintaining public safety, and managing Perquimans County jail. Notable programs include community outreach initiatives meant to crime prevention and public education. The office works closely with other local law enforcement agencies to ensure full coverage and response to incidents across Perquimans County.
Police Departments
In addition to Perquimans County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Perquimans County is supported by the Hertford Police Department and the Winfall Police Department. The Hertford Police Department serves the town of Hertford, focusing on urban policing and community engagement. The Winfall Police Department covers the town of Winfall, making sure of local safety and responding to incidents within its jurisdiction. These agencies coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and emergencies, helping with a unified approach to law enforcement across Perquimans County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Perquimans County is primarily provided by Perquimans County Sheriff's Office, located at 130 West Market Street, Hertford, NC 27944. The office is responsible for operating Perquimans County Detention Center, which houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanants.
- Inmate searches and jail roster information can be obtained by contacting the detention center directly at during business hours, though online inmate lookup services may be limited and require direct telephone inquiry.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office or the appropriate police department, though some information may be redacted for ongoing investigations or juvenile cases.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through direct request to the detention center, and some information may appear on third-party websites that aggregate booking data.
- All public records requests should reference NC G.S.
- § 132-1 and may be subject to reasonable fees for copying and processing as established by North Carolina law.
The Town of Hertford is the primary county in Perquimans County and is served by the Hertford Police Department, located at 116 West Grubb Street, Hertford, NC 27944, which handles municipal law enforcement within town limits. Arrest records in Perquimans County are considered public records under North Carolina General Statute § 132-1, the North Carolina Public Records Law, which mandates that public records shall be open to inspection by any person unless otherwise provided by law. Perquimans County does not have tribal police jurisdiction, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands within Perquimans County.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Perquimans County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request background checks through the State Bureau's online portal, which offers full access to statewide criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Perquimans County are maintained by Perquimans County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the individual. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, adhering to the guidelines set forth by the North Carolina Public Records Law. A typical arrest record in Perquimans County will contain the date of arrest, charges filed, and the arresting officer's details. The process ensures transparency and accountability within the local law enforcement system.
Jail & Inmate Records
Perquimans County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing inmates in Perquimans County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information on current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled visiting hours and security protocols in place.
- The bond and bail process in North Carolina allows for the release of inmates under certain conditions, with the Sheriff's Office providing guidance on procedures and requirements.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Perquimans County are taken and retained by Perquimans County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases. While North Carolina does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, individuals can request corrections or updates to their records if inaccuracies are found. The availability of mugshots is subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law, which governs the dissemination of such information.
Courts & Case Records
Perquimans County court system operates under the North Carolina judicial system's structure, with Perquimans County Courthouse located at 130 West Market Street, Hertford, NC 27944. The courthouse houses both the Superior Court and District Court for Perquimans County, which comprise the 1st Judicial District along with Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Pasquotank, and Perquimans counties. The Clerk of Superior Court, reachable, maintains court records including civil filings, criminal cases, estates, special proceedings, and land records.
- The North Carolina Judicial Branch maintains a statewide case search portal at www.nccourts.gov, though availability of online records may vary by county and case type.
- Fees for copies are typically $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, with certified copies costing an additional $3.00 per document plus $1.00 per page.
Superior Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases over $25,000, and appeals from District Court, while District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic violations, civil cases under $25,000, domestic matters, juvenile cases, and small claims up to $10,000. Court records in North Carolina are governed by North Carolina General Statute § 7A-109 and the North Carolina Public Records Law (NC G.S. § 132-1), which generally provide public access to most court records except those sealed by court order or involving juveniles.
Citizens can search court records by visiting the Clerk of Superior Court's office in person during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Estate records, land records, and civil filings are maintained permanently by the Clerk's office and are accessible for genealogical research and property title searches.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Perquimans County are maintained by Perquimans County Register of Deeds, located at 130 West Market Street, Hertford, NC 27944. The Register of Deeds office can be contacted at and maintains records dating back to Perquimans County's establishment in 1668, making it one of North Carolina's most historically significant county record repositories.
- Citizens can search property tax information and view parcel data through Perquimans County's online GIS system, which provides aerial photography, tax maps, property characteristics, and ownership information.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $5.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page, as established by North Carolina General Statute § 161-10.
- Plain copies are available at lower fees.
- The Register of Deeds office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and staff can assist with title searches, document recording requirements, and historical research.
Available records include real estate deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, releases, plat maps, easements, mechanic's and materialman's liens, military discharge papers (DD-214s), birth and death certificates, and marriage licenses. The office provides online access to land records through the North Carolina Statewide Online Historical Document Search at www.perquimanscountync.gov, where users can search and view recorded documents, though premium searches may require fees. Property tax records are maintained by Perquimans County Tax Assessor's Office, also located at 130 West Market Street, reachable for The Tax Assessor maintains property valuations, tax maps, and assessment records.
Real estate excise tax stamps and revenue stamps on deeds provide historical transaction price information for property researchers.
Vital Records
Vital records for Perquimans County are maintained by both Perquimans County Register of Deeds and the North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics. Perquimans County Register of Deeds, located at 130 West Market Street, Hertford, NC 27944, maintains birth and death records for events occurring in Perquimans County, with birth records available from 1913 forward and death records from 1913 forward.
- The fee for a certified birth certificate is $24.00 for the first copy and $15.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates cost $24.00 for the first certified copy and $15.00 for each additional copy.
- Processing time is typically same-day for in-person requests during office hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
- Marriage licenses are issued by Perquimans County Register of Deeds at a cost of $60.00, with both parties required to appear in person with valid photo identification and Social Security numbers.
- Online ordering of certified vital records is available through VitalChek at vitalrecords.nc.gov for an additional convenience fee.
Birth certificates can be obtained by eligible applicants (the registered individual, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a direct and tangible interest) by presenting valid photo identification and completing an application form. There is no waiting period or blood test required in North Carolina. Divorce records (divorce judgments and decrees) are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court at the same address.
For vital records occurring outside Perquimans County or for older records, the North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics in Raleigh can be contacted at or online at vitalrecords.nc.gov. North Carolina vital records law is codified in North Carolina General Statute Chapter 130A, Article 4, which establishes confidentiality protections and eligibility requirements for vital record access.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Perquimans County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and license required. Assumed business names (DBAs or "doing business as" names) and trade name registrations for Perquimans County businesses are filed with Perquimans County Register of Deeds at 130 West Market Street, Hertford, NC 27944, at a cost of approximately $26.00 for the initial filing and $20.00 for renewals. These records are public and can be searched at the Register of Deeds office during business hours.
- The Secretary of State maintains a free online business entity search at www.sosnc.gov where citizens can look up corporations, LLCs, trademarks, and UCC liens by business name or registered agent.
- Perquimans County Chamber of Commerce, while not a government agency, provides business support and networking opportunities and can be reached through local business directories.
For corporate entities, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other formal business structures, filings are made with the North Carolina Secretary of State, Corporations Division. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, electricians, plumbers, cosmetologists, and healthcare professionals are regulated by various North Carolina state licensing boards, not at Perquimans County level. Sales tax permits are issued by the North Carolina Department of Revenue.
Local business licenses and zoning permits are handled by Perquimans County Planning and Inspections Department, located at the County Administrative Complex at 130 West Market Street, Hertford, NC 27944 Building permits, electrical permits, plumbing permits, and zoning compliance certificates are issued by this department. All business related public records are subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law (NC G.S.
§ 132-1) and are generally open for public inspection.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Perquimans County are administered by Perquimans County Board of Elections, located at 130 West Market Street, Hertford, NC 27944. The Board of Elections can be reached at and provides election information through Perquimans County website at www.perquimanscountync.gov as well as the North Carolina State Board of Elections website at www.ncsbe.gov. Voter registration in Perquimans County can be completed online at www.ncsbe.gov/registering, by mail using a voter registration application form, or in person at Perquimans County Board of Elections office.
- Registered voters can verify their registration status, find their polling place, and view sample ballots by using the Voter Search tool at www.ncsbe.gov/registering.
- In the November 2024 general election, Perquimans County experienced voter turnout of approximately 62-68% of registered voters, consistent with typical North Carolina small-county turnout for presidential elections.
- Absentee ballot request deadlines are typically one week before Election Day, though earlier requests are encouraged.
- Citizens may request copies of election records by contacting Perquimans County Board of Elections, and precinct-level results are published online after certification.
The voter registration deadline in North Carolina is 25 days before any election. North Carolina offers same-day registration during the early voting period for those who miss the standard deadline. Perquimans County typically operates three to four polling places on Election Day, with locations announced prior to each election and mailed on voter registration cards.
Election records that are public in North Carolina include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted for privacy), campaign finance reports filed with the State Board of Elections, candidate filing information, and precinct-level election results. The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, one U.S.
Senate seat, North Carolina state legislative races, and various county and municipal offices. Absentee voting by mail is available to all North Carolina voters who request a ballot; applications for absentee ballots can be submitted online through the State Board of Elections website, by mail, or in person at Perquimans County Board of Elections office. Early voting is offered at one or more sites in Perquimans County for approximately 17 days before each major election, including some weekend hours.
North Carolina election transparency is governed by North Carolina General Statute Chapter 163, Article 21A, which establishes public access to voter registration data, campaign finance records, and election results. The Board of Elections office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours during early voting periods.
Economy & Demographics
Perquimans County's economy is historically rooted in agriculture, forestry, and commercial fishing, reflecting its location in North Carolina's Inner Banks region along the Albemarle Sound. Agriculture remains a significant economic driver, with major crops including corn, soybeans, cotton, wheat, and various vegetables. Timber production and forestry operations contribute substantially to Perquimans County's economic base, taking advantage of Perquimans County's extensive pine and hardwood forests.
- Manufacturing has a limited presence compared to more urbanized North Carolina counties, though food processing and wood products facilities operate in Perquimans County.
The median household income in Perquimans County is estimated at approximately $52,000 to $58,000 based on recent census data, which is below the North Carolina state average, reflecting Perquimans County's rural character and limited industrial base. Major employers include Perquimans County Schools, Perquimans County government, Vidant Chowan Hospital (regional healthcare), agricultural operations, and forestry companies. The retail and service sectors are concentrated in Hertford and along US Highway 17, which is the primary commercial corridor.
Tourism and recreation contribute to the local economy, particularly related to the Albemarle Sound waterfront, historic preservation attractions like the Newbold-White House, and access to recreational boating and fishing. Unemployment rates in Perquimans County have historically tracked slightly above the state average, ranging from 4% to 6% in recent years depending on seasonal agricultural employment. Economic development initiatives focus on using Perquimans County's strategic location between the Hampton Roads region of Virginia and North Carolina's Outer Banks, promoting its quality of life advantages for retirees and remote workers, and preserving agricultural heritage while attracting light industrial and distribution operations.
Perquimans County has no major corporate headquarters or large industrial facilities, maintaining its predominantly rural and agricultural economic character.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (Limited) | Property: Yes: Online Search Available | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone Inquiry Required | Vital Records: Yes: In-Person & Online Options | Business: Yes: State Portal Online | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 7/10, Perquimans County provides good access to property and vital records with online search capabilities, though arrest and jail records require direct contact with the Sheriff's Office.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Perquimans County
Explore public records for 4 cities and communities in Perquimans County, North Carolina.