About Perry County
Perry County is located in southern Indiana along the Ohio River, bordered by Crawford County to the west, Spencer County to the east, and the Commonwealth of Kentucky across the river to the south. The county seat is Tell City, a river city known for its Swiss and German heritage. Established in 1814 from parts of Warrick and Gibson counties, Perry County was named after Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, the naval hero of the War of 1812. The county covers approximately 386 square miles and has a population of around 19,000 residents according to recent census estimates.
- Perry County is home to the Hoosier National Forest, which covers significant portions of the county and provides recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, and hunting.
Major communities include Tell City, Cannelton, and Troy. The Ohio River forms the southern boundary and has historically been central to the county's economy and transportation. The Tell City Pretzel Company, founded in 1858, is a notable landmark and one of the oldest pretzel bakeries in the United States.
County government offices are primarily located in Tell City, including the Perry County Recorder at the Perry County Courthouse, 2219 Payne Street, Tell City, IN 47586. The Perry County Clerk and Perry County Assessor also maintain offices at the courthouse complex. The county's economy has traditionally been based on manufacturing, agriculture, and river commerce, with limestone quarrying also playing a historical role.
The landscape features rolling hills, river valleys, and extensive forestland, making it distinct among southern Indiana counties.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Perry County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the county, particularly in unincorporated areas. It oversees the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is involved in various community programs and initiatives aimed at crime prevention and public safety. It also collaborates with other local law enforcement agencies to ensure comprehensive coverage of the county's law enforcement needs.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Perry County is provided by the Perry County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments, including the Tell City Police Department and the Cannelton Police Department. The Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement in unincorporated areas, while the city departments focus on their respective municipalities. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies to ensure a unified response and effective policing across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Perry County Sheriff's Office, located at 2219 Payne Street, Tell City, IN 47586, provides primary law enforcement services throughout unincorporated areas of the county and operates the Perry County Jail. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (812) 547-3111 and maintains responsibilities including civil process service, courthouse security, and inmate detention. The Perry County Jail houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced offenders serving county-level sentences.
- Current roster information may be available through the Sheriff's Office upon request.
- Citizens may request arrest records, incident reports, and booking information by submitting a written or in-person request to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
- The agency may charge reasonable copying fees and has specific timeframes to respond under IC 5-14-3-9.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically part of the arrest record and may be available through direct request to the Sheriff's Office or the arresting agency.
- Processing times and fees vary, and requesters should be prepared to provide specific information about the individual or incident in question to facilitate the search.
Inmate information can be obtained by contacting the jail directly at the Sheriff's Office phone number or by visiting in person during business hours. Municipal law enforcement in Perry County includes the Tell City Police Department, which serves the largest city in the county, and the Cannelton Police Department for that incorporated town. Troy also has its own police presence.
Under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code 5-14-3), arrest records are generally considered public information. Some third-party websites aggregate booking photos, but official records should be obtained directly from the Perry County Sheriff's Office.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Perry County encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and sex offender registry information. The Perry County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act. Background checks can be conducted through the Indiana State Police, which provides comprehensive criminal history reports. The Indiana Bureau of Investigation also offers resources for residents seeking information on criminal records and public safety.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Perry County are maintained by the Perry County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The records typically include the date of arrest, charges filed, and any court proceedings. Indiana's Access to Public Records Act governs the availability of these records, ensuring transparency and public access while protecting sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Perry County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested in the county. The booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing the public to access information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, and visitors must comply with scheduled times and security protocols.
- The bond and bail process in Indiana allows for the release of detainees under certain conditions, and information on recent arrests can be obtained through the Sheriff's Office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Perry County are taken and retained by the Perry County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While some mugshots may be available online, others might require a formal request to view. Indiana does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can petition for removal if the charges are dropped or if they are acquitted.
Courts & Case Records
Perry County is served by the Perry Circuit Court, located at the Perry County Courthouse, 2219 Payne Street, Tell City, IN 47586. The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over civil, criminal, family law, probate, juvenile, and small claims matters arising in Perry County. The court can be reached at (812) 547-3741. Indiana trial courts operate under the Indiana Trial Court system, and Perry County's Circuit Court handles both felony criminal cases and a wide range of civil disputes.
- Requests for bulk data or extensive research may require advance notice and payment of research fees.
Case information and court records can be accessed through the Indiana Courts' Odyssey case management system via the mycase.in.gov portal, which provides free online access to case summaries, dockets, and some court documents. Users can search by party name, case number, or attorney. Full case files, certified copies, and certain sealed or confidential records require an in-person visit to the Clerk of the Circuit Court office at the courthouse.
The Perry County Clerk maintains court records and charges fees according to Indiana statute for copies and certifications, typically ranging from $1 per page for standard copies to additional fees for certified documents. Under Indiana Access to Court Records rules, most civil and criminal court records are presumed open to the public pursuant to Indiana Code 5-14-3 and Administrative Rule 9, though certain records involving juveniles, mental health proceedings, adoption, and sealed cases are restricted.
Property & Public Records
The Perry County Recorder's Office, located at 2219 Payne Street, Tell City, IN 47586, maintains land records, deeds, mortgages, liens, military discharges (DD-214s), and other documents affecting real property in Perry County. The Recorder's Office can be contacted at (812) 547-6541. Indiana law requires the recording of property transfers, mortgages, mechanic's liens, and other interests in real estate to provide public notice and establish priority.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person or by mail with appropriate fees, typically $1 per page plus certification fees.
- Requests should include the document number, book and page reference, or complete legal description to expedite retrieval.
The office maintains indexes dating back to the county's founding in 1814, with older records preserved on microfilm and increasingly digitized. Perry County offers online access to recorded documents through a subscription-based or pay-per-view system; interested parties should contact the Recorder's Office or visit the county website for current access options and fee schedules. Property tax records and assessment information are maintained by the Perry County Assessor's Office, also at the courthouse complex, phone (812) 547-3741.
The Assessor establishes property valuations for tax purposes, and citizens can review assessment cards, comparable sales data, and parcel information. Property tax bills and payment records are handled by the Perry County Treasurer. Many Indiana counties, including Perry County, participate in geographic information system (GIS) mapping portals that allow users to view parcel boundaries, ownership, assessed values, and aerial photography.
Vital Records
Vital records for Perry County, Indiana, including birth and death certificates, are maintained at both the local and state levels. The Perry County Health Department, located at 302 12th Street, Tell City, IN 47586, phone (812) 547-7129, maintains birth and death records for events occurring within the county. Birth certificates for births occurring in Perry County can be requested from the local health department, typically for a fee of approximately $12 to $15 for a certified copy. Death certificates are similarly available from the health department for deaths that occurred in Perry County.
- Processing times for local requests are generally faster than state requests, often available within a few days to one week.
- The state office can be reached at (317) 233-2700, and online ordering is available through the VitalChek service at the Indiana State Department of Health website for expedited processing with additional fees.
- Couples must apply in person, provide identification, and pay the required fee.
- Requesters must provide valid identification and demonstrate eligibility to obtain certified copies under Indiana law.
The Indiana State Department of Health Vital Records office in Indianapolis serves as the central repository for all vital records statewide and can provide certified copies of birth certificates (available for births occurring in Indiana from October 1907 forward) and death certificates (from 1900 forward). Marriage licenses are issued by the Perry County Clerk's Office at the courthouse, 2219 Payne Street, Tell City, IN 47586, phone (812) 547-3741. Marriage records, including licenses and certificates, are public records maintained by the Clerk.
Divorce decrees are court records maintained by the Perry Circuit Court Clerk. Indiana Code 16-37 governs vital records, and certified copies are required for legal purposes such as passports, Social Security benefits, and property transfers.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Perry County, Indiana, are maintained by several agencies depending on the type of business activity. The Perry County Clerk's Office at the Perry County Courthouse, 2219 Payne Street, Tell City, IN 47586, phone (812) 547-3741, handles local business registrations including assumed business names (Doing Business As or DBA) and certain local business filings. Businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must file a certificate with the County Clerk pursuant to Indiana Code 23-15-1.
- The Perry County Chamber of Commerce, serving the Tell City area, provides business support services and networking opportunities for local businesses and can be a resource for entrepreneurs.
For formal business entity formation and registration, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other statutory entities, businesses must register with the Indiana Secretary of State's Business Services Division. The state maintains a free, searchable online database called INBiz at inbiz.in.gov where anyone can search for registered business entities, view formation documents, check entity status, and access registered agent information. This is the primary resource for verifying business legitimacy and corporate standing in Indiana.
Local business operating licenses and permits may be required depending on the nature of the business and its location within Perry County. Specific industries such as food service, alcohol sales, and health services require permits from the Perry County Health Department. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are handled by the Perry County Plan Commission and Building Department.
The Tell City Hall and other municipal offices handle business licenses within incorporated areas. Professional and occupational licenses (contractors, cosmetologists, healthcare professionals) are regulated by various Indiana state boards and the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Perry County, Indiana, are administered by the Perry County Clerk's Office, which serves as the county election board. The office is located at 2219 Payne Street, Tell City, IN 47586, and can be reached at (812) 547-3741. Voter registration in Perry County is available through several methods: online via the Indiana Voters portal at indianavoters.in.gov, in person at the County Clerk's office, at the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles when obtaining or renewing a driver's license, or by mail using the Indiana voter registration application.
- In the 2024 general election, turnout in Indiana's rural counties generally ranged from 60% to 70% of registered voters.
- The deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail is typically 11 days before the election.
Under Indiana law, the voter registration deadline is 29 days before any election. Indiana offers online voter registration for eligible residents with an Indiana driver's license or state identification card. Voters in Perry County can verify their registration status, find their polling place, view sample ballots, and check their voter history through the indianavoters.in.gov portal by entering their name and date of birth or their voter registration number.
Polling places for Perry County voters are assigned based on precinct of residence and are listed on the Indiana Voters website and through the County Clerk's office. Election records that are public in Perry County include voter registration lists (available for purchase for lawful purposes under Indiana Code 3-7-26.3), precinct-level election results, candidate filings, campaign finance reports for local candidates, and election board minutes. Perry County typically experiences voter turnout ranging from 50% to 65% in presidential election years, with lower turnout in midterm and local elections, consistent with statewide Indiana patterns.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, one U.S. Senate seat, Indiana statewide offices, and Indiana General Assembly seats.
Absentee voting by mail in Indiana requires voters to meet specific criteria listed in Indiana Code 3-11-10-24, including being 65 or older, having a disability, being absent from the county on election day, working as a poll worker, or having a religious obligation. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted through the indianavoters.in.gov portal, by mail, or in person at the County Clerk's office. Early in-person voting is available at designated locations in Perry County during the period before election day as established by the county election board.
Indiana law provides for transparency in elections through public access to poll lists, election board meetings, vote totals by precinct, and canvass documents, all of which can be requested from the Perry County Clerk's election office under Indiana's public records law.
Economy & Demographics
Perry County's economy has historically been anchored by manufacturing, particularly furniture and wood products, along with agriculture and river-related industries. Tell City Chair Company, once a major employer, was emblematic of the county's manufacturing heritage. Today, the economy remains diversified with a mix of manufacturing, healthcare, retail, education, and service sectors. Major employers in Perry County include the Perry County Memorial Hospital, which provides healthcare services and employs several hundred workers, and the Tell City-Troy Township School Corporation.
- The median household income in Perry County is estimated at approximately $50,000 to $55,000, somewhat below the Indiana state median, reflecting the county's rural character and manufacturing base.
- The Ohio River provides both transportation advantages and recreational tourism opportunities.
- The county's location along the Ohio River and proximity to larger markets in Indiana and Kentucky provides logistical advantages for certain industries.
Manufacturing continues to play a significant role, with facilities producing various goods including automotive components and consumer products. Agriculture remains important, with farms producing corn, soybeans, livestock, and hay across the county's rural areas. The Hoosier National Forest brings outdoor recreation tourism and supports related businesses including outfitters, campgrounds, and hospitality services.
Unemployment rates in Perry County generally track with state and regional trends, with seasonal variation related to construction and tourism. Economic development efforts focus on retaining existing industry, attracting new manufacturing investment, and promoting tourism related to the river, forest, and the county's European heritage. The Perry County Development Corporation works to support business expansion and attraction.
Retail and service businesses are concentrated in Tell City, the county's commercial center, serving both local residents and visitors.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (mycase.in.gov) | Property: ⚠️ Available (contact Recorder) | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ By Request | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or Mail | Business: ✅ Online (INBiz state portal) | Elections: ✅ Online (indianavoters.in.gov) | Overall Score: 7/10 — Perry County provides good access to court and election records online through state portals, though some local records require direct contact with county offices.
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Cities & Towns in Perry County
Explore public records for 8 cities and communities in Perry County, Indiana.
Nearby Counties
Explore public records in counties that border Perry County.