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. Perry 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. Perry County covers approximately 386 square miles and has a population of around 19,218 residents according to recent census estimates. Major communities include Tell City, Cannelton, and Troy. The Ohio River forms the southern boundary and has historically been central to Perry County's economy and transportation. Perry County is home to the Hoosier National Forest, which covers significant portions of Perry County and provides recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, and hunting. 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 Perry County Recorder at Perry County Courthouse, 2219 Payne Street, Tell City, IN 47586. Perry County Clerk and Perry County Assessor also maintain offices at the courthouse complex. Perry County's economy has traditionally been based on manufacturing, agriculture, and river commerce, with limestone quarrying also playing a historical role. The scene features rolling hills, river valleys, and extensive forestland, making it distinct among southern Indiana counties.
- Perry County is home to the Hoosier National Forest, which covers significant portions of Perry County and provides recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, and hunting.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Perry County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Perry County, particularly in unincorporated areas. It oversees Perry County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. It also collaborates with other local law enforcement agencies to ensure full coverage of Perry County's law enforcement needs.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Perry County is provided by Perry County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments, including the Tell City Police Department and the Cannelton Police Department. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies to ensure a unified response and effective policing across Perry County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Perry County Sheriff's Office, located at 2219 Payne Street, Tell City, IN 47586, provides primary law enforcement services throughout unincorporated areas of Perry County and operates Perry County Jail. 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 help with 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 Perry 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.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Perry County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and sex offender registry information. Background checks can be conducted through the Indiana State Police, which provides full criminal history reports. The Indiana State Police also offers resources for residents seeking information on criminal records and public safety.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Perry County are maintained by 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, for public access and public access while protecting sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Perry County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested in Perry 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 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 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 contacted through the office’s website. 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.
- Case information and court records can be accessed through the Indiana Courts' Odyssey case management system via the mycase.
- gov portal, which provides free online access to case summaries, dockets, and some court documents.
- 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.
- Requests for bulk data or extensive research may require advance notice and payment of research fees.
Property & Public Records
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 for 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 Perry 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 Perry County website for current access options and fee schedules. Property tax records and assessment information are maintained by Perry County Assessor's Office, also at the courthouse complex
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 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. Perry County Health Department, located at 302 12th Street, Tell City, IN 47586, maintains birth and death records for events occurring within Perry 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 contacted through the office’s website, 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 is 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 Perry County Clerk's Office at the courthouse, 2219 Payne Street, Tell City, IN 47586 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. Perry County Clerk's Office at Perry County Courthouse, 2219 Payne Street, Tell City, IN 47586, 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 state maintains a free, searchable online database called INBiz at inbiz.
- gov where anyone can search for registered business entities, view formation documents, check entity status, and access registered agent information.
- 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. 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 Perry County Health Department. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are handled by 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.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Perry County, Indiana?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Perry County, Indiana?
How do I get a criminal background check in Perry County, Indiana?
How can I look up sex offenders in Perry County, Indiana?
How do I register to vote in Perry County, Indiana?
How do I look up property records in Perry County, Indiana?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Perry County, Indiana?
How do I find business license records in Perry County, Indiana?
Cities & Towns in Perry County
Explore public records for 9 cities and communities in Perry County, Indiana.
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 Perry 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 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 Perry County's rural character and manufacturing base.
- The Ohio River provides both transportation advantages and recreational tourism opportunities.
- Perry 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 Perry 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 Perry County's European heritage. Perry County Development Corporation works to support business expansion and attraction.
Retail and service businesses are concentrated in Tell City, Perry County's commercial center, serving both local People.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Perry County, Indiana, are administered by Perry County Clerk's Office, which serves as Perry County election board. The office is located at 2219 Payne Street, Tell City, IN 47586, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Voter registration in Perry County is available through several methods: online via the Indiana Voters portal at indianavoters. 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.
- 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.
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.
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 Perry County on election day, working as a poll worker, or having a religious obligation. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted through the indianavoters.
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 Perry 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 Perry County Clerk's election office under Indiana's public records law.