About Perry County
Perry County, Ohio, is a scenic Appalachian county located in the southeastern portion of the state, established in 1818 and named after Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, the naval hero of the War of 1812. The county seat is New Lexington, situated approximately 50 miles southeast of Columbus. Perry County covers approximately 410 square miles and has a population of around 36,000 residents according to recent census estimates. The county is characterized by rolling hills, forested areas, and a strong connection to Ohio's coal mining heritage.
Major landmarks include Burr Oak State Park, one of Ohio's most popular state parks featuring a 664-acre lake and extensive recreational facilities, and the historic downtown districts of New Lexington and other small communities like Somerset, Crooksville, and Shawnee. The county's economy historically centered on coal mining, pottery, and clay products manufacturing, particularly in Crooksville and Roseville, which were once known as part of Ohio's "pottery capital." Perry County is served by several key government offices including the Perry County Recorder located at 105 South Main Street in New Lexington, the Perry County Clerk of Courts at the same address in the Perry County Courthouse, and the Perry County Auditor who serves as the chief assessor for property valuations. The county maintains a rural character while providing access to urban amenities through its proximity to Columbus and Zanesville.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Perry County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the county. It patrols the unincorporated areas, manages the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in community programs aimed at crime prevention and public safety. The Sheriff's Office has specialized divisions such as the K-9 unit and a drug task force that focus on specific law enforcement challenges in the county.
Police Departments
In addition to the Perry County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county is provided by municipal police departments such as the New Lexington Police Department, Somerset Police Department, and Crooksville Police Department. Each department is responsible for maintaining public safety within its respective jurisdiction. These agencies often collaborate on major investigations and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive law enforcement coverage across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Perry County Sheriff's Office, located at 130 West Main Street in New Lexington, Ohio 43764, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of the county and provides countywide services including jail operations, court security, and civil process serving. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (740) 342-1000 and maintains a website at perrycountysheriff.net where citizens can access information about services and programs.
- Written requests should specify the records sought and can be submitted in person or by mail to the appropriate agency.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of documents.
The Perry County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office at the same Main Street location, houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving sentences. Inmate lookup services are available by contacting the jail directly at (740) 342-2202 or through the Sheriff's website roster system. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the New Lexington Police Department serving the county seat, the Somerset Police Department, the Crooksville Police Department, and the Shawnee Police Department, each with jurisdiction within their respective municipal boundaries.
Under Ohio Revised Code Section 149.43, the Ohio Public Records Act, arrest records and booking information are generally considered public records and can be requested from the law enforcement agency that made the arrest. Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the Sheriff's Office for individuals currently or recently incarcerated in the Perry County Jail, though older records may require a formal public records request. No tribal police operate within Perry County as there are no federally recognized tribal lands in this jurisdiction.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Perry County encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. These records are maintained by the Sheriff's Office and local police departments. Residents can conduct background checks through the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which provides comprehensive criminal history reports. The process involves submitting fingerprints and personal information to ensure accuracy and compliance with state regulations.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Perry County are maintained by the Perry County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, adhering to the guidelines set by the Ohio Public Records Act. An arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the arresting agency. The process ensures transparency while protecting sensitive information as required by law.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Perry County Jail, located in New Lexington, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and attorneys to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are strictly enforced, with specific hours and guidelines that must be followed. The bond and bail process in Ohio allows for the release of inmates pending trial, with details available through the jail administration.
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 website or by request. Ohio does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of records.
Courts & Case Records
Perry County's judicial system is anchored by the Perry County Common Pleas Court, located at 105 South Main Street in New Lexington, Ohio 43764, which has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, major civil matters exceeding $15,000, domestic relations including divorce and custody, juvenile matters, and probate cases. The court can be reached at (740) 342-2974. Perry County also has a County Court that handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and civil cases up to $15,000, with offices in the same courthouse complex.
- The Perry County Clerk of Courts provides in-person access to case files during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Some case information may be available through the Ohio Supreme Court's online case search system, though comprehensive records often require in-person or written requests.
- Copy fees are typically $0.05 to $0.10 per page for standard documents, with certified copies available for an additional fee of approximately $1.00 per document plus the per-page charge.
- The Clerk's office can provide information about specific fee schedules for various document types and services.
Property & Public Records
The Perry County Recorder's Office, located at 105 South Main Street in New Lexington, Ohio 43764, maintains official land records for the county including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, military discharge papers, oil and gas leases, and plat maps. The Recorder's office can be contacted at (740) 342-2074 and operates during standard business hours. Ohio Revised Code Chapter 317 governs recording requirements and access to these public records.
- The office has indexed records dating back to the county's formation in 1818, with many recent records available through an online search portal accessible through the county website.
- The Auditor's office provides an online GIS parcel viewer and property tax search system through their website, allowing free public access to parcel maps, tax assessments, ownership history, and payment status.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available from the Recorder's office for a fee of $2.00 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page, as established by Ohio statute.
The Perry County Auditor's Office, serving as the property assessor, maintains property tax records, ownership information, valuations, and parcel data. The Auditor is located at 105 South Main Street, New Lexington, and can be reached at (740) 342-2074. Property tax bills and payment information are available through the County Treasurer's office at the same courthouse location.
The Treasurer can be contacted at (740) 342-3976. Research assistance is available in person, and staff can help locate specific documents using grantor/grantee indexes, parcel numbers, or property addresses.
Vital Records
Vital records for Perry County, Ohio, are maintained and issued according to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3705. Birth certificates for births occurring in Perry County are filed with the Perry County Health Department, located at 220 South Main Street in New Lexington, Ohio 43764, phone (740) 342-5657. Birth records are restricted for 100 years and only available to the registrant (if of legal age), parents, legal representatives, or those with a tangible interest as defined by Ohio law. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and complete an application form.
- The fee for a certified birth certificate is approximately $25.00, with processing typically taking 1-2 weeks for in-person requests.
- The fee for certified death certificates is approximately $25.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for additional copies ordered simultaneously.
- Couples must apply in person, provide identification, and pay a fee of approximately $50.00.
- For records that cannot be obtained locally or for births/deaths that occurred elsewhere in Ohio, the Ohio Department of Health Vital Statistics office in Columbus provides statewide records access at (614) 466-2531.
- Online ordering for Ohio vital records is available through VitalChek.com, though convenience fees apply.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Perry County, Ohio, involves multiple levels of government oversight. For fictitious name registrations (Doing Business As or DBA filings), sole proprietorships and partnerships can file with the Perry County Clerk of Courts at 105 South Main Street, New Lexington, Ohio 43764, phone (740) 342-2074. These filings create a public record of business names and owners.
- The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at businesssearch.ohiosos.gov where anyone can look up registered Ohio businesses, view filing history, registered agents, and status.
- This free service provides access to Articles of Incorporation, annual reports, and other business documents.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, registration occurs through the Ohio Secretary of State Business Services Division. Professional and occupational licenses are issued by various state boards depending on the profession, not at the county level. The Perry County Building Department, phone (740) 342-2074, handles building permits, zoning compliance, and inspection records for unincorporated areas, while municipalities handle permits within their borders.
Commercial activity licenses and zoning permits may be required depending on business location and type. Sales tax vendor licenses are obtained through the Ohio Department of Taxation, not the county. The Perry County Chamber of Commerce, which promotes local economic development and business networking, can be reached for information about starting or operating a business in the county.
Property owners should also check with the Perry County Auditor regarding Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) requirements and property tax classifications for business property.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Perry County, Ohio, are administered by the Perry County Board of Elections, located at 105 South Main Street, New Lexington, Ohio 43764. The Board can be reached at (740) 342-2073 and provides information about voter registration, polling locations, and election results. Voter registration in Perry County can be completed in person at the Board of Elections office, by mail using a downloadable application, or online through the Ohio Secretary of State's website at olvr.ohiosos.gov.
- These records can be requested from the Perry County Board of Elections under Ohio's public records law.
- In the November 2024 general election, Perry County experienced voter turnout of approximately 68-72% of registered voters, consistent with typical rural Ohio county participation in presidential election years.
- Absentee voting in Perry County is available to any registered voter who requests a ballot.
- Ohio provides no-excuse absentee voting, meaning any voter can request a mail ballot without providing a reason.
Ohio law requires registration at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. Voters must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by the election date, residents of Ohio for at least 30 days, and not incarcerated for a felony conviction.
Perry County voters can find their assigned polling place by visiting the Board of Elections website, calling the office, or using the polling place lookup tool on the Ohio Secretary of State website. Election records that are public in Ohio include voter registration lists (excluding certain personal information like birthdates and driver's license numbers), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political action committees, candidate petitions and filings, and precinct-level election results. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races (Perry County is in Ohio's 12th Congressional District), potential U.S. Senate contests, Ohio statewide offices including Governor if applicable to the cycle, state legislative seats, county offices, and local issues. Applications can be submitted online through the Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at the Board of Elections office.
Absentee ballot requests must be received by the Saturday before Election Day for mail ballots, or voters can vote early in person at the Board of Elections office during the early voting period, typically beginning four weeks before Election Day. Transparency in Perry County elections is supported by public access to voter rolls, campaign finance data, poll worker training materials, and post-election audit procedures as required by Ohio Revised Code Chapters 3501-3599.
Economy & Demographics
Perry County's economy has evolved from its historical foundations in coal mining, clay products, and pottery manufacturing to a more diversified mix of industries today. While the county's famous pottery industry in Crooksville and Roseville has declined from its early 20th-century peak when the area was a national ceramics production center, manufacturing remains important with companies producing industrial components, building materials, and consumer goods.
- The median household income in Perry County is approximately $48,000, below the Ohio state average, reflecting the county's rural character and economic transition challenges.
Major employers include Perry County government, school districts (including Northern Local, New Lexington City, Crooksville Exempted Village, and Southern Local), Genesis HealthCare System facilities, retail operations, and small manufacturing firms. Agriculture continues to play a role with family farms producing corn, soybeans, hay, and livestock, though farming employs a smaller percentage of residents than in previous generations. The energy sector maintains a presence through natural gas extraction and some remaining coal operations, though mining employment has significantly decreased.
Tourism and recreation contribute to the local economy, particularly through Burr Oak State Park which attracts visitors for camping, boating, fishing, and lodge accommodations. The county's proximity to Columbus (about 50 miles) allows some residents to commute to higher-paying metropolitan employment while maintaining rural lifestyles. Recent economic development efforts have focused on small business support, downtown revitalization in New Lexington and other communities, infrastructure improvements, and promoting the county's quality of life advantages.
The unemployment rate in Perry County typically tracks slightly above the Ohio state average, reflecting ongoing economic development challenges in Appalachian Ohio.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ Partial Online | Property: ✅ Free Search Online | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person Required | Business: ✅ Online (State) | Elections: ✅ Online | Overall Score: 6/10 — Perry County provides good online access to property records through the Auditor's GIS system and election information, but court records require in-person visits to the Clerk's office and jail records necessitate phone contact or website checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Perry County
Explore public records for 11 cities and communities in Perry County, Ohio.
Nearby Counties
Explore public records in counties that border Perry County.