About Plumas County
Plumas County, California, is a rural mountain county located in the northern Sierra Nevada region, including approximately 2,613 square miles of pristine forests, alpine meadows, and volcanic terrain. Plumas County Seat is Quincy, a historic Gold Rush-era town situated in the American Valley. With a population of approximately 19,000 residents, Plumas County is one of California's least densely populated counties, offering a stark contrast to the state's urban centers.
Plumas County is renowned for its natural landmarks including Lassen Volcanic National Park's eastern boundary, Lake Almanor (one of California's premier recreational lakes), the Feather River corridor, and the extensive Plumas National Forest which covers much of Plumas County. Incorporated in 1854 during the California Gold Rush, Plumas County's name derives from the Spanish 'Rio de las the local community' (River of Feathers), referring to the Feather River. Major communities include Portola, Chester, and Greenville (severely impacted by the 2021 Dixie Fire).
Plumas County Recorder's Office, Quincy, CA 95971, maintains property records and vital statistics. Plumas County Clerk-Recorder can be reached for Plumas County Assessor's Office, also at 520 Main Street, handles property tax assessments and parcel information. Plumas County's economy traditionally centered on timber, ranching, and mining, though tourism and outdoor recreation have become increasingly significant.
What makes Plumas County unique is its remarkably preserved wilderness character, extensive public lands, and resilient small-town communities that maintain historical Gold Rush and railroad heritage while facing modern challenges including wildfire recovery and economic transition.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Plumas County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Plumas County. It manages Plumas County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is involved in various community programs and has divisions dedicated to investigations, patrol, and search and rescue operations. The Sheriff's Office is focused on public safety and works closely with other local law enforcement agencies to address crime and emergency situations.
Police Departments
Plumas County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Plumas County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Portola Police Department. The Sheriff's Office covers the unincorporated areas, while city police departments handle law enforcement within their respective jurisdictions. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and public safety across Plumas County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Plumas County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 1400 East Main Street, Quincy, CA 95971 (phone: 530-283-6300), is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Plumas County and provides countywide services including jail operations, search and rescue, and emergency dispatch. The Sheriff's website (www.countyofplumas.com/sheriff) provides public information and resources.
- Citizens can request arrest records by submitting a written California Public Records Act request to the Sheriff's Office, either in person, by mail to the Quincy address, or as directed on their website.
Plumas County Jail, located at the same address, houses inmates for Plumas County, and the public can perform inmate searches and obtain custody information by contacting the jail directly at or visiting the Sheriff's office during business hours. Booking information, including names, charges, and booking dates, is generally available as public record. Municipal police departments do not exist in Plumas County as there are no incorporated cities within Plumas County boundaries, all law enforcement is handled by the Sheriff's Office and the California Highway Patrol for highway incidents.
Arrest records in Plumas County are subject to California's Public Records Act (Government Code Section 6250 et seq.), which mandates public access to arrest logs and booking records unless exemptions apply. Mugshots and booking photos are typically considered public records in California and may be available through direct requests to the Sheriff's Office, though some restrictions apply for juvenile records and ongoing investigations. The Plumas National Forest has federal law enforcement jurisdiction through U.S.
Forest Service Law Enforcement, and the Mountain Maidu and other tribal communities may have coordinated law enforcement arrangements with county and federal agencies for incidents on tribal lands.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Plumas County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and sex offender registry information. Plumas County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the California Public Records Act. Residents can conduct background checks through the California Department of Justice, which provides statewide criminal history information. The California Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for residents seeking detailed criminal records.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Plumas County are maintained by Plumas County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, subject to the California Public Records Act. An arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the arresting agency. The Sheriff's Office provides guidance on how to obtain these records, for public access and compliance with state laws.
Jail & Inmate Records
Plumas County Correctional Facility, located in Quincy, is the primary detention center for Plumas County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing the public to search for current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled visiting hours and guidelines that must be adhered to. The bond and bail process follows California state law, enabling detainees to be released pending trial under certain conditions.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Plumas County are taken and retained by Plumas County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. California does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can seek legal avenues if they believe their rights are violated. The availability of mugshots is subject to public records laws, balancing transparency with privacy concerns.
Courts & Case Records
The Superior Court of California, County of Plumas, is the trial court of general jurisdiction serving Plumas County, with the main courthouse, Quincy, CA 95971 (phone: 530-283-6305). The court handles all criminal, civil, family law, probate, juvenile, small claims, and traffic matters for Plumas County. California transitioned to a unified court system in 1998, eliminating separate municipal and justice courts, so all matters are now heard in Superior Court. A branch courthouse historically operated in Portola but services have been consolidated to Quincy.
- The court's website (www.Plumas County.courts.ca.gov) provides case information, forms, filing procedures, and limited online case search capabilities through the California Courts Online Case Access system.
- Fees for copies of court documents are established by Government Code Section 70626 and typically include $0.50 per page for most documents, with certified copies costing an additional fee.
- The court clerk can provide fee schedules and accept requests for specific case documents.
Court records are governed by California Rules of Court and the Public Records Act, with most civil and criminal case files open to public inspection unless sealed by court order or protected by statute (such as juvenile dependency cases). The public can search case records in person at the courthouse during business hours, typically 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding court holidays. Online case access may require registration and accepts cases filed in recent years.
Probate matters, including wills and estate proceedings, are handled by the Probate Division, with records available for inspection subject to confidentiality rules. The court also maintains records of marriage ceremonies performed by judicial officers, though marriage licenses are issued by the County Clerk.
Property & Public Records
Plumas County Recorder-Clerk's Office, Room 102, Quincy, CA 95971 (phone: 530-283-6256), is the official repository for real property records including deeds, deeds of trust, reconveyances, easements, liens, lis pendens, subdivision maps, and other documents affecting title to real property. The Recorder's Office maintains an index of all recorded documents dating back to Plumas County's formation in 1854, with older records preserved on microfilm and microfiche. Recording fees are set by California Government Code Section 27361 and vary based on document type and page count.
- While walk-in searches of the grantor-grantee index are available, Plumas County offers limited online property record search capabilities compared to larger California counties.
- Citizens can request certified copies of recorded documents for a statutory fee, typically $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus certification fees.
- Plumas County Assessor's Office, also at 520 Main Street (phone: 530-283-6380), maintains property tax assessment rolls, parcel maps, and ownership information for all real property in Plumas County.
- Property tax payment information is handled by Plumas County Treasurer-Tax Collector at 520 Main Street (phone: 530-283-6286), which maintains records of tax payments, delinquencies, and tax sales.
Vital Records
Vital records for Plumas County, California, are maintained by Plumas County Clerk-Recorder's Office at 520 Main Street, Room 102, Quincy, CA 95971 (phone: 530-283-6256). Birth certificates for births occurring in Plumas County from July 1905 forward are available from the County Clerk, with certified copies costing $28 for the first copy and $13 for each additional copy of the same record requested at the same time, as established by California Health and Safety Code Section 103625.
- Processing time is typically immediate for in-person requests if the record is readily available, or 2-4 weeks for mail requests.
- Death certificates for deaths occurring in Plumas County are also available from the County Clerk for the same fees, with similar eligibility requirements.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Plumas County Clerk at the Quincy office, with couples required to appear in person to obtain a license; the current fee is approximately $90-$110.
- Certified copies of marriage certificates can be obtained for $14 for the first copy.
- Divorce records (marriage dissolution decrees) are court records maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Plumas, not the County Clerk, and must be requested from the court.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate direct and tangible interest as defined by law, eligible requestors include the person named on the certificate, parents, legal guardians, or authorized representatives. Confidential marriage licenses are also available under California Family Code Section 500. For births and deaths occurring elsewhere in California, or for those who prefer not to visit Plumas County office, the California Department of Public Health Vital Records Office in Sacramento provides statewide vital records (phone: 916-445-2684, website: www.cdph.ca.gov/vitals).
Online ordering of California vital records is available through the state's authorized vendor VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com, though additional processing fees apply. All vital records access is governed by California Health and Safety Code Division 102, which establishes confidentiality protections and authorized disclosure rules.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Plumas County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and record. Plumas County Clerk-Recorder's Office at 520 Main Street, Quincy, CA 95971 (phone: 530-283-6256) accepts and maintains Fictitious Business Name (FBA) statements, also known as 'Doing Business As' (DBA) filings, as required by California Business and Professions Code Section 17900. Business owners operating under a name other than their legal name must file with the County Clerk and publish the statement in a newspaper of general circulation.
- Sales tax permits (seller's permits) are issued by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), not county offices.
- Building permits and zoning compliance in unincorporated Plumas County are handled by Plumas County Building Department and Planning Department, Quincy, CA 95971 (phone: 530-283-6207).
These filings are public record and can be searched at the Clerk's office during business hours. For formal business entity filings including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other registered entities, the California Secretary of State Business Programs Division maintains the official registry. The Secretary of State's free online Business Search (bizfilenet.sos.ca.gov) allows the public to search for any business entity registered in California by entity name, entity number, or agent for service of process.
Business license requirements vary by jurisdiction; Plumas County requires business licenses for certain activities, administered by the County Administrative Office. Specific licensing information can be obtained by calling. Professional licenses for trades such as contractors, real estate agents, and health professionals are issued by the respective California state licensing boards.
Permit records, including building permits, grading permits, and code enforcement actions, are public records available for inspection. Plumas County Development Commission and local chambers of commerce, including Plumas County Visitors Bureau, provide business development resources.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Plumas County, California, are administered by Plumas County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, Room 102, Quincy, CA 95971 (phone: 530-283-6256, website: www.countyofplumas.com/elections). The office oversees all aspects of federal, state, and local elections including voter registration, ballot preparation, polling place operations, vote-by-mail ballot processing, and official canvass of results.
- To register, applicants must be U.S.
- California conducts all elections primarily by mail ballot; every registered voter automatically receives a vote-by-mail ballot at their registered address beginning 29 days before Election Day.
California residents can register to vote online through the California Secretary of State's website at registertovote.ca.gov, which provides a secure online voter registration system available in multiple languages. The voter registration deadline in California is 15 days before any election, though California also offers conditional voter registration allowing eligible citizens to register and vote provisionally up through Election Day at designated locations. Citizens, California residents, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and not currently serving a state or federal prison term for a felony conviction.
Plumas County voters can find their polling place, check registration status, and view sample ballots through Plumas County elections website or the Secretary of State's voter information portal at voterstatus.sos.ca.gov. Plumas County has transitioned to a vote center model under the California Voter's Choice Act, offering multiple days of early voting and flexible voting locations. Public election records in Plumas County include the official voter registration roll (available for inspection with personal information redacted per Elections Code Section 2194), campaign finance disclosure forms filed by local candidates and committees (subject to the Political Reform Act), nomination documents and candidate statements, precinct-level election results, and statements of vote for all contests.
These records can be inspected at the Registrar of Voters office during business hours. In the November 2024 general election, Plumas County reported voter turnout of approximately 72-78%, reflecting Plumas County's historically high participation rates compared to California's statewide average. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, which will include the U.S.
House of Representatives midterm election, one U.S. Senate seat, California Governor and other statewide constitutional offices, State Legislature seats, and local county offices and measures. Voters may return ballots by mail (no postage required, must be postmarked by Election Day), at official ballot drop boxes located throughout Plumas County, or in person at vote centers.
Applications for replacement ballots can be made by contacting the Registrar of Voters. California Elections Code and the Public Records Act ensure substantial transparency in elections; citizens can request copies of election materials, audit reports, and other records through standard public records request procedures.
Economy & Demographics
Plumas County's economy has historically been dominated by natural resource extraction, particularly timber harvesting and sawmill operations, though this sector has significantly declined since the 1990s due to federal forest policy changes, mill closures, and environmental regulations. Today, Plumas County's economy is more diversified, with key sectors including government employment (public schools, county services, U.S. Forest Service, California Department of Corrections), tourism and outdoor recreation, healthcare, and retail trade.
Major employers include Plumas County government, Plumas Unified School District, Eastern the local community Rural Health Care District (which operates hospitals in Quincy and Portola), Lassen Community College (the local community Campus), California Correctional Center in Susanville (technically in Lassen County but employing Plumas County Seat area residents), and various small hospitality businesses serving the Lake Almanor tourism market. According to U.S. Census Bureau estimates, the median household income in Plumas County is approximately $52,000-$58,000, below both state and national averages, reflecting the rural character and limited high-wage employment opportunities.
Plumas County's unemployment rate historically runs higher than state averages, typically ranging from 6-9%, with significant seasonal variation as tourism employment peaks in summer months. Key economic sectors include accommodation and food services (driven by Lake Almanor, the local community-Eureka State Park, and other recreational destinations), agriculture and ranching (cattle operations and hay production), retail trade in Plumas County's small commercial centers, and emerging remote work/telework as internet connectivity improves. The 2021 Dixie Fire, California's largest single wildfire, devastated Greenville and surrounding communities, destroying over 1,300 structures and creating ongoing economic challenges related to rebuilding, population loss, and business displacement.
Economic development efforts focus on broadband expansion, sustainable forest management and biomass energy, heritage tourism, and attracting remote workers and retirees. Plumas County Board of Supervisors and Plumas County Development Commission coordinate economic development initiatives, though Plumas County faces structural challenges including geographic isolation, limited commercial air service, declining and aging population, and vulnerability to wildfire.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (Limited) | Property: Limited: Basic Online Search | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: Online (State Level) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 6/10, Plumas County provides moderate public records access with some online capabilities, though many records require in-person visits or phone contact due to limited digital infrastructure in this rural county.
Official Government Resources
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Cities & Towns in Plumas County
Explore public records for 16 cities and communities in Plumas County, California.