About Preston County
Preston County is located in the north-central region of West Virginia, sharing its northern border with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Established in 1818 from Monongalia County, it was named in honor of James Patton Preston, the ninth Governor of Virginia. Preston County Seat is Kingwood, a small town situated along the Cheat River. Preston County includes approximately 651 square miles, making it one of the larger counties in West Virginia by land area. The 2020 Census recorded a population of approximately 34,216 residents.
Preston County is characterized by rolling Appalachian Mountains terrain, dense forests, and numerous waterways including the Cheat River, which is a popular destination for whitewater rafting and outdoor recreation. Major landmarks include Cathedral State Park, home to one of the last remaining virgin hemlock forests in the eastern United States, and Camp Dawson, a major West Virginia Army National Guard training facility. Preston County's economy historically centered on coal mining, timber, and agriculture, though tourism and outdoor recreation have become increasingly important.
Key governmental offices serving the public include Preston County Clerk located at 101 West Main Street, Suite 201 in Kingwood, Preston County Assessor's Office at the same address, and Preston County Clerk's Office, also housed in Preston County Courthouse at 101 West Main Street. Preston County is known for its rural character, strong sense of community, and proximity to both Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Morgantown, West Virginia, making it an attractive location for residents seeking a balance between rural living and access to urban amenities.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Preston County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Preston County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office conducts regular patrols, manages Preston County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. Notable divisions include the patrol division, criminal investigations, and a dedicated team for drug enforcement and prevention.
Police Departments
In addition to Preston County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Preston County. These include the Kingwood Police Department, Terra Alta Police Department, and Bruceton Mills Police Department. Each department has jurisdiction within its respective city limits and works in coordination with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and regional law enforcement initiatives. The collaboration ensures full coverage and response to criminal activities across Preston County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Preston County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 203 East Main Street in Kingwood, West Virginia 26537, is the primary law enforcement agency for Preston County. Preston County Sheriff operates Preston County Public Safety Center, which houses Preston County jail facility.
- Arrest records may also be requested from individual municipal police departments.
- Processing fees for copies of arrest records typically range from $0.50 to $1.00 per page as permitted under state law.
- West Virginia maintains a centralized criminal history repository through the West Virginia State Police, and background checks can be requested for employment or other lawful purposes.
Inmates currently detained can be looked up through the West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority website at wvdoc.com, as Preston County is part of the Tygart Valley Regional Jail system located in Belington, Barbour County. Municipal law enforcement agencies within Preston County include the Kingwood Police Department, serving Preston County Seat, and the Terra Alta Police Department. To request arrest records in Preston County, citizens may submit a written public records request to the Sheriff's Office under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (WVFOIA), codified at West Virginia Code §29B-1-1 et seq, which establishes the right of citizens to inspect and copy public records.
Mugshot and booking photos are generally available through the Sheriff's Office or Preston Countyal jail facility, though some booking information may be posted on the Sheriff's Office website or social media pages. There are no tribal police agencies operating in Preston County as there are no federally recognized tribal lands within Preston County boundaries.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Preston County's criminal records system includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registrations. Residents can request background checks through the West Virginia State Police, which provides full criminal history reports. The state's sex offender registry is also accessible to the public, making sure of community awareness and safety.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Preston County are maintained by Preston County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrested individuals. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The records are subject to the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, which governs public access to government records. Arrest records typically include the date of arrest, charges, and the arresting officer's details.
Jail & Inmate Records
Preston County Jail, located in Kingwood, handles the booking and detention of individuals arrested within Preston County. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting the personal information of detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and require prior scheduling.
- The bond and bail process in West Virginia allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with conditions set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Preston County are taken and retained by Preston 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. While there is no specific state law in West Virginia mandating the removal of mugshots from public records, individuals can request removal or sealing of records through legal proceedings if eligible. Mugshots may also be available through third-party websites, although their accuracy and legality can vary.
Courts & Case Records
Preston County's judicial system is served by the Circuit Court of Preston County, located in Preston County Courthouse at 101 West Main Street, Kingwood, West Virginia 26537. The Circuit Court phone number is. Circuit Courts in West Virginia have general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases involving amounts exceeding $300, domestic relations matters including divorce and child custody, and appeals from magistrate court.
- West Virginia has implemented CourtView, an online case search system accessible through the Supreme Court of Appeals website at courtswv.gov, though not all historical records may be available online.
- Fees for certified copies of court documents are typically $0.50 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee.
Preston County Magistrate Court, also located in Kingwood, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary examinations in felony cases, civil matters up to $10,000, evictions, emergency protective orders, and small claims. West Virginia does not use the terms Superior Court or District Court; the state's trial court system consists of Circuit Courts, Magistrate Courts, Family Courts, and Municipal Courts. The Town of Kingwood and Town of Terra Alta operate Municipal Courts with jurisdiction over traffic violations and municipal ordinances within their respective corporate limits.
Court records can be searched in person at the Circuit Clerk's office during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Public access to court records in West Virginia is governed by West Virginia Code §51-1-6, which establishes that all court records are public unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute. The Circuit Clerk's office maintains records including case files, judgments, orders, and indices dating back to Preston County's establishment.
Property & Public Records
Preston County Clerk's Office, located at 101 West Main Street, Kingwood, West Virginia 26537, maintains all land and property records for Preston County. The office can be contacted through the office’s website. This office records and preserves deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, releases, liens (including mechanics' liens, judgment liens, and tax liens), easements, rights-of-way, plat maps, subdivision plats, powers of attorney, military discharges (DD-214s), and other instruments affecting real property.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested for a fee, typically $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus $5.00 for certification.
West Virginia is a race-notice state, meaning that properly recorded documents establish priority and provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers. The Recorder's Office maintains indices searchable by grantor, grantee, and property description. While some West Virginia counties have implemented online land record search systems, Preston County's digital access may be limited, and interested parties should contact the Recorder's Office directly to inquire about current online search capabilities or visit in person during business hours.
Property tax records and assessment information are maintained by Preston County Assessor's Office at the same courthouse address The Assessor maintains property tax maps, appraisal records, and ownership information.
West Virginia Code §59-1-11 grants public access to land records maintained by county recorders. Some property information may be viewable through the West Virginia State Auditor's Property Tax Division website or through private third-party services, though official records should always be verified with Preston County offices.
Vital Records
Vital records for Preston County, including birth and death certificates, are maintained by Preston County Clerk's Office at 101 West Main Street, Suite 201, Kingwood, West Virginia 26537 Birth certificates for births occurring in Preston County can be requested from the County Clerk for events occurring after 1917, when statewide vital records registration began in West Virginia. The fee for a certified birth certificate is typically $12.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates follow a similar fee structure and can be requested by eligible family members, legal representatives, or individuals with a documented legal interest.
- Processing time for vital records requests is generally 2-4 weeks when submitted by mail, or immediate to same-day when requested in person if the record is readily accessible.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Preston County Clerk's Office; couples must apply in person, pay a $56.00 fee (which may vary), and there is no waiting period in West Virginia to receive the license.
- Authorized requestors include the registrant (for birth records), immediate family members, legal representatives, and governmental agencies with statutory authority.
Marriage records, once recorded, become public documents accessible for genealogical and legal purposes. Divorce records and divorce decrees are maintained by the Circuit Clerk as part of court records. For births and deaths that occurred elsewhere in West Virginia, or for expedited service, the West Virginia Vital Registration Office, located at 350 Capitol Street, Room 165, Charleston, West Virginia 25301, phone, maintains statewide records and offers online ordering through VitalChek at vitalchek.com.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by West Virginia Code §16-5-1 et seq, which governs vital records registration, custody, and access.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Preston County are handled through multiple offices depending on the type of business activity. Preston County Clerk's Office at 101 West Main Street, Suite 201, Kingwood, West Virginia 26537, accepts filings for trade names (doing business as, or DBA), assumed names, and fictitious name registrations for businesses operating in Preston County. The fee for filing a trade name certificate is approximately $25.00.
- The Secretary of State's online business search portal is accessible at business4.wv.gov, where users can search by business name, principal officer, or registered agent at no charge.
- This database includes information on entity status, formation date, registered agent, and principal office address.
- Businesses operating in West Virginia must also register for sales and use tax with the West Virginia State Tax Department if engaged in retail sales.
- Preston County Chamber of Commerce, which can be found online, provides support for local businesses and maintains directories of member businesses.
For full business entity searches, including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other formal business entities, the West Virginia Secretary of State Business & Licensing Division maintains the official registry. Professional licenses for occupations such as real estate agents, contractors, healthcare professionals, cosmetologists, and others are issued by respective state licensing boards rather than at Preston County level. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are issued by Preston County Planning and Zoning Department; interested parties should contact Preston County Commission for information on commercial and residential development requirements.
Local business licenses or occupation taxes may be required by incorporated municipalities such as Kingwood and Terra Alta; business owners should contact the respective town offices to determine local licensing requirements.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Preston County, West Virginia are administered by Preston County Clerk's Office, which serves as Preston County's official election authority. Located at 101 West Main Street, Suite 201, Kingwood, West Virginia 26537, the Clerk's office can be contacted through the office’s website. The office is responsible for voter registration, maintenance of voter rolls, candidate filing, poll worker recruitment, election equipment management, and certification of election results.
- In the November 2024 general election, Preston County recorded a voter turnout of approximately 60-65% of registered voters, consistent with typical West Virginia county turnout in presidential election years.
- Absentee ballot applications can be requested from the County Clerk's office and must be submitted according to statutory deadlines, typically by the Wednesday before Election Day for in-person requests.
Voter registration in Preston County can be completed in person at the County Clerk's office, by mail using a downloadable registration form, or online through the West Virginia Secretary of State's website at ovr.sos.wv.gov/Register. West Virginia law requires voter registration applications to be submitted at least 21 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. Registered voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling place by visiting the Secretary of State's voter lookup tool at services.sos.wv.gov/Elections/Voter/FindMyPollingPlace or by contacting the County Clerk directly.
Preston County typically operates approximately 25-30 polling locations across its various precincts on Election Day. Public election records include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted), candidate filing documents, campaign finance reports for county-level candidates, precinct-level election results, and absentee ballot statistics. These records are available for public inspection under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, potential U.S. Senate races depending on the cycle, and West Virginia state legislative seats.
Absentee voting in West Virginia is available to qualified voters under specific circumstances including absence from Preston County on Election Day, illness or physical disability, employment obligations, incarceration (for those not convicted of felonies or treason), and religious obligations. West Virginia has implemented early voting, with early voting periods typically beginning 13 days before Election Day and extending through the Saturday before the election. Preston County maintains transparency in its election processes, with poll watchers permitted, public testing of voting equipment, and canvassing procedures open to observation as prescribed by West Virginia Code §3-1-1 et seq.
Economy & Demographics
Preston County's economy has historically been rooted in natural resource extraction, agriculture, and forestry, though it has diversified in recent decades. Coal mining, while diminished from its peak, still contributes to the local economy, along with natural gas extraction. Agriculture remains significant, with cattle farming, poultry production, and hay being primary commodities; Preston County is home to numerous family farms and agricultural operations. The timber industry continues to provide employment through logging operations and sawmills.
- Census Bureau estimates, Preston County's median household income is approximately $45,000 to $50,000, below the national average but consistent with rural Appalachian communities.
- Preston County benefits from its proximity to Morgantown, home to West Virginia University, which provides employment opportunities for county residents.
Camp Dawson, the West Virginia Army National Guard's primary training facility, is one of Preston County's largest employers, providing both military and civilian jobs and generating significant economic activity. Tourism and outdoor recreation have grown substantially, driven by the Cheat River's reputation for world-class whitewater rafting and kayaking, attracting thousands of visitors annually. Cathedral State Park and other natural areas draw nature enthusiasts and hikers.
According to recent U.S. The unemployment rate typically tracks slightly higher than state and national averages, reflecting the challenges faced by rural economies. Major employers include Preston County Schools, Preston Memorial Hospital, local government, retail establishments, and small manufacturing operations.
Economic development efforts focus on broadband expansion to support remote work, small business development, heritage tourism, and using outdoor recreation assets. Preston County Economic Development Authority works to attract new businesses and support existing enterprises. Retail and service sectors cluster in Kingwood, Terra Alta, and along the U.S.
Route 50 corridor.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (CourtView) | Property: Limited: Online Access | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online (Regional Jail) | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail Preferred | Business: Yes: Online (State Level) | Elections: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Overall Score: 7/10, Preston County provides good access to court and law enforcement records through state systems, though property record digitization lags behind larger counties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Preston County, West Virginia?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Preston County, West Virginia?
How do I get a criminal background check in Preston County, West Virginia?
How can I look up sex offenders in Preston County, West Virginia?
How do I register to vote in Preston County, West Virginia?
How do I look up property records in Preston County, West Virginia?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Preston County, West Virginia?
How do I find business license records in Preston County, West Virginia?
Cities & Towns in Preston County
Explore public records for 14 cities and communities in Preston County, West Virginia.