About Pulaski County
Pulaski County, Arkansas, is the state's most populous county and the economic and governmental heart of Arkansas. Established on December 15, 1818, the county was named after Polish-American Revolutionary War hero Casimir Pulaski. The county seat is Little Rock, which also serves as the state capital. Pulaski County encompasses approximately 808 square miles in central Arkansas and is home to an estimated population of over 399,000 residents, making it the central hub of the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway Metropolitan Statistical Area.
The county is bordered by the Arkansas River, which flows through its center and has historically been vital to transportation and commerce. Major municipalities include Little Rock, North Little Rock, Jacksonville, Sherwood, Maumelle, and Wrightsville. Notable landmarks include the William J.
Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site (commemorating the 1957 desegregation crisis), the Arkansas State Capitol, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, and the Big Dam Bridge. The county government operates through several key agencies: the Pulaski County Clerk's office located at 401 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72201; the Pulaski County Recorder's office at the same location handling land records; and the Pulaski County Assessor's office at 201 South Broadway, Suite 150, Little Rock, AR 72201. Pulaski County's strategic location at the crossroads of multiple interstate highways (I-30, I-40, and I-430) has made it a transportation and logistics hub, while hosting the state's largest concentration of government offices, healthcare facilities, financial institutions, and technology companies.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of the county. It operates the Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility, manages patrol duties, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office also runs several community programs aimed at crime prevention and public safety, including neighborhood watch initiatives and educational outreach. The Sheriff's Office is a key player in maintaining law and order, working closely with other local law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of Pulaski County residents.
Police Departments
Pulaski County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Little Rock Police Department, North Little Rock Police Department, and Sherwood Police Department. Each department has jurisdiction over its respective city, handling local law enforcement duties and collaborating on major crimes. These agencies work in coordination to address crime across the county, sharing resources and information to enhance public safety.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Pulaski County is provided by multiple agencies with the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office serving as the primary county-level law enforcement authority. The Sheriff's Office is headquartered at 2900 South Woodrow Street, Little Rock, AR 72204, and can be reached at (501) 340-6600. The Sheriff's Office website at pulaskisheriff.com provides access to inmate information and booking records. Pulaski County operates the Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility, which houses adult inmates.
- Inmate lookup and jail roster information can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website, providing current custody status, booking photos, charges, and bond information.
- Citizens may request arrest records by contacting the arresting agency directly or submitting a FOIA request to the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office.
- Mugshots and booking photographs are typically available through the jail roster on the Sheriff's website or by requesting records from the detention facility.
- Processing fees may apply for certified copies of arrest reports.
Municipal police departments within Pulaski County include the Little Rock Police Department, North Little Rock Police Department, Jacksonville Police Department, Sherwood Police Department, Maumelle Police Department, Wrightsville Police Department, Alexander Police Department, and Cammack Village Police Department. Arrest records in Pulaski County are public records under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at Arkansas Code Annotated § 25-19-101 et seq. The Arkansas State Police also maintains a presence in Pulaski County and handles state-level law enforcement matters.
Little Rock Air Force Base, located in Jacksonville, maintains its own Security Forces for base jurisdiction. All law enforcement agencies in Pulaski County are required to maintain public logs of arrests, which are accessible to the public during normal business hours.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Pulaski County includes various types of records such as felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. These records are maintained by the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, local police departments, and the Arkansas State Police. Residents can conduct background checks through the Arkansas State Police, which provides comprehensive criminal history reports.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Pulaski County are maintained by the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, often requiring identification and a fee. A Pulaski County arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act governs the accessibility of these records, ensuring transparency and public access to arrest information.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility is the primary jail facility serving the county. It handles the booking and detention of individuals arrested within the county. Inmates can be searched through an online inmate lookup tool provided by the Sheriff's Office. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines. The bond and bail process in Arkansas allows for the release of inmates pending trial, with specific procedures outlined by the facility for posting bail.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Pulaski County are taken and retained by the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. While Arkansas does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals may seek removal through legal channels if the mugshot is deemed outdated or inaccurate. The availability of mugshots is subject to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, which regulates public access to such records.
Courts & Case Records
The Pulaski County court system includes multiple divisions and jurisdictions. The Pulaski County Circuit Court is the primary trial court of general jurisdiction, handling civil cases, criminal felonies, domestic relations, probate, and juvenile matters. The Circuit Court is located at 401 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72201, and can be reached at (501) 340-8500. Pulaski County is divided into multiple judicial circuits and districts.
- Copies of court documents can be obtained from the Circuit Clerk's office; fees are typically $0.50 per page for copies and $5.00 for certification.
- The Pulaski County Law Library is located within the courthouse and provides legal research resources.
- Many court filings can be accessed remotely through the Arkansas eFlex electronic filing system, though some sensitive documents require in-person requests with proper identification.
Online case searches are available through the Arkansas Judiciary's CourtConnect system at courtconnect.arkansas.gov, which provides free access to case information including dockets, filings, judgments, and case status for Circuit and District courts. The Pulaski County District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic violations, preliminary hearings in felony cases, and small claims matters. Municipal courts operate in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Jacksonville, and other incorporated cities within the county, handling city ordinance violations and traffic matters within their respective jurisdictions.
The Pulaski County Probate Court division handles estates, wills, guardianships, and conservatorships. Court records are public under Arkansas Code Annotated § 16-21-102 and the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) § 25-19-101 et seq., though certain records may be sealed or restricted by court order, particularly in juvenile, adoption, and certain domestic cases.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Pulaski County are maintained by the Pulaski County Recorder's Office, located at 401 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72201. The office can be contacted at (501) 340-8380. The Recorder's Office maintains and provides public access to deeds, mortgages, deed of trust documents, releases, liens (mechanic's liens, judgment liens, tax liens), easements, right-of-way documents, plat maps, surveys, and other instruments affecting real property. These records date back to the county's formation in 1818, with many historical documents available.
- Some records may be available for free viewing online, while certified copies require payment and must be obtained in person or by mail.
- The Assessor's office provides an online Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping tool that displays parcel boundaries, ownership, assessed values, and property attributes.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for $5.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page.
- Recording fees for new documents vary by document type.
- The offices accept cash, checks, and credit cards for services, and offer mail-in request options with proper payment and identification.
Pulaski County offers online property record searching through the Pulaski County Real Property Search portal, accessible via the county website. This system allows users to search by name, parcel number, or address and view scanned images of recorded documents. The Pulaski County Assessor's Office, located at 201 South Broadway, Suite 150, Little Rock, AR 72201 (phone: 501-340-8340), maintains property tax assessment records, parcel maps, ownership information, and property characteristics.
The Pulaski County Tax Collector handles property tax payments and tax sale records. All property records are public under Arkansas law § 14-14-1101 et seq., except for certain exempted personal information.
Vital Records
Vital records for Pulaski County, Arkansas, include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce records. Birth and death certificates are maintained by both the Pulaski County Health Department and the Arkansas Department of Health, Division of Vital Records.
- Birth certificates cost $12.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates follow the same fee structure and can be requested by immediate family members, legal representatives, or those demonstrating a direct and tangible interest.
- Processing time is typically 2-5 business days for in-person requests and 4-6 weeks for mail requests.
- Marriage licenses are issued by the Pulaski County Clerk's Office at 401 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72201 (phone: 501-340-8500).
- Arkansas law requires a marriage license application with valid identification and payment of the $60 fee, which is reduced to $35 if the couple completes a pre-marital counseling course.
For birth certificates, eligible applicants (the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a tangible interest) can request copies from the Pulaski County Health Unit, 4815 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205, or from the Arkansas Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, 4815 West Markham Street, Slot 44, Little Rock, AR 72205 (phone: 501-661-2336). There is no waiting period or blood test requirement. Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $10.00 each.
Divorce records and decrees are maintained by the Pulaski County Circuit Clerk at the same address. Online ordering of vital records is available through VitalChek at arkansas.gov/health/vital-records with additional service fees. Arkansas vital records law is codified at Arkansas Code Annotated § 20-18-101 et seq.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of relationship or legal interest when requesting vital records.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Pulaski County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business and license. The Pulaski County Clerk's Office at 401 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72201 (phone: 501-340-8500) maintains fictitious name (DBA - Doing Business As) registrations for businesses operating in the county. Filing a DBA costs approximately $25 and must be renewed periodically.
- The Arkansas Secretary of State's office is located at 1401 West Capitol Avenue, Suite 250, Little Rock, AR 72201 (phone: 501-682-3409).
- Building permits, zoning compliance, and land use permits are processed by the Pulaski County Planning and Development Department and by municipal planning departments within city limits.
- The Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce (littlerockchamber.com, 501-374-2001) provides business resources, networking, and economic development support.
For formal business entity formation and registration (corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and nonprofits), the Arkansas Secretary of State, Business and Commercial Services Division maintains the central registry. Their online Business Entity Search is available at sos.arkansas.gov/business-commercial-services and allows free lookup of registered entities, viewing of filing history, registered agents, status, and principal officers. Sales tax permits and revenue-related licenses are issued by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.
Professional and occupational licenses (medical, legal, contractors, cosmetology, real estate, etc.) are issued by their respective Arkansas state licensing boards. Local business licenses and permits within Pulaski County municipalities are handled by individual city clerk offices: the Little Rock City Clerk issues business licenses for operations within Little Rock city limits, and similarly for North Little Rock, Jacksonville, and other municipalities. The North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce serves the northern portion of the county.
All business filings with the county and state are public records accessible under Arkansas FOIA law.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Pulaski County, Arkansas, are administered by the Pulaski County Election Commission, located at 401 West Markham Street, Room 106, Little Rock, AR 72201. The Election Commission can be reached at (501) 340-8336, and their website is pulaskicountyvoter.com.
- Arkansas law requires voters to register at least 30 days before an election.
- In the November 2024 general election, Pulaski County experienced voter turnout of approximately 58-62% of registered voters, consistent with typical presidential election cycles in urban Arkansas counties.
- and election law § 7-1-101 et seq., citizens may request voter turnout data, precinct results, provisional ballot counts, poll worker lists, and election equipment testing records.
- Pulaski County uses modern voting equipment and provides accessible voting options at all polling locations in compliance with federal and state accessibility requirements.
Voter registration in Pulaski County can be completed online through the Arkansas Secretary of State's website at sos.arkansas.gov/elections/voter-registration, in person at the County Clerk's office or Election Commission office, at Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration Revenue Offices, or by mail using a voter registration application. Voters must be U.S. citizens, Arkansas residents, and at least 18 years old by Election Day.
Online voter registration is available for those with an Arkansas driver's license or state ID. To find your polling place in Pulaski County, voters can use the polling location lookup tool on the Arkansas Secretary of State's website at sos.arkansas.gov or contact the Pulaski County Election Commission directly. Election records that are public in Arkansas include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted under Arkansas Code § 7-1-101), precinct-level election results, candidate filings, campaign finance reports (available through the Arkansas Secretary of State), absentee ballot statistics, and election certifications.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, which will include U.S. House of Representatives races (Arkansas has four congressional districts), Arkansas state Senate and House races, and various county and municipal offices. Arkansas does not have a U.S.
Senate seat up in 2026. Absentee voting in Pulaski County is available for voters who will be unavoidable absent from their polling place on Election Day, are ill or physically disabled, or are members of the military or overseas civilians. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted to the Pulaski County Election Commission beginning 90 days before the election and must be received by the day before the election for mail ballots.
Early voting is available at designated locations throughout Pulaski County beginning 15 days before Election Day and ending the day before the election. Under Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) § 25-19-101 et seq.
Economy & Demographics
Pulaski County serves as the economic engine of Arkansas, hosting the state's largest concentration of employment, commerce, and industry. The county's economy is highly diversified with major sectors including government (state, federal, and local), healthcare, education, finance, technology, transportation and logistics, aerospace and defense, and manufacturing.
- The median household income in Pulaski County is approximately $52,000 to $58,000, somewhat higher than the statewide average.
Major employers include the State of Arkansas (employing thousands of state government workers in Little Rock), the federal government (including the Little Rock Air Force Base in Jacksonville, which employs over 6,000 military and civilian personnel), Baptist Health Medical Center, CHI St. Vincent Health System, Arkansas Children's Hospital, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Dassault Falcon Jet Corporation, Caterpillar, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, Dillard's corporate headquarters, Windstream Communications, and numerous banking and financial services firms. The Little Rock Port Authority operates a significant inland port facility on the Arkansas River, supporting barge traffic and intermodal freight operations.
The technology sector has grown significantly with the emergence of the Little Rock Technology Park and numerous software development and IT firms. Tourism contributes substantially to the local economy, driven by the Clinton Presidential Library, the River Market District, the historic Central High School site, and numerous museums and cultural attractions. The unemployment rate in Pulaski County typically tracks close to or slightly below the national average, ranging from 3.5% to 5.5% in recent years depending on economic conditions.
Economic development initiatives are led by the Little Rock Regional Chamber, Pulaski County government, and local development corporations focused on attracting new business investment, workforce development, and infrastructure improvement. The county benefits from excellent transportation infrastructure including Clinton National Airport (LIT), multiple interstate highways, rail connections, and river port facilities.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (CourtConnect) | Property: ✅ Free Search Online | Arrest/Jail: ✅ Online Roster | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or VitalChek | Business: ✅ Online (State) / ⚠️ County DBAs In-Person | Elections: ✅ Online Lookup | Overall Score: 8.5/10 — Pulaski County provides excellent digital access to most public records with robust online portals for courts, property, and jail information, though some vital and business records require in-person or mail requests.
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Cities & Towns in Pulaski County
Explore public records for 12 cities and communities in Pulaski County, Arkansas.
Nearby Counties
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