About Pulaski County
Pulaski County is located in the southernmost tip of Illinois, bordered by the Ohio River to the east and the Mississippi River to the west, forming the geographic point where Illinois meets both Kentucky and Missouri. Established in 1843 and named after Revolutionary War hero Count Casimir Pulaski, Pulaski County covers approximately 203 square miles and has a population of roughly 5,200 residents as of recent census estimates.
Pulaski County Seat is Mound City, situated along the Ohio River, while other incorporated municipalities include Olmsted, Mounds, and the village of the local community. Historically significant, Fort Defiance State Park marks the strategic confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, a site fortified during the Civil War by Union General Ulysses S. Grant.
Pulaski County played a vital role in riverine commerce and military operations throughout the 19th century. Pulaski County is part of the Metro Lakeland area and contains portions of the Shawnee National Forest. Pulaski County Courthouse, located at 500 Illinois Avenue in Mound City, houses the County Clerk, Circuit Clerk, Recorder of Deeds, and County Assessor.
Pulaski County Recorder maintains land records, while the County Clerk oversees vital records and elections. The Assessor's office, also based in Mound City, administers property tax assessments. This agricultural and river-dependent economy has shaped Pulaski County's character as a small, historically rich Southern Illinois community with deep ties to both river transportation and rural life.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Pulaski County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order within Pulaski County's unincorporated areas. This office oversees Pulaski County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is key to community safety through patrols and various programs meant to crime prevention and public engagement. The office may have divisions focused on narcotics, investigations, and community outreach, reflecting the specific needs of Pulaski County.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Pulaski County is provided by Pulaski County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments, including the Mound City Police Department and the Ullin Police Department. Each agency has jurisdiction over its respective area, with the Sheriff's Office covering unincorporated regions and coordinating with city departments on major investigations. These agencies work together to address crime and ensure public safety, sharing resources and information as needed.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 500 Illinois Avenue in Mound City, Illinois 62963 (phone: 618-748-9371), is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Pulaski County and operates Pulaski County Jail. The Sheriff's Office provides patrol, investigations, civil process service, and detention services.
- Arrest records in Pulaski County are public records under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140), and requests can be submitted to the Sheriff's Office or the arresting municipal department.
- Booking photos and mugshots are generally considered public records and can be requested through FOIA, though some departments may charge copying fees.
- Due to Pulaski County's small size and limited digital infrastructure, many arrest and inmate records require in-person requests or phone inquiries rather than online searches.
Inmate information and jail rosters are typically available by contacting the jail directly at the Sheriff's Office number, though online inmate lookup portals may be limited and residents often must call or visit in person for current booking information. Municipal police departments operate in the city of Mounds (Mounds Police Department) and provide law enforcement within their respective city limits, while Illinois State Police District 13 headquartered in DuQuoin provides additional support and patrol on state highways. Arrest logs may be available for inspection at the Sheriff's Office during regular business hours.
Pulaski County Jail houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced offenders serving county time, and visitation schedules and inmate account information are managed by the Sheriff's Office.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Pulaski County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Pulaski County Circuit Clerk maintains court records, while the Sheriff's Office handles arrest and booking records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Illinois State Police, which provides full criminal history reports. The Illinois Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for residents seeking detailed background information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Pulaski County are maintained by Pulaski County Sheriff's Office. These records include details such as the date of arrest, charges, and any bail conditions. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, often requiring a formal request under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. The arrest records provide a full view of an individual's interactions with law enforcement, including any charges filed and court dates.
Jail & Inmate Records
Pulaski County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing inmates in Pulaski County. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring visitors to schedule in advance and adhere to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process follows Illinois state guidelines, where a judge sets the bail amount, and payment can be made to secure an inmate's release.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Pulaski County are taken and retained by Pulaski County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These photos are part of the public record and can often be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. While Illinois does not have a specific law for mugshot removal, individuals may seek removal through legal channels if the mugshot is deemed inaccurate or if charges are dropped. Access to mugshots is subject to privacy laws and regulations governing public records.
Courts & Case Records
Pulaski County is part of the First Judicial Circuit of Illinois, and the Circuit Court of Pulaski County is located at Pulaski County Courthouse, 500 Illinois Avenue, Mound City, IL 62963 (phone: 618-748-9360). The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over all civil, criminal, traffic, juvenile, probate, and domestic relations cases originating in Pulaski County. Illinois circuit courts are courts of general jurisdiction and handle felony criminal prosecutions, civil cases exceeding small claims limits, divorce and family law matters, and probate estates.
- Fees for certified copies, file inspection, and document retrieval vary, typically ranging from a few dollars for copies to higher amounts for certified documents.
- In-person requests at the Circuit Clerk's office are common for Pulaski County residents.
Traffic and misdemeanor cases are also heard in the Circuit Court. Court records in Illinois are generally public under Supreme Court Rule 2-1400 and the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140), although certain records such as juvenile proceedings, mental health cases, and sealed criminal records are confidential. The Circuit Clerk's office maintains case files, dockets, and indexes.
Online case search may be available through the Illinois courts' eCourt system or local court websites, though not all rural counties have strong digital portals. The First Judicial Circuit also includes Alexander, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Pope, Saline, Union, and Williamson counties, and consolidated court administration may affect case filing and access procedures. For appellate matters, Pulaski County falls under the Fifth District Appellate Court headquartered in Mount Vernon, Illinois.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Pulaski County are maintained by Pulaski County Recorder of Deeds, located at Pulaski County Courthouse, 500 Illinois Avenue, Mound City, IL 62963 (phone: 618-748-9368). The Recorder's office is responsible for recording and indexing real estate documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, releases, liens, easements, plat maps, and other instruments affecting title to real property in Pulaski County.
- Many rural Illinois counties, including Pulaski, may have limited or no online property record search capability, requiring in-person or mail requests.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained for statutory fees, generally a few dollars per page plus a certification fee.
Illinois law requires that conveyances of real estate be recorded in Pulaski County where the property is located to provide constructive notice to the public. The Recorder's office typically maintains grantor-grantee indexes and legal description indexes to help with title searches. Property tax records and assessed valuations are handled by Pulaski County Supervisor of Assessments, also located in the courthouse (phone: 618-748-9369), which maintains parcel data, ownership information, and assessment rolls.
Pulaski County Treasurer collects property taxes and may provide tax payment history and delinquency information. Some Illinois counties provide GIS parcel viewers online, but Pulaski County's digital infrastructure may be limited; interested parties should contact the Assessor or Recorder directly. Title companies and attorneys frequently use these offices for real estate transactions and due diligence.
Vital Records
Vital records for Pulaski County, Illinois - including birth and death certificates - can be obtained through Pulaski County Clerk's Office located at Pulaski County Courthouse, 500 Illinois Avenue, Mound City, IL 62963 (phone: 618-748-9360). Pulaski County Clerk maintains records of births and deaths that occurred within Pulaski County, although full statewide indexing and certified copies are available from the Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records, 925 East Ridgely Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702 (phone: 217-782-6553).
- Fees are typically around $15 for a certified birth certificate and $19 for a death certificate at Pulaski County level, with similar or slightly higher fees at the state level.
- Processing times vary: county requests may be fulfilled within a few days if records are on file, while state requests can take several weeks.
- Marriage records are public and can be requested by anyone.
- Online ordering of vital records may be available through the state's VitalChek service, though county offices generally require in-person or mail requests.
Under the Illinois Vital Records Act (410 ILCS 535), birth certificates are restricted for 75 years and death certificates for 20 years; only eligible applicants such as the registrant, immediate family members, or legal representatives may obtain certified copies. Marriage licenses are issued by Pulaski County Clerk's Office; couples must apply in person, provide valid identification, and pay the required fee (usually around $15-$40 depending on premarital counseling completion). Divorce decrees are court records maintained by the Circuit Clerk of Pulaski County and are accessible as part of the court file, subject to applicable confidentiality rules.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Pulaski County, Illinois, are accessible through a combination of county and state offices. Pulaski County Clerk's Office at 500 Illinois Avenue, Mound City, IL 62963 (phone: 618-748-9360) handles the registration of assumed names or "Doing Business As" (DBA) filings for sole proprietorships and partnerships operating in Pulaski County, as required under the Assumed Business Name Act (805 ILCS 405). These records are public and can be searched or copied at the County Clerk's office.
- The Illinois Secretary of State offers a free online business entity search at www.ilsos.gov, where users can look up corporate names, registered agents, formation dates, and status.
- The Southern Five Regional Planning Commission provides planning and economic development support for Pulaski and surrounding counties.
For corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and other formal business entities, the Illinois Secretary of State Business Services Department in Springfield maintains the official registry. Professional licenses, such as those for contractors, healthcare providers, and cosmetologists, are regulated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and can be verified online at www.idfpr.com. Local business licenses and permits, including those for retail establishments, food service, and home occupations, may be issued by municipalities such as Mounds or by Pulaski County offices depending on zoning and local ordinances.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are typically handled by Pulaski County Zoning Office or Building and Safety Department; inquiries can be directed to the County Clerk or the County Board office. While a dedicated Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce may have limited online presence, regional economic development efforts are coordinated through organizations like the Shawnee Development Council.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Pulaski County, Illinois, are administered by Pulaski County Clerk, who is the local election authority. Pulaski County Clerk's office is located at Pulaski County Courthouse, 500 Illinois Avenue, Mound City, IL 62963 (phone: 618-748-9360).
- Pulaski County's voter turnout in the 2024 general election was approximately 60-65 percent of registered voters, consistent with typical turnout in small Southern Illinois counties during presidential elections.
- Illinois election law (10 ILCS 5) mandates transparency and public access to many election records, and citizens can request documents under the Freedom of Information Act.
Voter registration in Illinois is available online through the Illinois State Board of Elections at www.elections.il.gov, where eligible residents can register or update their information up to 16 days before an election (online and by mail deadlines) or in person through Election Day grace period registration at the County Clerk's office or polling place. Illinois offers Election Day registration with proper identification and proof of residency. Voters can confirm their registration status and find their polling place by using the online voter registration lookup at the State Board of Elections website or by contacting the County Clerk directly.
Public election records include voter registration lists (available with restrictions under 10 ILCS 5/1-7), campaign finance disclosures filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections, candidate nominating petitions and statements of candidacy, and official precinct-level election results. The next major election is the general election on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate races along with Illinois state offices including Governor, Attorney General, and General Assembly seats.
Vote-by-mail (absentee) ballots are available to all Illinois voters without an excuse requirement; applications can be submitted to the County Clerk online, by mail, or in person, with ballots mailed starting 40 days before the election and due by Election Day. Early voting is offered at the County Clerk's office and possibly additional sites in the weeks before an election. Pulaski County Clerk publishes unofficial results on election night and certifies final results within the statutory canvass period.
Economy & Demographics
Pulaski County's economy is shaped by its rural, agricultural character and its strategic location at the confluence of two major rivers. Agriculture remains a primary economic driver, with row crop farming - particularly corn and soybeans - dominating the scene, along with some livestock and timber production supported by the proximity to the Shawnee National Forest. The median household income in Pulaski County is significantly below the Illinois state average, estimated around $35,000 to $40,000 annually, reflecting the challenges of a declining and aging population.
- Tourism related to outdoor recreation, boating, fishing, hunting, and visiting Fort Defiance State Park, provides seasonal economic activity.
Major employers include government agencies, public schools, healthcare providers, and retail and service businesses. Pulaski County has experienced economic decline over recent decades due to depopulation, limited industrial base, and the closure of manufacturing and transportation-related enterprises that once thrived along the rivers. Unemployment rates in Pulaski County have historically been higher than state and national averages, reflecting structural economic challenges common to many rural Southern Illinois counties.
Economic development initiatives focus on infrastructure improvements, broadband expansion, riverfront revitalization, and attracting small businesses and retirees. Pulaski County benefits from its inclusion in federal rural development programs and state enterprise zone incentives. There are no major corporate headquarters or large industrial facilities currently operating in Pulaski County, making economic diversification and job creation ongoing priorities for local and regional development organizations.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Online | Property: Limited: In-Person/Phone Mostly | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail | Business: Yes: State Online (DBA County) | Elections: Yes: State Online Tools | Overall Score: 5/10, Pulaski County's rural infrastructure means most records require direct contact with offices; state-level systems provide some digital access.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Pulaski County
Explore public records for 9 cities and communities in Pulaski County, Illinois.