About Pulaski County
Pulaski County is located in the southwestern region of Virginia, located in the scenic New River Valley. Pulaski County Seat is the Town of Pulaski, which is the administrative center for county government operations. Including approximately 329 square miles, Pulaski County had an estimated population of around 34,000 residents as of recent census data. Pulaski County is bordered by Montgomery County to the northeast, Floyd County to the east, Carroll County to the south, Wythe County to the west, and the independent City of Radford to the north.
- The New River, one of the oldest rivers in the world, flows through Pulaski County and provides exceptional recreational opportunities.
Pulaski County was established in 1839 from parts of Montgomery and Wythe counties and was named after Count Casimir the local community, a Polish hero of the American Revolutionary War. Major landmarks include Claytor Lake State Park, a 4,500-acre reservoir popular for boating and fishing, and Peak Creek, which runs through Pulaski County Seat. Pulaski County's economy has historically been tied to manufacturing, agriculture, and furniture production.
Pulaski County Administration Building, located at 143 Third Street NW in Pulaski area, houses many county offices. The Circuit Court Clerk's office maintains land records, court documents, and vital records. The Commissioner of the Revenue serves as Pulaski County's assessor for property tax purposes, with offices also located in the Administration Building.
Pulaski County maintains a blend of rural mountain communities and small-town charm while being part of the growing New River Valley region.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Pulaski County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Pulaski County. It provides law enforcement services to the unincorporated areas of Pulaski County and operates Pulaski County jail. The Sheriff's Office is tasked with processing arrests, maintaining criminal records, and making sure of the safety and security of residents. The office also runs various community programs meant to crime prevention and public safety education.
Police Departments
In addition to Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Pulaski County is supported by municipal police departments, including the Pulaski Police Department and the Dublin Police Department. These agencies are responsible for enforcing laws within their respective town limits and work in coordination with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and investigations.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, located at 52 Peek's Lane in Pulaski, Virginia 24301, is the primary law enforcement agency for the unincorporated areas of Pulaski County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a website with information about services and public safety initiatives. The Sheriff's Office operates the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail, which serves Pulaski County and surrounding jurisdictions.
- Inmates can be located through the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority's online inmate locator system available at their website, which provides current custody status, charges, and booking information.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office or the appropriate police department.
- Mugshots and booking photographs are typically available through the jail's online inmate search system or by specific request to the Sheriff's Office.
- Processing times for records requests vary, but agencies must respond within five working days under VFOIA requirements.
- The Sheriff's Office also handles civil process service, court security, and operates a Sex Offender Registry accessible to the public for community safety.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Pulaski County includes a range of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Pulaski County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are essential for background checks and legal proceedings. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Virginia State Police, which provides full reports for people.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Pulaski County are maintained by Pulaski County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of arrests made within Pulaski County, including the date, time, and nature of the offense. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, in compliance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Arrest records typically include information such as the individual's personal details, charges filed, and the arresting officer's report.
- The process for obtaining these records may involve submitting a formal request and paying any applicable fees.
Jail & Inmate Records
The New River Valley Regional Jail serves Pulaski County and is located in Dublin, Virginia. This facility handles the booking process for people arrested within Pulaski County, providing a secure environment for detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the jail's online portal, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require visitors to schedule appointments in advance, adhering to strict security protocols.
- The bond and bail process in Virginia allows for the release of detainees under certain conditions, and information on posting bail can be obtained through the jail's administrative office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Pulaski County are taken and retained by Pulaski County Sheriff's Office as part of the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. The availability of mugshots may vary, and individuals seeking access should contact the office for specific procedures. Virginia does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals may seek legal counsel if they believe their rights have been violated.
Courts & Case Records
Pulaski County's judicial system operates through the 27th Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, with the Circuit Court located at 45 Third Street NW, Suite 101, Pulaski, VA 24301. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $4,500, domestic relations matters including divorce, and appeals from lower courts. The court can be reached for Pulaski County General District Court, located at 52 Peek's Lane, Pulaski area, VA 24301, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases up to $25,000, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
- The Circuit Court Clerk's Office maintains all court records and provides public access during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Virginia law provides public access to most court records under Virginia Code § 17.1-208 and § 16.1-69.35, with certain exceptions for sealed records and confidential matters.
- Fees for copying court documents are typically $0.50 per page, with certification available for an additional fee.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Pulaski County are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office, which serves as Pulaski County's recorder of deeds. The Clerk's office is located at 45 Third Street NW, Suite 101, Pulaski, VA 24301, and can be reached for The office maintains an extensive collection of deed books dating back to Pulaski County's establishment in 1839, including warranty deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, liens, easements, plat maps, and land surveys.
- Many land records are available online through a subscription service or by visiting the office in person during business hours.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for $2.00 for the first two pages and $1.00 for each additional page, plus a $2.00 certification fee.
Public access to land records is provided under Virginia Code § 17.1-208, which mandates open access to recorded instruments. The Clerk's office maintains indexed records searchable by grantor, grantee, property location, or deed book and page number. Property tax records and assessments are maintained separately by the Commissioner of the Revenue at 143 Third Street NW, Pulaski County, VA 24301, phone.
The Commissioner's office handles property assessments, personal property taxes, and business license assessments. Pulaski County Treasurer, located at the same address (phone 540-980-7715), collects property taxes and maintains payment records. Pulaski County offers a free online GIS mapping system accessible through Pulaski County website, allowing users to search parcels by owner name, address, or parcel identification number, view property boundaries, and access assessment data.
Vital Records
Vital records for Pulaski County, Virginia, including birth and death certificates, are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 45 Third Street NW, Suite 101, Pulaski, VA 24301. Birth certificates for births occurring in Pulaski County can be requested in person, by mail, or through authorized representatives. The fee for a certified birth certificate is $12.00 for the first copy and $12.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Death certificates cost the same amount.
- Processing time is typically immediate for in-person requests and 7-10 business days for mail requests.
- The marriage license fee is $30.00, and there is no waiting period in Virginia.
- The state office can be reached, and online ordering is available through VitalChek at vitalchek.com for an additional processing fee.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Virginia Code § 32.1-250 et seq. Marriage licenses are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office, with both parties required to appear in person with valid identification and Social Security numbers. Marriage records and divorce decrees are also maintained by the Clerk's office and are public records.
For vital records dating back further or for births and deaths occurring elsewhere in Virginia, the Virginia Department of Health Division of Vital Records in Richmond is the state repository. Birth records less than 100 years old and death records less than 25 years old have restricted access limited to authorized individuals under state privacy laws.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Pulaski County operates through multiple government offices depending on the type of business activity. The Commissioner of the Revenue, located at 143 Third Street NW, Pulaski, VA 24301 (phone 540-980-7710), handles business license applications and renewals for businesses operating within Pulaski County. Most businesses must obtain a local business license, with fees based on gross receipts.
- The filing fee for a fictitious name certificate is typically $10.00, and these records are publicly accessible.
- The SCC maintains a free online business entity search tool at scc.virginia.gov/clk/bussrch.aspx, allowing the public to search for registered businesses, view formation documents, and check entity status.
- Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use applications are processed through Pulaski County Planning and Zoning Department at 143 Third Street NW.
Fictitious name certificates (DBA - Doing Business As) and assumed name registrations are filed with the Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 45 Third Street NW, Suite 101. For state-level business entity formation, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other registered entities, businesses must register with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, real estate agents, and healthcare professionals are issued by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), not Pulaski County.
Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, located at 115 Randolph Avenue in the local community (phone 540-674-1991), provides business networking, resources, and economic development support, maintaining a directory of local businesses at Pulaski Countychamber.info.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Pulaski County are administered by Pulaski County General Registrar and Electoral Board, with offices located at 143 Third Street NW, Suite 103, Pulaski, VA 24301. The Registrar's office can be reached at and maintains information about voter registration, polling locations, and election dates. Voter registration in Virginia can be completed online through the Virginia Department of Elections at elections.virginia.gov, in person at the Registrar's office, or by mail using a paper application. The registration deadline is 22 days before any election in Virginia.
- The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.) and election-specific statutes govern access to these records.
- In the 2024 general election, Pulaski County voter turnout was approximately 60-65% of registered voters, consistent with rural Virginia patterns for presidential elections.
- The deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail is 11 days before the election, while early in-person voting is available at the Registrar's office beginning 45 days before Election Day.
- Citizens can request precinct-level results, voter history records, and copies of candidate filings under Virginia's open records laws, promoting transparency in the electoral process.
Eligible residents must be U.S. Citizens, Virginia residents, at least 18 years old by the next general election, and not currently declared mentally incapacitated by a court or convicted of a felony (unless rights have been restored). Voters can find their polling place, check registration status, and view sample ballots through the Virginia Department of Elections Citizen Portal at vote.elections.virginia.gov.
Pulaski County operates multiple precincts across Pulaski County, with locations published before each election. Election records that are public include voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted), election results by precinct, candidate filings, and campaign finance reports. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races and potentially Virginia state legislative seats depending on district boundaries. Absentee voting is available to all Virginia voters without requiring an excuse. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted online through the state portal, by mail, or in person at the Registrar's office.
Virginia law requires that absentee ballots be received by 7:00 PM on Election Day to be counted. The Electoral Board certifies election results and investigates any irregularities.
Economy & Demographics
Pulaski County's economy has undergone significant transformation from its traditional manufacturing base, though industry remains an important sector. Historically, Pulaski County was known for furniture manufacturing and textile production, with companies like Pulaski Furniture Corporation being major employers for decades. Today, the economy is more diversified across manufacturing, healthcare, retail, education, and service industries.
- The New River Valley Mall area in neighboring Radford provides significant retail employment for county residents.
- The median household income in Pulaski County is estimated at approximately $45,000 to $50,000, below the Virginia state average but consistent with rural southwestern Virginia counties.
- Tourism centered around Claytor Lake State Park, New River water recreation, and the scenic beauty of the Appalachian region provides seasonal economic activity.
- Recent economic development efforts have focused on attracting advanced manufacturing, technology companies, and remote workers drawn to Pulaski County's natural amenities and lower cost of living.
Major employers include Pulaski County Public Schools, LewisGale Hospital Pulaski County Seat area (part of the HCA Healthcare system), various manufacturing facilities, and retail establishments. Agriculture remains economically significant, with cattle farming, hay production, and small-scale crop farming contributing to the rural economy. Pulaski County benefits from its location along Interstate 81, a major commercial corridor connecting Tennessee to the Northeast.
The unemployment rate has generally tracked with state and national trends, with some volatility related to manufacturing sector changes. Pulaski County Economic Development Office works to recruit new businesses and support existing employers through workforce development and infrastructure improvements.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free GIS Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: State Online Search | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall Score: 8/10 — Pulaski County provides strong online access to most public records through county and state portals, with vital records requiring traditional request methods.