About Quitman County
Quitman County is located in the southwestern corner of Georgia, positioned along the Alabama state line in the state's rural coastal plain region. Quitman County was established in 1858 and named after General John A. Quitman, a hero of the Mexican-American War. Georgetown serves as Quitman County seat, a small community that functions as the administrative center for this sparsely populated county. According to recent census estimates, Quitman County has a population of approximately 2,100 residents spread across 150 square miles, making it one of Georgia's least populated counties. The scene is characterized by agricultural lands, timberland, and remnants of antebellum plantations. Quitman County is bordered by Stewart County to the north, Randolph County to the south, and Clay County to the east, while the Chattahoochee River forms its western boundary with Alabama. Major landmarks include historic Georgetown, Lake Walter F. George (also known as Lake Eufaula) along the western border, and numerous agricultural operations. Quitman County Courthouse, located at 9 Commerce Street in Georgetown, houses the Superior Court Clerk's office and other county administrative functions. Quitman County Tax Assessor's office maintains property records and valuations at the same courthouse address. The Board of Commissioners governs county affairs and oversees public services. Quitman County's economy has historically been rooted in agriculture, particularly cotton, peanuts, and timber production, which continue to shape Quitman County's rural character and economic base today.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Quitman County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Quitman County. It patrols the unincorporated areas, manages Quitman County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is dedicated to community safety and often engages in outreach programs to foster a collaborative relationship with residents.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Quitman County is primarily provided by Quitman County Sheriff's Office. The Georgetown Police Department serves the city of Georgetown, focusing on municipal law enforcement and community safety. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergency responses, making sure of full coverage across Quitman County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Quitman County is primarily provided by Quitman County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 257 Scallorn Street in Georgetown, Georgia 39854. Quitman County Jail houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving short sentences for misdemeanor convictions.
- Under Georgia's Open Records Act (§ 50-18-70 et seq.), arrest records, incident reports, and booking information are generally public records available upon request.
- Citizens seeking arrest records should submit a written or in-person request to the Sheriff's Office, identifying the specific records sought with as much detail as possible.
- Georgia law requires agencies to respond to open records requests promptly, typically within three business days.
- Mugshots and booking photos are considered public record in Georgia and are available through the Sheriff's Office, though Quitman County does not publish these online.
- Fees for copies of reports and records may apply according to Quitman County's established fee schedule.
Inmate information and booking records can typically be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, though Quitman County does not currently maintain a full online inmate search portal. The City of Georgetown maintains a small municipal police presence for city-limit enforcement.
No tribal police jurisdictions exist in Quitman County. For emergency law enforcement assistance, residents should dial 911; for non-emergency matters, contact the Sheriff's Office directly at the number listed above.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Quitman County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can conduct background checks through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which offers a full database for statewide criminal records. The GBI's services are crucial for Quitman County residents seeking detailed background information for employment, housing, or personal purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Quitman County are maintained by Quitman County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the individual. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the sheriff's office directly. Under the Georgia Open Records Act, these records are generally accessible to the public, although certain restrictions may apply to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive information. Arrest records typically include the date of arrest, charges, and any court proceedings associated with the case.
Jail & Inmate Records
Quitman County Jail, located in Georgetown, is the primary detention facility for Quitman County. It handles the booking process for people arrested within Quitman County, where they are photographed, fingerprinted, and their personal information is recorded. The jail provides an inmate lookup service through the sheriff's office, allowing family members and attorneys to find information about detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled times and security protocols in place.
- The bond and bail process follows Georgia state guidelines, allowing for the release of individuals pending trial once bail is posted.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Quitman County are taken and retained by Quitman 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 or online databases that compile public records. While Georgia does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, individuals can request removal from third-party sites if the charges are dropped or if they are found not guilty. The sheriff's office may provide access to mugshots upon request, subject to public records laws and privacy considerations.
Courts & Case Records
Quitman County Superior Court is the court of general jurisdiction handling felony criminal cases, civil actions, divorce proceedings, and land title disputes. The Superior Court Clerk's office is located in Quitman County Courthouse at 9 Commerce Street, Georgetown, GA 39854, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Quitman County is part of the Pataula Judicial Circuit, which also includes Clay and Early counties. Superior Court sessions are scheduled periodically throughout the year with a circuit judge presiding.
- Court records can be accessed in person at the Clerk's office during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Quitman County does not currently offer online case lookup through a county-specific portal, though Georgia's statewide eFile system provides some access to case information for attorneys and registered users.
- The Magistrate Court has jurisdiction over small claims disputes (up to $15,000), dispossessory actions (evictions), county ordinance violations, and issues arrest warrants.
- Copies of court documents can be obtained from the appropriate court clerk's office; fees for certified copies and record searches apply according to schedules set by Georgia law.
- Requests for older or archived records may require advance notice and additional processing time.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Quitman County are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court, who is the ex-officio Register of Deeds. The office is located in Quitman County Courthouse at 9 Commerce Street, Georgetown, GA 39854 The Clerk's office maintains an extensive collection of recorded documents including warranty deeds, security deeds (mortgages), quitclaim deeds, liens (both voluntary and involuntary), easements, rights-of-way, plat maps, and other instruments affecting real property.
- Quitman County does not currently offer a full online searchable database for deed records; researchers must visit the Clerk's office in person or contact the office by phone to request specific document searches.
- Certified copies of recorded instruments are available for statutory fees.
- Recording fees for new documents follow the fee schedule established by Georgia statute.
These records date back to Quitman County's establishment in 1858, with some gaps during and immediately after the Civil War. Georgia law requires that real property conveyances be recorded to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors. Property tax records and current ownership information are maintained by Quitman County Tax Assessor's office, also located in the courthouse.
The Tax Assessor determines property valuations for ad valorem tax purposes and maintains parcel maps and ownership data. Property tax records, including assessment values, millage rates, and payment histories, can be accessed through the Tax Commissioner's office for While Quitman County does not maintain its own online GIS (Geographic Information System) or property mapping portal, basic property information may be accessible through regional or state-level databases. Property owners and title researchers seeking full chain-of-title information should plan to visit the courthouse in person or retain a local abstractor or title company to conduct searches.
Vital Records
Vital records for Quitman County residents are maintained at both Quitman County and state levels. Birth and death certificates occurring in Quitman County can be obtained from Quitman County Probate Court, located in Quitman County Courthouse at 9 Commerce Street, Georgetown, GA 39854 The Probate Court typically maintains vital records for events occurring within Quitman County. However, the Georgia Department of Public Health, Vital Records Office in Atlanta is the central repository for all Georgia vital records and is often the most reliable source for certified copies.
- Birth certificates cost $25 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; death certificates cost $25 each.
- Processing times vary but typically range from two to four weeks for mail requests, while in-person requests at Quitman County level may be processed same-day if records are readily available.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through VitalChek, the state's authorized vendor, at https://www.vitalchek.com, though additional service fees apply for this convenience.
The state Vital Records office can be reached at or online at https://dph.georgia.gov/vital records. Under Georgia law (§ 31-10-1 et seq.), birth and death records are restricted; only eligible individuals such as the person named on the certificate (if of legal age), parents, legal guardians, legal representatives, or those with a direct and tangible interest may obtain certified copies. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and complete the appropriate application form.
Marriage licenses are issued by Quitman County Probate Court; couples planning to marry in Georgia must apply in person, pay the required fee (typically around $56 with premarital education waiver, or higher without), and observe the mandatory waiting period unless waived. Marriage certificates documenting the solemnization can be obtained from the same office. Divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court where the divorce was granted.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Quitman County are maintained by various county and state agencies depending on the type of business activity. Fictitious name registrations (Doing Business As or DBA filings) for businesses operating in Quitman County are filed with the Clerk of Superior Court at Quitman County Courthouse, 9 Commerce Street, Georgetown, GA 39854 These local business name registrations provide public notice of business ownership and can be searched through the Clerk's office during regular business hours.
For full business entity searches including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other formal business structures, the Georgia Secretary of State Corporations Division maintains a searchable online database at https://ecorp.sos.ga.gov/BusinessSearch. This free public database allows users to search by business name, registered agent, or control number to verify business registration status, view filing history, and identify business officers and registered office addresses. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, real estate agents, cosmetologists, and healthcare professionals are regulated by Georgia's state licensing boards rather than at Quitman County level.
Sales tax permits and certificates are issued by the Georgia Department of Revenue and can be verified through state resources. Building permits, land use permits, and zoning applications in unincorporated Quitman County are handled by Quitman County's planning or building department; interested parties should contact Quitman County Board of Commissioners office for current procedures and requirements. The City of Georgetown maintains separate building and business licensing requirements for activities within city limits.
While Quitman County's small size means it does not have a traditional chamber of commerce organization, regional economic development resources and business support may be available through multi-county initiatives or the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Quitman County, Georgia?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Quitman County, Georgia?
How can I get a criminal background check in Quitman County, Georgia?
How do I look up sex offenders in Quitman County, Georgia?
How do I register to vote in Quitman County, Georgia?
How do I look up property records in Quitman County, Georgia?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Quitman County, Georgia?
How do I find business license records in Quitman County, Georgia?
Cities & Towns in Quitman County
Economy & Demographics
Quitman County's economy remains fundamentally agricultural, reflecting its rural character and rich soil resources in Georgia's coastal plain. Quitman County's economic base is built on row crop agriculture, particularly peanuts, cotton, corn, and soybeans, along with substantial timber production from managed pine forests. Agricultural operations range from family farms to larger commercial farming enterprises that employ seasonal labor during planting and harvest periods.
Timber harvesting and forest products contribute significantly to the local economy, with landowners managing extensive acreage for pulpwood and sawtimber production. According to recent Census Bureau estimates, Quitman County's median household income approximates $33,000 to $38,000, substantially below both state and national averages, reflecting Quitman County's rural economy and limited industrial base. Quitman County's small population and remote location have not attracted large-scale manufacturing or corporate facilities.
Major employers include Quitman County government, school system, agricultural operations, and small retail and service businesses primarily concentrated in Georgetown. The unemployment rate in Quitman County tends to fluctuate with agricultural seasons and typically runs higher than state averages due to the seasonal nature of farm work and limited employment diversity. Lake Walter F.
George (Lake Eufaula) along Quitman County's western border provides some tourism-related economic activity through fishing, boating, and recreational visits, though Quitman County captures less of this market than neighboring counties with more developed lakefront infrastructure. Economic development challenges include population decline, limited infrastructure, distance from major markets and interstate highways, and an aging demographic profile. Efforts to diversify the economy and attract new investment face obstacles related to Quitman County's small workforce, limited industrial sites, and competition from counties with better transportation access.
Some residents commute to employment opportunities in larger nearby communities such as Cuthbert, Eufaula (Alabama), or Columbus. Government assistance programs and agricultural subsidies play important roles in household economics for many county residents.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Quitman County, Georgia, are administered by Quitman County Board of Elections and Registration, which oversees voter registration, election conduct, and ballot tabulation for all federal, state, and local elections. The Board of Elections office is located in Quitman County Courthouse complex in Georgetown and can be contacted through the office’s website. voter registration and election inquiries.
- Registered voters can verify their registration status, find their assigned polling place, view sample ballots, and check absentee ballot status through the My Voter Page portal.
- These records can be requested from the Board of Elections under Georgia's Open Records Act (§ 50-18-70 et seq.).
- In the November 2024 general election, Quitman County
Voter registration in Quitman County is available through multiple channels: eligible citizens may register online through the Georgia Secretary of State's My Voter Page at https://mvp.sos.ga.gov, in person at the Board of Elections office, at the Georgia Department of Driver Services when obtaining or renewing a driver's license, or by completing and mailing a voter registration application. Under Georgia law, voter registration applications must be submitted at least 29 days before an election for the applicant to be eligible to vote in that election. Quitman County typically operates one or two polling locations on election day due to its small population; the exact location can be confirmed through the Board of Elections or the online voter portal.
Election records that are public under Georgia law include Quitman County's voter registration list (with certain personal information redacted for privacy), campaign financial disclosure reports filed by candidates and committees, candidate qualifying documents, and precinct-level election results showing vote totals by race and precinct.
Senate contests depending on seat schedules, Georgia state constitutional officers, Georgia General Assembly seats, and county-level offices. Absentee voting in Quitman County is available to any registered voter who requests an absentee ballot; applications can be submitted online through the My Voter Page, by mail, by fax, or in person at the Board of Elections office. Absentee ballot applications for a particular election must be received by the Friday before election day, and completed ballots must be received by 7:00 PM on election day to be counted.
Early voting is offered at a designated location in Georgetown for a period before each election as required by Georgia law, typically beginning three weeks before election day. Georgia has implemented election transparency measures including post-election audits, voting equipment testing protocols open to public observation, and public access to election results at the precinct level, all of which enhance accountability in Quitman County's election administration.