About Randolph County
Randolph County is located in the mountainous region of east-central West Virginia, including approximately 1,040 square miles of rugged Allegheny Mountain terrain. Randolph County Seat is Elkins, a historic city situated at the confluence of the Tygart Valley River and Leading Creek. As of recent census estimates, Randolph County has a population of approximately 28,000 residents. Established in 1787 and named after Edmund Randolph, the first United States Attorney General, Randolph County is one of West Virginia's oldest counties.
Randolph County is renowned for its natural beauty, including portions of the Monongahela National Forest, which covers much of Randolph County's scene. Major landmarks include Bowden Fish Hatchery, Seneca Rocks (though primarily in Pendleton County, accessible through Elkins area), and the historic Graceland Inn and Conference Center in Elkins. Randolph County is home to Davis & Elkins College, a private liberal arts institution founded in 1904.
Key county agencies include Randolph County Clerk located at 2 Randolph Avenue, Elkins, WV 26241; Randolph County Assessor's Office at the same address in Randolph County Courthouse; and Randolph County Commission, which oversees county administration. Randolph County's economy historically depended on timber, coal mining, and agriculture, though tourism and education now play increasingly important roles. Randolph County's elevation and climate make it one of West Virginia's snowiest counties, supporting winter recreation at Canaan Valley Resort State Park (partially in Tucker County) and other nearby facilities.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Randolph County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Randolph County. This office manages Randolph County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office has divisions focusing on drug enforcement and school safety, reflecting Randolph County's commitment to addressing specific local issues.
Police Departments
In addition to Randolph County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Randolph County is provided by several municipal police departments. The Elkins Police Department serves the city of Elkins, focusing on urban law enforcement and community safety. Other city departments, such as the Beverly Police Department, handle local policing within their respective jurisdictions. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and response across Randolph County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Randolph County is primarily provided by Randolph County Sheriff's Office, located at 20 Randolph Avenue, Elkins, WV 26241. The detention facility, also known as the Tygart Valley Regional Jail Authority, serves multiple counties and houses inmates for Randolph County.
- Citizens may request arrest records, incident reports, and booking information by submitting written requests to the Sheriff's Office or relevant police department.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the jail's online inmate search system or by requesting them from the Sheriff's Office records division.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of reports and photographs.
Inmate lookup and jail roster information can typically be accessed through the Tygart Valley Regional Jail's online system or by calling the facility directly. Municipal law enforcement includes the Elkins Police Department, which serves Randolph County Seat and can be contacted for Smaller municipalities may have part-time police presence or rely on county Sheriff's deputies and West Virginia State Police. Arrest records in Randolph County are considered public records under West Virginia Code §29B-1-1 et seq, the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (WVFOIA).
The West Virginia State Police Detachment in Elkins also maintains jurisdiction throughout Randolph County and can provide records for incidents they investigate. No tribal police agencies operate in Randolph County, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands in Randolph County.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Randolph County includes various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Background checks in West Virginia can be conducted through the West Virginia State Police, which provides statewide criminal history reports.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Randolph County are maintained by Randolph County Sheriff's Office. These records include details such as the date of arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, in compliance with the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Arrest records provide a summary of an individual's interactions with law enforcement in Randolph County, including any charges filed and court appearances.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Tygart Valley Regional Jail is the detention facility for Randolph County. This facility handles the booking process for people arrested within Randolph County, which includes fingerprinting, photographing, and collecting personal information. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing residents to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail require scheduling in advance, and visitors must comply with strict security protocols.
- The bond and bail process in West Virginia allows for cash or surety bonds, and information on posting bail can be obtained through the jail's administrative office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Randolph County are taken and retained by Randolph County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases. While West Virginia does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, individuals can request corrections or updates to their records if inaccuracies are found. Mugshots are often used with arrest records to provide a complete picture of an individual's legal history.
Courts & Case Records
Randolph County court system operates under West Virginia's unified judicial structure. Randolph County Circuit Court, located in Randolph County Courthouse at 2 Randolph Avenue, Elkins, WV 26241, has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $300 in controversy, domestic relations matters including divorce, and appeals from lower courts.
- In-person record searches can be conducted at the Circuit Clerk's office in the courthouse, with copy fees typically ranging from $0.50 to $1.00 per page.
- Certified copies carry additional certification fees.
- Remote access to some documents may be available through the state's electronic filing system for registered users.
The Circuit Court can be contacted through the office’s website. Randolph County Magistrate Court, also located in the courthouse complex, handles misdemeanor cases, preliminary hearings for felonies, civil cases up to $10,000, emergency protective orders, and small claims matters. The Magistrate Court phone number is. Family Court functions within the Circuit Court structure to handle juvenile matters, abuse and neglect cases, and certain domestic issues.
Court records in West Virginia are public documents under West Virginia Code §51-1-1 et seq. And the administrative rules of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. The West Virginia Judiciary maintains an online case search system at courtswv.gov where users can search circuit court and magistrate court cases by party name, case number, or attorney.
Some records may be restricted by law, including certain juvenile proceedings and sealed cases. Randolph County Clerk also is the Circuit Clerk and maintains custody of court records.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Randolph County are maintained by Randolph County Clerk, who is the Recorder of Deeds, located in Randolph County Courthouse at 2 Randolph Avenue, Elkins, WV 26241 Randolph County Clerk's office records and maintains deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens (including mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and UCC financing statements), easements, rights-of-way, oil and gas leases, and plat maps. These records are public under West Virginia Code §59-1-1 et seq. And can be searched in person during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.
- Researchers should contact the Clerk's office to determine current online availability.
- The Assessor's website may offer an online property search tool or GIS mapping system allowing users to search by owner name, parcel number, or map and lot.
Many West Virginia counties, including Randolph, are working to digitize land records, though online access varies. Randolph County Assessor's Office, located at 2 Elkins area Avenue, Elkins, WV 26241, phone, maintains property tax assessment records, including property valuations, ownership information, parcel maps, and assessment history. Property tax collection is handled by Randolph County Sheriff, who is the tax collector.
Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the County Clerk's office with fees typically set by state statute, generally $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus certification fees. Researchers conducting title searches or property due diligence should visit both the Clerk's office for deed records and the Assessor's office for current tax information.
Vital Records
Vital records for Randolph County, West Virginia, are maintained at both Randolph County and state levels under West Virginia Code §16-5-1 et seq. Birth and death certificates are primarily issued by the West Virginia Vital Registration Office, part of the Department of Health and Human Resources, located at 350 Capitol Street, Room 165, Charleston, WV 25301. Birth certificates cost $12 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously; death certificates are also $12 each.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service may be available for additional fees.
- The marriage license fee in West Virginia is set by statute and there is typically a three-day waiting period, though this can be waived by court order.
- Online ordering of birth and death certificates may be available through VitalChek or the state's authorized vendor at wvdhhr.org/bph/hsc/vital, though additional service fees apply.
- Requesters must demonstrate proper relationship to the record subject or legal authority to obtain certified copies.
Randolph County Clerk, located at 2 Randolph Avenue, Elkins, WV 26241, phone, issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records. Marriage license applications require both parties to appear in person with valid photo identification and Social Security numbers. West Virginia does not have a blood test requirement.
Divorce records and decrees are maintained by Randolph County Circuit Clerk (same office as County Clerk) as part of court records. Acceptable identification includes driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Birth records less than 100 years old and death records less than 50 years old are restricted to qualified applicants under West Virginia law.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Randolph County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Randolph County Clerk, located at 2 Randolph Avenue, Elkins, WV 26241, phone, processes and maintains Doing Business As (DBA) filings, also known as fictitious name registrations or trade name certificates. These local business name registrations are required when operating under a name other than the owner's legal name and cost approximately $25, though fees should be confirmed with the Clerk's office.
- The Secretary of State's online Business Entity Search is available at business4.wv.gov/SOS/BusinessEntitySearch where users can search by business name, entity number, or registered agent.
- This free database provides information on business status, formation date, principal office address, and registered agent.
- The Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce, reachable at or through erkcc.com, provides business resources, networking, and economic development support but does not maintain official licensing records.
For formal business entity formation and registration, the West Virginia Secretary of State's Business & Licensing Division maintains the official registry of corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other formal business structures. Professional licenses for occupations such as attorneys, medical professionals, contractors, and others are issued by respective West Virginia state licensing boards, not at Randolph County level. Randolph County Building Inspector, part of county government, handles building permits and certificates of occupancy; contact Randolph County Commission for building and zoning information.
Randolph County Commission also oversees certain local business licenses and permits.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Randolph County, West Virginia, are administered by Randolph County Clerk, serving as Randolph County's chief election official. Randolph County Clerk's Office is located at 2 Randolph Avenue, Elkins, WV 26241, and can be contacted through the office’s website. The office handles voter registration, maintains voter rolls, processes absentee ballot applications, manages polling place operations, and certifies election results. West Virginia voters can register online through the West Virginia Secretary of State's website at GoVoteWV.com, the state's centralized voter services portal.
- Applications for absentee ballots can be requested from Randolph County Clerk's office, downloaded from the Secretary of State's website, or requested online through GoVoteWV.com.
Voter registration deadlines in West Virginia require registration at least 21 days before any election. Eligible citizens must be 18 years old by election day, U.S. Citizens, residents of West Virginia and Randolph County, and not currently under conviction-related voting disqualification.
Voters can find their assigned polling place by using the polling place locator at GoVoteWV.com or by contacting the County Clerk's office directly. Randolph County operates multiple precincts throughout Randolph County, with locations subject to change based on facility availability and redistricting. West Virginia election records are public documents under state law.
Public records include official voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted), campaign finance reports filed with the West Virginia Secretary of State's office, candidate filing documents, precinct-level election results, and absentee ballot statistics. The 2024 general election saw typical turnout for Randolph County in the 60-65% range for presidential election years, consistent with rural West Virginia patterns. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives elections, potential U.S. Senate races, West Virginia state legislature contests, and county-level positions. Absentee voting in West Virginia is available to any qualified voter.
Absentee ballot applications must be received by the County Clerk no later than six days before the election. Early in-person voting is available at the County Clerk's office beginning 13 days before election day. West Virginia requires voter identification; acceptable forms include driver's license, state ID, passport, employee ID, student ID, or utility bill.
Randolph County election transparency allows citizens to request precinct results, voter turnout data, and election administration records under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act by submitting written requests to the County Clerk.
Economy & Demographics
Randolph County's economy reflects its Appalachian Mountain location with a diverse mix of traditional and emerging industries. Historically dependent on timber, coal mining, and agriculture, Randolph County has evolved to embrace education, healthcare, tourism, and government employment as primary economic drivers. Davis & Elkins College is one of the largest employers, along with Davis Medical Center (now part of WVU Medicine) in Elkins, which serves as Randolph Countyal healthcare hub. The U.S.
- Government employment at federal, state, and local levels provides economic stability.
- Median household income in Randolph County is estimated between $40,000 and $48,000, below both state and national averages, reflecting the rural character and limited high-wage employment opportunities.
Forest Service maintains significant operations due to the expansive Monongahela National Forest lands within county boundaries. Manufacturing, though diminished from historical peaks, still contributes through wood products and small-scale industrial operations. Tourism has grown substantially, with outdoor recreation including skiing, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and ecotourism drawing visitors year-round.
The Augusta Heritage Center at Davis & Elkins College attracts cultural tourists interested in Appalachian arts and music. Unemployment rates fluctuate seasonally due to tourism employment patterns but generally track close to state averages. Economic development efforts focus on broadband infrastructure expansion, tourism promotion, downtown Elkins revitalization, and supporting small business growth.
The timber industry continues with several sawmills and wood product manufacturers. Agriculture remains significant with cattle farming, sheep operations, and specialty crops including maple syrup production. Recent economic development initiatives have explored outdoor recreation economy development, using proximity to national forest lands and the Allegheny Highlands Trail system.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Property: Limited: Online Access | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Jail Roster Online | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail Required | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Info | Overall Score: 7/10, Randolph County provides solid access through state systems, though some county-specific records require in-person visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Randolph County
Explore public records for 21 cities and communities in Randolph County, West Virginia.