About Somerset County
Somerset County is located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, bounded by the Wicomico River to the north, Pocomoke Sound to the south, and the Chesapeake Bay to the west. The county seat is Princess Anne, a historic town incorporated in 1733 and named after King George II's daughter. Somerset County encompasses approximately 327 square miles of land and 363 square miles of water, making it one of Maryland's most water-rich counties. The population is approximately 25,000 residents according to recent census estimates.
- this county's economy has historically centered on agriculture, seafood harvesting, and poultry processing.
The county is home to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, a historically black university and member of the University System of Maryland. Major landmarks include the Teackle Mansion, Deal Island Wildlife Management Area, and Janes Island State Park. The county was established in 1666, making it one of Maryland's oldest counties.
The the county Courthouse is located at 30512 Prince William Street in Princess Anne. The this jurisdiction Clerk's Office maintains court records and vital records at the courthouse. The this jurisdiction Assessment and Taxation Office, located at 11916 Somerset Avenue in Princess Anne, handles property assessments and tax records.
The county's unique character is shaped by its Chesapeake Bay maritime heritage, significant African American history, and rural agricultural landscape.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Somerset County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of the county. This office handles a range of duties including patrolling, responding to emergencies, and conducting criminal investigations. The Sheriff's Office also manages the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is known for its community outreach programs and efforts to engage with local residents to enhance public safety.
Police Departments
In addition to the Somerset County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county is provided by municipal police departments such as the Princess Anne Police Department and the Crisfield Police Department. The Princess Anne Police Department serves the town of Princess Anne, focusing on local crime prevention and community policing. The Crisfield Police Department operates in the city of Crisfield, handling city-specific law enforcement duties.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Somerset County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 30447 Prince William Street in Princess Anne, Maryland 21853, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the county. The Sheriff's Office phone number is (410) 651-1435, and their operations include patrol, criminal investigations, civil process service, and management of the Somerset County Detention Center.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Maryland and can be requested through the arresting agency.
- Response times vary, and agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies and research time as permitted under the MPIA.
Inmates housed at the this county Detention Center can be located through the Sheriff's Office during business hours by calling the main number or visiting the office in person; Maryland does not maintain a centralized statewide inmate search, so county-level inquiries are necessary. Municipal police departments in the region include the Princess Anne Police Department and the Crisfield Police Department, which handle law enforcement within their respective town limits. The Princess Anne Police Department is located at 11770 Somerset Avenue, Princess Anne, MD 21853, and can be reached at (410) 651-1822.
The Crisfield Police Department serves Maryland's self-proclaimed "Seafood Capital" and maintains jurisdiction within Crisfield city limits. Arrest records in Somerset County are public records subject to the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), codified at Maryland Code, General Provisions Article §§ 4-101 through 4-601. Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Somerset County Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department, though certain information may be redacted under MPIA exceptions for ongoing investigations or confidential informants.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Somerset County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registrations. The Somerset County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the Maryland Public Information Act. Background checks in Maryland can be conducted through the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, which provides statewide criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Somerset County are maintained by the Somerset County Sheriff's Office. These records include information such as the date of arrest, charges, and personal details of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the Maryland Public Information Act, individuals have the right to access public records, including arrest records, unless they are exempt from disclosure.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Somerset County Detention Center, located in Westover, is the primary facility for housing individuals arrested in the county. The booking process at the detention center involves photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the county's official website, allowing the public to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules at the detention center require visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to specific guidelines regarding conduct and attire.
- In Maryland, the bond or bail process allows for the release of detainees under certain conditions, and information on posting bail can be obtained from the detention center staff.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Somerset County are taken and retained by the Somerset County Sheriff's Office during the booking process at the detention center. These booking photos are part of the arrest record and can be accessed by the public through requests to the Sheriff's Office. While some third-party websites may offer mugshot searches, the most reliable source is directly through the county's official channels. Maryland does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals can petition for removal if the charges are dropped or expunged.
- The Sheriff's Office provides guidelines on how to request the removal of mugshots from public records.
Courts & Case Records
Somerset County is served by the Circuit Court for Somerset County, located at 30512 Prince William Street, Princess Anne, MD 21853. The Circuit Court phone number is (410) 651-0869. This court has general jurisdiction over major civil cases, felony criminal cases, family law matters including divorce, and appeals from the District Court. The District Court of Maryland for this jurisdiction, also located at the same courthouse address, handles smaller civil claims (under $30,000), landlord-tenant disputes, misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
- Maryland provides online case search through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search system at casesearch.courts.state.md.us, which offers free public access to case information from all Maryland courts, including the region.
- The system provides docket entries, case dispositions, and scheduled hearings.
- Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the Clerk of the Circuit Court for a fee of $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, plus a $5 certification fee.
Property & Public Records
The Somerset County Land Records Office, maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 30512 Prince William Street, Princess Anne, MD 21853, is the official repository for all land records in the county. The office can be reached at (410) 651-0869. Available records include deeds, mortgages, liens, releases, easements, plat maps, subdivision plats, and other instruments affecting real property title. Somerset County participates in the Maryland Land Records system, providing free online access to land records through mdlandrec.net.
- Certified copies of recorded land documents are available from the Land Records Office for $20 for a two-sided document plus $1 per additional page.
- The county's GIS mapping system can be accessed through the county website and provides parcel boundaries, zoning information, and aerial photography.
Users can search by grantor/grantee name, liber and folio (book and page), plat reference, or property address. Land records dating back to the county's earliest recordings are being digitized and added to the online system. The this jurisdiction Assessment and Taxation Office, located at 11916 Somerset Avenue, Princess Anne, MD 21853 (phone: 410-651-0777), maintains property tax assessment records, property account information, and geographic information system (GIS) data.
The State Department of Assessments and Taxation provides an online property search at sdat.dat.maryland.gov where users can search the county properties by owner name, address, or account number to view assessment values, property characteristics, sales history, and current tax information free of charge.
Vital Records
Vital records for Somerset County, Maryland, including birth and death certificates, are maintained by the Maryland Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, located at 6550 Reisterstown Road Plaza, Baltimore, MD 21215. Birth certificates cost $24 for the first copy and $16 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; death certificates are $12 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy. Processing time is typically 3-4 weeks for mail requests.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at mdh.maryland.gov/vitalrecords with expedited processing for an additional fee.
- The marriage license fee is $80 (cash or money order only), and there is a 48-hour waiting period after issuance before the ceremony can be performed.
- Certified copies of marriage certificates can be obtained from the Circuit Court Clerk for $6.
Birth records are restricted for 100 years and death records for 20 years under Maryland Code, Health-General Article §§ 4-201 through 4-226, which governs vital records. Eligible applicants include the registrant (for birth records), immediate family members, legal representatives, and others with documented legal interest. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification.
Marriage licenses in Somerset County are issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 30512 Prince William Street, Princess Anne, MD 21853, phone (410) 651-0869. Both parties must appear in person with valid photo identification and Social Security numbers. Divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Court as part of court case files and can be searched through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search system.
Alternate contact for recent vital records is the region Health Department at 8928 Sign Post Road, Westover, MD 21890, phone (410) 651-0320, which may assist with birth and death certificate applications.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Somerset County operates through multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. The Somerset County Clerk of the Circuit Court, located at 30512 Prince William Street, Princess Anne, MD 21853 (phone: 410-651-0869), handles filing of trade names (doing business as or DBA filings) and other business-related documents at the county level. Trade name certificates cost approximately $25 to file and must be published in a local newspaper.
- Specific regulated activities may require professional licenses from Maryland state agencies; these can be searched through the Maryland Department of Labor's online license verification system.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and other statutory entities, businesses must register with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation, Charter Division, which maintains the Maryland Business Express system at businessexpress.maryland.gov. This free online portal allows searches of all registered Maryland business entities by name, resident agent, or identification number, providing formation dates, status, principal office addresses, and registered agent information. County-level business licenses and permits are administered by Somerset County Department of Economic Development and Tourism.
Building permits, construction permits, and zoning compliance are handled by the area Department of Technical and Community Services, located at 11916 Somerset Avenue, Princess Anne, MD 21853, phone (410) 651-0757. The the area Chamber of Commerce, serving Princess Anne, Crisfield, and surrounding communities, provides business resources and networking opportunities; contact information and member directories are available through local economic development offices. Sales and use tax licenses are issued by the Comptroller of Maryland and can be applied for online at comp.state.md.us.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Somerset County, Maryland, are administered by the Somerset County Board of Elections, located at 11916 Somerset Avenue, Room 214, Princess Anne, MD 21853. The office can be reached at (410) 651-0852, and information is available through the Maryland State Board of Elections website at elections.maryland.gov.
- Maryland requires voters to register at least 21 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
- In the November 2024 general election, this county voter turnout was approximately 55-60% of registered voters, consistent with typical turnout patterns for presidential elections in rural Maryland counties.
- Voters can request mail-in ballots online through the Maryland Board of Elections website, by mail, or in person at the Board of Elections office.
Voter registration in this jurisdiction can be completed online through the Maryland Online Voter Registration system at voterservices.elections.maryland.gov, in person at the Board of Elections office, at the Motor Vehicle Administration, or by mail using a voter registration application. Residents must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by the next general election, Maryland residents, and not under guardianship for mental disability or convicted of a felony (unless rights have been restored).
Voters can find their polling place, view sample ballots, and check registration status through the Maryland Voter Lookup system at voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/PollingPlaceSearch. the area operates multiple polling locations throughout the county on Election Day, typically open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Public election records in Maryland include voter registration lists (available with restrictions under Maryland Election Law Article § 3-506), campaign finance reports filed with the Maryland State Board of Elections, candidate filing information, and precinct-level election results.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races (the county is part of Maryland's 1st Congressional District), potential U.S. Senate seats, Maryland state constitutional offices including Governor (if a special election is called), and local county positions.
Absentee ballots and mail-in voting are available to all Maryland voters without requiring an excuse under recent expansions of vote-by-mail. Applications must be received by the Tuesday before Election Day. Maryland law provides transparency through public access to election records under the Maryland Public Information Act and Election Law Article, allowing citizens to request voter lists, campaign finance disclosure reports, and election results data, though certain personal information is protected from disclosure.
Economy & Demographics
Somerset County's economy is traditionally rooted in agriculture, aquaculture, and food processing, with significant contributions from poultry farming, grain production, and the Chesapeake Bay seafood industry. The county is one of Maryland's leading agricultural producers, with farming representing a substantial portion of land use and employment. Major employers include the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, which employs hundreds of faculty and staff and contributes significantly to the local economy through education and research programs.
- Perdue Farms, one of the nation's largest poultry producers, has processing facilities and contract farming operations throughout Somerset County.
- The median household income in this jurisdiction is approximately $40,000-$45,000, below the Maryland state median, reflecting the rural character and agricultural base of the local economy.
- The healthcare sector provides employment through Peninsula Regional Medical Center affiliates and local health services.
The seafood industry, particularly blue crab harvesting and oyster aquaculture, remains economically important despite challenges from environmental pressures and market competition. Tourism contributes to the economy through destinations like Crisfield, known as the gateway to Smith Island and Tangier Island, Janes Island State Park, and Deal Island. this area has faced economic challenges including population decline, limited diversification, and below-state-average income levels.
Economic development initiatives focus on broadband infrastructure expansion, downtown revitalization in Princess Anne and Crisfield, heritage tourism promotion, and support for small business development. The this county Economic Development Commission works to attract new businesses and retain existing employers. Unemployment rates in this jurisdiction have historically tracked above state averages but benefit from agricultural employment stability and public sector jobs.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (Free Case Search) | Property: Yes: Free Search (MD Land Records & SDAT) | Arrest/Jail: Limited: In-Person/Phone Request | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Online (MD Business Express) | Elections: Yes: Online (MD Voter Services) | Overall Score: 7.5/10 — Somerset County benefits from Maryland's strong statewide digital infrastructure for court, property, and business records, though some county-specific records require in-person requests.
Official Government Resources
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Cities & Towns in Somerset County
Explore public records for 11 cities and communities in Somerset County, Maryland.