About Strafford County
Strafford County is located in southeastern New Hampshire, bordering Maine to the east and including approximately 384 square miles. Strafford County Seat is Dover, one of the oldest permanent settlements in New Hampshire, incorporated in 1623. Strafford County has a population of approximately 130,000 residents as of recent census estimates, making it one of the state's more populous counties.
Strafford County comprises thirteen municipalities including the cities of Dover, Rochester, and Somersworth, along with towns such as Durham (home to the University of New Hampshire's main campus), Barrington, Farmington, Lee, Madbury, Middleton, Milton, New Durham, Rollinsford, and Strafford. The Cocheco River flows through Dover and Rochester, historically powering mills that drove Strafford County's industrial economy. Major landmarks include the historic Dover downtown, Great Bay estuary to the south, and numerous conservation areas.
Strafford County Registry of Deeds, located at 259 County Farm Road, Suite 203, Dover, NH 03820, maintains land records dating back to Strafford County's 1773 establishment. Strafford County Commissioners office oversees county government operations, while the County Attorney prosecutes criminal cases. Strafford County complex on County Farm Road houses most county offices including the Registry of Deeds, Superior Court, Department of Corrections, and administrative offices.
What makes Strafford County unique is its blend of historic New England mill cities, a major research university, and rural agricultural communities, all within proximity to both the seacoast and New Hampshire's lakes region.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Strafford County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Strafford County. It operates Strafford County House of Corrections, manages the service of civil processes, and provides security for Strafford County courts. Notable programs include community outreach and crime prevention initiatives meant to enhancing public safety and reducing crime rates in Strafford County.
Police Departments
Strafford County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Strafford County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Dover Police Department, Rochester Police Department, and Somersworth Police Department are the main city police agencies within Strafford County. Each department is responsible for maintaining law and order within its respective city limits, while the Sheriff's Office handles the broader county jurisdiction. These agencies often collaborate on major investigations and share resources to effectively address crime across Strafford County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Strafford County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 259 County Farm Road, Dover, NH 03820, provides law enforcement services throughout Strafford County and operates Strafford County Department of Corrections. Strafford County jail inmate roster is available online through the Department of Corrections section of Strafford County website at www.straffordcountynh.gov, where the public can search current inmates by name or booking number.
- Arrest records and booking information are considered public records under New Hampshire RSA 91-A, the state's Right-to-Know Law, which requires government agencies to provide access to public records upon request.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting written requests to the specific police department that made the arrest or to the Sheriff's Office.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the jail's inmate search system or by requesting records from the arresting agency.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of reports and photographs.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Strafford County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request background checks through the Bureau, which includes information on arrests, convictions, and other criminal activities. The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, providing information on registered offenders residing in Strafford County.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Strafford County are maintained by Strafford County Sheriff's Office and the local police departments. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, often requiring a fee. Arrest records typically include the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and the arresting agency. The New Hampshire Right to Know Law governs public access to these records, for public access in law enforcement activities.
Jail & Inmate Records
Strafford County House of Corrections, located in Dover, is the primary detention facility for Strafford County. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting individuals upon arrest, and inmates can be searched through an online inmate lookup tool provided by Strafford County. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled times and regulations to ensure security. The bond and bail process follows New Hampshire state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees pending trial.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Strafford County are taken and retained by Strafford County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the sheriff's website or by request. New Hampshire does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals may petition for removal or sealing of records under certain circumstances. Third-party websites may also display these images, but they are primarily sourced from official county records.
Courts & Case Records
Strafford County is served by the New Hampshire Superior Court and Circuit Court system. Strafford County Superior Court, located at 259 County Farm Road, Dover, NH 03820 (phone: 603-742-3065), has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, major civil actions exceeding $25,000, and appeals from lower courts. The court hears cases in both Dover and Rochester locations.
- While basic case information and dockets are available online at no charge, certified copies of documents require in-person or mail requests with fees typically ranging from $5-$15 per document.
- The court clerk's offices accept requests for case files during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Remote electronic access has expanded in recent years, allowing attorneys and parties to file documents electronically through the state's e-filing portal.
Strafford County Circuit Court system includes District Division courts handling misdemeanors, small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, and civil cases under $25,000, with locations in Dover (603-742-7202) and Rochester (603-332-3610). Strafford County Probate Court, also at 259 County Farm Road (603-742-2550), handles wills, estates, guardianships, adoptions, and name changes. The New Hampshire Judicial Branch maintains an online case lookup system at www.courts.nh.gov where the public can search case records by party name, case number, or attorney.
Access to court records is governed by New Hampshire Supreme Court Rules and RSA 91-A. Some records, including sealed cases, juvenile matters, and certain family court proceedings, are restricted from public access.
Property & Public Records
Strafford County Registry of Deeds, located at 259 County Farm Road, Suite 203, Dover, NH 03820 (phone: 603-742-1741), maintains all property and land records for Strafford County. Register of Deeds Leo Lessard oversees recording of deeds, mortgages, liens, attachments, financing statements, subdivision plats, easements, and other documents affecting real property title.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $2.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a $5.00 certification fee.
- Recording fees for new documents are $15.00 for the first page and $5.00 for each additional page.
- Requests for certified copies can be made in person at the Registry office (open Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM), by mail with payment, or through the online ordering system for an additional processing fee.
The Registry provides a full online search system at www.straffordcountydeeds.com where users can search and view recorded documents free of charge, with images available from 1979 to present and indexed records extending back to Strafford County's founding in 1773. The database allows searching by grantor/grantee name, book and page, property location, or document type. Property tax assessment information is maintained by individual municipal tax assessors in each city and town rather than at Strafford County level, though the Registry of Deeds website provides links to local assessment databases.
Many Strafford County municipalities offer online GIS mapping systems and property tax card databases through their town websites or through Vision Government Solutions, Strafford Countyal assessment contractor. The Registry accepts cash, checks, and credit cards.
Vital Records
Vital records in New Hampshire are maintained at both the municipal and state levels under RSA 5-C, the New Hampshire Vital Records Administration Act. Birth and death certificates in Strafford County are filed with the city or town clerk in the county where the event occurred. For births and deaths occurring in Dover, contact the Dover City Clerk at City Hall, 288 Central Avenue, Dover, NH 03820 (603-516-6018). Rochester vital records are maintained by the Rochester City Clerk at 31 Wakefield Street (603-332-1167), and Somersworth records at 157 Main Street (603-692-4262).
- Birth certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for additional copies requested simultaneously; death certificates follow the same fee structure.
- Eligible requestors include the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and authorized government agencies.
- Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate if records are available; mail requests require 2-3 weeks.
- Marriage licenses are issued by any New Hampshire city or town clerk, with a $50 fee and no waiting period; both parties must appear in person with identification.
Business & Licensing
Business license records in Strafford County are maintained at multiple levels of government. Local business licenses, including restaurants, lodging establishments, and certain retail operations, are issued by individual municipal offices, in Dover, contact the City Clerk's office at 603-516-6018; in Rochester, the City Clerk at 603-332-1167. Trade name registrations (Doing Business As filings) are filed with the city or town clerk in the county where the business operates, with fees typically $50 for initial filing.
- The database provides entity status, registration date, registered agent information, and annual report filing status.
For full business entity searches, the New Hampshire Secretary of State maintains the statewide Corporation Division database at quickstart.sos.nh.gov where users can search for corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other registered business entities at no charge. Professional licenses including contractors, electricians, plumbers, and health professionals are issued by respective state licensing boards under the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), searchable at www.nh.gov/oplc. New Hampshire has no state sales tax, so sales tax permits are not applicable.
Building permits and certificates of occupancy are issued by local code enforcement offices and building inspectors in each county. The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce (603-742-2218, www.dovernh.org) and the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce (603-332-5080, www.rochesternh.org) provide business resources and networking opportunities. Zoning information and planning board records are maintained by municipal planning departments, accessible through individual city and town websites.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Strafford County are administered by the individual city and town clerks in each county, coordinated with the New Hampshire Secretary of State's office. Voters in Dover contact the Dover City Clerk at 288 Central Avenue, Dover, NH 03820 (603-516-6018), while Rochester voters contact the Rochester City Clerk at 31 Wakefield Street (603-332-1167).
- The Secretary of State's website at sos.nh.gov/elections provides voter registration forms, polling place locators by entering your address, and full election information.
- New Hampshire's election transparency is governed by RSA 91-A (Right-to-Know Law) and election-specific statutes allowing public observation of ballot counting and access to election materials.
Voter registration in New Hampshire is available up to and including Election Day; residents may register at their city or town clerk's office or at the polling place on Election Day with proof of identity, age, citizenship, and domicile. New Hampshire does not offer online voter registration, registration requires a paper form submitted in person or by mail. Strafford County voters participate in state and federal elections including presidential primaries, state primaries in September, and general elections in November of even-numbered years.
In the November 2024 general election, Strafford County reported approximately 62-65% voter turnout, consistent with New Hampshire's traditionally high participation rates. Election records that are public include the statewide voter checklist (available for purchase for political purposes under RSA 654:31), campaign finance reports filed with the Secretary of State, candidate filings and declarations, and certified election results by ward and precinct. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House races for New Hampshire's two congressional districts, state senate and house seats, county offices, and various municipal positions. Absentee ballots in New Hampshire are available to voters who will be absent on Election Day, cannot vote due to religious observance, are unable to vote due to disability, or cannot appear in public due to COVID-19 concerns. Absentee ballot applications are available from city and town clerks and must be submitted by the Thursday before the election for regular absentee voting; ballots must be returned by 5:00 PM on Election Day.
Economy & Demographics
Strafford County's economy represents a diverse mix of education, healthcare, manufacturing, and service sectors with an estimated median household income of approximately $75,000. The University of New Hampshire in Durham is among Strafford County's largest employers with over 3,000 faculty and staff, contributing significantly to the local economy through research, student spending, and cultural activities.
- Liberty Mutual Insurance maintains a significant presence in Dover with several hundred employees in its claims processing operations.
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover and Frisbie Memorial Hospital in Rochester anchor the healthcare sector, while Lonza Biologics operates a major biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Portsmouth with operations extending into Dover, employing over 500 workers. The historic mill cities of Dover and Rochester have successfully transitioned from textile manufacturing to more diversified economies, though advanced manufacturing remains important with companies like Albany Engineered Composites producing aerospace components. The service sector, retail trade, and professional services account for substantial employment.
Tourism contributes to the economy through Strafford County's proximity to the seacoast, outlet shopping in nearby communities, and UNH sporting and cultural events. Recent economic development initiatives have focused on downtown revitalization in both Dover and Rochester, brownfield redevelopment of former industrial sites, and using Strafford County's location between Boston and Portland, Maine. The unemployment rate in Strafford County typically tracks below the national average, ranging between 2-3% in recent years during normal economic conditions.
Commercial and residential development continues in Lee and Durham along the Route 4 and Route 155 corridors, reflecting population growth and economic expansion.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Roster | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail Required | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Public Records Available | Overall Score: 8/10, Strafford County provides strong digital access through the Registry of Deeds online system and jail inmate search, with court records searchable via state portal and excellent property record availability.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Strafford County, New Hampshire?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Strafford County, New Hampshire?
How do I get a criminal background check in Strafford County, New Hampshire?
How can I look up sex offenders in Strafford County, New Hampshire?
How do I register to vote in Strafford County, New Hampshire?
How do I look up property records in Strafford County, New Hampshire?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Strafford County, New Hampshire?
How do I find business license records in Strafford County, New Hampshire?
Cities & Towns in Strafford County
Explore public records for 15 cities and communities in Strafford County, New Hampshire.