About Taylor County
Taylor County is located in north-central West Virginia, established in 1844 and named after John Taylor, a Virginia politician. Taylor County Seat is Grafton, a historic railroad town that played a crucial role in the development of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Taylor County includes approximately 176 square miles and has a population of around 17,000 residents according to recent census estimates. Taylor County is bordered by Barbour, Harrison, Marion, and Preston counties.
Grafton is notable as the birthplace of Mother's Day, first celebrated at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in 1908 through the efforts of Anna Jarvis. The International Mother's Day Shrine located in Grafton attracts visitors from around the world. Taylor County's geography features rolling hills, forested areas, and the Tygart Valley River, which runs through Taylor County.
Major agencies serving the public include Taylor County Clerk located at 214 West Main Street, Grafton, WV 26354; Taylor County Assessor's Office at the same courthouse complex; and Taylor County Commission. Taylor County Courthouse, a historic structure in downtown Grafton, houses most county offices. The economy historically centered on railroads and coal mining, though Taylor County has diversified in recent decades.
Taylor County offers outdoor recreation opportunities including fishing, hunting, and hiking in the surrounding Appalachian scene. Valley Falls State Park, located partially in Taylor County, features a dramatic 25-foot waterfall and offers camping and picnicking facilities.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Taylor County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Taylor County, particularly in the unincorporated areas. The office handles patrol duties, processes arrests, and manages Taylor County jail. It also maintains criminal records and provides law enforcement services to ensure the safety and security of the community.
Police Departments
In addition to Taylor County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Taylor County is supported by municipal police departments, including the Grafton Police Department. These agencies are responsible for maintaining public safety within their respective jurisdictions. The Grafton Police Department handles law enforcement within the city limits of Grafton, while the Sheriff's Office covers the broader county area. Coordination between these agencies ensures full coverage and effective response to major crimes and emergencies throughout Taylor County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Taylor County Sheriff's Office, located at 214 West Main Street, Grafton, WV 26354, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Taylor County.
- Within Taylor County, the Grafton Police Department provides municipal law enforcement services for the city of Grafton and can be contacted through the office’s website. Smaller communities may have limited or part-time police coverage.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the arresting agency, though policies on release and fees may vary.
Inmates housed at Taylor County Jail can be located by contacting the jail directly at the Sheriff's Office number during business hours; the facility maintains current booking information though a full online inmate search portal may not be available, requiring phone inquiries for current custody status. Arrest records in Taylor County are public records under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, W. Va.
Code § 29B-1-1 et seq, which establishes the right of citizens to inspect and copy public records. West Virginia law enforcement agencies must respond to public records requests within a reasonable timeframe, typically within five business days, though some records may be exempt under specific statutory provisions related to ongoing investigations or privacy concerns.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Taylor County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can request criminal background checks through the West Virginia State Police, which offers detailed reports on an individual's criminal history.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Taylor County are maintained by Taylor County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following the procedures outlined under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Arrest records typically contain the date of arrest, charges filed, and court dates, providing a summary of the individual's interactions with law enforcement in Taylor County.
Jail & Inmate Records
Taylor County Jail, located in Grafton, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Taylor County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled times and procedures that must be followed.
- Bail and bond processes adhere to West Virginia state laws, allowing for the release of detainees under specific conditions until their court appearances.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Taylor County are taken and retained by Taylor County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through requests made to the Sheriff's Office. While there is no dedicated online portal for mugshot searches, individuals can inquire directly with the office for specific records. West Virginia does not have specific laws governing the removal of mugshots from public records, making them generally accessible unless sealed by court order.
Courts & Case Records
Taylor County operates under the West Virginia unified court system. Taylor County Circuit Court, located at 214 West Main Street, Grafton, WV 26354, has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $300, domestic relations matters including divorce, equity cases, and appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Court can be contacted through the office’s website. Taylor County also has a Magistrate Court, which handles misdemeanor cases, civil cases up to $10,000, preliminary hearings for felonies, emergency protective orders, and small claims matters.
- Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the Circuit Clerk's office for a fee, typically $0.50 per page for copies plus certification fees.
- Many records require in-person or written requests, as full online access to Taylor County court documents remains limited compared to larger jurisdictions.
The Magistrate Court is located at 104 South Pike Street, Grafton, WV 26354 West Virginia does not use the term 'Superior Court' or traditional 'District Court' but instead operates Circuit Courts and Magistrate Courts as the trial court levels. Family Court operates as a division of the Circuit Court handling juvenile and domestic matters.
Court records in Taylor County are accessible under West Virginia Code § 29B-1-1 et seq, the Freedom of Information Act, which presumes public records are open unless specifically exempted. The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals maintains an online case search system at courtswv.gov that may include some Taylor County cases, though full search capabilities vary by court level.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Taylor County are maintained by Taylor County Clerk's Office, which is the County Recorder, located at 214 West Main Street, Grafton, WV 26354 Taylor County Clerk records and maintains deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, easements, rights-of-way, oil and gas leases, releases, plat maps, and other instruments affecting real property. West Virginia uses a grantor-grantee index system for land records.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for statutory fees, generally $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus certification fees.
The office maintains historical records dating back to Taylor County's formation in 1844, with some earlier records from Harrison County (the parent county). While some West Virginia counties have implemented online land record search systems, Taylor County's digital access may be limited, and many searches require in-person visits or written requests to the Clerk's office during business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Property tax records are maintained separately by Taylor County Assessor's Office, also located at the courthouse
The Assessor maintains property assessment information, ownership records, property characteristics, and tax maps. Taylor County Sheriff serves as Tax Commissioner and handles property tax collection. Some property tax information may be accessible through the West Virginia State Auditor's Property Tax Division website, which aggregates county data, though full GIS mapping and parcel viewers may require contacting the Assessor's office directly.
Vital Records
Vital records in Taylor County, West Virginia are governed by West Virginia Code § 16-5-1 et seq. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Taylor County are maintained by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Vital Registration Office, located at 350 Capitol Street, Room 165, Charleston, WV 25301. West Virginia centralized vital records in 1917, though some earlier records exist at Taylor County level.
- Birth certificates can be requested from the state Vital Registration Office for a fee of $12.00 for the first copy, with processing times typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests.
- Expedited service is available for additional fees.
- Death certificates cost $12.00 for the first copy and follow similar processing procedures.
- Couples must apply in person, provide valid identification, pay the license fee (typically around $56), and observe a three-day waiting period unless waived.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through VitalChek, an authorized vendor for West Virginia, at vitalchek.com, though convenience fees apply.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record, as West Virginia restricts access to immediate family members and legal representatives. Marriage licenses are issued by Taylor County Clerk's Office at 214 West Main Street, Grafton, WV 26354 Marriage records are maintained by the County Clerk and are public records.
Divorce decrees are filed with the Circuit Court Clerk and can be obtained from Taylor County Circuit Clerk's Office at the courthouse. The West Virginia Vital Registration Office can be contacted through the office’s website. questions about birth and death certificates.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Taylor County involves both county and state-level requirements. Taylor County Clerk's Office at 214 West Main Street, Grafton, WV 26354, phone, handles registration of trade names, assumed names (DBA - Doing Business As), and certain local business filings. West Virginia requires most businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name to register with the County Clerk in Taylor County where they conduct business. The filing fee is typically $25 and must be renewed every five years.
- The Secretary of State's business entity database is searchable online at apps.sos.wv.gov/business/corporations, allowing free public access to view business names, registered agents, formation dates, and status.
For formal business entity formation, the West Virginia Secretary of State, Business & Licensing Division, maintains the official registry of corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and other entities. Business entity formation documents, annual reports, and amendments are filed with the Secretary of State, not Taylor County. The West Virginia State Tax Department handles business registration tax and sales tax permits, accessible at tax.wv.gov.
Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are issued by respective state licensing boards. Building permits and zoning compliance in Taylor County are handled by Taylor County Building Inspector and Taylor County Planning Commission, which can be reached through the County Commission office for The Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce, though not a government agency, provides business resources and networking opportunities for local businesses.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Taylor County, West Virginia are administered by Taylor County Clerk, who is the chief election official. Taylor County Clerk's office is located at 214 West Main Street, Grafton, WV 26354 Voter registration in Taylor County can be completed in person at the County Clerk's office, by mail, at the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, or online through the West Virginia Secretary of State's voter registration portal at GoVoteWV.com. West Virginia law requires voter registration to be completed at least 21 days before an election. Residents must be U.S.
- These records can be requested from the County Clerk under West Virginia's Freedom of Information Act.
- Absentee ballot applications can be obtained from Taylor County Clerk's office, downloaded from the West Virginia Secretary of State's website, or requested by contacting the Clerk.
- Election transparency in Taylor County is governed by state law requiring public access to most election records, with citizens able to observe voting, canvassing, and certification processes.
Citizens, at least 18 years old by election day, and residents of Taylor County and their precinct for at least 30 days before the election. Voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling place by visiting the West Virginia Secretary of State's Voter Registration/Polling Place Lookup at apps.sos.wv.gov/elections/voter or by contacting Taylor County Clerk. Taylor County operates multiple precincts throughout Taylor County, with polling locations typically in community centers, fire stations, and public buildings.
Election records that are public include voter registration lists (excluding certain personal information like Social Security numbers and dates of birth), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political committees, candidate filing information, and certified election results by precinct. In the 2024 general election, Taylor County, like most West Virginia counties, saw voter turnout of approximately 55-65% of registered voters, consistent with West Virginia's typical presidential election participation rates. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races for West Virginia's congressional districts, potential U.S. Senate races depending on the cycle, and state-level offices including possible West Virginia House of Delegates and Senate seats representing Taylor County. Absentee voting in West Virginia is available to qualified voters including those who will be absent from Taylor County on election day, persons with disabilities, those who are ill or physically disabled, poll workers assigned outside their precinct, and those with religious restrictions.
Applications must be submitted by specific deadlines, typically six days before the election for in-person absentee voting and earlier for mail ballots. West Virginia has implemented early in-person voting at the County Clerk's office during a designated period before election day.
Economy & Demographics
Taylor County's economy has evolved from its historical foundation in railroads and coal mining to a more diversified base, though it faces challenges common to rural Appalachian communities. The median household income in Taylor County is estimated at approximately $42,000 to $48,000, below the national average but consistent with rural West Virginia counties. Taylor County's labor force participation has been affected by population decline and outmigration of younger residents.
- Taylor County's proximity to Interstate 79 provides some transportation advantages for business development.
Major employers include the West Virginia Correctional System, which operates facilities in Taylor County, healthcare providers including Davis Medical Center in nearby Elkins that serves Taylor County residents, and educational institutions. Manufacturing maintains a presence with several small to medium-sized facilities. Retail and service sectors centered in Grafton provide employment, though economic activity has decreased since the railroad industry's peak.
The energy sector, including natural gas extraction, has brought some economic activity through Marcellus Shale development. Agriculture plays a modest role with livestock and timber operations on family farms throughout Taylor County's rural areas. Unemployment rates in Taylor County have historically exceeded state averages, fluctuating between 5-7% in recent years depending on economic conditions.
Economic development efforts focus on attracting small manufacturers, promoting tourism related to the Mother's Day Shrine and outdoor recreation, and supporting existing businesses. Taylor County Development Authority works to recruit new industry and retain existing employers. Challenges include limited broadband infrastructure in rural areas, workforce development needs, and competition from larger regional economic centers.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Online | Property: Limited: In-Person/Phone | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone Required | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail | Business: Yes: State Online Search | Elections: Yes: State Portal | Overall Score: 5/10, Taylor County maintains required public records but offers limited digital access, requiring in-person visits or phone calls for most county-level records.
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Cities & Towns in Taylor County
Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Taylor County, West Virginia.