About Taylor County
Taylor County, Kentucky is located in the central part of the Commonwealth, established in 1848 and named after President Zachary Taylor. Taylor County Seat is Campbellsville, a city of approximately 11,000 residents that is the commercial and governmental hub of Taylor County. Taylor County includes approximately 270 square miles and has a total population of around 26,000 residents. The Green River flows through Taylor County, and Green River Lake, a U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers reservoir, is one of Taylor County's premier recreational destinations, attracting thousands of visitors annually for fishing, boating, and camping. Taylor County is home to Campbellsville University, a private Christian institution that significantly influences the local economy and culture. Taylor County's economy has historically been rooted in agriculture, particularly tobacco and cattle farming, though manufacturing and education sectors have grown substantially.
Taylor County Clerk's office is located at 203 North Court Street in Campbellsville and handles vital records, marriage licenses, and various governmental filings. Taylor County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) office, also situated in Taylor County courthouse complex, manages property assessments and tax rolls. Taylor County Fiscal Court, Taylor County's legislative body, consists of elected magistrates who oversee county finances and infrastructure.
Taylor County's geographic beauty, combined with its lake resources and small-town charm, makes Taylor County a distinctive central Kentucky community balancing traditional rural values with modern development.
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 various duties including patrolling, executing warrants, and managing Taylor County jail. The Sheriff's Office also processes arrests and maintains criminal records, making sure of public safety and legal compliance. Notable programs include community outreach initiatives meant to building stronger relationships between law enforcement and residents.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Taylor County is primarily provided by Taylor County Sheriff's Office and the Campbellsville Police Department. The Sheriff's Office covers the unincorporated areas of Taylor County, while the Campbellsville Police Department serves the city of Campbellsville. Both agencies work collaboratively to address crime and ensure public safety, often coordinating on major investigations and emergency responses. The police departments focus on community policing, crime prevention, and maintaining a visible presence to deter criminal activity.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Taylor County Sheriff's Office, located at 1000 East Broadway in Campbellsville, Kentucky, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Taylor County and provides security for Taylor County Judicial Center. The Sheriff's Office operates Taylor County Detention Center, which houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders.
- The Campbellsville Police Department, headquartered at 401 Campbellsville Bypass, provides municipal law enforcement services within city limits and maintains its own records division.
- Processing fees may apply for copies and research time as permitted under KRS 61.874.
- The Kentucky State Police Post 15 in Columbia also provides support and investigative services to Taylor County.
- Response times for open records requests typically range from three to ten business days, though extensions may be granted under specific statutory provisions.
Inmate lookup services are available by contacting the detention center at or visiting the facility during business hours; currently, Taylor County does not maintain a full online inmate roster, though some information may be obtained through phone inquiry. Under the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870-61.884), arrest records and booking information are generally considered public records, and citizens may submit written requests to the Sheriff's Office or Police Department to obtain arrest reports, incident reports, and related documentation. Mugshots and booking photos are maintained by Taylor County Detention Center and may be requested through open records procedures, though some information may be restricted if it pertains to ongoing investigations or juvenile offenders.
No tribal law enforcement agencies operate in Taylor County, as Kentucky has no federally recognized tribal lands.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Taylor County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. These records are maintained by Taylor County Sheriff's Office, the Campbellsville Police Department, and the Kentucky State Police. Residents can conduct background checks through the Kentucky Court of Justice or the Kentucky Bureau of Investigation, which provides full criminal history reports. The records are vital for legal proceedings, employment screenings, and making sure of community safety by tracking offenders and their legal status.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Taylor County are maintained by Taylor County Sheriff's Office and the Campbellsville Police Department. These records document the circumstances of an arrest, including the charges, arresting officer, and location. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through formal written requests, adhering to the Kentucky Open Records Act. An arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the alleged offense, and court dates. The process ensures transparency and accessibility while protecting sensitive information as required by law.
Jail & Inmate Records
Taylor County Detention Center is the primary facility for incarcerating individuals arrested within Taylor County. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available for the public to access information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to adhere to scheduled times and security protocols. The bond and bail process follows Kentucky state guidelines, allowing detainees to be released upon meeting the set conditions.
- To locate someone recently arrested, individuals can contact the detention center directly or use available online resources.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Taylor County are taken and retained by Taylor County Detention Center during the booking process. These photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the sheriff's office or online databases. To search for mugshots, individuals can visit the sheriff's website or use third-party services that aggregate public records. Kentucky does not have specific laws mandating the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals can petition for removal under certain circumstances if the charges are dropped or dismissed.
Courts & Case Records
Taylor County is served by the Taylor Circuit Court, which holds jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $5,000, divorces, adoptions, and land disputes. The Circuit Court is located in Taylor County Judicial Center at 203 North Court Street, Campbellsville, KY 42718, and can be reached for the local community District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases under $5,000, probate matters, juvenile cases, and conducts preliminary hearings for felonies.
- Kentucky Court of Justice offers online case lookup through the CourtNet system, accessible at courtnet.kycourts.net, though registration and fees may be required for detailed records access.
- Certified copies of court documents cost $5.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a $5.00 certification fee, pursuant to KRS 64.012.
- Remote access to some court scheduling and case status information is available, but complete case files typically require in-person inspection or formal records requests through the Circuit Clerk's office.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Taylor County are maintained by Taylor County Clerk's office at 203 North Court Street, Campbellsville, KY 42718, phone. Taylor County Clerk is the official Recorder of Deeds and maintains indices of all recorded instruments including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, easements, rights-of-way, plat maps, and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings. Recording fees are established by Kentucky statute, with typical deed recordings costing $33.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page.
- The Kentucky Department of Revenue provides some statewide property tax information through their website.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available from the County Clerk for $5.00 certification fee plus copy costs.
- The PVA office provides property cards showing current assessments, square footage, lot dimensions, and improvement details upon request.
Taylor County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA), located at 300 East Main Street, Suite 2, Campbellsville, assesses all real and personal property for taxation purposes and maintains detailed property records including tax maps, assessment cards, and ownership information. Property tax bills and collection are handled by Taylor County Sheriff's Office. While Taylor County does not currently offer a full free online property search portal, property information may be obtained by visiting the PVA office during business hours or by calling.
Historic deed research is available through the Clerk's grantor/grantee indices dating back to Taylor County's formation in 1848. Title searches and chain-of-title research may require extensive manual research through deed books and indices.
Vital Records
Vital records for Taylor County, Kentucky are managed through both local and state agencies depending on the type and date of the record. Birth and death certificates occurring in Taylor County may be obtained from Taylor County Clerk's office at 203 North Court Street, Campbellsville, KY 42718, phone. However, pursuant to KRS 213.076, certified copies of Kentucky birth and death certificates are primarily issued by the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics, located at 275 East Main Street in Frankfort, KY 40621.
- Birth certificates cost $10.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificates cost $9.00 per copy.
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests.
- VitalChek, an authorized third-party vendor, offers expedited online ordering at vitalchek.com with additional service fees and credit card processing charges.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of relationship or eligibility, as vital records are restricted to immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with tangible interest under KRS 213.046. Marriage licenses are issued exclusively by Taylor County Clerk's office; both parties must appear in person with valid identification and Social Security numbers, and the license costs $35.50 with no waiting period as of current Kentucky law. Divorce decrees are court records maintained by Taylor County Circuit Clerk and may be obtained through the Judicial Center.
Birth records less than 100 years old and death records less than 50 years old have restricted access to protect privacy. Genealogical researchers seeking older records may access unrestricted historical vital records through the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Taylor County operates through multiple governmental levels. Taylor County Clerk's office at 203 North Court Street, Campbellsville, processes local business registrations, assumed name certificates (DBA - Doing Business As), and certain occupational licenses required by county ordinance. Businesses operating within Campbellsville city limits must obtain city business licenses through the Campbellsville City Clerk's office at 401 Campbellsville Bypass, phone.
- Sales tax permits and employer withholding accounts are registered through the Kentucky Department of Revenue.
Formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other statutory entities must be registered with the Kentucky Secretary of State, Business Filings Division. The Kentucky Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at web.sos.ky.gov/ftsearch allowing free public access to business entity records including incorporation documents, registered agents, and status information. Professional and occupational licenses for regulated professions such as contractors, plumbers, electricians, and health professionals are issued by respective Kentucky state licensing boards.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and certificates of occupancy for construction projects within unincorporated Taylor County are processed through Taylor County Planning and Zoning Office, while projects within Campbellsville require approval from the city's building inspection department. The Campbellsville-Taylor County Chamber of Commerce, located at 107 West Broadway, provides business support services, networking opportunities, and economic development assistance; their website at campbellsvilleky.com offers business directories and community information. Alcohol beverage licenses for retail sales or on-premises consumption require approval from both local authorities and the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Taylor County, Kentucky are administered by Taylor County Clerk, who is the chief election official for Taylor County. Taylor County Clerk's office is located at 203 North Court Street, Campbellsville, KY 42718, phone. Voter registration in Kentucky is managed through the Kentucky State Board of Elections online portal at govoteky.com, where eligible citizens can register online, check registration status, and find polling locations. Registration deadlines require applications to be received at least 29 days before any election.
- Campaign finance disclosures for candidates and political committees can be accessed through the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance at kref.ky.gov.
Kentucky law requires voters to present photo identification at the polls; acceptable forms include Kentucky driver's license, military ID, or other government-issued photo identification. Taylor County typically operates approximately 12 precincts on election day, with specific polling locations determined by residential address and accessible through the County Clerk or the GoVoteKY website. Absentee voting by mail is available for qualified voters including those over age 65, persons with disabilities, members of the military, and voters who will be absent from Taylor County on election day; applications must be submitted to the County Clerk's office at least seven days before the election.
Early in-person voting is available at Taylor County Clerk's office during designated periods prior to elections. Election records that are public under Kentucky law include voter registration rolls (with certain personal information redacted), campaign finance reports filed with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance, candidate filings and statements, and certified precinct-level election results. In the November 2024 general election, Taylor County voter turnout was approximately 59%, reflecting strong engagement in the presidential election consistent with Kentucky's rural counties.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races for Kentucky's 2nd Congressional District, along with state legislative races and potential local offices. Citizens may request copies of election-related records through open records requests to the County Clerk pursuant to KRS 61.870-61.884, though some voter information is protected under KRS 117.015 to prevent improper use.
Economy & Demographics
Taylor County's economy reflects a diverse mix of traditional agriculture, manufacturing, education, and healthcare sectors. Campbellsville University stands as one of Taylor County's largest employers with over 500 faculty and staff, contributing significantly to the local economy through employment, student spending, and cultural enrichment. The manufacturing sector includes Campbellsville Industries, a major employer producing recreational vehicles and modular buildings, and Fruit of the Loom distribution operations that have historically provided substantial employment.
- The median household income in Taylor County is approximately $42,000, somewhat below the Kentucky state average of around $52,000.
Amazon operates a fulfillment center in Taylor County, adding modern logistics jobs to the employment base. Agriculture remains foundational to Taylor County economy, with approximately 800 farms producing beef cattle, dairy products, corn, soybeans, and tobacco, though tobacco acreage has declined significantly from historical peaks. Taylor Regional Hospital, part of Baptist Health, employs several hundred healthcare workers and is a critical medical facility for Taylor County and surrounding region.
Tourism related to Green River Lake generates seasonal economic activity through marina operations, campgrounds, vacation rentals, and recreational equipment sales. The unemployment rate in Taylor County typically ranges between 4-6%, generally tracking state and national trends. Recent economic development initiatives have focused on downtown Campbellsville revitalization, industrial park expansion, and broadband infrastructure improvements to attract remote workers and technology-based businesses.
Retail trade is concentrated along Campbellsville's commercial corridors, including national chains and locally-owned businesses serving county residents and university students.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (CourtNet) | Property: Limited: In-Person/Phone Required | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Yes: State Online Ordering | Business: Yes: Online (State Level) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 6/10 — Taylor County provides access to most public records, though many require in-person visits or phone contact rather than online portals.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Taylor County
Explore public records for 3 cities and communities in Taylor County, Kentucky.