About Tyler County
Tyler County is located in northwestern West Virginia, bordered by the Ohio River to the west. Established in 1814 from parts of Ohio County, it was named in honor of John Tyler Sr, father of President John Middlebourne area. Tyler County Seat is Middlebourne, a small town that is the administrative center for Tyler County's approximately 8,300 residents spread across 258 square miles. Tyler County is characterized by rolling hills, rural scenes, and a rich heritage tied to agriculture and oil and gas production.
Major landmarks include the historic Middlebourne town square, the North Bend Rail Trail which passes through Tyler County providing recreational opportunities, and numerous historic buildings dating to the 19th century. Tyler County's government offices are centralized in Middlebourne, including Tyler County Clerk located in Tyler County Courthouse at 100 Court Street, Middlebourne, WV 26149. Tyler County Clerk handles property deeds and land records at the same courthouse location.
Tyler County Assessor, responsible for property tax assessments, maintains offices in the courthouse complex. Tyler County's economy has historically been based on agriculture, particularly cattle and sheep farming, along with oil and natural gas extraction. Tyler County offers residents a quiet, rural lifestyle with close-knit communities including the towns of Sistersville along the Ohio River, known for its Victorian architecture and oil boom history.
Tyler County maintains its traditional character while adapting to modern challenges facing rural Appalachian communities.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Tyler County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across Tyler County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office handles a variety of duties including patrolling rural regions, executing warrants, and providing security for Tyler County courthouse. The office has specialized divisions such as a drug task force meant to combating substance abuse issues within Tyler County.
Police Departments
In addition to Tyler County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Tyler County is supported by municipal police departments. The Sistersville Police Department serves the city of Sistersville, handling local law enforcement duties within city limits. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and response throughout Tyler County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Tyler County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for Tyler County, located at 100 Court Street in Middlebourne, WV 26149. Tyler County Jail houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving short sentences, and inmate information can typically be obtained by calling the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours.
- The West Virginia State Police Detachment in Pennsboro also provides support and investigative services to Tyler County.
- Criminal history background checks must be processed through the West Virginia State Police, as county-level agencies do not provide full criminal history reports.
- Most arrest and booking information is available within a reasonable time frame under state public records law, though certified copies may require additional processing time and fees.
Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Sistersville Police Department serving the incorporated city of Sistersville, Tyler County's largest county along the Ohio River. Arrest records in Tyler County are public records subject to West Virginia's Freedom of Information Act, codified under West Virginia Code §29B-1-1 et seq. Booking information and mugshots are generally considered public records and may be obtained through direct requests to the Sheriff's Office, though Tyler County does not currently maintain an online inmate search portal.
For recent arrests and bookings, contacting the jail directly at remains the most reliable method.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Tyler County includes felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as a sex offender registry. The West Virginia State Police offers additional resources for conducting statewide background checks, which can be useful for employers and individuals seeking full criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Tyler County are maintained by Tyler County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information about the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, these records are accessible to the public, although certain restrictions may apply to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Tyler County Jail, located in Middlebourne, is the primary detention facility for Tyler County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestee. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information on current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require scheduling in advance.
- In West Virginia, the bond and bail process allows for the release of detainees pending trial, and this can be arranged through Tyler County's judicial system.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Tyler County are taken and retained by Tyler County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While there is no specific state law in West Virginia governing the removal of mugshots from public records, individuals may petition for removal if the charges are dropped or if they are acquitted. Mugshots may also be available through third-party websites, although these are not officially sanctioned by Tyler County.
Courts & Case Records
Tyler County's judicial system operates under the West Virginia unified court system. Tyler County Circuit Court, located in Tyler County Courthouse at 100 Court Street, Middlebourne, WV 26149, handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $300 in controversy, equity matters, appeals from lower courts, and domestic relations including divorces. The court can be contacted through the office’s website. Tyler County is part of West Virginia's Third Judicial Circuit.
- Tyler County Magistrate Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases under $10,000, emergency protective orders, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
- The West Virginia Judiciary maintains a case search system accessible at courtswv.gov, though not all historical Tyler County records may be available online.
- Certified copies of court documents are available for a fee of $0.50 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee.
- Remote access to some case information may be available through the state court system, but full record searches often require in-person visits or written requests to Tyler County Circuit Clerk's office.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Tyler County are maintained by Tyler County Clerk's Office, which is the official recorder of deeds, located at 100 Court Street, Middlebourne, WV 26149 Tyler County Clerk records all real estate transactions including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, releases, assignments, easements, rights-of-way, and oil and gas leases, which are particularly significant in Tyler County given its energy production history. Plat maps and subdivision records are also filed with the Clerk's office.
- While Tyler County does not currently offer a full online deed search portal, interested parties may contact the Clerk's office to request specific document searches.
- Copies of recorded documents are available for statutory fees, typically $1.00 per page for non-certified copies and additional fees for certified copies.
- Requests for certified copies of deeds or other recorded instruments should be made directly to the County Clerk with proper identification and payment of applicable fees.
These records are public under West Virginia Code §59-1-11 and can be searched in person during regular office hours. Property tax records are maintained separately by Tyler County Assessor's Office at the courthouse, phone, where citizens can review property valuations, ownership information, tax assessments, and property characteristics. The Assessor maintains property maps and assessment rolls that are open for public inspection.
Tyler County Sheriff handles property tax collection functions. For full property research, individuals typically need to visit both the Clerk's office for deed history and the Assessor's office for current tax information. West Virginia does not have a statewide property record database, so county-level offices remain the primary source for these records.
Vital Records
Vital records for Tyler County, West Virginia, are managed at both Tyler County and state levels. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Tyler County are maintained by Tyler County Clerk's Office at 100 Court Street, Middlebourne, WV 26149 However, West Virginia centralized vital records administration, and certified copies of birth and death certificates are primarily issued through the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Vital Registration Office, located at 350 Capitol Street, Room 165, Charleston, WV 25301.
- Birth certificates cost $12.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates follow the same fee structure.
- Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks by mail, though in-person requests at the state office in Charleston may be processed the same day if the applicant brings proper identification.
- West Virginia does not currently offer online ordering of vital records directly through county offices, though the state has authorized VitalChek as a third-party vendor for expedited processing at additional cost.
Only eligible individuals can obtain certified copies, including the person named on the certificate (if of legal age), parents, legal guardians, legal representatives, or individuals with a direct and tangible interest as defined under West Virginia Code §16-5-25. Marriage licenses are issued by Tyler County Clerk's Office, and applications must be made in person with both parties present, valid photo identification, Social Security numbers, and payment of the $56.00 license fee. There is no waiting period in West Virginia, and the license is valid for 60 days from issuance.
Marriage records and divorce decrees are also maintained by the County Clerk. For older records or genealogical research, the West Virginia State Archives in Charleston maintains historical vital records and may be an alternative resource.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Tyler County operates through multiple levels of government. Local business licenses and registrations are handled by Tyler County Clerk's Office at 100 Court Street, Middlebourne, WV 26149 Businesses operating under a fictitious name or trade name different from the owner's legal name must file a Certificate of Assumed or Trade Name (DBA) with the County Clerk, with fees typically around $5.00 for registration.
- This system is free and publicly accessible.
- Businesses may also need to register for state tax accounts with the West Virginia State Tax Department, including sales tax permits, withholding accounts, and business franchise tax registration.
- Tyler County Chamber of Commerce, though not a government entity, provides resources for local businesses and economic development information.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other statutory entities, registration must be completed through the West Virginia Secretary of State's Business Division. The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online business database at business.wv.gov where citizens can look up registered business entities, view incorporation documents, check entity status, and access annual reports. Professional and occupational licensing is handled by various state boards depending on the profession, not at Tyler County level.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits in unincorporated areas of Tyler County are administered by Tyler County Planning Commission and the County Clerk's office. The City of Sistersville maintains its own municipal business licensing for businesses operating within city limits. Contractors and tradespeople should verify licensing requirements with both state boards and local offices before commencing work in Tyler County.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Tyler County, West Virginia, are administered by Tyler County Clerk, who is the chief election official for Tyler County. Tyler County Clerk's Office is located at 100 Court Street, Middlebourne, WV 26149, and can be contacted through the office’s website. election related inquiries. Voter registration in Tyler County can be completed in person at the County Clerk's office, by mail using the National Mail Voter Registration Form, or online through the West Virginia Secretary of State's website at GoVoteWV.com. The registration deadline is 21 days before any election.
- Registered voters can verify their polling location by visiting the Secretary of State's voter registration lookup tool online or by contacting Tyler County Clerk directly.
- In the 2024 general election, Tyler County, like much of West Virginia, demonstrated high engagement with turnout approximating 60-65% of registered voters, consistent with rural West Virginia patterns.
- Citizens may request precinct-level election results, voter turnout data, and other election records by contacting Tyler County Clerk's office.
West Virginia law requires voters to provide identification when voting, either a valid photo ID or two forms of non-photo identification. Tyler County typically operates multiple polling locations on election day across its communities including Middlebourne, Sistersville, and other populated areas. Absentee voting is available for West Virginia voters who meet statutory criteria including those who will be absent from Tyler County on election day, those with medical or physical disabilities, and those whose employment makes it difficult to vote in person.
Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to Tyler County Clerk by the statutory deadline, typically six days before the election for mail applications. Early in-person voting is available at the County Clerk's office during designated periods before election day. Tyler County election results are public records and are posted by precinct following certification.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, potential U.S. Senate contests, West Virginia state legislative races, and county offices.
Campaign finance reports for candidates seeking county offices are filed with Tyler County Clerk, while state-level candidates file with the West Virginia Secretary of State. These filings are public records available for inspection. Voter registration lists are public records under West Virginia Code §3-2-30, though they contain personally identifiable information and are provided to political parties and candidates under specific statutory guidelines.
West Virginia's election system is decentralized with significant county-level control, and Tyler County maintains paper ballots or voter-verifiable paper records as required by state law, providing an audit trail for election verification.
Economy & Demographics
Tyler County's economy reflects its rural Appalachian character, historically grounded in agriculture and natural resource extraction. Tyler County has a small population of approximately 8,300 residents with a median household income estimated around $43,000, below both the state and national averages. Agriculture remains significant, with cattle farming, sheep operations, and hay production comprising major agricultural activities.
- Tourism based on outdoor recreation, including the North Bend Rail Trail, hunting, and fishing, provides supplemental economic activity.
Tyler County's farms contribute to West Virginia's livestock economy, though farming has declined as a percentage of total employment over recent decades. Oil and natural gas production has been central to Tyler County's economy since the late 1800s, with the Sistersville oil boom creating significant wealth in the early 20th century. Today, conventional oil and gas wells continue operation, and Tyler County has seen renewed interest due to Marcellus and Utica shale development, though on a smaller scale than neighboring counties.
Energy-related employment includes well operators, pipeline workers, and support services. Retail trade, healthcare, and education represent growing employment sectors, with local schools and healthcare facilities among the largest employers. Tyler County's location along the Ohio River historically supported river commerce, though this has diminished.
Tyler County faces economic challenges common to rural West Virginia, including population decline, an aging demographic, limited broadband infrastructure, and outmigration of young adults seeking employment opportunities. Tyler County government, school system, and a small manufacturing base provide additional employment. Unemployment rates tend to track slightly above state averages, fluctuating with energy sector cycles.
Economic development efforts focus on improving infrastructure, supporting small business development, and using recreational assets to attract visitors and potential residents.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Online Access | Property: Limited: In-Person Required | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Only | Vital Records: Limited: State Office or In-Person | Business: Yes: State Online Database | Elections: Limited: County Office Contact | Overall Score: 5/10, Tyler County relies heavily on traditional in-person access methods; state-level databases provide the strongest online access, particularly for business entities, while most county records require phone calls or courthouse visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Tyler County
Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Tyler County, West Virginia.