About Umatilla County
Umatilla County is located in northeastern Oregon, including approximately 3,231 square miles of diverse terrain ranging from the Columbia River Plateau to the Blue Mountains. Umatilla County Seat is Pendleton, a historic city known worldwide for the Pendleton Round-Up, one of America's premier rodeo events held annually since 1910. As of recent census estimates, Umatilla County has a population of approximately 77,000 residents. Umatilla County was established in 1862 and named after the Umatilla River, which flows through Umatilla County.
- Umatilla County's economy is driven by agriculture, particularly wheat, potatoes, and livestock production, along with food processing, transportation, and energy production.
Major communities include Hermiston, Pendleton, Milton-Freewater, Stanfield, Umatilla, and Echo. Umatilla County's scene features the Columbia River forming its northern boundary, extensive agricultural lands in the lower elevations, and forested mountain ranges in the southeast. The Confederated Tribes of the Pendleton area Indian Reservation occupy significant territory within Umatilla County, contributing to Umatilla County's cultural diversity.
Major landmarks include Umatilla National Forest, the Columbia River, McNary Dam, Hat Rock State Park, and the historic downtown Pendleton Underground Tours. Umatilla County Courthouse is located at 216 SE 4th Street, Pendleton, Oregon 97801. Key county offices include the County Clerk at the courthouse, the County Clerk (also at the courthouse), and the Assessor's Office at 216 SE 4th Street.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Umatilla County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Umatilla County. It operates Umatilla County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in community policing and crime prevention programs. Notable divisions within the sheriff's office include the patrol division, which ensures public safety across Umatilla County, and the corrections division, which manages the jail facility. The sheriff's office also participates in regional task forces to address specific crime issues.
Police Departments
Umatilla County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Umatilla County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Pendleton Police Department, Hermiston Police Department, and Umatilla Police Department are key agencies that operate within their respective city limits. These departments coordinate with the sheriff's office on major crimes and regional law enforcement initiatives. Each department has jurisdiction over its city, focusing on maintaining public safety and enforcing local laws.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Umatilla County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 2320 SW Frazer Avenue, Pendleton, Oregon 97801, provides law enforcement services throughout unincorporated areas of Umatilla County and operates Umatilla County Jail. The Sheriff's Office can be contacted through the office’s website, and their website is www.co.umatilla.or.us/sheriff. Inmates at Umatilla County Jail can be searched through the Sheriff's Office website, which typically provides an online inmate roster with booking information, charges, and bond amounts.
- Processing fees for copies and staff time may be assessed.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the jail roster on the Sheriff's website or by direct request to the jail.
Municipal police departments operating within Umatilla County include the Pendleton Police Department, Hermiston Police Department, Milton-Freewater Police Department, Stanfield Police Department, and Umatilla Police Department. The Confederated Tribes of Umatilla County Indian Reservation also maintains its own Tribal Police Department with jurisdiction on reservation lands. Arrest records in Oregon are considered public records under ORS 192.311-192.478, the Oregon Public Records Law.
Citizens can request arrest records by submitting a formal public records request to the Sheriff's Office or the respective city police department, though certain exemptions may apply for ongoing investigations or juvenile records. Booking information typically includes the arrestee's name, date of birth, booking date and time, charges filed, and bond information. For detailed criminal history background checks, the Oregon State Police maintains a centralized system, though fingerprint-based checks are required for employment purposes.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Umatilla County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Umatilla County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Residents can request background checks through the Oregon State Police, which provides full criminal history information. The Oregon Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for accessing statewide criminal records. These records are essential for legal proceedings, employment screenings, and personal inquiries.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Umatilla County are maintained by Umatilla County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, adhering to the guidelines set by the Oregon Public Records Law. A typical arrest record in Umatilla County includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and the arresting agency. The sheriff's office provides access to these records, for public access in law enforcement activities.
Jail & Inmate Records
Umatilla County Jail, located in Pendleton, is the primary detention facility for Umatilla County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmate information can be accessed through Umatilla County's online inmate lookup tool. Visitation rules at the jail require scheduling in advance, with specific hours allotted for visits. The bond and bail process in Oregon allows for the posting of bail to secure an inmate's release, and this can be arranged through the jail's administrative office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Umatilla County are taken and retained by Umatilla County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos can be accessed through the sheriff's website or by submitting a request to the office. Oregon does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals can petition for removal under certain circumstances. The availability of mugshots is subject to the state's public records laws, so that they are accessible to the public while respecting privacy concerns.
Courts & Case Records
Umatilla County Circuit Court, located at 216 SE 4th Street, Pendleton, Oregon 97801, handles all felony criminal cases, civil cases over $10,000, domestic relations (divorce, custody), probate, guardianships, and appeals from lower courts. The court can be contacted through the office’s website. Oregon courts operate under a unified system, so the Circuit Court is the primary trial court of general jurisdiction. Justice Courts in Oregon have been largely phased out, though some limited jurisdiction courts may handle small claims and violations.
- Access requires creating a free account, though detailed documents may require in-person visits or payment of copy fees.
- The Circuit Court charges fees for certified copies (typically $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page), file searches, and other services according to the state fee schedule.
Municipal courts in cities like Pendleton and Hermiston handle traffic violations and municipal ordinance violations within their respective city limits. Court records in Oregon are governed by the Oregon Public Records Law (ORS 192.311-192.478) and court-specific rules under the Oregon Judicial Department. The Oregon Judicial Department provides online case search through the Oregon eCourt Case Information (OECI) system at https://publicaccess.courts.oregon.gov/PublicAccessLogin, which allows searches by party name, case number, or attorney.
Many documents are available for public inspection at the courthouse during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except holidays). Sealed records, juvenile cases, and certain family law documents have restricted access to protect privacy.
Property & Public Records
Umatilla County Clerk's Office, located at 216 SE 4th Street, Pendleton, Oregon 97801, maintains official land records including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, subdivision plats, military discharge papers (DD-214s), and other documents affecting real property titles. The Recorder's Office phone number is. Oregon law requires that most real property documents be recorded with Umatilla County recorder to provide public notice and establish priority of interests.
- The office provides an online search system through Umatilla County website at www.co.umatilla.or.us, though access to full document images may require payment or subscription.
- Recording fees vary by document type, with standard deeds typically costing $70-$100 depending on the number of pages.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person, by mail, or sometimes online, with fees typically set at $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page.
- The Assessor provides a free online property search tool through Umatilla County website, allowing searches by owner name, account number, or property address.
- Property tax payments are handled by Umatilla County Tax Collector, with payment information available online.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates in Umatilla County are maintained by the Oregon Center for Health Statistics (Oregon Vital Records), part of the Oregon Health Authority. While Umatilla County Clerk's Office at 216 SE 4th Street, Pendleton, Oregon 97801 (phone: 541-278-6236) may assist with certain vital records information, official certified copies of birth and death certificates must be requested through Oregon Vital Records, PO Box 14050, Portland, OR 97293-0050, or through their authorized vendor VitalChek at www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/BIRTHDEATHCERTIFICATES.
- Birth certificates cost $25 for the first copy and $25 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; death certificates are similarly priced.
- Applicants must provide valid identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest (as defined under ORS 432.120 and ORS 432.146) in the record requested.
- Processing time is typically 6-8 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service is available for additional fees.
- Divorce records (Judgment of Dissolution) are court records maintained by Umatilla County Circuit Court and can be requested through the court clerk's office.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through VitalChek with additional service fees.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Umatilla County involves multiple levels of government depending on the type of business and its location. Local business licenses are issued by individual cities within Umatilla County; for example, the City of Pendleton requires business licenses through its Finance Department, and the City of Hermiston through its City Hall. Umatilla County Clerk's Office at 216 SE 4th Street, Pendleton (phone: 541-278-6236) records Assumed Business Names (DBAs) and provides certified copies of such filings, with fees typically around $50-$100 for filing.
- This database includes business names, registered agents, formation dates, and status.
For state-level business entity registration (LLCs, corporations, partnerships), the Oregon Secretary of State Corporation Division maintains the official business registry, searchable online at https://egov.sos.state.or.us/br/pkg_web_name_srch_inq.login. Oregon does not have a general sales tax, so sales tax permits are not required. Professional and occupational licenses are issued by respective state licensing boards depending on the profession.
Building permits and land use planning are handled by Umatilla County Planning Department at 3920 Westgate, Pendleton, Oregon 97801 (phone: 541-278-6252), which reviews commercial and residential construction projects in unincorporated areas. Incorporated cities issue their own building permits through city building departments. The Pendleton Chamber of Commerce (www.pendletonchamber.com) and Hermiston Chamber of Commerce (www.hermistonchamber.com) provide business resources, networking, and economic development support.
Zoning and land use questions should be directed to the County Planning Department, which maintains full plan documents and zoning maps available for public inspection.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Umatilla County are administered by Umatilla County Elections Office, located at 216 SE 4th Street, Pendleton, Oregon 97801. The Elections Office can be contacted through the office’s website, and information is available at www.co.umatilla.or.us/elections. Oregon conducts all elections entirely by mail, with ballots mailed to registered voters approximately 14-20 days before each election. Voters can register online at https://sos.oregon.gov/voting/pages/registration.aspx through the Oregon Secretary of State's online voter registration system.
- Umatilla County does not have traditional polling places since all voting is by mail; however, the Elections Office provides in-person assistance for voters who need help marking ballots or require replacement ballots.
- Citizens can request copies of election records under Oregon's Public Records Law (ORS 192.311-192.478) by submitting written requests to the Elections Office; fees for copies and staff time may apply.
New registrations must be received or postmarked by the 21st day before an election to be eligible to vote in that election (ORS 247.012). Oregon offers automatic voter registration through the DMV, and same-day registration is available through the deadline. Voters can update their registration, check their voter status, and find their ballot drop box locations through the state's My Vote portal at https://sos.oregon.gov/voting.
Umatilla County maintains approximately 24 official ballot drop box locations throughout Umatilla County, including sites in Pendleton, Hermiston, Milton-Freewater, Stanfield, and other communities. Drop boxes are accessible 24/7 and are clearly marked. Completed ballots must be deposited by 8:00 PM on Election Day.
Election records that are public include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted per ORS 247.965), campaign finance reports filed with Umatilla County or state, candidate filing documents, and precinct-level election results. The Elections Office publishes unofficial results on election night and certifies final results within approximately two weeks. In the November 2024 general election, Umatilla County reported voter turnout of approximately 68-72% of registered voters, consistent with Oregon's mail-ballot system which typically generates higher participation than traditional polling place states.
The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate midterm elections, Oregon gubernatorial race, state legislative seats, and various local offices and ballot measures. Campaign finance disclosure reports for county candidates are available through Umatilla County Elections Office, while state-level candidates file with the Oregon Secretary of State's Elections Division, searchable at www.oregonvotes.gov.
Economy & Demographics
Umatilla County's economy is fundamentally based on agriculture, with Umatilla County being one of Oregon's leading producers of wheat, potatoes, onions, and other crops. The agricultural sector supports numerous related industries including food processing, warehousing, and transportation.
- The median household income in Umatilla County is approximately $60,000-$65,000, somewhat below the Oregon state average, with variations between urban and rural areas.
- Umatilla County has experienced steady growth in food processing and cold storage industries, capitalizing on its agricultural production and strategic location along Interstate 84 and the Columbia River.
- Economic development efforts focus on diversifying beyond agriculture while supporting existing agricultural industries through value-added processing and improved infrastructure.
Major employers in Umatilla County include Lamb Weston (potato processing facilities in Hermiston), Agri Beef Co, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (operating the Wildhorse Resort & Casino, one of Umatilla County's largest employers), Good Shepherd Health Care System in Hermiston, St. Anthony Hospital in Pendleton, and various school districts. The Port of Umatilla County operates along the Columbia River, helping with barge transportation and supporting industrial development.
The unemployment rate typically hovers near the state average, fluctuating seasonally with agricultural cycles. The Navy's former Umatilla County Chemical Depot site is undergoing environmental cleanup and redevelopment. Energy production, including wind farms in Umatilla County, contributes to the local economy.
The tribal government operates significant enterprises beyond gaming, including a golf course, RV park, and cultural programs. Retail trade, healthcare, education, and government employment provide stable year-round jobs.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (OECI) | Property: Yes: Free Assessor Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Roster | Vital Records: Limited: State Office/VitalChek | Business: Yes: State Online (DBA at County) | Elections: Yes: Online Portal | Overall Score: 8/10, Umatilla County provides strong online access to most public records with user-friendly property search tools and integrated state systems for courts and elections.