About Union County
Union County is located in the southern part of Arkansas, bordering Louisiana to the south. The county seat is El Dorado, a city known historically for its significant oil boom in the 1920s that transformed the region. Union County encompasses approximately 1,055 square miles and has a population of around 39,000 residents as of recent census estimates. The county was established on November 2, 1829, and named after the concept of union within the United States. El Dorado serves as the economic and governmental hub, housing the Union County Courthouse at 101 North Washington Avenue.
The county's landscape features rolling hills, pine forests, and agricultural lands typical of south Arkansas. Major landmarks include the South Arkansas Arboretum, the Murphy Arts District in downtown El Dorado, and numerous historic sites related to the oil industry heritage. The Union County Courthouse is a historic structure that has served the community for generations.
Key county agencies include the Union County Recorder's Office, responsible for maintaining land and property records; the Union County Clerk, who handles vital records, elections, and court administration; and the Union County Assessor, who manages property valuations and tax assessments. The county's economy has diversified from its oil boom origins to include manufacturing, healthcare, timber, and chemical production. The presence of companies like Lockheed Martin and Murphy Oil Corporation continues to shape the local economy.
Union County's unique position at the Arkansas-Louisiana border and its rich petroleum history distinguish it from other Arkansas counties.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Union County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of the county. It oversees the Union County Detention Center, manages the booking and processing of arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office conducts regular patrols, responds to emergency calls, and works closely with other law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety. Notable programs include community outreach initiatives aimed at crime prevention and education.
Police Departments
In addition to the Union County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county, including the El Dorado Police Department and the Smackover Police Department. These city departments are responsible for law enforcement within their respective jurisdictions, handling local crimes, traffic enforcement, and community policing. The Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments collaborate on major crimes and investigations, sharing resources and information to enhance public safety.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Union County Sheriff's Office, located at 120 West Faulkner Street in El Dorado, Arkansas 71730, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of the county. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (870) 863-6111 and operates the Union County Detention Center, which houses inmates for the county. The detention facility maintains an inmate roster that can be accessed by contacting the jail directly or visiting in person during business hours.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office or the specific municipal police department that made the arrest.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the detention center, though policies may vary regarding online publication.
- The Union County Detention Center processes booking information including photographs, fingerprints, and charges at the time of arrest.
Municipal police departments within Union County include the El Dorado Police Department, which serves the county seat and largest city, as well as law enforcement in smaller municipalities like Junction City, Norphlet, Smackover, and Strong. Each city police department maintains its own records system for arrests and incidents within their jurisdictions. Under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in Arkansas Code Annotated § 25-19-101 et seq., arrest records are generally considered public information.
For current inmate information, the public can call the detention center directly at the Sheriff's Office number or visit the facility during visiting hours. Some Arkansas counties participate in third-party inmate lookup systems, though availability varies. No tribal law enforcement agencies operate within Union County, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands in this jurisdiction.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Union County encompasses a range of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Union County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and booking records, while the Union County Circuit Clerk's Office manages court records related to criminal cases. Residents can conduct background checks through the Arkansas State Police, which provides access to statewide criminal history information. The Arkansas Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for Union County residents seeking detailed criminal records.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Union County are maintained by the Union County Sheriff's Office, which documents all arrests made within the county. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. These records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking information. The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act governs access to public records, ensuring transparency and accountability. Requests for arrest records must comply with this law, and certain sensitive information may be redacted to protect privacy.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Union County Detention Center, located in El Dorado, is the primary facility for housing individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines. The bond and bail process in Arkansas allows detainees to be released pending trial, with bond amounts set by the court.
- Information on recently arrested individuals can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or the detention center's online portal.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Union County are taken and retained by the Union County Sheriff's Office as part of the booking process. These booking photos are typically available through the Sheriff's Office website, where the public can search for and view mugshots of individuals currently or previously detained. Arkansas does not have specific laws regarding the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals may request removal through legal channels if the information is incorrect or outdated. Mugshots are considered public records and are subject to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.
Courts & Case Records
Union County's judicial system operates under the Arkansas state court structure. The Thirteenth Judicial District Circuit Court serves Union County, with the courthouse located at 101 North Washington Avenue in El Dorado, Arkansas 71730. The Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $25,000, domestic relations including divorce and child custody, probate matters, and appeals from lower courts. The court can be reached at (870) 864-1960.
- Union County also has a District Court that handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters under $25,000, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings.
- Court records can be accessed through the Union County Circuit Clerk's Office at the courthouse.
- Fees for copies typically run $0.50 per page for non-certified copies and additional fees for certified documents.
- In-person requests can be made at the Circuit Clerk's office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.
Municipal courts in El Dorado and other Union County cities handle city ordinance violations and traffic matters within their corporate limits. Probate matters are handled through the Circuit Court's Probate Division, with the County Clerk serving as the ex-officio clerk of probate court. Arkansas Administrative Order No.
19 governs public access to court records, generally making most court documents available to the public unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute. Online case searches may be available through the Arkansas CourtConnect system at https://caseinfo.arcourts.gov, though not all Arkansas counties participate fully in this system. Some records, particularly those involving juveniles or sealed proceedings, are restricted from public access pursuant to Arkansas law.
Property & Public Records
The Union County Recorder's Office, located at the Union County Courthouse, 101 North Washington Avenue in El Dorado, Arkansas 71730, maintains all land and property records for the county. This office can be reached at (870) 864-1920. The Recorder's Office preserves and provides access to deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens (including tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens), easements, right-of-way documents, military discharge records (DD-214s), plat maps, and other instruments affecting real property.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested from the Recorder's Office for a statutory fee, typically $5 for the first page and $3 for each additional page, plus certification fees.
- Union County may offer a GIS mapping system or online parcel viewer through the county website at www.unioncountyar.com, allowing users to view property boundaries, ownership, and tax information.
Under Arkansas Code Annotated § 14-15-101 et seq., these records are public and available for inspection during regular business hours. Many Arkansas counties, including Union County, have implemented online property record search systems, though the extent of digitization varies. The Union County Assessor's Office, also located at the courthouse and reachable at (870) 864-1910, maintains property tax records, assessment valuations, ownership information, and property descriptions.
The Assessor's website may provide online access to property tax information and parcel data. The County Treasurer handles collection of property taxes and can be contacted at the courthouse for payment history and tax sale information.
Vital Records
Vital records for Union County, Arkansas, are maintained at both the county and state levels. The Union County Clerk's Office at 101 North Washington Avenue, El Dorado, Arkansas 71730, phone (870) 864-1900, serves as a local repository for some vital records. However, the primary authority for certified vital records in Arkansas is the Arkansas Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, located at 4815 West Markham Street in Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.
- Birth certificates for births occurring in Union County can be requested from the state office; the fee is $12 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks by mail, though expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- Death certificates follow the same fee structure and processing times.
- The marriage license fee in Arkansas is typically $60, with a reduction to $30 if the couple completes a premarital counseling course.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com, the state's authorized vendor, though additional service fees apply.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record pursuant to Arkansas Code Annotated § 20-18-101 et seq. Marriage licenses are issued by the Union County Clerk's Office, with both parties required to appear in person with valid identification and social security numbers. There is no waiting period or blood test required.
Divorce records, known as divorce decrees, are maintained by the Circuit Clerk where the divorce was granted. The Arkansas Department of Health maintains a divorce index but does not issue certified copies of divorce decrees.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Union County, Arkansas, are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. The Union County Clerk's Office at 101 North Washington Avenue in El Dorado handles registration of assumed names (DBAs or fictitious business names) and can be reached at (870) 864-1900. Business entities such as corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other formal structures must register with the Arkansas Secretary of State.
- This service is free and accessible 24/7.
The Secretary of State's Business and Commercial Services Division maintains a searchable online database at www.sos.arkansas.gov where users can search for registered business entities, view filing histories, and verify good standing status. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, cosmetologists, healthcare providers, and others are issued by respective state licensing boards rather than at the county level. Sales tax permits are issued through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.
Building permits and zoning matters in unincorporated Union County are handled by the Union County Building and Planning Department, while incorporated cities like El Dorado maintain their own building inspection and code enforcement offices. The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce, located at 201 North Jackson Avenue in El Dorado, phone (870) 863-6113, website www.goeldorado.com, provides business development resources, networking opportunities, and information about doing business in Union County. The chamber maintains a directory of member businesses and can assist with economic development inquiries.
Local business licenses and occupation taxes may be required by individual municipalities within Union County.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Union County, Arkansas, are administered by the Union County Clerk, who serves as the county's chief election official. The Union County Clerk's Office is located at 101 North Washington Avenue, El Dorado, Arkansas 71730, and can be reached at (870) 864-1900. Voter registration in Arkansas is available online through the Arkansas Secretary of State at www.sos.arkansas.gov/elections, where eligible citizens can register or update their registration information. The deadline to register to vote in Arkansas is 30 days before any election. Voters must be U.S.
- Under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), citizens can request election-related records including poll books, absentee ballot applications (with some personal information redacted), and detailed vote tallies.
citizens, Arkansas residents, at least 18 years old by the next election, and not currently serving a felony sentence. To find your polling place in Union County, voters can contact the County Clerk's office or use the voter view system on the Secretary of State's website, which allows lookup by name or address. Election records that are public in Arkansas include voter registration lists (excluding certain protected information like social security numbers and dates of birth), campaign finance reports filed with the Arkansas Ethics Commission, candidate filing information, precinct-level election results, and ballot question text.
Union County voter turnout in the 2024 general election was approximately 57%, consistent with typical Arkansas county turnout rates for presidential elections. The next major election is November 3, 2026, when voters will decide U.S. Senate and House races, Arkansas constitutional offices including Governor, state legislative seats, and county positions.
Arkansas allows early voting beginning 15 days before an election at designated locations. Absentee voting by mail is available for voters who meet specific criteria including being away from the county on election day, illness or physical disability, or being a uniformed service member or overseas citizen. Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to the Union County Clerk, and voted ballots must be returned by the close of polls on election day.
Arkansas does not have universal vote-by-mail. The Union County Election Commission, appointed under Arkansas law, assists with election administration and can be contacted through the County Clerk's office.
Economy & Demographics
Union County's economy has evolved significantly since the discovery of oil in 1921, which triggered one of the most dramatic oil booms in American history. While petroleum remains important, the economy has diversified substantially.
- The median household income in Union County is approximately $44,000, somewhat below the Arkansas state median.
Major employers in Union County include Lockheed Martin, which operates a manufacturing facility producing tactical missile systems; Murphy Oil Corporation, headquartered in El Dorado, a Fortune 500 oil and gas exploration and production company; Lion Elastomers, a synthetic rubber manufacturer; and Medical Center of South Arkansas, the region's largest healthcare provider. Key economic sectors include manufacturing, particularly chemicals and defense products; healthcare and social assistance; timber and wood products; retail trade; and education. Agriculture, including timber farming, cattle, and poultry, continues to play a role in the rural economy.
The oil and natural gas industry maintains a presence through Murphy Oil and various service companies. Tourism has grown with the development of the Murphy Arts District, a world-class performing arts venue in downtown El Dorado. Unemployment rates in Union County have historically tracked slightly above state averages, though major employers provide stable middle-class jobs.
Recent economic development efforts have focused on workforce training partnerships with South Arkansas Community College, infrastructure improvements at the South Arkansas Regional Airport, and downtown El Dorado revitalization. The county benefits from its location along US Highway 167 and proximity to Interstate 20 in Louisiana, facilitating logistics and distribution activities.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ Limited Online | Property: ✅ Online Search Available | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ⚠️ State Office Required | Business: ✅ State Online Search | Elections: ✅ Online Registration | Overall Score: 6/10 — Union County provides moderate access to public records with some online services available through state systems, though many local records require in-person requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Union County
Explore public records for 10 cities and communities in Union County, Arkansas.
Nearby Counties
Explore public records in counties that border Union County.