About Union County
Union County, Indiana is the smallest county in the state by land area, including approximately 162 square miles in the southeastern corner of Indiana along the Ohio border. Established in 1821, Union County was formed from portions of Fayette and Wayne Counties and named to symbolize the union of these two areas. Union County seat is Liberty, which also is the primary municipal center for Union County's approximately 7,000 residents according to recent census estimates. Union County is bordered by Ohio to the east across the Whitewater River, Franklin County to the south, Fayette County to the west, and Wayne County to the north. Union County's rural character is defined by rolling farmland, small historic towns, and well-preserved 19th-century architecture. Major landmarks include Union County Courthouse in Liberty, built in 1890 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Whitewater Valley, which provides scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. Union County's economy has historically centered on agriculture, particularly grain farming and livestock. Union County government operates through several key offices located primarily in Liberty. Union County Recorder maintains property records at the courthouse at 26 West Union County Street, Liberty, IN 47353. Union County Clerk handles court records, marriage licenses, and election administration from the same courthouse building. Union County Assessor manages property tax assessments and maintains parcel data. Despite its small size, Union County maintains a complete set of local government services and a strong sense of community identity rooted in its agricultural heritage and small-town values.
- Major landmarks include Union County Courthouse in Liberty, built in 1890 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Whitewater Valley, which provides scenic beauty and recreational opportunities.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Union County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Union County. It patrols the unincorporated areas, manages Union County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is key to coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety across Union County.
Police Departments
In addition to Union County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Union County includes the Liberty Police Department, which serves the town of Liberty. These agencies work together to address crime and ensure public safety. Coordination between these agencies is crucial for handling major crimes and emergencies that require a unified response.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Union County, Indiana is primarily provided by Union County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 26 West Union Street in Liberty, IN 47353. Union County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving sentences.
- There may be a nominal copying fee for records.
- Union County does not maintain a publicly accessible online mugshot database, so requests typically must be made in person or by phone.
Inmate information and jail roster details can typically be obtained by calling the Sheriff's Office directly, as Union County does not maintain a separate online inmate lookup portal due to its small size. The only incorporated county in Union County is Liberty, which relies on the Sheriff's Office for primary law enforcement rather than maintaining a separate municipal police department. Arrest records in Union County are considered public records under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code 5-14-3), which establishes the right of citizens to inspect and copy public records with limited exceptions.
Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Indiana and may be obtained through the Sheriff's Office, though online access to booking photos is limited in Union County compared to larger jurisdictions. Indiana Code 5-14-3-3 requires law enforcement agencies to make arrest records available for inspection and copying during regular business hours, with certain information such as active investigation details potentially being withheld. For emergency law enforcement services throughout Union County, residents should dial 911, which is dispatched through a regional communications center serving multiple counties in east-central Indiana.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Union County, IN are maintained by local law enforcement agencies and the court system. Background checks are typically obtained through state-level repositories or authorized vendors. For an authoritative source, see Union County, Ohio - Background Checks - Union County Sheriff Office.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Union County, IN are public under most state public-records laws unless sealed or expunged by a court. They are maintained by the arresting agency, primarily the County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Union County jail is operated by the County Sheriff's Office and houses pretrial detainees and short-sentence inmates. Inmate locator tools allow public searches by name or booking number.
- Look up current inmates and booking information at Union County Sheriff Office P2C.
- Sheriff's Office: Union County Sheriff’s Office – Union County, Iowa.
- The bond and bail process allows release of detainees under conditions set by the court; inquiries about recently arrested individuals can be directed to the jail's administrative office.
Courts & Case Records
Union County judicial system operates through Union County Circuit Court, located at Union County Courthouse, 26 West Union Street, Liberty, IN 47353. The court can be contacted through the office’s website. The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over all civil, criminal, family law, probate, juvenile, and small claims matters arising in Union County. One judge presides over the Circuit Court, handling the full range of legal proceedings. Union County Clerk is the clerk of the court and maintains all court records, case files, and dockets.
- gov portal, Union County's small caseload means that full online access may be limited, and many searches require in-person or telephone requests to the Clerk's office.
- Fees for copying court documents are established by Indiana statute at $1.00 per page for standard copies, with certified copies carrying an additional certification fee.
- For questions about specific cases or to request documents, contact Union County Clerk at the courthouse.
Court records in Indiana are governed by Indiana Access to Public Records Act (IC 5-14-3) and the Indiana Rules of Court, which establish that most court records are public unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute. To search court records in Union County, individuals may visit the Clerk's office in person during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. While many larger Indiana counties have implemented online case search systems through the Indiana Courts mycase.
Case information such as case numbers, party names, filing dates, and hearing schedules is generally available to the public, while certain records such as adoption files, sealed juvenile records, and cases involving protected personal information have restricted access. Indiana Trial Rule 77 governs public access to court records and proceedings. The court also handles marriage dissolution cases, estate proceedings, guardianships, and protective orders.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Union County, Indiana are maintained by Union County Recorder's Office, located at 26 West Union Street, Liberty, IN 47353. The Recorder's Office can be contacted for The Recorder is responsible for recording and preserving documents affecting real property ownership, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage releases, liens, easements, rights-of-way, and plat maps. These records date back to Union County's establishment in 1821 and provide a complete chain of title for properties throughout Union County.
- While some Indiana counties offer full online property record searches, Union County's small size means that many record requests are handled in person or by telephone.
- The Recorder's Office charges statutory fees for recording documents and providing certified copies, typically $8.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page of recorded documents.
- Indiana Gateway (gateway.ifionline.org) provides some access to property tax and assessment data for Union County parcels, allowing searches by parcel number, owner name, or address.
Indiana law requires that documents affecting real property be recorded in Union County where the property is located to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers. Property tax records and assessment information are maintained by Union County Assessor's Office, also located in the courthouse at 26 West Union Street The Assessor maintains property tax assessment data, parcel maps, property characteristics, and ownership information used for taxation purposes.
Property tax payment records and delinquency information are handled by Union County Treasurer's Office. For detailed title searches, historical deed research, or certified copies of recorded documents, visits to the Recorder's Office are typically required. Union County may also maintain GIS mapping resources showing parcel boundaries, though full online GIS viewers may be limited compared to larger counties.
Vital Records
Vital records for Union County, Indiana residents are handled through multiple offices depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates are maintained by the Indiana State Department of Health, Vital Records Division, located at 2 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Birth certificates for births occurring in Union County can be ordered from the state office for a fee of $28.00 for a certified copy, with additional copies ordered at the same time costing $4.00 each.
- Death certificates cost $20.00 for the first certified copy and $4.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service may be available for an additional fee.
- The Indiana State Department of Health also offers online ordering through VitalChek at vitalchek.com for faster processing, with additional service fees applying.
- Couples must apply in person with valid identification and pay the marriage license fee, currently $18.00 if both parties complete a premarital preparation course, or $60.00 without the course.
Birth records are restricted to the individual named on the certificate (if age 18+), parents, legal guardians, or legal representatives, with proper identification required. Death certificates have broader access, available to family members and others with a direct and tangible interest. Marriage licenses in Union County are issued by Union County Clerk's Office at the courthouse, 26 West Union Street, Liberty, IN 47353
Marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from issuance and can be used anywhere in Indiana. Marriage records and divorce decrees are maintained by the County Clerk and are generally public records unless sealed by court order. Vital records in Indiana are governed by Indiana Code 16-37, which establishes who may access these records and under what circumstances.
For local assistance with vital records, Union County Health Department at may provide guidance, though official certified copies must be obtained from the state or county clerk as appropriate.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Union County, Indiana are managed through several offices at Union County and state level. For local business name registrations, also known as "Doing Business As" (DBA) or fictitious name registrations, Union County Clerk's Office at 26 West Union Street, Liberty, IN 47353, handles filings. The Clerk can be contacted through the office’s website. Businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with the County Clerk, paying a filing fee established by statute.
- gov), a full online portal where users can search existing business entities, file new formations, register trademarks, and access business documents.
- The INBiz system provides free public access to search registered business names, view business entity status, registered agent information, and filing history.
These records are public and can be searched by visiting the Clerk's office. For formal business entity formation such as corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, businesses must file with the Indiana Secretary of State's Business Services Division. The Secretary of State maintains INBiz (inbiz.
Professional licenses such as those for contractors, healthcare providers, cosmetologists, and other regulated professions are issued by various state licensing boards rather than at Union County level. Sales tax permits are handled by the Indiana Department of Revenue and can be applied for through the INBiz portal. Building permits and zoning matters in Union County are handled by Union County Building Department and Plan Commission, which can be contacted through Union County offices at the courthouse.
Union County Plan Commission oversees land use, zoning regulations, and development approvals. Local business licenses for specific activities may be required by individual municipalities or Union County government depending on the nature of the business.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Union County, Indiana?
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How do I register to vote in Union County, Indiana?
How do I look up property records in Union County, Indiana?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Union County, Indiana?
How do I find business license records in Union County, Indiana?
Cities & Towns in Union County
Explore public records for 3 cities and communities in Union County, Indiana.
Economy & Demographics
Union County, Indiana's economy is predominantly agricultural, reflecting its rural character and fertile farmland that covers the majority of Union County's 162 square miles. The agricultural sector focuses primarily on corn and soybean production, with many family farms also raising hogs, cattle, and poultry. Agricultural production and related services represent the largest employment sector, with farm implement dealers, grain elevators, and agricultural support businesses providing significant economic activity. According to U.S.
- Manufacturing provides another important employment sector, with several small to mid-sized manufacturers operating facilities in or near Liberty.
- Union County's location along State Road 101 and its proximity to Interstate 70 (accessible via nearby Wayne County) provides moderate transportation access for businesses.
- Union County's proximity to the Ohio border provides some residents with access to employment opportunities across state lines.
Census data, Union County's median household income is estimated at approximately $52,000 to $58,000, somewhat below the Indiana state median, reflecting Union County's rural economy and smaller population base of roughly 7,000 residents. The public sector, including county government, schools (East Union Community School Corporation), and health services, represents a significant portion of stable employment. Small businesses, including retail establishments, restaurants, auto repair shops, and service providers concentrated in Liberty, form the backbone of the local commercial economy.
Unemployment rates in Union County typically track close to state averages, ranging between 3% and 5% in recent years during normal economic conditions. Union County faces economic challenges common to rural Indiana communities, including population decline, aging demographics, and competition from larger regional employment centers in Richmond, Connersville, and the greater Cincinnati metropolitan area. Economic development efforts focus on supporting existing businesses, attracting small manufacturers, and promoting agricultural innovation.
Tourism plays a modest role, with visitors drawn to antique shops, rural scenery, and the historic Union County Courthouse. There are no major corporate headquarters or large industrial facilities in Union County, maintaining its character as a quiet agricultural community.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Union County, Indiana are administered by Union County Clerk, who serves as Union County's chief election official. The Clerk's Office is located at Union County Courthouse, 26 West Union Street, Liberty, IN 47353, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Voter registration in Union County is handled through the Clerk's Office, with Indiana offering online voter registration through indianavoters. gov, the state's official voter portal. Indiana residents must be U.S.
- Residents can register online, by mail, or in person at the Clerk's Office or Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles locations.
- Election transparency in Union County follows Indiana public records law (IC 5-14-3), which provides citizens the right to inspect voter lists, observe ballot counting, and request election related records.
- Poll watchers representing candidates and parties are permitted to observe voting and counting processes.
Citizens, at least 18 years old on or before the next election, and have lived in their precinct for at least 30 days before the election to be eligible to vote. The voter registration deadline in Indiana is 29 days before any election. To find your polling place in Union County, voters can use the indianavoters.
gov website by entering their name and date of birth, or by contacting the Clerk's Office directly. Union County typically operates several polling locations throughout Union County, with the exact number depending on precinct populations. Early voting is available at designated locations, typically at the courthouse, beginning 28 days before an election.
Indiana election records that are public include voter registration lists (excluding certain protected information like Social Security numbers and birthdates), campaign finance reports filed with Union County clerk and Indiana Election Division, candidate filings and declarations, and precinct-level election results. House and Senate races (Indiana has two U.S. Senate seats with staggered terms), Indiana state legislative races, and various county offices.
Absentee voting by mail is available for Indiana voters who meet specific criteria outlined in Indiana Code 3-11-10, including being 65 or older, having a disability, being scheduled to work during all poll hours, being a caregiver, being confined due to illness or injury, being absent from Union County on election day, having religious obligations, being a member of the military, being a serious sex offender, or being prevented by an emergency. Absentee ballot applications must be received by Union County Clerk by 11:59 PM eleven days before the election. Indiana also offers no-excuse in-person absentee voting (early voting) at designated locations.
Union County Clerk maintains election results, which are posted after certification and available for public inspection.