About Union County
Union County is located in the western region of Kentucky, positioned along the Ohio River border with Indiana. Union County Seat is Morganfield, a historic town that is the administrative and governmental center. Established in 1811 from Henderson County, Union County includes approximately 345 square miles of predominantly rural and agricultural land. Union County's population is estimated at around 14,000 residents based on recent census data.
Union County is characterized by its rich agricultural heritage, with farming and coal mining historically playing significant roles in the local economy. The Ohio River forms the northern boundary, providing scenic views and economic opportunities through river commerce. Major landmarks include the Camp Breckinridge Museum and Arts Center, which commemorates a World War II and Korean War-era military training camp that once occupied 36,000 acres in Union County.
Union County Courthouse in Morganfield stands as a historic centerpiece of the community. Key governmental offices include Union County Clerk, located at 100 S. Main Street in Morganfield, which handles vital records, marriage licenses, and various public filings.
Union County Property Valuation Administrator's office, also located in the courthouse complex, maintains property assessment records. Union County Fiscal Court is the legislative body for county government. What makes Union County unique is its combination of agricultural tradition, Ohio River heritage, and its historical connection to Camp Breckinridge, which transformed Union County during wartime and left lasting infrastructure impacts on Union County.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Union County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Union County. It patrols the unincorporated areas, manages Union County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is dedicated to community policing and works closely with residents to ensure safety and security. The office has a division focused on drug enforcement, which addresses issues related to illegal substances in Union County.
Police Departments
Union County is served by Union County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments. The Morganfield Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency within the city limits of Morganfield, handling local crime and traffic enforcement. The Sturgis Police Department serves the city of Sturgis, focusing on community safety and crime prevention. These agencies coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and investigations, making sure of full law enforcement coverage across Union County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Union County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for Union County, located at 100 S. Main Street, Morganfield, KY 42437. Inmate information and jail roster can be obtained by contacting the detention center directly or visiting the facility during business hours. Union County Detention Center houses pre-trial detainees and those serving sentences for misdemeanor offenses.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office or the appropriate police department.
- Requests should include the subject's name, date of birth if known, and the approximate date of arrest.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of reports and photographs.
- Kentucky State Police Post 16 in Henderson also provides law enforcement services and investigative support throughout Union County, particularly for major crimes and traffic enforcement on state highways.
Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Morganfield Police Department, which serves Union County Seat with jurisdiction within city limits. The Morganfield Police Department can be contacted at and handles city ordinance enforcement, traffic violations, and criminal matters within municipal boundaries. Arrest records in Union County are public records under Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 61.870 to 61.884, the Kentucky Open Records Act.
Some records may be withheld if they are part of ongoing investigations. Booking photos and mugshots are generally available through the detention center, though policies on public release may vary. There are no tribal law enforcement jurisdictions in Union County.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Union County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can run a background check by contacting the Kentucky State Police, which provides statewide criminal history reports. Union County Circuit Court also holds records of criminal cases, which can be accessed for information on past and ongoing legal proceedings.
- The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, allowing residents to stay informed about offenders in their area.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Union County are maintained by Union County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Requests are processed under the Kentucky Open Records Act, which ensures public access to government records. Arrest records typically include the date of arrest, charges, and the arresting officer's information, providing a summary of the incident.
Jail & Inmate Records
Union County Detention Center is the primary jail facility in Union County. It is responsible for the booking and housing of individuals arrested within Union County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup is available through the detention center's website, allowing residents to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require scheduling in advance.
- The bond and bail process in Kentucky allows for the release of detainees through payment of a set amount, which can be arranged through the detention center or a bail bondsman.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Union County are taken and retained by Union County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. Kentucky does not have specific mugshot removal laws, so these images remain accessible unless expunged by court order. Residents can search for mugshots through the Sheriff's Office online portal, which provides access to recent booking photos and related information.
Courts & Case Records
Union County is served by the Union Circuit Court, which is part of Kentucky's 4th Judicial Circuit along with Webster County. Union County Circuit Court is located at 100 S. Main Street, Morganfield, KY 42437, and can be contacted through the office’s website. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $5,000, domestic relations including divorce and custody, probate matters, and appeals from District Court.
- Copies of court documents can be obtained from the Circuit or District Court Clerk's office, with fees typically ranging from $0.25 to $0.50 per page for standard copies and $5.00 for certified copies.
- Online access through CourtNet is free for basic case information, though detailed documents may require in-person requests.
- The court clerk's office accepts requests in person, by mail, or by phone during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Union County District Court, also located in Union County Judicial Center, handles misdemeanor criminal offenses, traffic violations, civil cases under $5,000, small claims up to $2,500, and preliminary hearings for felony cases. Union County Court can be contacted for Court records in Union County are accessible under Kentucky Revised Statutes 61.870-61.884, which establish the public's right to inspect most court documents. The Kentucky Court of Justice operates CourtNet, an online case lookup system available at https://kcoj.kycourts.net, which allows the public to search civil, criminal, and traffic cases by party name or case number.
However, certain records such as juvenile matters, adoption proceedings, and mental health cases are sealed by statute.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Union County are maintained by Union County Clerk's office, located at 100 S. Main Street, Morganfield, KY 42437 Union County Clerk is the official recorder of deeds and maintains records including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, rights-of-way, plat maps, and other instruments affecting real property. These records date back to Union County's formation in 1811 and are indexed by grantor, grantee, and property location.
- While some Kentucky counties offer online property record searches, Union County primarily requires in-person or mail requests for deed research.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for a fee, typically $5.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus certification fees.
- Requests for certified copies should be submitted in writing with specific property descriptions or book and page references.
Union County Clerk's office maintains a deed room where the public can examine records during regular business hours. Property tax records and assessment information are maintained separately by Union County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA), located at 100 S. The PVA office maintains property assessment records, ownership information, tax maps, and parcel data.
Property tax bills and payment records are handled by Union County Sheriff's office, which is the tax collector. Union County participates in the Kentucky Department of Revenue's property assessment system, and some property information may be searchable through regional GIS systems, though full online parcel viewers may not be available.
Vital Records
Vital records for Union County, Kentucky are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates are issued by the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics, part of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, located at 275 East Main Street, Frankfort, KY 40621. Birth certificates for events occurring in Union County can be requested through the state office by mail, in person, or through the online ordering system at https://vitalchek.com.
- The fee for a certified birth certificate is $10.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks by mail or immediate if requested in person at the state office in Frankfort.
- Death certificates cost $9.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for each additional copy.
- Eligible requestors include the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with court orders.
- Couples must apply in person, present valid identification, and pay the marriage license fee of approximately $35.00.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Kentucky Revised Statutes 213.056. Marriage licenses are issued by Union County Clerk's office at 100 S. Main Street, Morganfield, KY 42437
Kentucky eliminated the waiting period for marriage licenses in recent years. Certified copies of marriage records can also be obtained from the County Clerk. Divorce records are maintained by the Union Circuit Court Clerk and can be requested at the courthouse.
The Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics maintains records of births and deaths occurring after 1911, with earlier records available through county archives or the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Union County involves multiple levels of government depending on the business type and activities. Union County Clerk's office at 100 S. Main Street, Morganfield, KY 42437, phone, handles local business registrations including Doing Business As (DBA) filings and assumed name certificates. Businesses operating under a name different from the owner's legal name must register with the County Clerk.
- The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at https://web.sos.ky.gov/ftsearch/ where the public can look up registered business entities, view filing history, and verify corporate standing.
- This database is free to access and includes information on registered agents, business addresses, and formation dates.
- Union County Chamber of Commerce, though not a regulatory body, provides resources for businesses and can be contacted for information about operating in Union County.
Formal business entity formation, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and non-profit organizations, is handled by the Kentucky Secretary of State's office in Frankfort. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, cosmetologists, real estate agents, and healthcare providers are issued by respective Kentucky state licensing boards, not at Union County level. Sales tax permits are obtained through the Kentucky Department of Revenue.
Building permits and zoning compliance in unincorporated areas of Union County are handled by Union County Planning and Zoning Commission, while the City of Morganfield issues permits within city limits through its Building Inspector's office. Business owners should contact Union County Judge-Executive's office for information on specific local requirements. Occupational license taxes may be required depending on the business location and should be verified with local authorities.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Union County, Kentucky are administered by Union County Clerk, who is the County Clerk and chief election official. Union County Clerk's office is located at 100 S. Main Street, Morganfield, KY 42437, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Voter registration in Union County can be completed in person at the County Clerk's office, by mail using a voter registration application, or online through the Kentucky State Board of Elections website at https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/ovrweb/. Kentucky law requires voter registration to be completed at least 29 days before an election.
- These records can be requested through the County Clerk's office under the Kentucky Open Records Act.
- Union County's voter turnout in the 2024 general election was approximately 60-65% of registered voters, consistent with typical turnout rates in rural Kentucky counties during presidential election years.
- The deadline to request an absentee ballot is typically seven days before the election for mail ballots.
- Citizens can request and observe election processes including canvassing of results.
Eligible voters must be U.S. Citizens, Kentucky residents, at least 18 years old by the next general election, and not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction. Voters can find their assigned polling place by contacting Union County Clerk's office or by using the polling place locator on the Kentucky State Board of Elections website at https://voterportal.sos.ky.gov/.
Union County typically operates multiple precincts throughout Union County, with consolidated voting centers in some recent elections. Election records that are public include voter registration lists (excluding certain protected information like Social Security numbers and dates of birth), campaign finance reports filed with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance, candidate filing documents, and precinct-level election results. The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races for Kentucky's 1st Congressional District, along with potential state legislative races and local offices depending on term expirations. Absentee voting is available for voters who meet specific criteria including age 65 or older, illness or disability, being out of Union County on election day, students attending school outside Union County, or incarceration without a felony conviction. Absentee ballot applications can be obtained from the County Clerk's office or downloaded from the State Board of Elections website.
Kentucky also offers early in-person voting at designated locations during a period before election day. Election transparency in Union County is governed by Kentucky Revised Statutes Title X, which establishes public access to most election records while protecting voter privacy.
Economy & Demographics
Union County's economy has traditionally been rooted in agriculture and coal mining, though the economic scene has diversified in recent decades. Agriculture remains a cornerstone, with corn, soybeans, wheat, and tobacco cultivation occupying significant acreage, along with cattle and hog farming operations. Union County's position along the Ohio River historically supported river commerce and industrial development. Coal mining, which employed substantial numbers of Union County residents through much of the 20th century, has declined but still contributes to Union Countyal economy.
- The median household income in Union County is estimated at approximately $42,000 to $47,000, which is below both state and national averages, reflecting the rural character and economic challenges facing Union County.
- Tourism related to outdoor recreation, hunting, and historical sites like the Camp Breckinridge Museum provides supplementary economic activity.
Major employers in Union County include Webster County Regional Hospital (which serves both counties), Union County Board of Education, local government, and various manufacturing facilities. Manufacturing has grown as an economic sector, with several industrial facilities operating in Union County. The Camp Breckinridge industrial site, developed on the former military base property, has attracted various businesses and distribution operations over the decades.
Retail and service industries centered in Morganfield provide local employment. Unemployment rates in Union County have historically tracked somewhat higher than Kentucky state averages, fluctuating between 4% and 7% depending on economic conditions. Economic development efforts focus on attracting new industry, supporting small business growth, and using Union County's transportation access via U.S.
Highway 60, Highway 56, and proximity to Interstate 69. Union County Fiscal Court and local development organizations work to promote business-friendly policies and infrastructure improvements.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online via CourtNet | Property: Limited: Online, Mostly In-Person | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Required | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Online via KY Secretary of State | Elections: Yes: Voter Info Online | Overall Score: 6/10, Union County provides access to public records primarily through in-person requests at county offices, with state-level online resources supplementing local access.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Union County, Kentucky?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Union County, Kentucky?
How do I get a criminal background check in Union County, Kentucky?
How can I look up sex offenders in Union County, Kentucky?
How do I register to vote in Union County, Kentucky?
How do I look up property records in Union County, Kentucky?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Union County, Kentucky?
How do I find business license records in Union County, Kentucky?
Cities & Towns in Union County
Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Union County, Kentucky.