About Union County
Union County is located in northeastern Mississippi, part of the state's hill country region. Established in 1870 during Reconstruction, the county was formed from portions of Pontotoc and Tippah counties and named in honor of the restored Union following the Civil War. The county seat is New Albany, a vibrant city that serves as the commercial and governmental center for the county's approximately 28,000 residents spread across 416 square miles.
Union County is home to several significant landmarks including the Tanglefoot Trail, a 43.6-mile rails-to-trails project that runs through the county and has become a major recreational attraction. The area's rolling hills and pine forests reflect the transition zone between Mississippi's Delta region and the Appalachian foothills. Major governmental agencies serving residents include the Union County Chancery Clerk located at 109 Main Street in New Albany, the Union County Circuit Clerk at the same address in the Union County Courthouse, the Union County Tax Assessor's office, and the Board of Supervisors.
The county has a rich industrial history, particularly in furniture manufacturing, with several major employers maintaining facilities in New Albany. The region is also known for its agricultural heritage, with timber, cattle, and poultry production remaining economically significant. Union County maintains a blend of small-town character with modern amenities, making it an attractive location for families and businesses seeking proximity to larger metropolitan areas like Tupelo while retaining rural Mississippi charm.
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 Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is involved in various community programs aimed at crime prevention and public safety. Notable divisions within the Sheriff's Office include the patrol division, which handles routine law enforcement duties, and the investigations division, which deals with more complex criminal cases.
Police Departments
In addition to the Union County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county is supported by municipal police departments, including the New Albany Police Department. These agencies have jurisdiction within their respective city limits and handle local law enforcement duties, such as traffic enforcement and community policing. Coordination between the Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments is crucial for addressing major crimes and ensuring comprehensive public safety across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement services in Union County are primarily provided by the Union County Sheriff's Department, headquartered at 300 Carter Avenue in New Albany, Mississippi 38652. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (662) 534-1900 and maintains a website at unioncountysheriff.com where citizens can access information about services, community programs, and public safety alerts. The department operates the Union County Detention Center, which houses both pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates.
- Citizens can request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department, typically with a small copying fee.
- Mugshots and booking photos from the Union County jail are maintained as part of booking records and may be accessed through direct requests to the jail or through the Sheriff's Office public information procedures.
- Processing times for records requests typically range from several days to two weeks depending on the volume and complexity of the request.
- The Sheriff's Office also provides civil process service, court security, and operates patrol divisions covering unincorporated areas of the county.
Inmates can be located through the jail roster maintained at the detention facility; information is typically available by calling the jail directly at (662) 534-1941 or visiting the Sheriff's Office website where booking information and current inmate lists are periodically updated. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the New Albany Police Department, which serves the county seat and handles city ordinance violations, traffic enforcement, and criminal investigations within city limits. Under Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss.
Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq.), arrest records and booking information are generally considered public records, though certain juvenile and sensitive investigative records may be exempt.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Union County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. These records are maintained by the Union County Circuit Clerk and the Sheriff's Office. Residents can conduct background checks through the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, which provides statewide criminal history information. The availability of these records is governed by the Mississippi Public Records Act, ensuring public access while protecting sensitive information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Union County are maintained by the Union County Sheriff's Office. These records include details such as the date of arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following the guidelines set by the Mississippi Public Records Act. Arrest records provide essential information for legal proceedings and background checks, and they are a critical component of the county's public safety infrastructure.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Union County Jail, located in New Albany, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting individuals upon arrest, and their information is entered into the county's records system. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, and visitors must adhere to strict guidelines regarding conduct and attire.
- The bond process in Mississippi allows for bail to be posted through cash, property, or bail bondsmen, facilitating the release of detainees pending trial.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Union County are taken and retained by the Union 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 website or by request. While Mississippi does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals seeking to have their mugshots removed from online databases may need to pursue legal action or request removal from third-party sites directly. The availability of mugshots is subject to the state's public records laws, which aim to balance transparency with privacy concerns.
Courts & Case Records
Union County is served by the Circuit Court of Union County, which sits in the Third Circuit Court District of Mississippi and has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $200,000, equity cases, and appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Clerk's office is located at 109 Main Street, New Albany, MS 38652, phone (662) 534-1910, and maintains all circuit court records including criminal case files, civil litigation documents, and judgments.
- Union County Justice Court handles misdemeanors, traffic violations, small claims up to $3,500, and preliminary hearings for felony cases.
- Certified copies of court documents are available for a fee, typically $1.00 per page plus a certification fee.
- The Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system is gradually being implemented across the state, but physical visits or written requests remain the primary method for accessing historical court records in Union County.
The Union County Chancery Court handles matters including divorce and family law, estates and probate, guardianships, property disputes, and civil cases under the traditional equity jurisdiction. The Chancery Clerk's office, also at 109 Main Street (662-534-1900), serves as the chief record keeper for the county and maintains land records, vital records, and all chancery court filings. Municipal courts in New Albany handle city ordinance violations and certain traffic offenses within city limits.
Under Mississippi Code § 25-61-9, court records are generally public except for certain sealed, juvenile, or confidential matters protected by statute or court order. While Mississippi does not maintain a comprehensive statewide online case search system, some court records may be searched in person at the respective clerk's offices during business hours, typically Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Each clerk's office maintains an indexed docket system organized by case number, party name, and filing date.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Union County are maintained by the Union County Chancery Clerk's office, which serves as the Register of Deeds for the county. Located at 109 Main Street in New Albany, MS 38652 (phone 662-534-1900), this office records and indexes all real property transactions including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, releases, liens, easements, rights-of-way, subdivision plats, and other instruments affecting real property title.
- While some Mississippi counties have implemented online land records databases, Union County primarily requires in-person or mail requests for deed searches and copies.
- Certified copies of recorded instruments are available for statutory fees, typically $1.00 per page plus certification charges.
The Chancery Clerk maintains grantor-grantee indexes dating back to the county's formation in 1870, providing a comprehensive chain of title for all parcels in Union County. Land records are public under Mississippi law (Miss. Code Ann.
§ 25-61-1 et seq.) and can be searched during regular business hours. Property tax records and assessment information are maintained separately by the Union County Tax Assessor's office at 300 Carter Avenue, New Albany, MS 38652 (phone 662-534-1930). The Tax Assessor maintains current ownership records, assessed values, property descriptions, and maps for all real and personal property subject to taxation in the county.
Property tax payments and delinquency information are handled by the Union County Tax Collector's office. Some property tax and assessment information may be available through the county's administrative offices, though comprehensive online GIS mapping and parcel search capabilities are limited compared to larger Mississippi counties. Citizens seeking property research should contact the Chancery Clerk for recorded documents and the Tax Assessor for current valuation and tax status information.
Title companies and attorneys regularly access these records for real estate transactions throughout the county.
Vital Records
Vital records for Union County residents are maintained by the Union County Chancery Clerk's office at 109 Main Street, New Albany, MS 38652 (phone 662-534-1900) and the Mississippi State Department of Health Vital Records office. Birth certificates for births occurring in Union County can be requested from the Chancery Clerk if the event occurred recently, though the Mississippi State Department of Health Vital Records (MSDH Vital Records, 570 East Woodrow Wilson Drive, Jackson, MS 39216, phone 601-576-7981) maintains the official state registry for all Mississippi births.
- Birth certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $7 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificates follow the same pattern, with the state vital records office serving as the primary repository; fees are identical to birth certificates.
- Processing time for vital records requests typically ranges from 2-4 weeks for mail requests, though in-person requests at the state office in Jackson may be processed same-day or within a few business days.
- Marriage licenses are issued by the Union County Circuit Clerk's office at 109 Main Street, New Albany (phone 662-534-1910); couples must appear together, provide identification, and pay the required fee.
- Online ordering for Mississippi vital records is available through the state's approved vendor VitalChek at msdh.ms.gov/vitalrecords, though service fees apply in addition to the statutory certificate costs.
Mississippi law (Miss. Code Ann. § 41-57-1 et seq.) restricts access to birth and death certificates to eligible persons including the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with a direct and tangible interest.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and complete the appropriate application form. Mississippi has no waiting period or blood test requirement for marriage licenses. Divorce records are maintained as part of Chancery Court case files at the Chancery Clerk's office.
Expedited processing is available for additional fees.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Union County involves multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. For local business operations, contact the Union County Board of Supervisors administrative offices at (662) 534-1900 to inquire about county business licenses or permits specific to certain activities. The Union County Chancery Clerk at 109 Main Street, New Albany, MS 38652 handles filing of fictitious business names (Doing Business As or DBA registrations) under Mississippi Code § 75-25-1 et seq., with fees typically around $25 for the initial filing.
However, formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other statutory entities must be registered with the Mississippi Secretary of State Business Services Division. The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at www.sos.ms.gov/business-services where anyone can search for registered business entities, view formation dates, registered agents, and status information at no charge. Business entity filings with the Secretary of State can be completed online through the same portal.
Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, cosmetologists, healthcare providers, and other regulated professions are issued by the respective Mississippi state licensing boards, not at the county level. Sales tax permits are issued by the Mississippi Department of Revenue and are required for businesses selling tangible personal property or certain services. Building permits, zoning approvals, and development permits in unincorporated areas of Union County are handled by the Union County Building Department or Planning Department; inquiries should be directed to the Board of Supervisors office.
Within city limits of New Albany, the City of New Albany Planning and Zoning Department handles these functions. The Union County Chamber of Commerce (newalbanyms.com) serves as a valuable resource for new and existing businesses, providing networking, business development support, and community information for the local business community.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Union County, Mississippi are administered by the Union County Circuit Clerk's office, which serves as the county election commission and voter registration authority. The Circuit Clerk's office is located at 109 Main Street, New Albany, MS 38652, phone (662) 534-1910. Voter registration in Union County can be completed in person at the Circuit Clerk's office, by mail using the Mississippi voter registration application, or online through the Mississippi Online Voter Registration System at www.ms.gov/sos.
- Under Mississippi law, voters must register at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
- To register, applicants must be U.S.
- These records can be requested from the Circuit Clerk's office under the Mississippi Public Records Act.
- Absentee ballot applications for Union County elections must be submitted to the Circuit Clerk's office, with mail-in absentee ballots requiring specific deadlines for request and return.
- The transparency of Union County's election administration is supported by public access to election results, which are posted after certification, and the ability to observe election processes.
citizens, at least 18 years old by the date of the election, residents of Mississippi and Union County, and not disqualified by felony conviction (unless rights have been restored) or a court finding of mental incapacity. Voters can find their polling place by contacting the Circuit Clerk's office or using the polling place locator on the Mississippi Secretary of State's website. Union County is divided into multiple voting precincts, each assigned to specific polling locations throughout the county.
Election records that are public under Mississippi law include voter registration rolls (with certain personal information redacted), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political committees, candidate qualifying documents, and precinct-level election results. In recent federal elections, Union County has demonstrated voter turnout typically ranging from 55-65% in presidential election years and 35-45% in midterm elections, consistent with patterns seen across rural Mississippi counties. The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races, potential U.S. Senate races depending on the cycle, and various Mississippi state legislative seats. Absentee voting in Mississippi is available for voters who meet specific statutory criteria including being away from the county on election day, having a temporary or permanent disability, being 65 years or older, working as an election official, or being a parent, caretaker, or spouse of a person with a disability.
Mississippi does not offer universal no-excuse absentee voting. Citizens can request precinct-level results, voter turnout statistics, and other election data from the Circuit Clerk under Mississippi public records law.
Economy & Demographics
Union County's economy has historically been anchored by manufacturing, particularly furniture and wood products, which have been major employers for generations. The county's largest city, New Albany, is home to several significant industrial facilities including Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi's parts distribution center and several automotive suppliers that support the Toyota assembly plant in nearby Blue Springs. Ashley Furniture Industries maintains a significant presence in the area, continuing the county's furniture manufacturing tradition.
- According to recent Census estimates, Union County's median household income is approximately $45,000 to $50,000, slightly below the Mississippi state median but reflective of the region's lower cost of living.
- Union County has benefited from its proximity to Tupelo's economic growth while maintaining lower tax rates and operating costs.
Health care services represent another major employment sector, with Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union County serving as a significant employer and healthcare provider for the region. The agricultural sector remains economically important, with timber production, cattle ranching, and poultry farming generating substantial economic activity across the county's rural areas. The county's unemployment rate typically tracks close to the state average, fluctuating between 4-6% depending on economic conditions.
Retail trade and hospitality sectors have grown along US Highway 78, which connects Union County to Tupelo and Memphis, Tennessee. The Tanglefoot Trail has spurred tourism and recreational business development, with bicycle shops, restaurants, and lodging facilities capitalizing on trail traffic. The Union County Industrial Park offers sites for manufacturing and distribution operations with access to highway, rail, and workforce resources.
Economic development efforts are coordinated through partnerships between county government, the Union County Chamber of Commerce, and regional development organizations focusing on workforce training, infrastructure improvements, and business retention. The area's relatively affordable real estate and quality of life factors continue to attract families and businesses seeking alternatives to more urbanized areas.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ In-Person/Phone Required | Property: ⚠️ In-Person Required | Arrest/Jail: ✅ Phone/Website Roster | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or State Office | Business: ✅ State Online Search | Elections: ⚠️ Limited Online | Overall Score: 5/10 — Union County maintains traditional in-person access to most public records with limited online search capabilities compared to larger Mississippi counties.
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Cities & Towns in Union County
Explore public records for 4 cities and communities in Union County, Mississippi.
Nearby Counties
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