About Union County
Union County is located in the extreme northeastern corner of New Mexico, sharing borders with Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas. Union County Seat is Clayton, situated at approximately 103 miles north of Clovis and 104 miles east of Raton. Established in 1893, Union County includes 3,831 square miles of high plains and grasslands. Union County was named for the Union sympathies of its early settlers during the Civil War era. As of recent census estimates, Union County has a population of approximately 4,000 residents, making it one of New Mexico's least populous counties.
- Union County experiences a semi-arid climate with cold winters and warm summers typical of the high plains region at approximately 5,000 feet elevation.
The scene is characterized by shortgrass prairie, mesas, and canyons. Notable landmarks include Capulin Volcano National Monument, a dormant cinder cone volcano rising 1,000 feet above the surrounding plains, and the Folsom archaeological site where Folsom points were first discovered in 1908, revolutionizing understanding of Paleo-Indian culture. Clayton Lake State Park features more than 500 dinosaur tracks preserved in ancient lakebed sediments.
Union County Clerk's office is located at 200 Court Street in Clayton, serving as the primary record-keeping office for vital records, marriage licenses, and election administration. Union County Assessor's office, also in the courthouse at 200 Court Street, maintains property tax assessments and ownership records. Union County Clerk & Recorder maintains land records, deeds, and property transactions.
The local economy is predominantly agricultural, with cattle ranching and dryland farming dominating the scene.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Union County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across the unincorporated areas of Union County. It oversees Union County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office also collaborates with other local law enforcement agencies to ensure full public safety and effective law enforcement across Union County.
Police Departments
In addition to Union County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Union County is supported by municipal police departments, including the Clayton Police Department. These agencies have jurisdiction within their respective municipalities, handling local law enforcement duties and coordinating with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes. The collaboration between these agencies ensures a full approach to public safety and crime prevention throughout Union County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Union County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 200 Court Street in Clayton, NM 88415, provides primary law enforcement services throughout the unincorporated areas of Union County. The department maintains jurisdiction over approximately 3,831 square miles and operates Union County Adult Detention Center, which houses inmates for Union County. Inmate information and jail roster searches can be conducted by contacting the detention facility directly at or visiting the Sheriff's Office during business hours.
- Requests should include the subject's full name and date of birth when possible.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of records.
- Response time for public records requests is typically within 15 business days as specified under state law.
The facility typically maintains a small capacity consistent with Union County's rural population. Municipal law enforcement in Union County is provided by the Clayton Police Department, serving Union County Seat of Clayton. The Clayton Police Department is, Clayton, NM 88415, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Des Moines, the only other incorporated county in Union County, may use county sheriff services or contract arrangements.
Under the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (NMSA 1978, §§ 14-2-1 through 14-2-12), arrest records and booking information are considered public records unless sealed by court order or protected under specific exemptions. Mugshots and booking photographs are typically available through direct inquiry at the detention facility or the arresting agency. New Mexico law requires that custodians of public records provide the fullest possible disclosure of records unless specifically exempted by statute.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Union County cover felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as a sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks through the New Mexico State Police, which provides access to statewide criminal history information. The process involves submitting a request and may require a fee, depending on the type of record sought.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Union County are maintained by 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 through the Sheriff's Office, following the procedures outlined by the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act. This law ensures transparency and access to public records, allowing individuals to obtain information about arrests and related activities within Union County.
Jail & Inmate Records
Union County Detention Center, located in Clayton, is the primary facility for housing inmates in Union County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting the personal information of each arrestee. Inmate lookup services are available to the public, allowing individuals to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled times and guidelines that must be adhered to by visitors.
- The bond and bail process in New Mexico allows for the release of inmates pending trial, and information on posting bail can be obtained through the detention center.
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 or online databases that compile such information. While New Mexico does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals seeking to have their mugshots removed from online databases may need to contact the respective websites directly. The availability of mugshots may vary depending on the case and the privacy considerations involved.
Courts & Case Records
Union County is served by the Eighth Judicial District Court of New Mexico, which has jurisdiction over civil, criminal, domestic relations, and probate matters. Union County District Court is located at Union County Courthouse, 200 Court Street, Clayton, NM 88415. The court clerk's office can be contacted through the office’s website. District Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $10,000, domestic relations including divorce and child custody, appeals from lower courts, and probate matters. The Eighth Judicial District includes Colfax, Taos, and Union Counties.
- Case information and dockets may be accessed through the New Mexico Judiciary Case Lookup system at nmcourts.gov, which provides free online access to case records statewide.
- Fees for certified copies typically range from $1.00 to $2.00 per page, with certification fees of approximately $3.00 to $5.00.
- Online access through the state judiciary system is free for case searches, though certified documents require in-person or mail requests.
- The Eighth Judicial District Court website provides information about filing procedures, forms, and fee schedules.
Users can search by party name, case number, or attorney name. Union County Magistrate Court, located at 200 Court Street, Clayton, NM 88415 (phone: 575-374-2347), handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases up to $10,000, landlord-tenant disputes, and preliminary hearings for felony cases. Municipal courts in Clayton and Des Moines handle ordinance violations and traffic citations within their respective jurisdictions.
Under the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (NMSA 1978, § 14-2-1 et seq.) and court rules, most court records are public unless sealed by judicial order. Access to certain sensitive records, including juvenile matters, adoption proceedings, and sealed cases, is restricted by statute.
Property & Public Records
Union County Clerk's Office is the County Recorder for Union County, maintaining official land records, deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plat maps, and other instruments affecting real property. The office is located at 200 Court Street, Clayton, NM 88415, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Recording services are available during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Union County Clerk's recording division maintains a grantor-grantee index dating back to Union County's establishment.
- Recording fees are established by state statute (NMSA 1978, § 14-8-1 et seq.) and typically include a base fee plus per-page charges.
- Union County offers limited online access to property records; many searches require in-person visits or written requests.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for a statutory fee, typically $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus certification fees.
- Requests for copies can be made in person, by mail, or by phone with prepayment.
Available records include warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgage releases, satisfaction of liens, mechanics liens, lis pendens, easements, right-of-way agreements, subdivision plats, and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings. Property tax information and assessed valuations are maintained by Union County Assessor's Office, also located at 200 Court Street, Clayton, NM 88415 The Assessor's office maintains property valuations, ownership records, and parcel information.
Property tax collection is handled by Union County Treasurer. Some property information may be available through third-party vendors or the New Mexico Property Tax Division website. Union County may maintain a Geographic Information System (GIS) for parcel mapping, though online public access may be limited compared to larger New Mexico counties.
Vital Records
Vital records for Union County, including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees, are maintained by multiple custodians depending on the record type and date. Union County Clerk's Office at 200 Court Street, Clayton, NM 88415 (phone: 575-374-9577) issues marriage licenses for ceremonies performed in Union County and maintains marriage records. Couples applying for marriage licenses must appear in person with valid identification. The fee for a marriage license is approximately $25.00, and there is no waiting period in New Mexico.
- Birth and death certificates can be requested through the state vital records office by mail, in person, or online through VitalChek at vitalrecordsonlineorders.com.
- The fee for a certified birth or death certificate is $10.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests and 3-5 business days for expedited online orders with additional fees.
- Divorce records are maintained by the District Court Clerk at Union County Courthouse and can be requested following standard court record procedures.
Marriage licenses are valid for one year from issuance. Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Union County are officially maintained by the New Mexico Department of Health, Vital Records and Health Statistics Office, located at 1105 St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87502.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship or legal entitlement. Under New Mexico statute (NMSA 1978, § 24-14-1 et seq.), birth records are restricted for 100 years and death records for 50 years, with access limited to immediate family members, legal representatives, or individuals with a direct tangible interest. Union County Clerk may maintain some historical vital records and can provide information about local record access.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Union County involves multiple agencies depending on the business type and activities. Local business licenses and permits are administered through Union County Clerk's Office at 200 Court Street, Clayton, NM 88415 (phone: 575-374-9577). Union County Clerk maintains filings for doing-business-as (DBA) names, trade names, and fictitious business names at Union County level. Business owners must register trade names with the County Clerk for a fee, typically around $25.00, with renewal required periodically.
- The New Mexico Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database of registered business entities at portal.sos.state.nm.us, where the public can search by business name, registered agent, or entity number.
- This database provides information on business status, formation date, registered agent, and principal office address.
- Businesses can register online at tap.state.nm.us.
- The Clayton-Union County Chamber of Commerce, located in Clayton, provides business resources and networking opportunities.
For formal business entity formation, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, registration is handled through the New Mexico Secretary of State's Business Services Division. The New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department administers Combined Reporting System (CRS) registration for gross receipts tax (New Mexico's sales tax equivalent) and other state business taxes. Professional and occupational licenses are issued by various New Mexico state boards and commissions depending on the profession.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits in unincorporated Union County are administered by Union County Planning and Zoning Department or Building Inspector. Contact Union County administrative offices for specific requirements. Their website and contact information can be obtained through local directories or the Town of Clayton.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Union County are administered by Union County Clerk, who is the County Clerk and Election Administrator. The office is located at 200 Court Street, Clayton, NM 88415, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Union County Clerk's office handles voter registration, ballot preparation, early voting, election day operations, canvassing, and certification of results.
- In the 2024 general election, Union County recorded voter turnout consistent with rural New Mexico counties, typically in the range of 60-70% of registered voters.
Voter registration in New Mexico can be completed online through the New Mexico Secretary of State's Voter Information Portal at nmvote.org, in person at the County Clerk's office, by mail using a voter registration form, or at various state agencies including motor vehicle offices. The registration deadline is 28 days before any election. New Mexico offers same-day voter registration during early voting and on election day with proper identification and proof of residence.
Voters can verify their registration status, find their polling location, and view sample ballots through the nmvote.org portal by entering their name and date of birth. Union County typically operates polling places in Clayton, Des Moines, and other community locations depending on precinct population. Early voting is available at the County Clerk's office beginning 28 days before election day, including the Saturday before the election.
Under New Mexico's Inspection of Public Records Act (NMSA 1978, § 14-2-1 et seq.) and election code, public election records include voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted), campaign finance reports filed with the Secretary of State, candidate declarations and nominating petitions, precinct-level election results, and canvass reports. Union County election results are posted at the County Clerk's office and submitted to the New Mexico Secretary of State, which publishes full results at electionresults.sos.state.nm.us. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring midterm elections for the U.S.
House of Representatives, one U.S. Senate seat, New Mexico statewide offices including Governor (if applicable to the cycle), and state legislative seats. New Mexico offers absentee voting by mail for any voter.
Applications for absentee ballots can be submitted online through nmvote.org, in person at the County Clerk's office, by mail, or by fax. The application deadline is typically the Thursday before election day for regular mail ballots. Absentee ballots must be received by 7:00 PM on election day or postmarked by election day and received within the statutory timeframe.
New Mexico also offers in-person absentee voting during the early voting period. Election transparency is supported by public access to voter lists, campaign finance disclosure, observation rights for poll watchers, and post-election audit procedures conducted by the Secretary of State.
Economy & Demographics
Union County's economy is predominantly based on agriculture, with cattle ranching and dryland farming serving as the primary economic drivers. Union County's 3,831 square miles of high plains grassland support extensive cattle operations, making beef production the leading agricultural sector. Dryland farming focuses on wheat, sorghum, and hay production, adapted to the semi-arid climate and annual precipitation of approximately 15-17 inches.
- According to recent economic data, Union County's median household income is estimated at approximately $45,000-$50,000, slightly below the New Mexico state median.
Union County experiences higher-than-average unemployment rates typical of rural agricultural regions, with seasonal fluctuations based on farming and ranching cycles. Major employers include Union County government, Clayton Municipal Schools, Union County General Hospital, ranching operations, and small businesses serving the local population. Tourism provides supplementary economic activity, driven primarily by Capulin Volcano National Monument, which attracts approximately 50,000 visitors annually, and Clayton Lake State Park, known for its dinosaur trackways.
The Folsom archaeological site draws scholarly and tourist interest. Retail, hospitality, and food services in Clayton serve both locals and travelers along US Highway 87 and US Highway 64/87. The energy sector has limited presence compared to other New Mexico counties, though some oil and gas exploration occurs in Union County.
Wind energy development has been explored given the high plains location. Economic challenges include population decline, aging demographics, limited healthcare and retail services, and distance from major markets. Union County has no tribal lands or casino operations.
Economic development efforts focus on sustaining agricultural infrastructure, promoting heritage tourism, and maintaining quality of life for residents in this remote rural county.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (state portal) | Property: Limited: Online (in-person preferred) | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: State Office/Mail | Business: Yes: Online (state portal) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 6/10, Union County provides access to most public records, though rural infrastructure limits digital services. State portals compensate for limited county-level online systems.