About Union County
Union County is located in northeastern Oregon, covering approximately 2,038 square miles of diverse terrain that ranges from the fertile Grande Ronde Valley to the rugged Blue Mountains. La Grande serves as the county seat and largest city, with a population of approximately 26,200 residents as of recent census estimates. The county was established in 1864 during Oregon's territorial period and named for the strong Union sentiment in the region during the Civil War era. Union County is home to Eastern Oregon University in La Grande, one of the region's primary educational institutions.
- The scenic Grande Ronde Valley, surrounded by mountains, provides a distinctive geographical feature that has shaped the county's agricultural productivity and settlement patterns.
Major landmarks include the Eagle Cap Wilderness, Mount Emily, and the historic Oregon Trail routes that passed through the valley. The county's economy has historically been built on timber, agriculture, and cattle ranching, though healthcare and education now play significant roles. The Union County Courthouse is located at 1001 4th Street in La Grande, housing many county offices.
The County Recorder maintains land records and documents, while the County Clerk oversees elections, marriage licenses, and various administrative functions. The County Assessor's office, responsible for property valuations and tax assessments, is also located in the courthouse complex. Union County maintains a rural character while serving as a regional hub for commerce, healthcare, and government services in northeastern Oregon.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Union County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining public safety in the unincorporated areas of the county. It oversees law enforcement operations, including patrol duties, criminal investigations, and traffic enforcement. The Sheriff's Office also manages the Union County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. Notable programs include community outreach initiatives and a focus on rural crime prevention. The office works closely with other local law enforcement agencies to ensure comprehensive public safety coverage throughout the county.
Police Departments
Union County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Union County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in La Grande, Elgin, and Union. The La Grande Police Department handles law enforcement within the city limits of La Grande, focusing on urban crime prevention and community policing. The Elgin and Union Police Departments serve their respective cities, coordinating with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and regional safety initiatives.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Union County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 1109 K Avenue in La Grande, Oregon 97850, provides primary law enforcement services throughout unincorporated areas of the county and operates the Union County Jail. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (541) 963-1017, and maintains a website at unioncountyoregon.gov where some public information is available.
- Requests for arrest records should be submitted to the Sheriff's Office or the specific arresting agency, either in writing or in person.
- Municipal police departments operating within Union County include the La Grande Police Department, which serves the county seat and surrounding incorporated areas, and provides law enforcement within city limits.
- The Union County Sheriff's Office maintains patrol divisions, a civil process division for serving legal documents, and search and rescue operations given the county's mountainous terrain.
- Requests for copies of police reports or arrest records typically require completion of a public records request form and may involve copying fees as permitted under Oregon law.
The Union County Adult Custody Facility (county jail) houses inmates for the Sheriff's Office, and current inmate information can typically be obtained by calling the jail directly or visiting the Sheriff's Office in person. Oregon public records law, specifically ORS 192.311 through 192.478 (Oregon Public Records Law), governs access to arrest records and booking information. Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Oregon and may be obtained through formal public records requests to the Sheriff's Office, though some booking information may be restricted under state privacy laws.
Oregon State Police also maintains a presence in Union County and handles traffic enforcement on state highways and assists local agencies. No tribal police agencies operate within Union County borders, as there are no federally recognized tribal reservations in the county.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Union County encompasses a variety of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. The Union County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Oregon State Police provide additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal records through the appropriate law enforcement agency or utilize the Oregon Bureau of Investigation's services for comprehensive background checks.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Union County are maintained by the Union County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of an individual's arrest, including the charges, date, and location of the incident. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, adhering to the guidelines set forth by the Oregon Public Records Law. Arrest records typically include the individual's personal information, charges, and court dates. The process is designed to ensure transparency while protecting sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Union County Jail, located in La Grande, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting personal information of detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Union County Sheriff's Office, allowing the public to search for current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring prior scheduling and adherence to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process in Oregon allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with specific conditions set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Union County are taken and retained by the 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. Oregon does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals can petition for removal or restriction of access under certain circumstances. Mugshots are often used in conjunction with arrest records to provide a comprehensive view of an individual's legal history.
Courts & Case Records
Union County is served by the Circuit Court of Oregon for Union County, part of the Tenth Judicial District, located at 1001 4th Street, Suite C, La Grande, Oregon 97850. The court can be reached at (541) 963-1007 and handles all civil, criminal, domestic relations, probate, and juvenile matters for the county. Oregon operates a unified court system, so the Circuit Court serves as the trial court of general jurisdiction handling felonies, civil cases over $10,000, divorces, and other major matters.
- Justice Court operations in Union County handle violations, small claims up to $10,000, and misdemeanors, operating under the Circuit Court umbrella.
- Viewing basic case information online is free, but obtaining certified copies of court documents requires payment of fees established by state statute and court rules.
- Certified copies of court documents cost $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus a $1.25 certificate fee.
- The Union County Circuit Court Clerk's office processes record requests during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, and can provide information about remote access options and record retrieval procedures.
The Oregon Judicial Department maintains the Oregon eCourt case information system, accessible at oregon.gov/courts, where the public can search case records by party name, case number, or attorney, though some confidential case types are excluded from online access. ORS 7.111 and UTCR 5.100 govern public access to Oregon court records, establishing presumptive public access to most court files while protecting certain confidential information such as sealed records, juvenile cases, and adoption proceedings. Probate matters, including estate administration and guardianships, are handled by the Circuit Court with files maintained by the Court Clerk.
Appeals from Union County Circuit Court decisions go to the Oregon Court of Appeals in Salem.
Property & Public Records
The Union County Recorder's office, located in the Union County Courthouse at 1001 4th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850, maintains land records including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, subdivision plats, and other instruments affecting real property. The Recorder's office can be reached at (541) 963-1006 and records documents presented for recording that meet Oregon statutory requirements under ORS 93.600 through 93.975.
- The Assessor's office phone number is (541) 963-1014, and property tax information can be searched online through the county's property information system.
- Union County provides a Geographic Information System (GIS) parcel viewer that allows users to view parcel boundaries, ownership information, zoning, and aerial photography, accessible through the county website.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person at the Recorder's office or by mail with proper identification and payment of applicable fees established under Oregon law.
Union County has implemented an online property records search system accessible through the county website at unioncountyoregon.gov, allowing the public to search recorded documents by grantor/grantee name, document type, recording date, or legal description. While basic searches may be available without charge, obtaining copies of recorded documents typically requires payment of fees: $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page for uncertified copies, with certified copies requiring an additional fee. The Union County Assessor's office, also located in the courthouse, maintains property tax assessment records, ownership information, property characteristics, and valuation data for all taxable parcels in the county.
The Union County Tax Collector handles property tax payments and maintains records of tax payments, delinquencies, and foreclosures.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Union County are maintained by both the Union County Clerk's office and the Oregon Center for Health Statistics, the state's vital records agency. The Union County Clerk, located at 1001 4th Street, Suite D, La Grande, Oregon 97850, phone (541) 963-1006, can provide certified copies of birth and death certificates for events in Union County.
- Processing time for in-person requests at the County Clerk's office is usually immediate if the record is on file, while mail requests may take one to two weeks.
- Online ordering of Oregon vital records is available through VitalChek, the state's authorized vendor, at vitalchek.com, though expedited service fees apply.
- Marriage licenses are issued by the Union County Clerk's office with a current fee of $60.00, and couples must apply in person with valid government-issued photo identification.
The fee for a certified birth or death certificate is typically $25.00 for the first copy and $25.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time, though fees should be confirmed with the issuing office. The Oregon Center for Health Statistics in Portland maintains statewide vital records and can be reached at (971) 673-1190 or through their website at oregon.gov/oha/ph/birthdeathcertificates. Oregon has a three-day waiting period after issuance before the marriage license becomes valid, and the license is valid for 60 days.
Divorce records (divorce decrees and dissolution judgments) are maintained by the Union County Circuit Court Clerk, not the vital records office, as they are court records rather than vital records. Oregon vital records law is codified in ORS 432.005 through 432.990, which governs registration, custody, and release of vital records. Eligibility to obtain certified vital records is restricted to the registrant (if of legal age), immediate family members, legal representatives, or parties with a documented legal interest, with proper identification required.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Union County involves multiple agencies depending on the business type and activities. The Union County Clerk's office at 1001 4th Street, Suite D, La Grande, Oregon 97850, phone (541) 963-1006, handles certain local business filings including assumed business name registrations (DBAs) for businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. However, Oregon law requires most business entity formations and registrations to be filed with the Oregon Secretary of State Corporation Division in Salem.
- This database provides business formation dates, registered agent information, principal addresses, and current status.
- The Greater La Grande Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 2111 Adams Avenue in La Grande, website visitunioncounty.org, provides business development resources and networking opportunities for local businesses.
The Oregon Secretary of State maintains the statewide Business Registry search at egov.sos.state.or.us/br/pkg_web_name_srch_inq.login, a free online database where the public can search for corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and other registered business entities by name or registry number. Oregon does not have a general sales tax, so sales tax permits are not applicable, but businesses may need specific professional licenses depending on their industry, issued by various state licensing boards. The Union County Planning Department, phone (541) 963-1041, handles building permits, land use permits, and zoning compliance for development and construction projects in unincorporated areas of the county.
Cities within Union County, including La Grande, administer their own building permits and business licenses within city limits. Professional and occupational licenses in Oregon are typically issued by state-level regulatory boards rather than county offices, with information available through the Oregon Boards and Commissions Directory maintained by the Secretary of State.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Union County are administered by the Union County Clerk's Office, Elections Division, located at 1001 4th Street, Suite D, La Grande, Oregon 97850. The Elections office can be reached at (541) 963-1006, and election information is available at the county website unioncountyoregon.gov and through the Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division at oregonvotes.gov. Oregon conducts all elections entirely by mail, with ballots mailed to registered voters approximately 18 days before each election.
- Absentee ballots are not separately requested in Oregon since all registered voters automatically receive ballots by mail for every election.
- Citizens can request election-related public records from the County Clerk under the Oregon Public Records Law, ORS 192.311 to 192.478.
Voter registration in Union County can be completed online at oregonvotes.gov, by mail using a printed registration form, or in person at the County Clerk's office. Oregon offers automatic voter registration through the DMV when obtaining or renewing a driver's license or state ID, and same-day registration is available through Election Day under Oregon's Motor Voter law. The voter registration deadline is 21 days before Election Day for mail or online registration.
Voters can check their registration status, find ballot drop box locations, and track their ballot at oregonvotes.gov using the My Vote online tool. Union County maintains official ballot drop boxes at secure locations including the Union County Courthouse and other sites announced before each election, where voters can deposit completed ballots until 8:00 PM on Election Day. Election records available to the public under Oregon law include the voter registration list (with some personal information redacted), campaign finance reports filed with the Oregon Secretary of State, candidate filing information, precinct-level election results, and voter history showing which elections a person voted in (but not how they voted).
In the November 2024 general election, Union County reported a voter turnout of approximately 71%, consistent with Oregon's vote-by-mail system that typically produces higher turnout than in-person voting states. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, potential U.S.
Senate races, Oregon state legislative seats, the Oregon Governor's race, and county offices. Voters who did not receive a ballot, need a replacement, or have questions can contact the Union County Elections office. Oregon's vote-by-mail system is governed by ORS 254.465 through 254.482, and provides strong transparency with ballot tracking, signature verification processes, and public observation opportunities during ballot processing.
Economy & Demographics
Union County's economy has traditionally been based on natural resource industries, particularly timber, agriculture, and ranching, though the economic base has diversified significantly in recent decades. Agriculture remains a cornerstone, with cattle ranching, hay production, and wheat farming dominating the Grande Ronde Valley's productive agricultural lands. The median household income in Union County is approximately $49,000, below the Oregon state median, reflecting the rural nature of the economy and lower cost of living compared to urban areas.
- Government employment, including county, city, state, and federal agencies, provides stable jobs in the county seat of La Grande.
- Agricultural processing, value-added food production, and craft beverage industries represent emerging opportunities being developed in the county.
Major employers include Grande Ronde Hospital, the largest healthcare provider in the region; Eastern Oregon University, which employs faculty and staff while bringing student spending to the local economy; the Union County School District; and Walmart. The Boise Cascade timber mill operations have historically provided industrial employment, though the timber industry has contracted from its peak decades. Tourism and outdoor recreation constitute a growing economic sector, with visitors drawn to the Eagle Cap Wilderness, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, hunting, fishing, and winter sports.
Unemployment rates in Union County have generally tracked slightly above state averages, fluctuating with seasonal industries and agricultural cycles. Economic development efforts focus on small business development, downtown revitalization in La Grande, and leveraging the county's quality of life and outdoor amenities to attract remote workers and retirees. The Union County Economic Development Corporation works to recruit new businesses and support existing employers.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (Oregon eCourt) | Property: ✅ Online Search Available | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person Required | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or Mail/Online via State | Business: ✅ Online (State Registry) | Elections: ✅ Online (Ballot Tracking, Results) | Overall Score: 7/10 — Union County provides good digital access to court and property records, with elections fully transparent under Oregon's vote-by-mail system, though some jail and vital records require traditional request methods.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Union County
Explore public records for 7 cities and communities in Union County, Oregon.
Nearby Counties
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