About Union County
Union County is located in the Upstate region of South Carolina, approximately 60 miles south of Charlotte, North Carolina. Union County Seat is Union, a city of approximately 8,000 residents that is the governmental and commercial hub. Union County includes 514 square miles and has a total population of approximately 27,000 residents according to recent census estimates. Union County was established in 1785 and named to commemorate the spirit of colonial unity during the American Revolution.
Union County played a significant role during the Revolutionary War, with the Battle of Musgrove Mill fought within its boundaries in August 1780. Union County's geography features rolling Piedmont terrain with fertile agricultural lands and proximity to the Broad River watershed. Major landmarks include Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site, one of South Carolina's best-preserved antebellum plantation homes, and the historic Union County Courthouse built in 1911.
The economy has historically centered on textile manufacturing, though Union County has diversified in recent decades. Public records in Union County are maintained by several key agencies: Union County Register of Deeds office handles property records, Union County Clerk of Court maintains court documents and some vital records, and Union County Assessor manages property tax assessments and valuations. Union County administrative complex is located at 210 West Main Street in Union, SC 29379, housing most county offices.
What makes Union County unique is its blend of Revolutionary War heritage, preserved historic architecture, and transition from textile-dependent economy to more diversified industrial and service sectors while maintaining its small-town character.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Union County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Union County. It provides a range of services, including patrolling rural areas, managing Union County jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records. The office is also involved in community outreach programs and crime prevention initiatives specific to Union County.
Police Departments
In addition to Union County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Union County is provided by municipal police departments, including the Union Police Department and the Jonesville Police Department. Each department is responsible for maintaining public safety within its respective city limits. These agencies coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and investigations that cross jurisdictional boundaries, making sure of full law enforcement coverage throughout Union County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement services in Union County are provided primarily by Union County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 300 Thompson Boulevard, Union, SC 29379.
- Booking photographs (mugshots) are generally considered public records in South Carolina and can be requested through the same FOIA process, though the Sheriff's Office may charge reasonable fees for reproduction.
- South Carolina law requires that public bodies respond to FOIA requests within 15 business days.
Inmate lookup for Union County jail can be conducted by contacting the detention center directly at during business hours, though Union County does not currently offer a full online inmate roster. For current booking information, citizens must call or visit in person.
Arrest records in Union County are public records under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq.
Recent arrest information may also be obtained through incident reports available at the Sheriff's Office. Union County does not have tribal police jurisdiction or special law enforcement districts. Traffic enforcement is conducted by both the Sheriff's Office and municipal police, with South Carolina Highway Patrol also maintaining jurisdiction on state highways throughout Union County.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Union County includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. For a more full background check, residents can access services provided by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). SLED offers statewide criminal background checks that include Union County records. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division also helps with maintaining and providing access to criminal records for Union residents.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Union County are maintained by Union County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, these records are generally accessible to the public, although certain restrictions may apply. A typical arrest record in Union County will include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and any bond information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Union County Detention Center is the primary jail facility in Union County. It handles the booking process for people arrested within Union County, where they are photographed and fingerprinted. Inmate information can be accessed through the detention center's administrative office, and visitation is allowed under specific rules that require prior scheduling. The bond and bail process in South Carolina allows for the release of detainees under certain conditions, and information on recently arrested individuals can be obtained by contacting the detention center directly.
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 searched through the Sheriff's Office website or by visiting the office in person. South Carolina does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals may seek legal avenues for removal under certain circumstances. Mugshots are often used with arrest records for identification purposes.
Courts & Case Records
Union County judicial system operates under South Carolina's unified court system. The Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Court serves Union County and is located at Union County Courthouse, 210 West Main Street, Union, SC 29379. The Clerk of Court office can be contacted through the office’s website. Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $7,500, domestic relations matters, and appeals from lower courts. Union County Magistrate Court has jurisdiction over civil cases up to $7,500, misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felony charges.
- Case searches can be conducted through the South Carolina Judicial Department's Public Index website at www.sccourts.org/caseSearch, which provides statewide access to circuit court case information.
- The Clerk of Court office maintains full records and charges fees for certified copies: typically $1.00 per page for copies and $2.00 for certification.
- To access older records or case files not available online, in-person visits to the Clerk of Court office are necessary.
Several magistrates serve Union County with offices located throughout Union County. Union County Probate Court, located at 215 West Main Street, Union, SC 29379, telephone, handles estates, wills, guardianships, and certain mental health commitments. Municipal Court for the City of Union area handles ordinance violations and certain misdemeanors occurring within city limits.
Court records in Union County are public records under S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-15(a)(1), which specifically includes judicial records in the definition of public records subject to disclosure.
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Union County are maintained by Union County Register of Deeds (ROD) office, located at 210 West Main Street, Union, SC 29379. The Register of Deeds can be reached at and is responsible for recording and preserving real estate documents including warranty deeds, mortgage documents, liens, lis pendens, easements, rights-of-way, and plat maps. Under South Carolina law, these records are public and available for inspection during regular business hours.
- There may be subscription fees for extensive searching or document printing.
- The Register of Deeds charges recording fees based on document type and page count, typically $10 for the first page and $2 for each additional page for most documents.
- Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee.
- Union County provides a GIS mapping system accessible through Union County website, offering parcel boundary maps, ownership information, tax assessment data, and aerial photography.
- This online tool is free to access and allows property searches by owner name, parcel number, or address.
Union County offers online access to recorded documents through a third-party vendor at www.unioncountysc.org, where users can search by name, document type, or date range. Property tax records are maintained separately by Union County Assessor's Office and Union County Treasurer's Office, both located in Union County administrative building. The Assessor, reachable, maintains property valuations, parcel information, and ownership data.
The Treasurer's Office at handles tax collections and payment records. For official title research, examination of recorded documents at the Register of Deeds office is recommended, as the online systems may have slight delays in updating.
Vital Records
Vital records for Union County residents are managed at both Union County and state levels. Birth and death certificates occurring in Union County can be requested from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Division of Vital Records, located at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. DHEC maintains statewide vital records and is the primary source for certified copies. Birth certificates cost $12 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Death certificates cost $12 for the first copy and $3 for additional copies.
- Processing time is typically 3-5 business days for in-person requests and 2-3 weeks for mail requests.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.scdhec.gov/vitalrecords with additional service fees and expedited shipping options.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $50, with a 24-hour waiting period before the license becomes valid.
- Copies of divorce decrees can be requested from the Clerk of Court office with proper identification and payment of copy fees.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship or legal entitlement to the record. South Carolina restricts access to birth certificates for 100 years and death certificates for 50 years to qualified applicants under S.C. Code Ann.
§ 44-63-10 et seq. Marriage licenses are issued by Union County Probate Court at 215 West Main Street, Union, SC 29379, telephone. Couples must apply in person with valid identification and Social Security numbers.
The license is valid for 60 days from issuance. Divorce records (decrees) are maintained by Union County Clerk of Court, as divorces are granted through Family Court proceedings. For genealogical research or historical vital records, Union County Carnegie Library maintains some local historical records and can provide research assistance.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Union County are available through multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. For business entity formation and registration, the South Carolina Secretary of State maintains the statewide Business Entities Online database at www.scsos.com/Business_Filings, where users can search for corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and other registered entities free of charge. This searchable database includes entity name, registration status, registered agent, filing date, and principal office address.
Local business licenses for operating within Union County are issued by Union County Treasurer's Office, located at 210 West Main Street, Union, SC 29379, telephone. County business license requirements apply to most commercial activities conducted in unincorporated areas of Union County. The City of Union requires separate business licenses for operations within city limits, administered by City Hall for Fictitious name registrations (Doing Business As or DBA filings) are filed with Union County Clerk of Court and become part of the public record, searchable at the Clerk's office.
Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, real estate agents, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are regulated by respective South Carolina state licensing boards, with searchable databases available at www.llr.sc.gov. Sales tax permits are issued by the South Carolina Department of Revenue and required for businesses selling tangible goods. Building permits, zoning applications, and development approvals are handled by Union County Planning and Development Department, which can be reached through Union County administration for Union County Chamber of Commerce, located at 135 West Main Street, Union County, SC 29379, website www.Union Countysc.com, provides business development resources, networking opportunities, and economic information for the business community, though it does not maintain official licensing records.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Union County, South Carolina are administered by Union County Board of Voter Registration and Elections, located at 210 West Main Street, Union, SC 29379. The elections office can be reached at and provides information on voter registration, polling locations, absentee voting, and election results.
- The deadline for absentee ballot requests is 5:00 PM four days before the election.
- Citizens may request election related records including ballot samples, election day procedures manuals, and voting equipment certifications through the elections office.
- Union County elections office maintains records of past elections and can provide historical data upon request.
Voter registration in Union County can be completed online through the South Carolina Election Commission website at www.scvotes.gov/south-carolina-voter-registration-information, by mail using a downloadable registration form, or in person at Union County elections office, South Carolina DMV offices, or other designated agencies. The voter registration deadline in South Carolina is 30 days before any election. Registered voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling place by using the online voter information tool at www.scvotes.gov/voters/find-my-polling-place or by contacting Union County elections office directly.
Union County maintains approximately 12-15 polling locations throughout Union County on election day, distributed across different precincts. Election records that are public in South Carolina include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted), campaign finance disclosures filed with the State Ethics Commission, candidate qualification documents, and precinct-level election results. In the November 2024 general election, Union County recorded a voter turnout of approximately 52-58%, consistent with typical South Carolina county turnout for presidential elections.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring US House and Senate midterm races as well as South Carolina gubernatorial, statewide constitutional offices, General Assembly seats, and various county offices. Absentee voting in Union County is available for qualified voters, including those who will be absent from Union County on election day, persons with physical disabilities, persons 65 and older, and other statutory categories. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted through the online portal at www.scvotes.gov, by mail, or in person at Union County elections office.
South Carolina does not offer universal no-excuse mail voting; specific justifications are required. In-person absentee voting is available at Union County elections office beginning approximately two weeks before each election. Election transparency in Union County is governed by South Carolina's public records laws and election code provisions at S.C.
Code Ann. § 7-1-10 et seq. Precinct-level results are published on the South Carolina Election Commission website shortly after election certification.
Economy & Demographics
Union County's economy has undergone significant transformation from its textile manufacturing heritage to a more diversified industrial base. Historically dominated by textile mills that employed thousands of residents throughout the 20th century, Union County experienced economic challenges as the textile industry declined in the 1990s and 2000s. Today, major employers include healthcare facilities such as Union Medical Center (part of the Prisma Health system), manufacturing operations, retail trade, and educational institutions including Union County School District.
- The median household income in Union County is approximately $38,000, below the state average, reflecting ongoing economic transition challenges.
Key economic sectors include advanced manufacturing, automotive parts production, plastics manufacturing, distribution and logistics, agriculture (particularly cattle, poultry, and row crops), and forestry products. Several industrial parks accommodate manufacturing facilities, with Union County actively recruiting new industries through tax incentives and workforce development programs. Notable companies operating in Union County include automotive suppliers and plastics manufacturers that have established operations in recent decades.
Union County has benefited from its proximity to Interstate 26 and the Greenville-Spartanburg metropolitan area, making it attractive for distribution operations. Agriculture remains economically significant, with Union County ranking among South Carolina's top counties for beef cattle production. The unemployment rate has historically been higher than state averages, though recent industrial recruitment efforts have created new job opportunities.
Economic development is coordinated through Union County Development Board, which works to attract new businesses and retain existing employers. Tourism contributes modestly to the economy, centered on Revolutionary War heritage sites, Rose Hill Plantation, and outdoor recreation along the Broad River. Downtown Union County has seen revitalization efforts to preserve historic buildings and create small business opportunities.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Property: Yes: Online GIS & ROD Search | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Only | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Online (State & Local) | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall Score: 7/10, Union County provides good online access to property, court, and election records, but jail and vital records require direct contact or state-level requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Union County
Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Union County, South Carolina.