About Union County
Union County is located in the southeastern corner of South Dakota, bordered by the Big Sioux River and the state of Iowa to the east. Union County Seat is Elk Point, a historic Missouri River town established in 1859. Union County includes approximately 466 square miles and serves a population of around 16,500 residents, making it one of the more densely populated counties in South Dakota due to its proximity to Sioux City, Iowa. Union County was organized on April 10, 1862, and is part of the Sioux City, IA-NE-SD Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Major communities include Elk Point, North Sioux City, Beresford, and Jefferson. Union County Courthouse is located at 209 East Main Street, Elk Point, SD 57025, where residents can access services from the Register of Deeds, County Auditor, Clerk of Courts, and Director of Equalization. The Big Sioux River forms the eastern boundary and has historically been central to Union County's agricultural and economic development.
Union County features rich agricultural lands with corn and soybean farming as dominant industries. Union County's unique position as a border county creates significant economic ties to the tri-state Sioux City metro area. Notable landmarks include the Jefferson Wagon Bridge, one of the few remaining wagon bridges in South Dakota, and Union County State Park.
Union County's proximity to Interstate 29 makes it a strategic location for commerce and residential development, attracting families who work in Sioux City while enjoying South Dakota's quality of life and tax advantages.
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. This office handles patrol duties, manages Union County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community outreach programs and works closely with local schools and organizations to promote safety and crime prevention. Notable divisions within the office include the investigations unit and the K-9 unit, which assist in solving crimes and making sure of public safety.
Police Departments
Union County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Union County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the North Sioux City Police Department and the Elk Point Police Department. Each agency has jurisdiction over its respective area, with the Sheriff's Office covering unincorporated regions and the city departments handling municipal law enforcement. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and response throughout Union County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Union County Sheriff's Office, located at 209 East Main Street, Elk Point, SD 57025, provides primary law enforcement services throughout the unincorporated areas of Union County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a website at www.unioncountysd.org where residents can access non-emergency services information. Union County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office at the same location, houses inmates awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences.
- Written requests for arrest records can be submitted to Union County Sheriff's Office or the specific municipal police department that made the arrest.
- Booking photographs and mugshots are generally available through the Sheriff's Office, though there may be fees for copies as permitted under SDCL § 1-27-35.
- Requesters must provide identifying information about the subject and may need to show valid identification.
- Response times vary but typically range from a few days to two weeks depending on the complexity of the request.
Inmate lookup and current custody information can be obtained by calling the jail directly at during business hours or by visiting the facility. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the North Sioux City Police Department, Beresford Police Department, Elk Point Police Department, and Jefferson Police Department, each serving their respective municipalities. Arrest records in Union County are considered public information under South Dakota Codified Law § 1-27-1, which governs public records access in the state.
The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation also maintains statewide arrest and criminal history records. There are no tribal law enforcement agencies in Union County, as Union County does not contain reservation lands.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Union County includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. Union County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the South Dakota Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request background checks through the Bureau, which offers full reports including criminal history and sex offender status. The system ensures that Union County residents have access to necessary information for personal and public safety.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Union County are maintained by Union County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications or online portals, depending on availability. An arrest record in Union County typically includes the individual's personal details, the nature of the offense, and the date of arrest. The South Dakota Sunshine Law governs the accessibility of public records, for public access and the right of citizens to obtain information about arrests and other public matters.
Jail & Inmate Records
Union County Jail, located in Elk Point, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Union County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestee. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing the public to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.
- The bond and bail process in South Dakota allows for the release of detainees upon payment of a set amount, which can be arranged through the jail 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. South Dakota does not have specific mugshot removal laws, meaning that once a mugshot is part of the public record, it remains accessible unless otherwise ordered by a court. Individuals seeking to remove mugshots may need to pursue legal action for expungement or sealing of records.
Courts & Case Records
Union County is served by the Third Judicial Circuit of South Dakota. Union County Clerk of Courts is located at Union County Courthouse, 209 East Main Street, Elk Point, SD 57025, phone. The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over civil, criminal, family law, probate, and juvenile matters within Union County. Court records are accessible to the public under South Dakota Codified Law § 15-15A-1 through 15-15A-6, which establish the framework for public access to court documents with limited exceptions for sealed or confidential matters.
- While basic case information is available free online, copies of documents require a fee of $0.50 per page for standard copying and $1.00 per page for certified copies as established by SDCL § 15-15A-5.
- Walk-in requests are accepted during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding court holidays.
- For probate matters, the Circuit Court Clerk processes estate administration, guardianships, and conservatorships.
- Requests for older archived records may require additional processing time and should be directed to the Clerk of Courts office with as much identifying information as possible.
Property & Public Records
Union County Register of Deeds office, located at 209 East Main Street, Elk Point, SD 57025, maintains all land and property records for Union County. The office can be reached at and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Register of Deeds maintains recordings of deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plat maps, surveys, and other instruments affecting real property in Union County dating back to Union County's organization in 1862. South Dakota Codified Law § 7-9-1 through 7-9-42 govern the duties and responsibilities of the Register of Deeds.
- Union County provides an online property search system through Union County website at www.unioncountysd.org, allowing the public to search land records by grantor, grantee, document type, or legal description.
- Basic searches are available at no charge, though there may be fees for printing or obtaining certified copies.
- Property tax payment records are maintained by Union County Treasurer for Certified copies of recorded documents cost $5.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page.
- The office accepts requests in person, by mail, or by phone, and many documents can be emailed upon payment.
Vital Records
Vital records for Union County, South Dakota, are maintained by both Union County and state. Birth and death certificates occurring in Union County can be requested through Union County Clerk of Courts at 209 East Main Street, Elk Point, SD 57025, phone. However, the South Dakota Department of Health Vital Records office in Pierre is the primary custodian of all state vital records and can be reached at or via their website at doh.sd.gov/records/vital records. Birth certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates are also $15 for the first copy and $10 for additional copies.
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests and immediate for walk-in requests if records are readily available.
- Online ordering is available through the VitalChek service at www.vitalchek.com with additional convenience fees.
- Requesters must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship or eligibility, as vital records are confidential under South Dakota Codified Law § 34-25-16 and § 34-25-32.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Union County Clerk of Courts at the courthouse, with a fee of $40 and a three-day waiting period unless waived.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Union County involves both county-level and state-level processes. Union County Auditor's office at 209 East Main Street, Elk Point, SD 57025, phone, handles certain local business registrations and fictitious name filings (DBAs) at Union County level. For full business entity searches, including corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, the South Dakota Secretary of State Business Services Division maintains an online searchable database at sdsos.gov/business-services.
- This free online portal allows users to search by business name, registered agent, or filing number to verify business status, view officers and directors, and access formation documents.
- Most formal business entities must be registered with the Secretary of State rather than at Union County level.
Sales tax licenses are required for most retail businesses and are issued by the South Dakota Department of Revenue; applications can be submitted online at dor.sd.gov. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are administered by their respective state licensing boards. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are handled by Union County Director of Equalization and Zoning office for The office maintains records of conditional use permits, variance applications, and subdivision plats.
Municipalities within Union County, including Elk Point, North Sioux City, Beresford, and Jefferson, maintain their own business licensing requirements and building permit processes for businesses operating within city limits. Union County Economic Development office and the Elk Point Area Chamber of Commerce at www.elkpointchamber.com provide resources for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to establish operations in Union County.
Elections & Voter Records
Union County elections are administered by Union County Auditor, who serves as Union County's election official. The Auditor's office is located at 209 East Main Street, Elk Point, SD 57025, and can be contacted through the office’s website. The office website at www.unioncountysd.org provides election information, sample ballots, and precinct locations. Voter registration in Union County can be completed online through the South Dakota Secretary of State website at sdsos.gov/elections-voting, by mail using a printable voter registration form, or in person at the Auditor's office.
- Absentee ballots in Union County can be requested through the Auditor's office starting 46 days before any election.
- Requests can be submitted in person, by mail, or through the online absentee ballot application portal on the South Dakota Secretary of State website.
- Citizens can request copies of voter lists, precinct results, and other election documentation by contacting the County Auditor's office.
South Dakota law requires registration at least 15 days before an election, and voters must be 18 years old by election day and a resident of South Dakota and Union County for at least 30 consecutive days. Same-day registration is not available in South Dakota. To find your polling place in Union County, voters can visit the Secretary of State's polling place lookup tool at sdsos.gov or contact the County Auditor's office directly.
Election records that are public in South Dakota include voter registration rolls (with limited information under SDCL § 12-4-50), official election results by precinct, candidate filings, and campaign finance reports. Precinct-level election results for Union County are published on Union County website following certification. In the 2024 general election, Union County reported a voter turnout of approximately 72 percent, consistent with South Dakota's historically high participation rates.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, potential U.S. Senate contests, South Dakota gubernatorial and state legislative races, and various county offices.
Absentee ballots must be returned by 7:00 PM on election day either by mail (postmarked by election day and received within three days) or by hand delivery to the Auditor's office or designated polling location. South Dakota law (SDCL § 12-20-1 through 12-20-45) governs absentee voting procedures. Union County maintains transparency in elections by providing public access to election related records under South Dakota's open records laws.
Union County uses paper ballots with optical scan tabulation equipment to ensure election security and provide auditable results.
Economy & Demographics
Union County's economy is diverse and closely integrated with the Sioux City metropolitan area, benefiting from its strategic location along Interstate 29 and the Big Sioux River. Agriculture remains a key part of Union County economy, with corn, soybeans, cattle, and hog farming generating significant revenue. The median household income in Union County is approximately $78,000, notably higher than the South Dakota state average, reflecting Union County's proximity to higher-wage employment opportunities in Sioux City, Iowa.
- Major employers include agricultural processing facilities, retail and service businesses in North Sioux City, healthcare providers, and educational institutions.
- The agricultural sector continues to modernize with precision farming technologies and value-added processing operations establishing presence in Union County.
North Sioux City has experienced substantial commercial development, with numerous retail centers, restaurants, and hospitality businesses serving the tri-state region. Union County benefits from South Dakota's business-friendly tax climate, including no state income tax, which attracts residents who work across state lines. Manufacturing, transportation, and warehousing sectors have grown due to Union County's interstate highway access.
The unemployment rate in Union County typically remains below both state and national averages, generally ranging between 2-3 percent. Economic development initiatives focus on attracting light manufacturing, distribution centers, and professional services. Union County has invested in infrastructure improvements including roads, utilities, and broadband internet to support business growth.
Tourism contributes modestly to the economy through Union County State Park and recreational opportunities along the Big Sioux River. Retail sales in North Sioux City benefit from cross-border shopping due to South Dakota's lower sales tax rates compared to neighboring states.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Online Search | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or State Portal | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 7/10, Union County provides solid digital access to property and court records, with election information readily available online. Jail and vital records require more direct contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Union County
Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Union County, South Dakota.