About Union County
Union County, Tennessee, is located in the eastern portion of the state within the Appalachian region, approximately 40 miles north of Knoxville. The county seat is Maynardville, a small community that serves as the administrative and governmental center for the county's approximately 19,500 residents. Union County was established in 1850 and encompasses approximately 224 square miles of rolling hills, valleys, and forested terrain characteristic of East Tennessee. The county is bordered by Campbell, Claiborne, Grainger, Knox, and Anderson counties.
Major landmarks include Norris Lake, a Tennessee Valley Authority reservoir that provides substantial recreational opportunities and draws tourism to the region, and Big Ridge State Park, one of Tennessee's original state parks. The county's history is deeply rooted in agriculture, logging, and small-scale manufacturing. Key governmental agencies include the Union County Clerk, located at 901 Main Street in Maynardville, which handles vital records, elections, and various county registrations; the Union County Register of Deeds, responsible for recording property transactions and maintaining land records; and the Union County Assessor of Property, which manages property assessments and tax rolls.
The Union County Courthouse, situated at 901 Main Street, serves as the central hub for county government operations. What makes Union County unique is its strong sense of rural community, significant natural beauty with access to Norris Lake recreation, and its position as one of Tennessee's smaller counties that has maintained its agricultural heritage while gradually diversifying economically.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Union County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining public safety in the county. It patrols the unincorporated areas, operates the county jail, and processes arrests. The Sheriff's Office is tasked with maintaining criminal records and providing law enforcement services to the community. Notable programs include community policing initiatives and crime prevention efforts aimed at reducing crime rates and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Police Departments
In addition to the Union County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county is supported by municipal police departments. The Maynardville Police Department serves the city of Maynardville, focusing on local law enforcement within city limits. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, ensuring comprehensive coverage and response across the county. The collaboration between the sheriff's office and city police departments enhances the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts and resource sharing.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Union County Sheriff's Office, located at 104 South Main Street in Maynardville, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the county, providing patrol services, criminal investigations, civil process service, and operation of the county jail. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (865) 992-3825. The Union County Detention Center houses inmates awaiting trial or serving short sentences, and inmate information can be obtained by contacting the jail directly at the Sheriff's Office main number or by visiting in person during business hours.
- Citizens may request arrest records, incident reports, and booking logs by submitting a written or in-person request to the Union County Sheriff's Office.
- There may be a nominal fee for copies, typically ranging from $0.25 to $0.50 per page.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Tennessee and can be requested through the Sheriff's Office, though they may not be posted online.
- Processing time for records requests varies but typically takes 3-7 business days.
- Some commercial third-party websites aggregate Tennessee arrest and booking data, but for official verified records, requests should be directed to the Sheriff's Office.
Currently, Union County does not maintain a publicly accessible online inmate roster, so citizens must call or visit to inquire about current detainees. Within Union County, the City of Maynardville may maintain limited municipal law enforcement presence, though much of municipal policing is coordinated with the Sheriff's Office. Arrest records in Union County are public records under Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503 and § 10-7-504, which comprise the Tennessee Public Records Act.
No tribal police jurisdictions exist in Union County. For criminal history background checks beyond local arrests, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) maintains statewide criminal records accessible through authorized channels.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Union County encompasses a range of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Union County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request background checks through the TBI's online portal, which offers access to statewide criminal history information.
- The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, providing information on registered offenders residing in Union County.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Union County are maintained by the Union County Sheriff's Office. These records document the circumstances and details of arrests made within the county. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following the procedures outlined under the Tennessee Public Records Act. An arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, charges, and the arresting officer's details.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Union County Jail, located in Maynardville, is the main detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to locate individuals currently held in custody. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring appointments and adherence to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process in Tennessee allows for the release of detainees pending trial, and information on posting bail can be obtained through the jail's administrative office.
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 arrest records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While some mugshots may be available online, others might require a formal request to view or obtain copies. Tennessee does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals can petition for removal or restriction of access under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related charges.
Courts & Case Records
Union County is served by several courts with varying jurisdictions. The Fourth Judicial District Circuit Court and Criminal Court handle felony criminal cases, major civil matters, and appeals from lower courts, with the courthouse located at 901 Main Street, Maynardville, TN 37807. The court can be reached at (865) 992-8043. The Union County General Sessions Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary hearings for felonies, civil cases under $25,000, and certain domestic matters.
- Fees for court record copies are established by Tennessee statute and typically include $5.00 for certification plus per-page copying costs.
The Union County Chancery Court handles equity cases, including divorces, land disputes, probate matters, and guardianships. Tennessee has moved toward online case access through the Tennessee Court system, though availability varies by court division. Union County court records can be searched in person at the Circuit Court Clerk's office at the courthouse.
Some case information may be available through TrialView, Tennessee's public case search system, though not all Union County cases may be fully digitized. Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503 et seq. establishes the right of public access to court records, though certain records involving juveniles, sealed cases, or confidential matters may be restricted.
The Circuit Court Clerk maintains official records of court proceedings, judgments, and orders. For probate matters, including wills and estate administrations, the Chancery Court Clerk handles filings. Traffic citations and some municipal ordinance violations may be handled through Maynardville Municipal Court if applicable.
Court calendars and docket information can be obtained by contacting the respective court clerk's office directly.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Union County, Tennessee, are maintained by the Union County Register of Deeds, located at the Union County Courthouse, 901 Main Street, Maynardville, TN 37807, phone (865) 992-3062. The Register of Deeds is responsible for recording and indexing deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, releases, easements, right-of-way documents, plat maps, and other instruments affecting real property in the county. These records are public under Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503. The office maintains historical land records dating back to the county's formation in 1850.
- While some Tennessee counties offer online property record searches, Union County's land records access is primarily in-person or by phone request.
- Citizens can visit the Register of Deeds office during business hours (typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM) to search grantor/grantee indexes and view recorded documents.
- Copies of recorded instruments cost approximately $1.00 per page, with certified copies requiring an additional certification fee of around $5.00.
- For comprehensive title searches and legal documentation, most real estate professionals work directly with the Register of Deeds office.
Property tax information is handled by the Union County Trustee's Office, also located in the courthouse, which collects property taxes and maintains tax payment records. The Union County Assessor of Property, phone (865) 992-8049, is responsible for appraising all real and personal property for tax purposes and maintains property assessment rolls. The Assessor's office can provide property ownership information, tax assessments, property characteristics, and parcel identification numbers.
Union County may offer a Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping tool for viewing parcel boundaries and basic property data, though access and functionality vary.
Vital Records
Vital records for Union County, Tennessee, including birth and death certificates, are managed at both the county and state levels. The Union County Clerk's office, located at 901 Main Street, Maynardville, TN 37807, phone (865) 992-8043, maintains some local vital records and issues marriage licenses. For certified copies of birth and death certificates, Tennessee vital records are primarily handled by the Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, Central Services Building, 421 5th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37243.
- Birth certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $15 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; death certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $15 for each additional.
- Online ordering is available through the state's vendor VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com with additional processing fees.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks by mail, faster for online orders.
Tennessee law (Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-3-101 et seq.) governs vital records access. Birth records are restricted for 100 years and only available to the person named, immediate family members, or legal representatives with proper identification. Death records are public after 50 years.
Marriage licenses are issued by the Union County Clerk with both parties present, requiring valid government-issued photo identification and Social Security numbers; the fee is approximately $97.50, and there is no waiting period in Tennessee. Divorce decrees are obtained from the Clerk of the court that granted the divorce, typically the Chancery Court Clerk in Union County. Applicants must provide valid photo ID, proof of relationship to the record subject, and complete appropriate application forms.
Birth and death records prior to 1908 may be incomplete as statewide registration began that year.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Union County, Tennessee, are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. The Union County Clerk, located at 901 Main Street, Maynardville, TN 37807, phone (865) 992-8043, handles certain local business registrations, including assumed name certificates (DBAs - Doing Business As). Businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must file a trade name registration with the County Clerk.
- The Tennessee Business Entity Search is available online at tnbear.tn.gov, where citizens can search for registered corporations, LLCs, and other entities, view filing history, and access registered agent information.
- This free online system provides substantial transparency into business registrations statewide.
For formal business entity formation and registration (corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships), the Tennessee Secretary of State, Division of Business Services, maintains the statewide database. Professional licenses (contractors, healthcare providers, cosmetologists, etc.) are issued by respective Tennessee state boards and can be verified through the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. Sales tax permits are issued by the Tennessee Department of Revenue.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and certificates of occupancy are handled by the Union County Building and Codes Department or Planning Commission, and applicants should contact the county government offices at (865) 992-8043 for specific requirements. Business personal property must be reported annually to the Union County Assessor of Property for tax purposes. The Union County Chamber of Commerce, which can be contacted through local business networks, provides resources for new and existing businesses, though Union County's chamber presence may be less formalized than in larger counties.
Economic development inquiries can be directed to the Union County government or regional development organizations.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Union County, Tennessee, are administered by the Union County Election Commission, located at the Union County Courthouse, 901 Main Street, Maynardville, TN 37807. The Election Commission can be reached at (865) 992-3975. Voter registration in Union County is available through the Tennessee Department of State's online system at GoVoteTN.gov, where eligible citizens can register, check registration status, and find polling locations. The registration deadline in Tennessee is 30 days prior to any election. Voters must be U.S.
- Early voting is available at designated locations in the weeks before each election, and the Election Commission provides schedules and locations.
- Union County's voter turnout in the 2024 general election was approximately 58-65% of registered voters, consistent with typical rural East Tennessee patterns where presidential elections draw strong participation.
- Absentee ballot applications are available through the Election Commission or online at GoVoteTN.gov and must be requested and returned according to statutory deadlines.
citizens, Tennessee residents, at least 18 years old by election day, and not convicted of certain felonies (or have had rights restored). Online registration requires a Tennessee driver's license or ID card issued by the Department of Safety. Paper registration forms are available at the Election Commission office, public libraries, and various government offices.
To find your polling place in Union County, voters can use the GoVoteTN.gov polling location lookup tool by entering their address, or contact the Election Commission directly. Union County typically has several precincts with locations at schools, community centers, and public buildings. Election records that are public in Tennessee include voter registration rolls (with some personal information redacted for privacy), campaign finance reports filed with the Registry of Election Finance, candidate qualifying petitions and filings, and precinct-level election results.
Tennessee Code Annotated § 2-2-142 and related statutes govern election records access. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives elections for Tennessee's congressional districts, potential U.S.
Senate races if a seat is contested, Tennessee state legislative races, and various county and local offices. Absentee voting by mail is available in Tennessee for voters who meet specific criteria: being 60 years or older, having a physical disability, being hospitalized or ill, serving as a caretaker, being a student outside the county, serving in the military, working as an election official, or observing religious holidays. Tennessee has strengthened voter ID requirements, and voters must present photo identification at the polls.
The Union County Election Commission provides transparency by making election results publicly available after each election, maintaining voter lists (available for inspection with privacy protections), and processing public records requests for election-related documents under the Tennessee Public Records Act.
Economy & Demographics
Union County, Tennessee's economy is characterized by a mix of traditional industries and growing sectors influenced by its proximity to Knoxville and the natural amenities of Norris Lake. Historically rooted in agriculture, forestry, and small-scale manufacturing, the county has seen gradual economic diversification. Major employment sectors include manufacturing, retail trade, healthcare, education, and tourism related to outdoor recreation.
- The median household income in Union County is approximately $42,000 to $48,000, which is below the Tennessee state average, reflecting the county's rural character and smaller economic base.
- The county benefits from proximity to Interstate 75 and the Knoxville metropolitan area while maintaining lower costs of living and land.
Significant employers include local school systems, county government, small manufacturers, and service sector businesses. The presence of Norris Lake creates substantial economic activity through tourism, vacation rentals, marinas, and recreational services, particularly during summer months. Agriculture remains important, with cattle farming, hay production, and small-scale crop farming continuing as economic activities.
The county has seen some residential growth as affordable housing attracts commuters to Knoxville and Knox County employment centers. Retail and commercial development is concentrated in Maynardville and along major corridors. Unemployment rates in Union County generally track with state trends but may run slightly higher due to limited large-scale employment centers.
Economic development efforts focus on infrastructure improvements, workforce development, small business support, and leveraging recreational assets. No major corporate headquarters or large industrial facilities dominate the economy, resulting in a distributed employment base across many small and medium-sized employers. Future economic potential includes continued tourism growth, retirement and second-home development around Norris Lake, and potentially attracting remote workers seeking rural lifestyles with regional urban amenities nearby.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ Limited Online/In-Person | Property: ⚠️ In-Person Primary | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ⚠️ State System Required | Business: ✅ State Online (Local In-Person) | Elections: ✅ State Online Tools | Overall Score: 5/10 — Union County provides public records access primarily through in-person and phone requests, with limited local online systems; state-level databases offer the best digital transparency for business and election records.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Union County
Explore public records for 3 cities and communities in Union County, Tennessee.
Nearby Counties
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