About Upshur County
Upshur County, located in north-central West Virginia, was established in 1851 and named after Abel Parker Upshur, a Virginia statesman and U.S. Secretary of State. Upshur County Seat is Buckhannon, a historic city founded in 1816 that is the governmental and commercial hub of Upshur County. Upshur County includes approximately 355 square miles of rolling Appalachian terrain, with a population of around 24,000 residents according to recent census estimates. Upshur County is home to West Virginia Wesleyan College, a respected liberal arts institution that has served Upshur County since 1890.
Major landmarks include the West Virginia Strawberry Festival grounds, which hosts one of the state's premier agricultural celebrations each May, and Audra State Park along the Middle Fork River, offering scenic natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Upshur County's economy has historically been rooted in timber, coal, natural gas, and agriculture. Key governmental offices serving Upshur County residents include the County Clerk located at 38 West Main Street in Buckhannon, the County Assessor's Office at the same address in the courthouse, and Upshur County Commission which oversees county administration.
The Circuit Clerk's office maintains court records, while the County Clerk handles property deeds and land transactions. Buckhannon's downtown historic district features well-preserved 19th-century architecture, reflecting Upshur County's rich heritage as a center of commerce and culture in Upshur County.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Upshur County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Upshur County, particularly in the unincorporated areas. The office oversees Upshur County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office has a dedicated division for handling drug-related offenses, which is a significant focus due to the ongoing opioid crisis affecting Upshur County.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Upshur County is primarily handled by Upshur County Sheriff's Office and the Buckhannon Police Department. These agencies often collaborate on major investigations and share resources to effectively address crime across Upshur County. The coordination between these departments ensures full coverage and response to incidents throughout Upshur County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Upshur County Sheriff's Office, located at 76 Locust Street in Buckhannon, West Virginia 26201, is the primary law enforcement agency for Upshur County. Upshur County Jail, also known as Upshur County Detention Center, houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving sentences.
- Citizens may request arrest records, booking logs, and incident reports by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department.
- Processing times and copying fees may apply as permitted under state law.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically maintained by the arresting agency and the detention center; these may be requested through the same FOIA process.
Inmate information can be obtained by contacting the jail directly at or visiting the Sheriff's Office in person during business hours. Municipal law enforcement in Upshur County includes the Buckhannon Police Department, which serves Upshur County Seat with jurisdiction within city limits. Arrest records in Upshur County are public records under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (W.
Va. Code § 29B-1-1 et seq.), which requires governmental bodies to make records available for inspection and copying unless specifically exempted. West Virginia law enforcement agencies maintain records of arrests, warrants, and criminal history, with certain sensitive information protected from disclosure.
There are no tribal police agencies operating in Upshur County, as Upshur County does not contain federally recognized tribal lands.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Upshur County includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and a sex offender registry. Residents can request background checks through the West Virginia State Police, which compiles statewide criminal history information. The process involves submitting a formal request and may require fingerprinting for verification.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Upshur County are maintained by Upshur 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. The records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and any court dates. The process is governed by the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, which ensures public access to such records, barring any legal restrictions or privacy concerns.
Jail & Inmate Records
Upshur County Jail, officially known as the Tygart Valley Regional Jail, is the primary detention facility for Upshur County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and entering the arrestee's information into the system. Inmate lookup is available online through the West Virginia Regional Jail & Correctional Facility Authority's website. Visitation rules are specific, requiring appointments and adherence to strict guidelines.
- The bond and bail process follows West Virginia state laws, allowing for cash or surety bonds, and information on recently arrested individuals can be accessed through the jail's online database.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Upshur County are taken and retained by Upshur County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases that compile such information. While West Virginia does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, individuals can request removal or correction of inaccuracies through legal channels if the mugshot is deemed outdated or incorrect. The availability of mugshots online is subject to privacy laws and the discretion of the Sheriff's Office.
Courts & Case Records
Upshur County's judicial system operates through the West Virginia court structure, with the Circuit Court of Upshur County serving as the court of general jurisdiction. Upshur County Circuit Court, located at 38 West Main Street, Buckhannon, WV 26201, handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $300, divorce and family law cases, and appeals from lower courts.
- Fees for copying court documents are typically $0.50 per page for uncertified copies and $1.00 per page for certified copies, plus a certification fee.
- Remote access to detailed case information may be restricted, requiring requesters to visit the courthouse in person or submit formal written requests with applicable fees.
The court clerk can be contacted through the office’s website. Magistrate Court is the lower trial court in Upshur County, handling misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary hearings for felonies, civil cases under $10,000, evictions, and emergency protective orders. Upshur County Magistrate Court is located at 92 Court Street in Buckhannon and can be contacted for Family Court matters are integrated into the Circuit Court system. Court records in West Virginia are governed by W.
Va. Code § 51-1-8, which establishes that court records are generally public unless sealed by court order or protected by specific statutory exemptions. The West Virginia Judiciary maintains a limited online case search system through the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia website, though full records often require in-person or written requests to the Circuit Clerk's office.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Upshur County are maintained by the County Clerk's Office, which is the official recorder of deeds for Upshur County. Located at 38 West Main Street, Buckhannon, WV 26201, the County Clerk's Office can be contacted through the office’s website. The office maintains records of deeds, mortgages, deed of trust, liens, releases, easements, rights-of-way, powers of attorney, and plat maps. These records are indexed by grantor, grantee, and property location, with the oldest records dating back to Upshur County's formation in 1851. West Virginia law (W. Va.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained for a fee, usually $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a certification fee.
- Upshur County provides access to a GIS mapping system and property tax information, which may be available through the Assessor's website or the West Virginia State Auditor's Property Tax Division website.
Code § 59-1-11) requires the County Clerk to record and maintain land records and make them available for public inspection. Upshur County offers online access to land records through a subscription-based system or by visiting the office in person during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Property tax records and assessment information are maintained by Upshur County Assessor's Office, also located in the courthouse at 38 West Main Street
The Assessor maintains current property valuations, ownership information, and parcel data.
Vital Records
Vital records for Upshur County, West Virginia, including birth and death certificates, are maintained at both Upshur County and state levels. Upshur County Clerk's Office at 38 West Main Street, Buckhannon, WV 26201, phone, maintains local vital records and issues certified copies. Birth certificates for births occurring in Upshur County can be requested from the County Clerk, with fees typically $12 for the first copy and $8 for additional copies ordered simultaneously. Death certificates follow similar pricing.
- Processing time for in-person requests is often same-day, while mail requests may take one to two weeks.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek, the state's authorized vendor, at www.vitalchek.com, though additional convenience fees apply.
- The fee is approximately $56, and there is no waiting period in West Virginia.
The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Vital Registration Office, located at 350 Capitol Street, Room 165, Charleston, WV 25301, is the centralized state repository for all vital records and can fulfill requests for records from any West Virginia county. Their phone number is. Marriage licenses in Upshur County are issued by the County Clerk's Office, with couples required to apply in person with valid identification.
Divorce records (final divorce decrees) are maintained by the Circuit Clerk's Office at the courthouse. West Virginia vital records law (W. Va.
Code § 16-5-1 et seq.) governs the registration, maintenance, and release of vital records, restricting access to certified copies to qualified applicants with a direct and tangible interest, such as the person named on the record, immediate family members, or legal representatives with proper documentation.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and entity records in Upshur County are handled through multiple governmental offices depending on the type of business activity and registration required. Upshur County Clerk's Office at 38 West Main Street, Buckhannon, WV 26201, phone, maintains records of trade names and fictitious names ("doing business as" or DBA filings) for businesses operating in Upshur County. These filings are public records and can be searched by visiting the Clerk's office or submitting a written request.
- The Secretary of State maintains a free online business entity search at www.sos.wv.gov, allowing users to search by business name, charter number, or registered agent.
- This database provides information on business formation dates, registered agents, status (active, dissolved, etc.), and annual report filings.
The West Virginia Secretary of State's Office is the central repository for business entity formations, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and other formal business structures. Professional licenses, such as those for contractors, healthcare providers, and other regulated professions, are issued by respective West Virginia state licensing boards rather than at Upshur County level. The West Virginia State Tax Department handles business registration tax and sales tax permits.
Local business licensing requirements may exist for certain activities within municipal boundaries; the City of Buckhannon may require business licenses for operations within city limits, which can be verified through Buckhannon City Hall for Building permits, zoning compliance, and land use permits in unincorporated Upshur County are administered by Upshur County Building Inspector and the County Planning Commission. The Buckhannon-Upshur Chamber of Commerce, located at 16 South Kanawha Street, Buckhannon, WV 26201, phone, website www.buckhamber.com, provides business resources, networking opportunities, and economic development information for the local business community.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Upshur County, West Virginia, are administered by Upshur County Clerk, who serves as Upshur County's chief election official. Upshur County Clerk's office is located at 38 West Main Street, Buckhannon, WV 26201, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Election-specific inquiries can be directed to the Clerk's elections division during regular business hours.
- Citizens may request copies of election related public records by contacting the County Clerk's office, with minimal fees for copying costs.
Voter registration in Upshur County can be completed online through the West Virginia Secretary of State's Voter Registration system at GoVoteWV.com, in person at the County Clerk's office, at the Division of Motor Vehicles, or by mail using a voter registration application. West Virginia law requires voter registration to be completed at least 21 days before an election. Registered voters in Upshur County can verify their registration status, find their assigned polling place, and view sample ballots through the GoVoteWV.com portal by entering their name and date of birth or other identifying information.
On Election Day, polling locations are distributed throughout Upshur County based on precinct assignments. Election records that are public in West Virginia include voter registration rolls (with certain personal information redacted), candidate filing information, campaign finance reports filed with the West Virginia Secretary of State, and certified election results by precinct. Upshur County Clerk certifies election results and maintains records of vote totals for federal, state, and local races.
In the November 2024 general election, Upshur County, like much of West Virginia, experienced voter turnout in the range of 55-65% of registered voters, consistent with presidential election year participation in Upshur County. The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races for West Virginia's congressional districts, potential U.S.
Senate contests if applicable to the cycle, West Virginia state legislature seats, and various county offices. Absentee voting in Upshur County is available to voters who qualify under West Virginia law, including those who will be absent from Upshur County on Election Day, voters with illness or disability, and those working during all poll hours. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted to the County Clerk's office in person, by mail, or online through the GoVoteWV.com system, with the deadline typically six days before Election Day for mail ballots.
West Virginia law (W. Va. Code § 3-1-1 et seq.) governs election administration and public access to election records, establishing transparency requirements while protecting voter privacy.
Economy & Demographics
Upshur County's economy is diversified across several key sectors, reflecting its position in north-central West Virginia. Healthcare and education represent major employment centers, with St. Joseph's Hospital (now part of West Virginia University Health System) and West Virginia Wesleyan College serving as anchor institutions and significant employers. The college alone employs several hundred faculty and staff and contributes substantially to the local economy through student spending and cultural programming.
- Median household income in Upshur County is estimated at approximately $45,000 to $50,000, somewhat below the national average but consistent with rural Appalachian counties.
- Route 33 and reasonable proximity to Interstate 79 provides transportation access supporting commerce and development.
Natural resources continue to play an important role, with natural gas extraction, timber harvesting, and related industries providing employment and tax revenue. Agriculture remains economically significant, with beef cattle, dairy farming, poultry production, and specialty crops like strawberries supporting both commercial operations and Upshur County's rural character. The annual West Virginia Strawberry Festival, held in Buckhannon each May, generates substantial tourism revenue and celebrates this agricultural heritage.
Manufacturing facilities in Upshur County produce goods ranging from wood products to industrial components. Retail trade and hospitality services centered in Buckhannon serve both locals and visitors, with downtown revitalization efforts meant to strengthening the commercial district. The unemployment rate in Upshur County typically tracks closely with state averages, ranging between 4% and 6% depending on economic conditions.
Recent economic development initiatives have focused on broadband expansion to support remote work and business development, downtown revitalization, tourism promotion using Upshur County's natural beauty and historic assets, and workforce development programs through partnerships with educational institutions. Upshur County's location along U.S.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Online | Property: Yes: Online Available | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail Required | Business: Yes: State Online Search | Elections: Yes: Online Registration/Lookup | Overall Score: 6/10, Upshur County provides moderate public records access with some online resources, though many records require in-person visits or phone contact for full access.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Upshur County
Explore public records for 10 cities and communities in Upshur County, West Virginia.