About Washington County
Washington County is located in southern Illinois, approximately 60 miles southeast of St. Louis, Missouri. Established in 1818, the same year Illinois became a state, Washington County was named in honor of George Washington and is one of the original counties formed at statehood. Washington County Seat is Nashville, a small city of approximately 3,100 residents that is the governmental and commercial center.
Washington County includes approximately 563 square miles of predominantly agricultural land, with rolling terrain characteristic of the transition zone between the flat prairies of central Illinois and the more rugged terrain of southern Illinois. Washington County's population is approximately 14,000 residents, reflecting a gradual decline from its mid-20th century peak as Washington County transitioned from coal mining to an agriculture-based economy. Washington County Courthouse, located at 101 East St.
Louis Street in Nashville, houses the County Clerk, Circuit Clerk, State's Attorney, and other administrative offices. Washington County Recorder's office maintains land records at the same location, while the County Assessor's office at 101 Public Square handles property valuations and tax assessments. Major landmarks include the historic courthouse square in Nashville, Okawville's historic downtown district, and the rural agricultural scenes that define Washington County's character.
Washington County is traversed by Illinois Route 127 and Illinois Route 153, providing north-south and east-west connectivity. Washington County's economy has historically relied on agriculture, particularly corn and soybean production, along with coal mining which once employed thousands. Today, Washington County maintains its agricultural heritage while developing light manufacturing and service sectors.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Washington County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Washington County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office oversees Washington County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community policing initiatives and works closely with local agencies to ensure public safety. Notable programs include crime prevention workshops and community outreach efforts meant to building a safe environment for residents.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Washington County is provided by Washington County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments. The Nashville Police Department serves the city of Nashville, while other towns like Okawville and Ashley have their own police departments. These agencies work collaboratively to address crime and ensure public safety across Washington County. The Sheriff's Office typically handles larger investigations and provides support to municipal departments when needed.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Washington County Sheriff's Office, located at 104 South Washington Street in Nashville, Illinois 62263, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Washington County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains law enforcement, civil process, and correctional responsibilities. Washington County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office at the same location, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders.
- Citizens may submit FOIA requests to Washington County Sheriff's Office in writing, specifying the records sought with reasonable particularity.
- Processing fees for copying records may apply as permitted under statute.
Inmate information and jail rosters can be obtained by calling the jail directly at during business hours, though Washington County does not currently maintain a publicly accessible online inmate search portal. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Nashville Police Department serving Washington County Seat, and the Okawville Police Department serving the community of Okawville, the second-largest county in Washington County. Smaller incorporated areas may contract with the Sheriff's Office or maintain part-time police services.
Arrest records in Washington County are considered public records under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.), which requires governmental bodies to make public records available for inspection and copying. The statute requires responses within five business days, with extensions permitted under certain circumstances. Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Illinois and may be obtained through FOIA requests to the Sheriff's Office, though some agencies may redact certain information to protect ongoing investigations or individual privacy rights as permitted under FOIA exemptions.
The Sheriff's Office maintains records of all arrests, bookings, and incarcerations at Washington County detention facility.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Washington County cover felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as the sex offender registry. Washington County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Background checks in Illinois can be requested through the Illinois State Police, which provides full criminal history information. The Illinois Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for residents seeking detailed background checks.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Washington County are maintained by Washington 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 Illinois Freedom of Information Act, individuals have the right to access public records, including arrest records, unless exempted by law. Arrest records typically contain the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and the arresting agency.
Jail & Inmate Records
Washington County Jail, located in Nashville, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Washington County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestee. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about detainees. Visitation rules are specific to this facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.
- The bond and bail process in Illinois allows for the release of individuals pending trial, with specific conditions set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Washington County are taken and retained by Washington 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 or online databases. While Illinois does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals can petition for removal if the charges are dropped or they are found not guilty. Mugshots may also be available through third-party websites, although these may charge a fee for access.
Courts & Case Records
The Circuit Court of the Second Judicial Circuit serves Washington County, Illinois, with the courthouse located at 101 East St. Louis Street, Nashville, IL 62263. The court can be reached for The Circuit Court has original jurisdiction over all justiciable matters including criminal felonies and misdemeanors, civil cases regardless of monetary amount, probate and estate matters, family law including divorce and child custody, juvenile proceedings, and traffic violations.
- The Circuit Clerk's office maintains all court records and provides public access during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding court holidays.
- Remote access fees may apply for electronic records when available.
- Requests for bulk data or extensive copying may incur additional charges as permitted under Supreme Court rules.
Illinois operates under a unified court system where the Circuit Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction, eliminating the separate municipal or justice court systems found in some states. Washington County does not currently offer online case lookup through a county-specific portal, though some court information may be accessible through the Illinois State Courts system. The Illinois Supreme Court has adopted rules governing public access to court records, codified in Supreme Court Rule 201 and the Public Access to Court Records policy, which presume that all court records are open to the public unless specifically exempted by statute, court rule, or case law.
Fees for copying court records are established by statute: $2.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page for standard black-and-white copies, with certified copies requiring an additional $6.00 certification fee per document. Certain records, including adoption files, sealed juvenile records, and cases under Supreme Court confidentiality orders, are not available to the general public.
Property & Public Records
Washington County Recorder of Deeds, located at 101 East St. Louis Street, Nashville, IL 62263, maintains all land records for Washington County including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgage documents, trust deeds, liens, easements, plat maps, and other instruments affecting real property. The Recorder's office can be contacted for Illinois law requires that all instruments conveying or affecting real estate be recorded with the County Recorder to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors.
- Washington County does not currently offer a full online search portal for recorded documents, requiring in-person visits or written requests for most searches.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus a $2.00 certification fee.
- The Assessor's office provides property record cards showing building characteristics, land area, assessment history, and comparable sales data upon request.
- All property records are public under Illinois law unless specifically exempted, and citizens may inspect records during normal business hours or submit written requests for copies.
The office maintains grantor-grantee indices dating back to Washington County's founding in 1818, with records available for public inspection during regular business hours. Property tax information is maintained separately by Washington County Supervisor of Assessors at 101 Public Square, Nashville, IL 62263, phone, and the County Treasurer's office at the same address. The Assessor's office maintains property characteristics, valuations, and assessment information used for taxation purposes.
Property tax payment records and delinquency information are available through the County Treasurer. While Washington County does not maintain an advanced GIS parcel viewer system, basic parcel information may be available by contacting the Assessor's office directly.
Vital Records
Vital records for Washington County, Illinois, including birth and death certificates, are maintained by Washington County Clerk's office at 101 East St. Louis Street, Nashville, IL 62263, phone. Washington County Clerk maintains birth records occurring in Washington County and death records for deaths occurring in Washington County. Under the Illinois Vital Records Act (410 ILCS 535), birth certificates are restricted for 75 years and death certificates for 20 years from the date of the event, with access limited to qualified applicants who demonstrate a direct and tangible interest.
- Certified copies of birth certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $2.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificates cost $19.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy.
- Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate if the record is on file; mail requests generally require two to four weeks.
- State vital records can be ordered online through VitalChek at www.illinois.gov/mph/vitalrecords for an additional processing fee, with expedited shipping available.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Washington County Clerk's office, with a license fee of approximately $40.00 and no waiting period for Illinois residents.
The Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records in Springfield is the state repository for all vital records and can provide certified copies for events occurring anywhere in Illinois. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of relationship or legal entitlement to the record. Divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk as court records rather than vital records and must be requested through the court system.
For genealogical research of older records beyond the restriction period, researchers may access records through the County Clerk or the Illinois State Archives.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Washington County, Illinois, operates through multiple jurisdictional levels. Washington County Clerk's office at 101 East St. Louis Street, Nashville, IL 62263, maintains assumed name (DBA - Doing Business As) registrations for businesses operating under fictitious names in Washington County. Businesses must register their assumed names with the County Clerk if the business name differs from the legal owner's name, with registration fees typically around $26.00 for the initial filing.
- The Illinois Business Entity Search is available online at www.ilsos.gov, providing free public access to information on business entity status, registered agents, formation dates, and good standing.
- This database is searchable by entity name, registered agent, or file number.
The Illinois Secretary of State Business Services Department maintains the official registry of all corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other formal business entities organized in Illinois or authorized to transact business in the state. Professional and occupational licenses in Illinois are regulated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), which maintains online license lookup tools for healthcare providers, contractors, real estate professionals, and other licensed occupations. Local business licenses may be required by individual municipalities within Washington County, including Nashville and Okawville, which maintain their own business licensing requirements and fee structures through their respective city clerk offices.
Sales tax permits are issued by the Illinois Department of Revenue and can be applied for online through MyTax Illinois. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits in unincorporated Washington County are administered by the County Zoning Office, while incorporated municipalities maintain their own building and zoning departments. Washington County Development Association can provide information on business development resources and economic incentives.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Washington County, Illinois, are administered by Washington County Clerk's office, which is the election authority for all federal, state, county, and local elections. Washington County Clerk's office is located at 101 East St. Louis Street, Nashville, IL 62263, and can be reached for election related inquiries. Voter registration in Illinois is available online through the Illinois State Board of Elections at www.elections.il.gov, by mail, or in person at the County Clerk's office.
- Illinois offers same-day voter registration during the early voting period and on Election Day, though pre-registration closes 16 days before each election for those registering by mail or online.
- Illinois residents may register if they are U.S.
- Vote-by-mail (absentee) ballots are available to any registered voter in Illinois without requiring an excuse.
- Applications must be received by five days before Election Day for mail delivery, or voters may request ballots in person through the day before the election.
Citizens, will be 18 years old by the next election, and have lived in their precinct at least 30 days prior to the election. Voters can verify their registration status and find their polling place by using the online voter lookup tool at the Illinois State Board of Elections website or by contacting the County Clerk's office directly. Washington County operates multiple polling places on Election Day, with locations assigned based on precinct boundaries.
Early voting is available at the County Clerk's office in Nashville beginning 40 days before each election and continuing through the day before Election Day, with extended hours during the final weeks. Applications for mail ballots can be submitted online through the State Board of Elections website, by mail, or in person at the County Clerk's office. Completed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within 14 days after the election to be counted.
Washington County's voter turnout varies significantly by election type, with presidential elections typically drawing 55-65% turnout, while midterm elections generally see 40-50% participation. The 2024 general election saw turnout consistent with these historical patterns. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races, one U.S. Senate seat, Illinois constitutional officers including Governor, and state legislative seats, along with county and local offices. Election records in Illinois are largely public under the Election Code (10 ILCS 5/).
Voter registration lists are available for purchase for political purposes, and precinct-level election results are published after certification. Campaign finance disclosure reports for county candidates are filed with the County Clerk and are available for public inspection. Candidate nominating petitions and statements of economic interest are also public records maintained by the Clerk's office.
Economy & Demographics
Washington County's economy has traditionally centered on agriculture, with corn, soybeans, and wheat as primary crops, supplemented by livestock operations including cattle, hogs, and poultry. Agriculture continues to dominate land use, with approximately 85% of Washington County's 360,000 acres devoted to farming operations. Washington County's median household income is approximately $52,000, below the Illinois state median, reflecting the rural agricultural character and limited industrial employment base.
- Manufacturing has emerged as an important sector, with several small to medium-sized manufacturers producing automotive components, agricultural equipment, food processing, and fabricated metal products.
- The Okawville area supports grain processing facilities and agricultural service businesses.
- Louis metropolitan area provides some commuter employment opportunities, though the distance limits significant bedroom community development.
Coal mining, which employed thousands of Washington County residents through the mid-20th century, has largely ceased with the closure of most underground mines, though reclamation of former mining sites continues to provide some employment. Major employers include Washington County Hospital in Nashville, school districts, county and municipal governments, and retail establishments serving local populations. Unemployment in Washington County typically runs slightly higher than the Illinois state average, ranging from 4% to 6% depending on seasonal agricultural cycles and broader economic conditions.
Washington County has limited commercial development compared to metropolitan areas, with most retail and service businesses concentrated in Nashville and Okawville along the highway corridors. Economic development efforts focus on supporting agricultural businesses, attracting light manufacturing compatible with the rural setting, and promoting tourism related to outdoor recreation and historic preservation. Washington County's proximity to the St.
Transportation infrastructure, including highways and proximity to Interstate 64, supports distribution and logistics businesses.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: In-Person/Phone Only | Property: Limited: In-Person Search Required | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: State Online (County In-Person) | Elections: Yes: State Online Portal | Overall Score: 5/10, Washington County maintains traditional in-person public records access with limited online services; most searches require phone contact or office visits to Nashville.