About Saint Louis County
Saint Louis County is located in east-central Missouri, bordering the Mississippi River and surrounding the independent City of St. Louis on three sides. Established in 1812, it is one of the first counties created after Missouri became a territory. The county seat is Clayton, a vibrant urban center located at 41 South Central Avenue. Saint Louis County spans approximately 524 square miles and is Missouri's most populous county, with an estimated population exceeding 1 million residents.
The county is home to numerous landmarks including the historic Cahokia Mounds World Heritage Site nearby, Lambert-Saint Louis International Airport, and major institutions like Washington University and the Missouri Botanical Garden in adjacent areas. The county government operates through several key agencies: the Department of Revenue in Clayton handles property assessments and tax collection; the Recorder of Deeds office at 41 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105, maintains all land and property records; the County Clerk's office processes marriage licenses and election administration; and the Department of Human Services coordinates vital community programs. Saint Louis County is unique as a heavily urbanized suburban region that maintains distinct municipal governments for its 88 incorporated cities and towns, including University City, Florissant, Chesterfield, and Kirkwood.
The county combines rich French colonial heritage with modern economic development, serving as the commercial and residential hub of the greater St. Louis metropolitan area.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Saint Louis County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the county's unincorporated areas. It operates the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in serving court documents and providing security for the county's courts. Notable programs include community outreach initiatives and specialized units focusing on narcotics and domestic violence. The Sheriff's Office works closely with municipal police departments to ensure comprehensive law enforcement coverage across the county.
Police Departments
Saint Louis County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Saint Louis County Police Department and numerous municipal police departments such as the Clayton Police Department, Florissant Police Department, and Chesterfield Police Department. Each department has jurisdiction over its respective city or area, handling local law enforcement duties. The county police department provides additional support and resources for major crimes and investigations, coordinating efforts with municipal departments to ensure comprehensive public safety coverage across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Saint Louis County Police Department serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas and 46 municipalities through contract, operating from its headquarters at 7900 Forsyth Boulevard, Clayton, MO 63105. The department can be reached at (314) 889-2341 and maintains a website at stlouiscountymn.gov where citizens can access non-emergency services and information. Saint Louis County operates the Justice Center Detention Facility at 100 South Central Avenue in Clayton, which houses adult inmates.
- The roster provides booking information, charges, bond amounts, and projected release dates.
- To request arrest records, citizens may submit a formal public records request to the Saint Louis County Police Department Records Division at (314) 615-5400 or to the specific municipal department that made the arrest.
- Response time is typically within three business days, though extensive requests may take longer.
- Fees for copying records are set at $0.10 per page for paper copies, with additional charges for research time exceeding one hour.
Inmate lookup is available through the county's official inmate roster at stlouiscountymn.gov/jail or by calling (314) 615-5533. Mugshot images and booking photos are included in the online inmate search system and are considered public records. In addition to the county police, Saint Louis County contains numerous municipal police departments including Clayton Police, University City Police, Richmond Heights Police, Florissant Police, Brentwood Police, Webster Groves Police, Kirkwood Police, Chesterfield Police, and Maryland Heights Police, each serving their respective incorporated cities.
Arrest records in Saint Louis County are governed by Missouri's Sunshine Law, specifically Chapter 610 RSC, which establishes that arrest records, incident reports, and booking information are generally public unless part of an ongoing investigation or sealed by court order.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Saint Louis County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. These records are maintained by the Saint Louis County Police Department, the Sheriff's Office, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Residents can run background checks through the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS), which provides access to statewide criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Saint Louis County are maintained by the Saint Louis County Police Department and the Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, subject to the Missouri Sunshine Law, which governs public access to government records. An arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and the arresting agency.
- The process for obtaining these records involves submitting a request to the appropriate law enforcement agency, either in person or through their official websites.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Saint Louis County Justice Center, located in Clayton, is the primary detention facility for the county. It handles the booking process for individuals arrested within the county, where they are photographed, fingerprinted, and held pending court appearances. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring appointments and adherence to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process follows Missouri state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees upon payment of a set amount, pending trial.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Saint Louis County are taken and retained by the Saint Louis County Police Department during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the department's website or by request. Missouri does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related criminal record. Third-party websites may also host these images, but their accuracy and update frequency can vary.
Courts & Case Records
Saint Louis County's judicial system operates through the 21st Judicial Circuit Court of Missouri, located at 105 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105. The main courthouse phone number is (314) 615-1700. The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal matters, including felonies, civil cases exceeding $25,000, family law matters including divorce and child custody, probate proceedings, and appeals from municipal courts. The court system includes several divisions: Civil Division, Criminal Division, Family Court Division, Probate Division, and Juvenile Division.
- For older records or certified copies, the Circuit Clerk's office charges $10 for the first page of a certified document and $2.50 for each additional page.
- In-person document review is available during business hours at the Circuit Clerk's office, with self-service copy machines available at $0.25 per page.
Case searches are available through Missouri CaseNet, the statewide online case management system accessible at courts.mo.gov/casenet, which provides free public access to case information including dockets, judgments, and parties involved in both civil and criminal matters. CaseNet covers cases filed in Saint Louis County Circuit Court from approximately 1985 forward, with more recent cases having more complete digital records. The Municipal Court system in Saint Louis County includes numerous city-level courts handling ordinance violations, traffic offenses, and minor misdemeanors within their respective municipalities.
Access to court records is governed by Missouri Supreme Court Rule 2, which establishes that court records are presumptively open to the public unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute. Some case types, including juvenile proceedings and certain family court matters, have restricted access.
Property & Public Records
The Saint Louis County Recorder of Deeds, located at 41 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105, maintains all land and property records for the county. The office can be reached at (314) 615-1681 and operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Recorder's office preserves and provides access to documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, releases, assignments, liens (mechanic's liens, judgment liens, tax liens), easements, covenants, plat maps, subdivision records, and uniform commercial code (UCC) filings.
- Most searches are free to conduct online, though downloading or printing documents may require a small fee.
- Recording fees for new documents are $27 for the first page and $3 for each additional page.
- The county's Geographic Information System (GIS) portal provides an interactive parcel viewer at https://revenue.stlouiscountymo.gov showing property boundaries, zoning, aerial imagery, and assessed values.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for $1.50 per page plus a $3 certification fee.
- Citizens may request copies in person, by mail with a written request and payment, or through the online system.
Saint Louis County offers a comprehensive online property records search system at stlouiscountymo.gov/property, where users can search by owner name, address, parcel number, or legal description. The online database includes scanned images of recorded documents dating back several decades, with recent recordings available within 24-48 hours of filing. For property tax information, the Saint Louis County Department of Revenue at 41 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105, phone (314) 615-7009, maintains assessment records, tax payment history, and exemption information.
The office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards for payment.
Vital Records
Vital records for Saint Louis County residents are handled by both the Saint Louis County Department of Health at 6121 North Hanley Road, Berkeley, MO 63134, phone (314) 615-2344, and the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City. Birth certificates for births occurring in Saint Louis County can be requested from the County Health Department for events from 1910 forward. The cost is $15 for the first certified copy and $12 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time.
- Processing time is typically 3-5 business days for in-person requests and 2-3 weeks for mail requests.
- Death certificates are also available through the same office for deaths occurring in Saint Louis County, with identical fees and processing times.
- The marriage license fee is $51, and both parties must appear in person with valid photo identification and social security numbers.
- Certified copies of marriage records are $15 each.
- Divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk's office at the courthouse and can be obtained for $10 for the first page plus $2.50 per additional page.
To obtain a birth or death certificate, requesters must provide valid photo identification, proof of relationship or eligibility (immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a tangible interest), and complete the appropriate application form. Marriage licenses are issued by the Saint Louis County Recorder of Deeds at 41 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105, phone (314) 615-1681. There is no waiting period, and licenses are valid for 30 days.
Missouri vital records law is codified in Chapter 193 RSM, which establishes confidentiality protections and eligibility requirements for obtaining certified copies. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services also maintains statewide vital records and offers VitalChek online ordering at health.mo.gov/vitalrecords for an additional convenience fee of approximately $10-12 per transaction.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Saint Louis County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. The Saint Louis County Department of Economic Development, located at 41 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105, phone (314) 615-7663, coordinates business development services and can direct entrepreneurs to appropriate licensing offices.
- This free online search tool allows users to look up business names, registered agents, filing dates, and current status.
- The Secretary of State charges $52 for LLC formation and $58 for corporation formation, with annual report fees required to maintain good standing.
- Assumed name registrations (Doing Business As or DBA filings) for Saint Louis County are recorded with the Saint Louis County Recorder of Deeds at (314) 615-1681, with fees of $7 per name.
- Sales tax licenses and employer withholding permits are issued by the Missouri Department of Revenue, and applications are processed through dor.mo.gov.
For business entity registration including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and trademarks, the Missouri Secretary of State's Business Services Division maintains the official statewide database accessible at sos.mo.gov/business. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, barbers, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are regulated by Missouri state licensing boards, with databases searchable at pr.mo.gov. Building permits, occupancy permits, and zoning approvals for unincorporated Saint Louis County are issued by the Department of Planning at 41 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105, phone (314) 615-2480.
The office maintains records of building permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy. Many municipalities within Saint Louis County issue their own business licenses and building permits. The Saint Louis County Economic Council at stlregion.com serves as the regional chamber of commerce, providing business resources, economic data, and networking opportunities for the county's diverse business community.
Elections & Voter Records
Saint Louis County elections are administered by the Saint Louis County Board of Elections, located at 725 Northwest Plaza Drive, St. Ann, MO 63074. The office can be reached at (314) 615-1800, and their official website is stlouiscountymo.gov/elections, which provides comprehensive information about voter registration, polling locations, election results, and absentee voting.
- In the November 2024 general election, Saint Louis County recorded a turnout of approximately 72% of registered voters, reflecting strong civic engagement typical of presidential election years.
- Absentee voting in Saint Louis County is available for any registered voter without requiring an excuse.
Voter registration in Saint Louis County can be completed online through the Missouri Secretary of State's voter registration portal at sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri, in person at the Board of Elections office, at any Missouri license office, or by mail using a voter registration application. The registration deadline in Missouri is the fourth Wednesday prior to any election, which is typically 27 days before Election Day. Missouri offers online voter registration for citizens with a valid Missouri driver's license or state ID.
To find your polling place in Saint Louis County, voters can use the polling place lookup tool at voteroutreach.sos.mo.gov/portal or call the Board of Elections at the number above. Polling locations are assigned based on residential address, and the county operates approximately 300 polling places on Election Day, typically open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Election records that are public in Saint Louis County include voter registration lists (available for purchase for political purposes under Missouri law), campaign finance reports filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission at mec.mo.gov, candidate filings and declarations, precinct-level election results showing vote totals by candidate and issue, and absentee ballot statistics.
Individual voter history (which elections a person voted in, but not how they voted) is also public record. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, which will include US House of Representatives races for Missouri's 1st and 2nd Congressional Districts (which cover portions of Saint Louis County), statewide races including US Senate if Missouri has a seat up for election, and Missouri state legislative seats in both the House and Senate. To request an absentee ballot, voters can apply online at sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/howtovote, by mail by submitting an absentee ballot application to the Board of Elections, or in person at the elections office.
Absentee ballot applications must be received by the second Wednesday prior to the election. Voted absentee ballots must be received by the elections office by 7:00 PM on Election Day to be counted. Transparency in Saint Louis County elections is governed by Missouri election law (Title IX, Chapters 115-130 RSM) and the Missouri Sunshine Law (Chapter 610 RSM), which establish that most election records, including precinct results, voter turnout data, and candidate information, are public records subject to inspection and copying upon request.
Economy & Demographics
Saint Louis County serves as the economic engine of the St. Louis metropolitan area, with a diverse economy spanning healthcare, biotechnology, financial services, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and professional services.
- The median household income in Saint Louis County is approximately $70,000, significantly higher than the state median, reflecting the county's concentration of professional and technical workers.
Major employers include BJC HealthCare, one of the largest nonprofit healthcare systems in the United States with over 28,000 employees; Mercy Health, another major healthcare provider; Express Scripts (now Cigna), a pharmaceutical benefit management company; Edward Jones, a major financial services firm headquartered in Des Peres; Emerson Electric, a Fortune 500 diversified manufacturing corporation; Centene Corporation, a healthcare enterprise; and Boeing Defense, Space & Security, which maintains significant operations in the region. Key economic sectors include medical and bioscience research, with the Cortex Innovation Community in midtown St. Louis serving as a major technology and research hub extending into the county; financial services and insurance; aerospace and defense manufacturing; logistics and transportation facilitated by Lambert-Saint Louis International Airport and proximity to major interstate highways; and retail and hospitality.
The county has seen substantial economic development investment in recent areas including the expansion of the Cortex district, redevelopment of former retail centers into mixed-use developments, and growth in the Chesterfield Valley commercial corridor. The unemployment rate in Saint Louis County typically tracks 0.5-1 percentage point below the Missouri state average, reflecting the county's stronger economic fundamentals. Notable corporate headquarters and facilities in the county include Panera Bread corporate offices, Build-A-Bear Workshop headquarters, and numerous regional operations centers for national corporations.
The county's strategic location, educated workforce, and infrastructure continue to attract investment in technology, healthcare, and advanced services sectors.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (CaseNet) | Property: ✅ Free Search Online | Arrest/Jail: ✅ Online Roster | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or Mail Required | Business: ✅ Online (State Portal) | Elections: ✅ Online | Overall Score: 9/10 — Saint Louis County provides excellent digital access to public records with robust online systems for property, court, jail, and election information.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Saint Louis County
Explore public records for 14 cities and communities in Saint Louis County, Missouri.