Kanawha County, WV Public Records
Kanawha County has an estimated population of 173,906 (2024) across 902 square miles of land. In West Virginia, deeds, mortgages and other land records are recorded by the County Clerk. Court cases are handled by the West Virginia Judiciary; use the official links below to find the courthouse and clerk for Kanawha County.
📍 Kanawha County at a Glance
| Population (2024 est.) | 173,906 Source: www2.census.gov ↗ |
| Land area | 902 sq mi Source: www2.census.gov ↗ |
| Largest community | CharlestonPopulation 46,482 (2024 est.) |
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⚖️ Criminal Records in Kanawha County, WV
Criminal case records for Kanawha County are kept by the West Virginia Judiciary. Misdemeanors and arraignments are generally handled by the local trial court, and felonies by the Superior Court. Many court records are public and can be viewed or copied at the clerk's office.
⚖️ Where to get criminal records for Kanawha County
| State court system | West Virginia Judiciary |
🔍 Background Check in Kanawha County, WV
A people search for Kanawha County pulls together public records such as court cases, property records and address history. It is for personal use only: under the FCRA it may not be used to screen tenants, employees, or for credit or insurance decisions. The official record sources for Kanawha County are listed below.
🔍 Where to get background check for Kanawha County
| Sex offender registry | West Virginia State Police Sex Offender Registry Source: apps.wv.gov ↗ |
| State court system | West Virginia Judiciary |
📋 Arrest Records in Kanawha County, WV
Arrest and booking records for Kanawha County are created by the arresting agency — usually the local police department or the West Virginia State Police. Once someone is charged, the case becomes a court record at the court that handles criminal cases for the area.
📋 Where to get arrest records for Kanawha County
| State court system | West Virginia Judiciary |
🏛️ Court Records in Kanawha County, WV
Court records for Kanawha County include civil suits, small claims, landlord-tenant cases, criminal cases, family matters and probate (estates). Below are the courts that serve Kanawha County, with addresses from the official West Virginia Judiciary directory.
🏛️ Where to get court records for Kanawha County
| State court system | West Virginia Judiciary |
🏠 Property Records in Kanawha County, WV
In West Virginia, deeds, mortgages and other land records are recorded by the County Clerk. Property tax assessments are kept by the local assessor's office at the town or city hall.
🏠 Where to get property records for Kanawha County
| Land records | In West Virginia, deeds, mortgages and other land records are recorded by the County Clerk. |
📜 Vital Records in Kanawha County, WV
Certified birth and death certificates for West Virginia are issued by the state vital records office; in many areas a county or local office can also issue copies, so check with the county first. Statewide records can also be ordered from the West Virginia Health Statistics Center – Vital Registration Office.
📜 Where to get vital records for Kanawha County
| State vital records office | West Virginia Health Statistics Center – Vital Registration Office Source: dhhr.wv.gov ↗ |
🔒 Sex Offender Registry in Kanawha County, WV
The official sex offender registry for Kanawha County is maintained by the state. Search it directly — it is free and updated by law enforcement. Registry information may not be used to threaten, intimidate or harass anyone.
🔒 Where to get sex offender registry for Kanawha County
| Official registry | West Virginia State Police Sex Offender Registry Source: apps.wv.gov ↗ |
📄 Divorce Records in Kanawha County, WV
Divorce cases in West Virginia are heard by the Family Court. The full divorce case file is kept by that court; a divorce certificate (a short summary record) can be requested from the West Virginia Health Statistics Center – Vital Registration Office.
📄 Where to get divorce records for Kanawha County
| Divorce court | Divorce cases in West Virginia are heard by the Family Court. |
| State vital records office | West Virginia Health Statistics Center – Vital Registration Office Source: dhhr.wv.gov ↗ |
| State court system | West Virginia Judiciary |
Largest Communities in Kanawha County
Charleston (46,482), South Charleston (13,177), St. Albans (10,301), Dunbar (7,111), Nitro (5,279), Marmet (1,423), Chesapeake (1,281), Belle (1,097), Clendenin (866), East Bank (781), Glasgow (687), Cedar Grove (685) 2024 population estimates, U.S. Census Bureau.