Union County Property Records Search Guide

Union County is located in western Kentucky along the Ohio River, with Morganfield serving as the county seat. The county has approximately 14,000 residents and maintains property records through the Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) and County Clerk offices. These offices ensure accurate property assessments and maintain permanent land records under Kentucky state law.

Property records in Union County are public information as established by the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870-61.884). The PVA assesses all real property at fair cash value as required by KRS 132.690. The County Clerk records and preserves all deeds, mortgages, and other instruments affecting real property. Property owners and researchers can access these records online or in person.

Union County PVA Property Records

The Union County Property Valuation Administrator is responsible for assessing all real property in the county for tax purposes. The PVA office maintains comprehensive property records including ownership data, assessed values, property characteristics, and sales information. Assessments are conducted annually as of January 1 each year.

The Kentucky Constitution requires that all property be assessed at 100% fair cash value. Fair cash value represents the price a property would bring in a fair voluntary sale between a willing buyer and seller. The Union County PVA uses sales data analysis, field inspections, and property characteristic reviews to ensure accurate valuations.

The Union County PVA provides online property search capabilities through QPublic. This system allows users to search by owner name, property address, or parcel number. Results include current assessment values, property class, acreage, and ownership history. The online database is updated regularly to maintain accuracy.

Union County Property Records Online Search

Union County offers online access to property records through the QPublic platform. This system provides property owners and researchers with convenient access to assessment information from any internet-connected device.

The online property search allows users to find information by multiple search criteria. Basic search options include owner name, property address, and parcel identification number. Advanced features may include map-based searching, sales history, and comparable property analysis.

To search Union County property records online, visit the Union County PVA page on QPublic. The website provides both basic and subscription search options. Property owners can review their assessments and file for exemptions online in many cases.

The PVA office encourages property owners to review their assessments annually. If you believe your property assessment does not reflect fair cash value, contact the PVA office to discuss your concerns. The appeal process begins with an informal conference and may proceed to formal appeals if necessary.

Union County Clerk Land Records

The Union County Clerk maintains all recorded land records for the county, serving as the official repository for documents affecting real property. The office records and indexes deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plats, and other instruments. Land records in Union County date back to 1811.

Recording fees follow Kentucky statutory requirements. The fee to record a deed is $50. Mortgages cost $80 to record. Additional pages beyond the first are $3 per page. These fees support the costs of processing, imaging, and preserving permanent records. The clerk accepts cash, check, and money order.

The Union County Clerk provides access to land records in person during regular business hours. The office also offers e-filing services for attorneys and title companies. All recorded documents are public records available for inspection and copying. Certified copies are available for legal proceedings.

Documents presented for recording must meet statutory formatting requirements. This includes legible text, proper margins, and complete legal descriptions. The clerk reviews each document for compliance before recording. Documents that do not meet requirements may be rejected.

Kentucky State Property Records Resources

Union County property records are maintained under the authority of Kentucky state law. Several state resources provide additional information and guidance.

The Kentucky Secretary of State Land Office maintains historical land grant records dating back to the 1700s. These records can be valuable for researching property ownership history and boundary information, particularly for older properties in Union County.

The Kentucky County Clerks Association provides information about recording standards and procedures adopted statewide. They have implemented PRIA (Property Records Industry Association) standards for document formatting as of January 1, 2020.

The Kentucky Department of Revenue oversees property taxation and administers exemption programs. The homestead exemption amount for 2025-2026 is $49,100 for qualifying homeowners age 65 and older or those classified as totally disabled.

Property Assessment Appeals Process

Property owners who disagree with their assessment have the right to appeal under Kentucky law. The appeal process provides multiple levels of review to ensure fair and accurate property valuations.

The first step is an informal conference with the PVA office. Many concerns can be resolved at this level through discussion and review of property information. If the informal conference does not resolve the issue, the property owner may file a formal appeal with the Board of Assessment Appeals.

Formal appeals must be filed within 60 days of the assessment notice date. The Board of Assessment Appeals meets annually to hear appeals. Property owners may present evidence supporting their position, including appraisals, sales data, or photographs. The board makes independent determinations based on fair cash value.

Further appeals may be made to the Kentucky Board of Tax Appeals and subsequently to circuit court. Property owners may represent themselves or hire legal counsel. Strict deadlines apply at each level of appeal, so prompt action is essential.

Cities in Union County Kentucky

Union County includes several incorporated cities and unincorporated communities. Property records for all areas are maintained by the Union County PVA and County Clerk.

Morganfield serves as the county seat and houses the courthouse. Sturgis is the largest city in Union County. All property assessments and land records for these communities are maintained by the county offices.

Nearby Counties for Property Records

These counties neighbor Union County. Property records must be searched separately in each county where property is located.