Craighead County Property Records
What Is Craighead County Property Records
Craighead County property records constitute official documentation that chronicles the ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative source for establishing legal ownership of land and structures situated in Craighead County, Arkansas. Property records are maintained pursuant to Arkansas Code § 14-15-402, which mandates the recording of instruments affecting real estate.
The primary purposes of Craighead County property records include:
- Establishing legal chain of title and ownership history
- Providing public notice of property interests and encumbrances
- Protecting property rights through official documentation
- Facilitating real estate transactions and property transfers
- Supporting property tax assessment and collection
The Craighead County Circuit Clerk's Office serves as the official custodian of property records, maintaining a comprehensive system of documentation that includes deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other instruments affecting real property. These records form the foundation of the county's land records system, providing essential information for property owners, potential buyers, lenders, and other stakeholders in real estate transactions.
Are Property Records Public Information In Craighead County?
Property records in Craighead County are public information, accessible to all citizens pursuant to both the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act and specific property recording statutes. Under Arkansas Code § 14-15-404, all recorded instruments affecting real estate "shall be open to the public for inspection during office hours."
The legal basis for public access to property records rests on several foundational principles:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes explicitly require public accessibility to property documents
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest by facilitating commerce and preventing fraud
- Public access supports proper functioning of real estate markets and property taxation systems
Any member of the public may access Craighead County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing justification for their request. This open access policy reflects the longstanding legal tradition that property ownership information must remain transparent and accessible to support the integrity of the real estate system.
How To Search Property Records in Craighead County in 2026
Craighead County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access these documents:
In-Person Searches:
- Visit the Craighead County Circuit Clerk's Office during regular business hours.
- Complete a records request form, specifying the property information sought.
- Provide property identification details such as owner name, property address, or parcel number.
- Staff will assist in locating relevant records from the county's filing system.
- Pay applicable copy fees for any documents requested.
Craighead County Circuit Clerk's Office
511 S. Main Street, Suite 202
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 933-4530
Craighead County Circuit Clerk
Mail Requests:
- Download and complete the official records request form from the county website.
- Include specific property information and document types requested.
- Enclose appropriate payment for search and copy fees.
- Mail the completed form to the Circuit Clerk's Office.
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing and return of requested documents.
Online Searches:
- Navigate to the Craighead County property records portal.
- Create a user account if required for access.
- Enter search criteria (owner name, property address, parcel ID).
- Review search results and select documents for viewing.
- Download or print documents as needed (fees may apply).
The county currently charges nominal fees for document copies, with standard pages priced at $0.25 per page and certified copies at $1.00 per page plus a $2.50 certification fee, in accordance with Arkansas Code § 21-6-406.
How To Find Property Records in Craighead County Online?
Craighead County provides digital access to property records through several online platforms. The following step-by-step process enables efficient electronic searches:
- Access the Craighead County Assessor's Office website.
- Navigate to the "Property Search" section of the portal.
- Select the preferred search method:
- Property owner name
- Physical address
- Parcel identification number
- Legal description
- Enter the relevant search criteria in the appropriate fields.
- Review the search results displaying matching properties.
- Select the specific property record to view detailed information.
- Access available document images, property characteristics, and ownership history.
- Download, print, or save electronic copies as needed (fees may apply for certain documents).
For more comprehensive property record searches, the county also provides access through:
Craighead County Land Records Search Portal
https://craighead.countyportal.net/
This system allows users to:
- Search by document type (deed, mortgage, lien)
- Access historical property records
- View document images when available
- Generate property reports
Users should note that while basic property information is freely accessible, certain enhanced features or document downloads may require payment of nominal fees. The online system is regularly updated but may not include the most recent transactions, which are typically processed within 1-2 weeks of recording.
How To Look Up Craighead County Property Records for Free?
Craighead County offers several no-cost options for accessing property records. Members of the public may utilize these free resources:
- Public Access Terminals: The Craighead County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains computer terminals for public use during regular business hours. These terminals provide free access to the county's property records database.
Craighead County Circuit Clerk's Office
511 S. Main Street, Suite 202
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 933-4530
Craighead County Circuit Clerk
- Assessor's Online Property Search: The Craighead County Assessor's website offers a free basic property search function that provides ownership information, property characteristics, and assessed values.
Craighead County Assessor's Office
511 S. Main Street, Suite 106
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 933-4547
Craighead County Assessor
- Public Library Resources: The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library provides free internet access where patrons can utilize the county's online property search tools.
Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library
315 W Oak Ave
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 935-5133
Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library
- Arkansas Land Records Portal: The state maintains a centralized database that includes Craighead County property records, accessible without charge for basic searches.
While viewing basic property information is free through these resources, users should note that obtaining physical or certified copies of documents typically incurs standard fees as established by Arkansas state law. Additionally, complex title searches or extensive historical research may require professional assistance or payment for enhanced database access.
What's Included in a Craighead County Property Record?
Craighead County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information pertaining to real property within county boundaries. These records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets), with different county offices maintaining specific record types.
A typical Craighead County property record contains the following elements:
-
Ownership Information
- Current property owner name(s)
- Previous owner history (chain of title)
- Dates of ownership transfers
- Purchase price or consideration amount
-
Property Identification
- Parcel identification number
- Legal description of the property
- Property address
- Subdivision information (if applicable)
- Lot and block numbers
-
Physical Characteristics
- Property size/acreage
- Building specifications (square footage, construction type)
- Number of rooms/bedrooms/bathrooms
- Year built
- Improvement details
-
Financial Information
- Assessed property value
- Tax assessment history
- Current tax status
- Sale price history
-
Encumbrances and Restrictions
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens
- Judgment liens
- Mechanic's liens
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Homestead exemptions
These records are maintained pursuant to Arkansas Code § 14-15-401, which establishes the legal framework for property record maintenance and accessibility in Arkansas counties.
How Long Does Craighead County Keep Property Records?
Craighead County maintains property records in perpetuity for most document types related to real property ownership and transfers. This permanent retention policy ensures the continuous chain of title necessary for property rights protection and transaction facilitation. The county's record retention practices adhere to the Arkansas General Records Retention Schedule established by the Arkansas State Archives.
Specific retention periods for various property-related documents include:
-
Permanent Retention (Indefinite)
- Deeds and conveyances
- Mortgages and satisfactions
- Plats and surveys
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Condominium declarations
- Annexation records
- Original property tax assessment rolls
-
Extended Retention (25+ Years)
- Property tax payment records (25 years)
- Special assessment records (25 years after final payment)
- Building permits (life of structure plus 3 years)
-
Limited Retention (7-10 Years)
- Temporary construction easements (7 years after expiration)
- Property inspection reports (10 years)
- Zoning variance applications (10 years after expiration)
The county's retention practices are mandated by state law, specifically Arkansas Code § 13-4-301, which requires counties to "establish and maintain a records management program for the application of efficient and economical management methods to the creation, utilization, maintenance, retention, preservation, and disposal of official records."
While most property records are maintained permanently, the county has implemented digital preservation systems to ensure long-term accessibility while protecting original documents from deterioration. Historical property records dating back to county formation are available through the Circuit Clerk's Office, with many now digitized for easier public access.
How To Find Liens on Property In Craighead County?
Locating liens on Craighead County property requires searching specific record types maintained by various county offices. Members of the public may utilize the following methods to identify encumbrances on real property:
- Circuit Clerk's Office Search
- Visit the Circuit Clerk's Office in person
- Request a lien search for the specific property
- Provide the property owner's name and/or property description
- Staff will search judgment lien records, which are indexed by debtor name
- Pay applicable search fees
Craighead County Circuit Clerk's Office
511 S. Main Street, Suite 202
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 933-4530
Craighead County Circuit Clerk
- Tax Collector's Office Search
- Contact the Tax Collector's Office for tax lien information
- Provide the parcel identification number or property address
- Request verification of current tax status and any delinquencies
- Obtain certification of tax lien status if needed
Craighead County Tax Collector's Office
511 S. Main Street, Suite 107
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 933-4548
Craighead County Tax Collector
-
Online Lien Search
- Access the county's online records portal
- Search by property owner name or parcel number
- Filter results to display specific lien types:
- Tax liens
- Judgment liens
- Mechanic's liens
- Federal tax liens
- State tax liens
- Review document images when available
-
Title Company Search
- Engage a professional title company for a comprehensive lien search
- Receive a detailed report of all recorded encumbrances
- Obtain professional interpretation of complex lien priority issues
Liens in Craighead County are generally recorded in order of filing, with priority typically established by recording date. Certain statutory liens, such as property tax liens, may take precedence regardless of recording date. Searchers should be aware that some liens, particularly federal tax liens, may be filed in multiple locations and require additional search efforts.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Craighead County?
The Property Owner Rule in Craighead County establishes fundamental regulations governing real property ownership, transfer, and recording requirements. This rule framework derives from Arkansas state law and county ordinances that collectively define property ownership rights and responsibilities.
Key provisions of the Property Owner Rule include:
-
Recording Requirements
- All instruments affecting real property title must be recorded with the Circuit Clerk
- Documents must be properly acknowledged before a notary public
- Original documents or certified copies must be presented for recording
- Recording fees must be paid at time of filing
- Documents must comply with formatting standards per Arkansas Code § 14-15-402(b)
-
Notice Provisions
- Properly recorded documents provide constructive notice to all parties
- Unrecorded documents may be valid between parties but not against third parties
- Priority of interests generally established by recording date
- Certain statutory liens may take priority regardless of recording date
-
Ownership Verification
- Property owners must register with the County Assessor's Office
- Annual assessment forms must be completed by property owners
- Changes in ownership must be reported within specified timeframes
- Property tax responsibilities transfer with ownership
-
Transfer Requirements
- Valid deed must contain grantor/grantee names, property description, and consideration
- Documentary stamps must be affixed based on transaction value
- Transfer tax must be paid unless specifically exempt
- Disclosure of property condition may be required for residential transfers
The Property Owner Rule also addresses specific situations such as joint ownership, life estates, trusts, and business entity ownership. These regulations are enforced through the coordinated efforts of the Circuit Clerk, County Assessor, and Tax Collector, with legal authority derived from Arkansas Code § 14-15-404 and related statutes.
Property owners should be aware that failure to comply with these rules may result in title defects, tax penalties, or difficulties in future property transfers. The county provides informational resources to assist property owners in understanding and fulfilling their obligations under these regulations.