Logan County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Logan County in 2026
LoganILRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Logan County, Illinois. Members of the public may find ownership history, assessed values, recorded deeds, tax information, liens, and zoning data. Available record categories may include land records, assessor data, treasurer tax records, recorded instruments, and zoning documents. Information presented reflects what is available through official public sources and may not capture every transaction or document on file.
Members of the public may search Logan County property records through several official channels maintained by county offices. The primary resources include the County Clerk and Recorder for recorded instruments, the Assessor Office for valuation and assessment data, and the Logan County Treasurer for tax payment records. Each office maintains distinct record sets and provides separate access methods.
Multiple Access Methods:
- Online searches — The most convenient option; available through county office websites at no charge for basic information
- In-person visits — Required for certified copies and access to older records not yet digitized
- By mail — Written requests submitted with applicable fees and identifying information
- Through professionals — Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed abstractors conduct comprehensive searches
1. Property Appraiser Website
The Logan County Assessor Office serves as the primary resource for property valuation and ownership information. Public access is available at no charge and does not require registration.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel identification number
- By legal description
- By township and section
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Property site address
- Legal description
- Parcel ID number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Property characteristics (square footage, year built, lot size, building type)
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Taxable value
- Exemptions applied
- Sales history
- GIS map location
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Logan County Assessor Office website
- Select the preferred search type (address, owner name, or parcel number)
- Enter the search criteria in the appropriate field
- Review the results list returned
- Select the specific property to view the full property card
- Review ownership, valuation, sales history, and map data
- Print or save the information as needed
2. County Clerk / Recorder Official Records Search
The County Clerk and Recorder maintains the official record of all instruments affecting real property in Logan County. The office provides an online land records search and a Property Fraud Alert service.
Searchable By:
- Grantor name (seller or transferor)
- Grantee name (buyer or transferee)
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Book and page number
- Instrument number
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
- Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
- Easements and declarations of restrictions
- Plats and surveys
- Powers of attorney affecting property
- Lis pendens notices
- Plat Act and school district affidavits
How to Search:
- Access the online land records search through the County Clerk and Recorder website
- Select the search type (grantor, grantee, document type, or date range)
- Enter the applicable search criteria
- Review the results returned
- Select a document to view the image, if available online
- Note the book and page or instrument number for reference
- Request certified copies from the office if official copies are required
3. Tax Collector / Treasurer Website
The Logan County Treasurer maintains tax payment records and current tax bill information for all parcels in the county.
Search By:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel identification number
- Tax account number
Information Available:
- Current tax bill amount
- Payment history
- Outstanding balances and delinquency status
- Exemptions applied
- Tax year and due dates
- Penalty information (a $25 penalty applies after June 1st, with an additional $25 per month assessed, up to $100.00)
4. GIS / Mapping System
Logan County provides geographic information through its online mapping resources, enabling visual property searches with parcel boundary overlays, aerial photography, zoning layers, and flood zone designations. Members of the public may navigate the map to a specific location, select a parcel, and access linked property information.
In-Person Searches:
Logan County Assessor Office
601 Broadway Street, Room 3
Lincoln, IL 62656
Phone: (217) 732-4148
Assessor Office
Logan County Clerk and Recorder
601 Broadway Street
Lincoln, IL 62656
Phone: (217) 732-4148
County Clerk and Recorder
Logan County Treasurer
601 Broadway Street
Lincoln, IL 62656
Phone: (217) 732-4148
Logan County Treasurer
By Mail Requests:
Members of the public may submit written requests to the County Clerk and Recorder by mail. Requests should specify the property by address, parcel number, or legal description, and should include the document type, approximate recording date range, and book and page or instrument number where known. Payment for applicable copy fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon request with the appropriate fee.
Through Professionals:
Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches and produce abstracts of title identifying all recorded interests in a property. Real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions and assist with complex ownership issues. Licensed abstractors perform full chain-of-title searches dating back to the county's original land records.
Search Tips:
- When searching by address, attempt variations with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W)
- When searching by owner name, try last name first and check spelling variations
- For historical records not available online, contact the County Clerk and Recorder directly for assistance
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear in online systems due to recording processing time
What Is Logan County Property Records
Property records are official documents related to real property — land and buildings — maintained by Logan County government offices. These records constitute the legal documentation of property ownership, transfers, encumbrances, valuations, and tax obligations. Under 765 ILCS 5 (the Illinois Conveyances Act), instruments affecting title to real property must be recorded with the County Recorder to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers.
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Chain of title documents
- Trust documents affecting property
- Life estate deeds
- Transfer-on-death instruments
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanic's liens
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Declarations of restrictions and covenants
- Lis pendens notices
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Property tax assessments maintained by the Assessor Office
- Tax bills and payment history maintained by the Treasurer
- Exemption records (homestead, senior, veteran, disability)
- Special assessments
Legal Descriptions and Plats:
- Recorded subdivision plats
- Survey plats
- Lot and block information
- Metes and bounds descriptions
- Land records including the Property Tax Identification Number, legal description, and common address
Building and Zoning Records:
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Zoning classifications maintained by the Zoning Office
- Land use designations
- Code enforcement records
Who Maintains Property Records:
| Office | Records Maintained |
|---|---|
| County Clerk and Recorder | Deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, recorded instruments |
| Assessor Office | Valuations, property characteristics, exemptions |
| Treasurer | Tax bills, payment history, delinquency records |
| Zoning Office | Zoning classifications, land use, permits |
The Illinois Property Tax Code, codified at 35 ILCS 200, governs the assessment, equalization, and collection of property taxes throughout the state, establishing the legal framework under which the Assessor and Treasurer operate.
Are Property Records Public Information in Logan County?
Property records in Logan County are public information. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140), public records maintained by government bodies are accessible to any person upon request. Additionally, the recording statutes under 765 ILCS 5 establish that recorded instruments are public records available for inspection by any member of the public.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
- Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140)
- Illinois Conveyances Act (765 ILCS 5)
- Illinois Property Tax Code (35 ILCS 200)
- Common law tradition of public land records dating to the original land grant system
Why Property Records Are Public:
Transparency in property ownership serves multiple public interests. The recording system provides constructive notice — meaning that any person who records a deed, mortgage, or lien puts the entire world on legal notice of that interest. This principle underpins the entire real estate marketplace and enables title insurance, mortgage lending, and arms-length property transactions.
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel identification numbers
- Sale prices and transfer dates
- Recorded mortgage amounts
- Liens and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics
- Deeds and all recorded instruments
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Under current Illinois law, Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from recorded documents before public release. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of domestic violence or stalking — may qualify for address confidentiality protections under the Illinois Address Confidentiality Program. Homestead exemption applications may contain personal financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure.
Who Can Access Property Records:
No residency requirement, ownership interest, or stated purpose is required to access property records in Logan County. The following individuals and entities routinely access these records:
- Prospective buyers and sellers
- Real estate agents and brokers
- Title companies and abstractors
- Mortgage lenders and appraisers
- Attorneys
- Investors and developers
- Genealogists and historians
- Journalists and researchers
- Members of the general public
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Logan County?
Members of the public may inspect property records at no charge. Fees apply when copies or certified copies are requested. The Logan County Clerk and Recorder publishes current recording fees and copy fees on its official website.
Standard Copy and Recording Fees:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard document recording (first page) | $10.00 |
| Each additional page | $1.00 |
| Certified copy of recorded document | $1.00 per page + certification fee |
| Online land records search | Free (basic access) |
| Property Fraud Alert enrollment | Free |
Recording fees in Illinois are governed by 55 ILCS 5/3-5018, which establishes the authority of county recorders to collect fees for recording, indexing, and certifying instruments. Fee schedules are subject to change and members of the public should confirm current fees directly with the County Clerk and Recorder prior to submitting requests.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Online viewing of property assessment data through the Assessor Office
- Online land records search (basic)
- Tax payment status through the Treasurer's website
- GIS mapping and parcel boundary information
- Property Fraud Alert enrollment
Accepted Payment Methods:
The County Clerk and Recorder accepts cash, check, and money order for in-person and mail requests. Members of the public should confirm whether credit or debit card payments are accepted prior to visiting.
Fee Waiver Provisions:
Illinois law does not provide a general fee waiver for property record copies. Governmental agencies and certain nonprofit organizations may qualify for reduced fees in specific circumstances; members of the public seeking fee waivers should inquire directly with the applicable office.
What's Included in a Logan County Property Record
A complete Logan County property record draws from multiple county offices and may include the following categories of information.
Ownership Information:
- Legal owner name(s) as recorded on the current deed
- Ownership type (individual, joint tenancy, tenancy in common, trust, LLC, corporation)
- Acquisition date and deed instrument number
- Mailing address for tax billing purposes
- Chain of title with previous owner names and transfer dates
Property Identification:
- Site address and mailing address
- Property Tax Identification Number (PIN)
- Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, or metes and bounds)
- Parcel ID number
- Tax account number
The land records maintained by the County Clerk and Recorder include the name and address of the "Tax Bill To" party, the Property Tax Identification Number, the legal description, and the common address as standard document components.
Physical Characteristics:
- Lot size in square feet or acres
- Lot dimensions and frontage
- Total building square footage
- Year built
- Number of stories and building type
- Construction type and exterior wall material
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Garage, pool, and additional structure information
- Condition and quality ratings
Valuation Information:
- Land value (assessed)
- Building/improvement value (assessed)
- Total assessed value
- Market value estimate
- Historical assessed values for prior years
Tax Information:
- Current tax bill amount and due dates
- Exemptions applied (homestead, senior, veteran, disability)
- Taxable value after exemptions
- Tax payment history
- Delinquency status and penalty information
Sales History:
- Sale dates and sale prices for recent transfers
- Deed type (warranty, quitclaim, tax deed, etc.)
- Grantor and grantee names
- Deed document numbers and recording dates
Encumbrances and Liens:
- Recorded mortgages with lender names, amounts, and recording dates
- Tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanic's liens
- Easements and restrictions
- Lis pendens notices
- HOA liens
Zoning and Land Use:
- Current zoning classification per the Zoning Office
- Permitted uses under the applicable zoning district
- Future land use designation
- Special district memberships (school, fire, water)
- Flood zone designation (FEMA)
What Is NOT Typically Included:
- Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Social Security numbers (redacted under current law)
- Private purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
- Unrecorded agreements or private arrangements
- Interior photographs
- Confidential exemption application details
How Long Does Logan County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Logan County are maintained permanently. The legal requirement to preserve recorded instruments arises from the chain of title principle — every transfer from the original land grant to the present owner must be traceable through an unbroken sequence of recorded documents. Gaps in the chain of title create title defects that can impair a property's marketability.
Legal Basis for Permanent Retention:
The Illinois Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205) governs the retention, preservation, and disposal of public records by local government agencies. Under this statute, records that are essential to the protection of legal rights — including recorded instruments affecting title to real property — are designated for permanent retention and may not be destroyed.
Records Kept Permanently:
- All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all conveyance types)
- All recorded mortgages, satisfactions, and releases
- All recorded liens and lien releases
- Subdivision plats and survey plats
- Easements, restrictions, and covenants
- Condominium declarations
- Powers of attorney affecting property
- Court documents affecting title
- Assessment rolls and property tax records
Format and Storage:
Historical records in Logan County exist in multiple formats depending on the era of recording:
| Era | Format |
|---|---|
| Early county history | Handwritten ledger books |
| Early-to-mid 20th century | Typed entries in bound record books |
| Mid-to-late 20th century | Microfilm |
| Current | Digital scans and electronic document management |
Access to Historical Records:
Recent records are available through the online land records search maintained by the County Clerk and Recorder. Older records that have not yet been digitized are accessible in person at the courthouse, where staff can retrieve documents from microfilm or bound record books. Members of the public seeking very old records should contact the office in advance to allow for retrieval time.
Property Appraiser / Assessor Records:
The Assessor Office maintains property cards, assessment rolls, and exemption records permanently. Recent assessment history is available through the online portal; historical assessments predating the online system are accessible in person.
Tax Records:
The Treasurer maintains tax payment records and delinquency records. Tax deed records — resulting from tax sales — are permanent records maintained by the County Clerk and Recorder. Recent tax payment history is available online through the Treasurer's website.
Contact for Historical Records:
Logan County Clerk and Recorder
601 Broadway Street
Lincoln, IL 62656
Phone: (217) 732-4148
County Clerk and Recorder
Logan County Assessor Office
601 Broadway Street, Room 3
Lincoln, IL 62656
Phone: (217) 732-4148
Assessor Office
How To Find Liens on Property in Logan County?
Liens on property in Logan County are recorded instruments and are therefore searchable through the County Clerk and Recorder's official records system. A lien is a legal claim against a property that must be satisfied before clear title can be transferred. Common lien types include mortgage liens, federal and state tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and HOA liens.
Step-by-Step Search Process:
- Access the online land records search through the County Clerk and Recorder
- Search by the property owner's name as grantee or grantor, or by the property's legal description
- Filter results by document type — select lien-related categories such as "Mortgage," "Lien," "Judgment," or "Tax Lien"
- Review all results for the subject property across the relevant time period
- Note instrument numbers, recording dates, amounts, and lienholders
- Search separately for releases and satisfactions to determine whether any identified liens have been discharged
- For federal tax liens, search the IRS lien records through the IRS FOIA portal in addition to county records, as federal liens are also filed with the County Recorder under Illinois law
Types of Liens Searchable Through County Records:
- Mortgage liens — Recorded at origination; released upon payoff
- Judgment liens — Arise from court judgments; recorded in the county where the debtor owns property
- Mechanic's liens — Filed by contractors or suppliers for unpaid work under 770 ILCS 60 (the Illinois Mechanics Lien Act)
- Federal tax liens — Filed by the IRS with the County Recorder
- State tax liens — Filed by the Illinois Department of Revenue
- HOA liens — Filed by homeowner associations for unpaid assessments
- Code enforcement liens — Filed by local government for unresolved code violations
In-Person Lien Search:
Members of the public may conduct in-person lien searches at the County Clerk and Recorder's office. Staff can assist with searches of the grantor/grantee index and document retrieval. Certified copies of lien documents are available for the applicable copy fee.
Logan County Clerk and Recorder
601 Broadway Street
Lincoln, IL 62656
Phone: (217) 732-4148
County Clerk and Recorder
Through Professionals:
Title companies and licensed abstractors conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of a title examination. A title search will identify all recorded liens, encumbrances, and clouds on title. This service is standard in real estate purchase and refinance transactions and provides the most thorough lien identification available.
What Is Property Owner Rule in Logan County?
The property owner rule in Logan County, Illinois refers to the body of state law and local regulations governing who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership. Illinois follows the common law system of real property ownership, under which title to real property is established by recorded instruments and protected by the recording statutes codified at 765 ILCS 5.
Establishment of Ownership:
Ownership of real property in Logan County is established by a recorded deed. The deed must identify the grantor (transferor) and grantee (recipient), contain a legal description of the property, be signed by the grantor, and be acknowledged before a notary public. Recording the deed with the County Clerk and Recorder provides constructive notice of the transfer to all subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers.
Forms of Ownership Recognized Under Illinois Law:
- Sole ownership — A single individual holds title in fee simple
- Joint tenancy — Two or more persons hold equal undivided interests with right of survivorship; upon the death of one joint tenant, the surviving joint tenant(s) take the deceased's interest automatically
- Tenancy in common — Two or more persons hold undivided interests that may be unequal; each owner's interest passes through their estate upon death
- Tenancy by the entirety — Available to married couples in Illinois; provides protection from individual creditors of either spouse
- Trust ownership — A trustee holds legal title for the benefit of beneficiaries; land trusts are common in Illinois
- Entity ownership — LLCs, corporations, and partnerships may hold title to real property in Illinois
Property Owner Rights and Obligations:
Property owners in Logan County hold the right to use, enjoy, lease, mortgage, and transfer their property subject to applicable zoning regulations, deed restrictions, and state and local law. The Zoning Office administers the Logan County Zoning Ordinance, which governs permitted uses, minimum lot sizes, setback requirements, and other land use regulations applicable to property within unincorporated Logan County.
Property owners are obligated to pay real estate taxes assessed under the Illinois Property Tax Code (35 ILCS 200). Failure to pay taxes results in penalties and, ultimately, may result in a tax sale and issuance of a tax deed to a third party. The Logan County Treasurer administers tax collection and enforces delinquency procedures.
Transfer of Ownership:
Property transfers in Logan County must comply with the Illinois Real Estate Transfer Tax Law and applicable local transfer tax ordinances. The deed must be presented for recording with the County Clerk and Recorder along with the applicable transfer tax declaration. The Assessor Office reviews transfer documents to update ownership records and assess the property at its current market value following a transfer.
Adverse Possession:
Under Illinois law, a person who openly, continuously, exclusively, and adversely possesses another's property for a period of 20 years may acquire title through adverse possession. A court action is required to establish title by adverse possession, and the resulting judgment must be recorded with the County Clerk and Recorder to provide notice of the ownership change.
Eminent Domain:
The government retains the power of eminent domain — the authority to take private property for public use upon payment of just compensation. In Logan County, eminent domain proceedings are governed by the Illinois Eminent Domain Act and require judicial proceedings in the Logan County Circuit Court.