About Big Horn County
Big Horn County is located in south-central Montana, including approximately 5,015 square miles of diverse terrain that includes portions of the Crow Indian Reservation and the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. Big Horn County Seat is Hardin, situated along the Little Bighorn River near the historic site of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Established in 1913, Big Horn County has a population of approximately 13,000 residents, with a significant portion of Native American heritage from the Crow and Northern Cheyenne tribes.
Big Horn County is bordered by the Bighorn Mountains to the south and features rolling plains, river valleys, and badlands topography. Major landmarks include the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, and the Tongue River. Big Horn County's economy is anchored by agriculture, ranching, tourism related to historical sites, and coal mining operations.
Big Horn County Courthouse is located at 121 West 3rd Street in Hardin, Montana 59034, serving as the administrative center. Key county offices include Big Horn County Clerk and Recorder at the courthouse, Big Horn Montana Department of Revenue's Office which manages property valuations and tax assessments, and Big Horn County Treasurer. Big Horn County's unique character stems from its rich Native American cultural heritage, its key role in Western expansion history, and the ongoing collaboration between tribal governments and county administration in providing services to residents across reservation and non-reservation lands.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Big Horn County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across the unincorporated areas of Big Horn County. This office oversees Big Horn County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. Notable programs include crime prevention initiatives and partnerships with tribal law enforcement agencies to address jurisdictional challenges unique to Big Horn County.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Big Horn County is provided by Big Horn County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities like Hardin. The Hardin Police Department handles law enforcement within the city limits, while the Sheriff's Office covers the broader county area, including rural and tribal lands. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and response throughout Big Horn County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Big Horn County is provided by Big Horn County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 420 West 3rd Street, Hardin, MT 59034 The Sheriff's Office maintains jurisdiction over unincorporated areas of Big Horn County and operates Big Horn County Detention Center, located adjacent to the Sheriff's Office. Inmate information can be obtained by calling the detention center directly at or visiting the facility in person during business hours. The facility maintains current inmate rosters including booking information, charges, and bond status.
- Citizens may request arrest records, booking reports, and incident reports by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department.
- Processing fees typically apply for copies of records.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through direct requests to the detention center, though Montana law does not require immediate online publication of booking photographs.
- For arrest records involving tribal law enforcement, requests must be directed to the respective tribal police departments, as tribal nations maintain sovereignty over their law enforcement records.
- Response times for public records requests typically range from several days to two weeks depending on the complexity of the request.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Big Horn County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request background checks through the state bureau, which compiles information from various law enforcement agencies. The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, offering information on registered offenders residing in Big Horn County.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Big Horn County are maintained by Big Horn County Sheriff's Office. Residents and attorneys can request these records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Arrest records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking information. The Montana Public Records Act governs the accessibility of these records, for public access while protecting sensitive information. Requests for arrest records may require a formal application and identification verification.
Jail & Inmate Records
Big Horn County Detention Center, located in Hardin, is the primary facility for housing inmates in Big Horn County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require scheduling in advance.
- The bond and bail process follows Montana state guidelines, and individuals can post bail through the court system or authorized bail bond agents.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Big Horn County are taken and retained by Big Horn County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While some mugshots may be available online, others might require a formal request to view. Montana does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can petition for removal or sealing of records under certain circumstances, such as expungement.
Courts & Case Records
Big Horn County is served by the Montana Eighteenth Judicial District Court, with Big Horn County Courthouse located at 121 West 3rd Street, Hardin, MT 59034 Big Horn County Court has general jurisdiction over civil cases exceeding $12,000, felony criminal cases, domestic relations matters including divorce and custody, probate, and appeals from lower courts. The Honorable District Court Judge presides over cases from this location.
- Big Horn County also operates a Justice Court, which handles misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims up to $7,000, landlord-tenant disputes, and is the initial appearance court for felony charges.
- Copying fees are typically $0.50 per page for standard documents, with certified copies available for $5.00 plus per-page fees.
- Requests for bulk data or full record searches should be directed to the Clerk of District Court in writing.
The Justice Court is located at the courthouse and can be contacted through the office’s website. Court records in Montana are presumed public under Montana Code Annotated § 3-1-1001 and the Montana Constitution Article II, Section 9, which guarantees the right to examine public documents. The Montana Judicial Branch operates the Montana Court Online Data Repository, though availability of specific case information varies by court and case type. In-person searches of court files can be conducted at the Clerk of District Court office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Some case information may be restricted from public access including juvenile records, adoption records, mental health proceedings, and certain family law documents containing sensitive information.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Big Horn County are maintained by Big Horn County Clerk and Recorder's Office, located at 121 West 3rd Street, Hardin, MT 59034 The Recorder's office maintains deed records, mortgages, liens, Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings, military discharge papers (DD-214s), plat maps, easements, and other instruments affecting real property. These records are public under Montana Code Annotated § 7-4-2615 and can be searched in person at the Recorder's office during regular business hours.
- Recording fees vary by document type, with standard deeds typically costing $7.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page.
- Certified copies are available for an additional fee.
- For official property searches, visiting the Recorder's office in person or submitting written requests with specific parcel numbers or legal descriptions is recommended.
Property tax records and assessment information are maintained by Big Horn Montana Department of Revenue's Office, also located at the courthouse The Assessor maintains property valuation records, ownership information, legal descriptions, and parcel data. Tax payment records and outstanding tax information are available through Big Horn County Treasurer's Office for While Big Horn County does not currently offer a full online property record search system, basic property information may be available through the Montana Cadastral Mapping Project, which provides GIS parcel data for Montana counties.
Title companies and abstractors regularly access these records for real estate transactions. Lien searches require examination of multiple record types including judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and tax liens, all filed with the Clerk and Recorder.
Vital Records
Vital records for Big Horn County are handled through multiple offices depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Big Horn County can be requested through Big Horn County Clerk and Recorder's Office at 121 West 3rd Street, Hardin, MT 59034 However, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Office of Vital Statistics in Helena is the primary repository for certified vital records statewide and can be contacted through the office’s website. Birth certificates cost $12.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for additional copies ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates are $8.00 per copy.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $53.00 and there is no waiting period in Montana.
- Marriage certificates can be requested after the ceremony for $8.00.
- Divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of District Court at the courthouse and can be accessed as court records, though full decrees may contain confidential information.
- Valid photo identification is required when requesting vital records in person.
Marriage licenses are issued by Big Horn County Clerk and Recorder, with couples required to apply in person. Vital records access in Montana is governed by Montana Code Annotated § 50-15-101 et seq, which restricts access to birth and death certificates to qualified applicants including the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with tangible interest. Processing times vary from immediate for in-person requests at Big Horn County level to 2-4 weeks for mail requests through the state office.
VitalChek offers expedited online ordering for Montana vital records for an additional fee, typically processing within 3-5 business days plus shipping.
Business & Licensing
Business records and licensing in Big Horn County involve both county and state-level offices. Big Horn County Clerk and Recorder at 121 West 3rd Street, Hardin, MT 59034, maintains assumed business name (DBA) filings for businesses operating under names other than the owner's legal name. Filing an assumed business name costs approximately $10.00 and must be renewed every five years.
- The state business search portal is free and provides information on entity status, registered agents, formation dates, and principal addresses.
- Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are processed through Big Horn County Planning Department at the courthouse
- The Hardin Area Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, located in Hardin, provides resources for businesses including networking opportunities, economic development information, and visitor services.
- Contractors working in Montana may need to register with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry depending on their trade, and certain construction trades require state licensing.
For full business entity searches including corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and trademarks, the Montana Secretary of State Business Services Division maintains the official business registry accessible online at sos.mt.gov. Montana does not have a state sales tax, so sales tax permits are not required. Professional and occupational licenses are regulated by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry through various professional boards depending on the occupation.
Local business licensing requirements in Big Horn County vary by county, with the City of Hardin maintaining its own business license requirements through City Hall. Commercial construction projects require review for compliance with the International Building Code as adopted by Montana. Chamber contact information is available at hardinchamber.com.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Big Horn County are administered by Big Horn County Clerk and Recorder, Elections Office, located at 121 West 3rd Street, Hardin, MT 59034 The office manages voter registration, conducts federal, state, and local elections, maintains voter rolls, and provides election information to county residents. Voter registration in Montana is available through multiple methods including online registration at my.montanavotes.gov, in-person registration at the County Elections Office, by mail, and through late registration options available until noon the day before Election Day.
- To register, Montana residents must be U.S.
- Any registered voter may request an absentee ballot without providing a reason.
- Absentee ballot requests can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at the Elections Office.
- In the 2024 general election, turnout was approximately 68% of registered voters.
- Citizens may request election related records by contacting the Elections Office.
Montana law allows same-day voter registration during the early voting period. The voter registration deadline for regular mail registration is 30 days before an election. Citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and have resided in Montana for at least 30 days prior to the election.
Voters can verify their registration status and find their polling place through the Montana Secretary of State's My Voter Page at my.montanavotes.gov. Big Horn County operates multiple polling locations on Election Day, with assignments based on precinct boundaries. Polling places are typically located in Hardin, Lodge Grass, and other communities throughout Big Horn County.
Montana offers both early voting and absentee voting by mail. Voted ballots must be received by Big Horn County by 8:00 PM on Election Day. Big Horn County has historically seen voter turnout ranging from 65-75% in presidential elections and 50-60% in midterm elections.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House races, potential U.S. Senate races, Montana state legislature seats, and county offices.
Election records that are public include voter registration lists (excluding certain confidential information like birthdates), campaign finance reports filed with the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices, candidate filings, precinct-level election results, and ballot issue information. Montana Code Annotated § 13-2-220 governs access to voter registration lists. Big Horn County provides unofficial election results on election night, with official canvass completed within days following the election.
Economy & Demographics
Big Horn County's economy is anchored by several key sectors including agriculture, energy production, tourism, and tribal enterprises. Agriculture remains foundational with extensive cattle ranching, wheat farming, sugar beet production, and hay cultivation across Big Horn County's plains and river valleys. Big Horn County's agricultural output contributes significantly to Montana's livestock and grain industries. Coal mining has been a major employer, particularly the Absaloka Mine operated near Hardin, though the energy sector has experienced fluctuations.
- The median household income in Big Horn County is approximately $48,000, below the Montana state average, reflecting the rural nature and economic challenges facing Big Horn County.
Tourism represents a growing economic sector, driven by the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, which attracts over 300,000 visitors annually, and Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, popular for boating, fishing, and scenic recreation. These attractions support hospitality businesses, restaurants, and guide services. Tribal enterprises operated by the Crow Tribe and Northern Cheyenne Tribe contribute to the local economy through casinos, convenience stores, and resource management.
Major employers include Big Horn County government, Hardin school district, Indian Health Service facilities, and retail businesses. The unemployment rate in Big Horn County has historically been higher than the state average, ranging between 6-8%, with seasonal variations related to agriculture and tourism. Economic development efforts focus on diversifying the economy, supporting small business growth, improving broadband infrastructure in rural areas, and using cultural tourism related to Native American heritage and Western history.
Big Horn County faces ongoing challenges including geographic isolation, limited industrial base, and workforce development needs.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Online (In-Person Preferred) | Property: Limited: In-Person Primarily (Limited Online GIS) | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Required | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or State Office | Business: Yes: State Online Search Available | Elections: Yes: Good Access via State and County | Overall Score: 5/10, Big Horn County maintains traditional in-person access to most public records with limited digital infrastructure, though state-level resources enhance business and election information accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Big Horn County
Explore public records for 9 cities and communities in Big Horn County, Montana.