About Billings County
Billings County is located in the southwestern region of North Dakota, established in 1879 and named after Frederick H. Billings, former president of the Northern Pacific Railway. Billings County Seat is Medora, a historic town with a population of approximately 130 residents, famous for its connection to President Theodore Roosevelt and the gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park's South Unit. Billings County is the least populous county in North Dakota with approximately 945 residents as of recent census estimates, covering 1,153 square miles of rugged badlands terrain.
The scene is characterized by colorful buttes, steep canyons, and dramatic geological formations that attracted Roosevelt in the 1880s when he ranched in Billings County. Billings County's economy centers on tourism, ranching, and energy development. Billings County Courthouse is located at 495 4th Street, Medora, ND 58645, and houses the County Recorder, County Clerk, Auditor, and Assessor offices.
Major landmarks include the Chateau de Mores State Historic Site, the Burning Coal Vein, Painted Canyon overlook, and the Medora Musical outdoor amphitheater. Billings County's sparse population and vast scenes make it one of North Dakota's most unique jurisdictions, with its identity deeply tied to Roosevelt's conservation legacy and the preservation of the American West's natural beauty.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Billings County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Billings County, particularly in the unincorporated areas. The office handles patrol duties, manages Billings County jail, and processes arrests. It also maintains criminal records and provides various community services. The office collaborates with other law enforcement agencies to address regional crime issues and enhance public safety initiatives.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Billings County is primarily managed by Billings County Sheriff's Office, which serves the unincorporated areas and smaller communities. The Medora Police Department operates within the city limits of Medora, providing local policing services. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, making sure of full law enforcement coverage across Billings County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Billings County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at Billings County Courthouse at 495 4th Street, Medora, ND 58645, provides primary law enforcement services throughout Billings County's 1,153 square miles. Billings County operates a small detention facility within the courthouse complex for temporary holding, though long-term inmates are typically housed at regional facilities through intergovernmental agreements with neighboring counties.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office, which must respond within a reasonable timeframe as prescribed by statute.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through direct request to the Sheriff's Office, though some information may be restricted if it involves ongoing investigations or juveniles.
- Due to Billings County's small population and low crime rate, arrest records are limited compared to urban counties, and most requests can be processed quickly through direct contact with county officials.
Inmate information can be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours. The City of Medora, as the only incorporated county, does not maintain a separate police department and relies on Sheriff's Office coverage. Arrest records and booking reports in Billings County are considered public records under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 44-04, the state's open records law.
The National Park Service law enforcement rangers have concurrent jurisdiction within Theodore Roosevelt National Park boundaries and handle federal violations occurring on park lands.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Billings County includes various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks through the Bureau, which provides full criminal history information. The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation offers resources for Billings County residents to access criminal records, following state laws and regulations regarding public records access.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Billings County are maintained by Billings County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following the procedures outlined under the North Dakota Open Records Law. Arrest records typically contain information such as the date of arrest, charges, and the arresting officer's details.
Jail & Inmate Records
Billings County Jail, located in Medora, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Billings County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring prior scheduling and adherence to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process in North Dakota allows for the release of detainees pending trial, subject to the court's approval and the posting of bail as determined by the judicial system.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Billings County are taken and retained by Billings County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or potentially through third-party online databases. Individuals seeking mugshots may need to submit a formal request to the Sheriff's Office, adhering to the guidelines set by the North Dakota Open Records Law.
Courts & Case Records
Billings County is served by the Southwest Judicial District of North Dakota, with Billings County District Court located at 495 4th Street, Medora, ND 58645. Billings County Court can be reached at and has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $15,000, domestic relations, probate, and appeals from administrative agencies. North Dakota operates a unified court system, and the Southwest Judicial District serves multiple counties with judges traveling on a circuit basis.
- Billings County Clerk of District Court maintains all court records and provides public access under North Dakota Century Code Section 27-05-05 and Administrative Rule 27.
- Fees for certified copies are established by statute at $10 for the first page and $2 for each additional page.
- Criminal case records, civil judgments, divorce decrees, and probate matters are among the most commonly requested documents.
- Due to Billings County's small caseload, court staff can often assist with research requests more personally than in larger jurisdictions.
- Traffic citations and minor violations are also processed through the District Court system in Billings County.
Property & Public Records
Billings County Recorder's Office, located at 495 4th Street, Medora, ND 58645, maintains all land and property records for Billings County and can be contacted through the office’s website. The Recorder is responsible for recording and preserving deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, mechanic's liens, military discharge papers (DD-214s), UCC financing statements, plat maps, and other instruments affecting real property. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 11-18 governs the duties of county recorders and establishes recording requirements and fees.
- Recording fees are set by state statute and typically include $15 for the first page and $3 for each additional page for most documents.
- The Recorder's Office maintains grantor-grantee indexes dating back to Billings County's establishment, allowing title searches and chain of ownership research.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for the statutory fee plus applicable per-page charges.
- Due to Billings County's small size and limited budget, digital access infrastructure is more limited than in larger North Dakota counties, though staff provide personalized assistance for records requests.
Property tax records are maintained separately by Billings County Director of Tax Equalization's Office at the same courthouse address, accessible for The Assessor provides property valuations, tax assessments, parcel information, and agricultural land classifications. Property owners can review assessment records, file appeals, and obtain tax statements through the Assessor's Office. Billings County Treasurer collects property taxes and maintains payment records.
Currently, Billings County does not offer a full online property search system, and most records research must be conducted in person or by contacting the offices directly.
Vital Records
Vital records for Billings County residents are maintained at both Billings County and state levels. Billings County Clerk's Office at 495 4th Street, Medora, ND 58645, phone, handles marriage license applications and maintains marriage records for ceremonies performed in Billings County. Marriage licenses in North Dakota require both parties to appear in person, present valid identification, pay the statutory fee of $65, and observe a waiting period before the ceremony. Billings County Clerk can provide certified copies of marriage certificates for events recorded in Billings County.
- Birth certificates cost $7 for the first copy and $4 for additional copies ordered simultaneously; death certificates cost $5 for the first copy and $2 for additional copies.
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek, an authorized third-party vendor, at www.vitalchek.com, though additional service fees apply.
- Expedited service is available for urgent requests.
Birth and death certificates for Billings County residents are maintained by the North Dakota Department of Health & Human Services, Division of Vital Records, 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Department 301, Bismarck, ND 58505-0200. Eligible applicants include the registrant (if of legal age), parents, legal representatives, and individuals with a direct and tangible interest as defined by North Dakota Century Code Chapter 23-02.1. Divorce decrees are obtained through Billings County Clerk of District Court, not the vital records division.
Individuals born or deceased in Billings County prior to statewide registration systems may need to conduct additional research through county historical records or church registries.
Business & Licensing
Business records and licensing in Billings County involve multiple jurisdictions and agencies. Billings County Clerk's Office at 495 4th Street, Medora, ND 58645, handles local business registrations including fictitious name certificates (Doing Business As or DBA filings) and may maintain records of certain county-issued permits. However, formal business entity formation, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, is handled exclusively by the North Dakota Secretary of State, Business Registration Division.
The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at https://firststop.sos.nd.gov where users can search for registered business entities, view organizational documents, check standing status, and review annual report compliance. This free public database is the primary resource for verifying business legitimacy in North Dakota. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, cosmetologists, medical professionals, and others are issued by respective state licensing boards, not county offices.
Sales tax permits are administered by the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner. Building permits and zoning approvals in Billings County are handled by Billings County Planning and Zoning Department or Building Inspector, which can be contacted through Billings County offices for Due to Billings County's rural character and small population, business licensing requirements are less complex than in urban areas. The Medora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau serves economic development functions and can provide information about starting businesses in the tourism sector.
Oil and gas-related business activity requires permits from the North Dakota Industrial Commission Oil and Gas Division.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Billings County are administered by Billings County Auditor, who is the election official, located at 495 4th Street, Medora, ND 58645 Voter registration in North Dakota is unique, the state does not require voter registration. Eligible residents may vote by presenting valid identification at their polling place on Election Day, establishing residency in the precinct. Acceptable identification includes a North Dakota driver's license, North Dakota ID card, or other documentation establishing residency as specified in North Dakota Century Code Section 16.1-05-07.
- Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to the County Auditor, with deadlines typically one day before the election for in-person requests and earlier for mail requests.
- Citizens may request election related public records from the County Auditor under North Dakota's open records law, Chapter 44-04.
Voters who recently moved within the state may establish new residency with supplemental documentation. Billings County typically operates one primary polling location in Medora, often at the Medora Community Center or courthouse facility, serving Billings County's approximately 700 eligible voters. Polling place information is available through the County Auditor's office and the North Dakota Secretary of State's Voter Information Portal at https://vip.sos.nd.gov.
Absentee voting is available for voters who will be absent from Billings County on Election Day, have illness or disability, or meet other qualifying criteria under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 16.1-07. Election records that are public in North Dakota include precinct-level vote totals, candidate filing information, ballot measure details, and polling place locations. Campaign finance reports for state candidates are maintained by the North Dakota Secretary of State.
In the November 2024 general election, Billings County experienced approximately 78% voter turnout, reflecting the strong civic engagement typical in rural North Dakota counties. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring North Dakota's U.S. House seat, state legislative races, county offices, and various local measures.
Billings County voters consistently demonstrate high participation rates, and the small population allows for personalized assistance from election officials.
Economy & Demographics
Billings County's economy is distinctive among North Dakota counties, heavily dependent on tourism, energy development, ranching, and government services. The Theodore Roosevelt National Park South Unit, headquartered in Medora, is Billings County's largest employer and economic driver, attracting over 750,000 visitors annually who support hotels, restaurants, gift shops, and recreational outfitters. The Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation operates the Medora Musical, Pitchfork Steak Fondue, and numerous hospitality venues, employing hundreds of seasonal workers.
- Median household income in Billings County is estimated at approximately $62,000, with significant seasonal variation due to tourism employment patterns.
Ranching and agriculture remain fundamental to the rural economy, with cattle operations, hay production, and wheat farming using Billings County's vast grasslands. The Bakken oil formation extends into Billings County, and energy development including oil extraction, natural gas processing, and related services contributes significantly to the tax base and employment, though at lower levels than in neighboring McKenzie and Dunn counties. Unemployment rates fluctuate between 2-4% depending on season and energy market conditions.
Billings County government and school district provide stable year-round employment. Economic challenges include the small permanent population, limited retail infrastructure, distance from regional centers, harsh winter weather affecting tourism, and dependence on volatile energy markets. Recent economic development initiatives focus on heritage tourism expansion, outdoor recreation promotion, and maintaining critical services for the small residential population while accommodating large seasonal visitor influxes.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: In-Person/Phone | Property: Limited: In-Person Required | Arrest/Jail: 📞 Call Sheriff | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail/State | Business: Yes: State Online | Elections: 📞 Call Auditor | Overall Score: 5/10, Billings County's small size and limited budget mean most records require direct contact with county offices, though staff provide personalized assistance. State-level online resources supplement county access.