About Box Elder County
Box Elder County is located in northwestern Utah, bordered by Idaho to the north and the Great Salt Lake to the south. The county seat is Brigham City, named after Mormon pioneer Brigham Young. With a population of approximately 57,000 residents spread across 5,745 square miles, Box Elder County is one of Utah's largest counties by area. The county was established in 1856 and named after the box elder trees found along its streams. Major communities include Brigham City, Tremonton, Garland, and Bear River City.
The county is home to significant landmarks including the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Golden Spike National Historical Park (commemorating the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869), and the ATK Thiokol aerospace facility. The county encompasses diverse geography ranging from the shores of the Great Salt Lake to mountainous terrain in the Wellsville Mountains. The Box Elder County Recorder's office, located at 01 South Main Street in Brigham City, maintains land records and official documents.
The County Clerk's office, also at 01 South Main Street, handles marriage licenses, election administration, and county commission records. The Box Elder County Assessor's office at the same address manages property tax assessments and maintains property ownership information. The county's economy historically centered on agriculture, particularly peach orchards and grain production, but has diversified to include aerospace manufacturing, food processing, and tourism related to its historic and natural attractions.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Box Elder County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of the county. It oversees the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community outreach programs and operates specialized divisions such as the K-9 unit and Search and Rescue. The office plays a crucial role in ensuring public safety and works closely with other local law enforcement agencies to address crime and emergency situations.
Police Departments
In addition to the Box Elder County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county. The Brigham City Police Department, Tremonton Police Department, and Garland Police Department serve their respective cities, handling local law enforcement duties. These agencies coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage and response across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Box Elder County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 51 North Main Street in Brigham City, Utah 84302, provides law enforcement services throughout unincorporated areas of the county. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (435) 734-3800, and their website is boxeldersheriff.com. The Box Elder County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office at the same location, houses inmates awaiting trial and sentenced individuals.
- To request arrest records, citizens should submit a GRAMA request to the Sheriff's Office or the specific municipal police department that made the arrest.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the online jail roster or by requesting records directly from the detention facility.
- Processing fees may apply for extensive record searches or copies.
Citizens can search for current inmates through the jail roster available on the Sheriff's Office website, which typically includes booking photos, charges, bond amounts, and booking dates. Municipal police departments operate independently in incorporated cities: the Brigham City Police Department serves the county seat, the Tremonton Police Department serves Tremonton, and smaller communities like Garland may contract with the county or neighboring agencies. Arrest records in Box Elder County are subject to Utah's Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA), codified at Utah Code §63G-2-101 et seq.
Under GRAMA, arrest records and booking information are generally public unless specifically exempted. The county does not have tribal police jurisdictions, though federal law enforcement may have jurisdiction on certain federal lands within the county boundaries.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Box Elder County encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification provides statewide background checks. Residents can request background checks through the Bureau, which include a comprehensive search of criminal history records. The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, providing information on registered offenders residing in the county.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Box Elder County are maintained by the Box Elder County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, following the guidelines set by the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA). Arrest records typically contain the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the arresting agency.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Box Elder County Jail, located in Brigham City, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and collecting personal information from detainees. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current inmates. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, and visitors must adhere to strict guidelines regarding conduct and attire. The bond and bail process in Utah allows for the release of detainees pending trial, provided they meet the necessary legal requirements.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Box Elder County are taken and retained by the Box Elder County Sheriff's Office as part of the booking process. These booking photos are typically available through the Sheriff's Office website or can be requested directly from the office. Utah does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances if the charges are dropped or they are acquitted.
Courts & Case Records
Box Elder County is served by the First Judicial District Court, which handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding small claims limits, domestic relations, and probate matters. The Box Elder County District Court is located at 48 South Main Street, Brigham City, Utah 84302, and can be reached at (435) 734-4700. Utah's court system provides online case search through the XChange portal at www.utcourts.gov/xchange, where users can search civil, criminal, probate, and family law cases by party name, case number, or attorney.
- The court charges fees for copies of documents, typically $1 per page for standard copies and higher fees for certified copies.
- The clerk's office accepts requests in person, by mail, or in some cases electronically.
Justice Courts in Box Elder County handle misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felonies. The Brigham City Justice Court, Tremonton Justice Court, and Box Elder County Justice Court serve different jurisdictions within the county. Municipal courts in incorporated cities handle ordinance violations and traffic matters.
Court records in Utah are governed by Utah Code §78A-2-301 and the Utah Rules of Court, which establish that court records are presumptively public unless sealed by court order or protected by statute. Many court records can be viewed free of charge at the courthouse, though obtaining copies requires payment. Case information is updated regularly on the XChange system, typically within 24-48 hours of filing.
Property & Public Records
The Box Elder County Recorder's office, located at 01 South Main Street, Brigham City, Utah 84302 (phone: 435-734-3310), maintains official land records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, reconveyances, liens, easements, subdivision plats, and other documents affecting real property. The Recorder's office has digitized records dating back to the county's founding, with recent documents available through an online search system.
- The county provides a free online property search tool through its website at boxeldercounty.org, where users can search by parcel number, owner name, or address to view recorded documents.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person or by mail, with fees established by Utah Code §17-21-18.5, typically $15 for the first page and $2 for each additional page.
- The Box Elder County Assessor's office, also at 01 South Main Street (phone: 435-734-3351), maintains property tax records, assessment values, ownership information, and property characteristics.
- The County Treasurer's office collects property taxes and provides tax payment history.
- Property tax records are public under GRAMA and can be searched online or requested in person.
Vital Records
Vital records for Box Elder County, Utah, are maintained by both the Box Elder County Clerk's office and the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Vital Records. Birth certificates for births occurring in Box Elder County can be requested from the Box Elder County Clerk at 01 South Main Street, Brigham City, Utah 84302 (phone: 435-734-3348). The fee for a certified birth certificate is $20 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Processing time is typically 3-5 business days when requested in person, longer for mail requests.
- Death certificates are also available through the County Clerk's office with the same fee structure.
- The current marriage license fee is approximately $45 (subject to change), and there is no waiting period in Utah.
- Utah vital records are governed by Utah Code §26-2, which restricts access to birth certificates to the registered individual, parents, legal guardians, or others with tangible interest.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through the VitalChek service for Utah records, though convenience fees apply.
The Utah Office of Vital Records in Salt Lake City maintains statewide birth and death records and can be reached at (801) 538-6105 or online at health.utah.gov/vitalrecords. Marriage licenses must be obtained from the Box Elder County Clerk's office, with both parties present and valid photo identification. Marriage certificates documenting completed marriages are available from the same office.
Divorce decrees are court records maintained by the District Court clerk rather than vital records. Death certificates have fewer restrictions and are generally available to the public after a brief holding period.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Box Elder County involves multiple agencies depending on the business type and location. The Box Elder County Clerk's office at 01 South Main Street, Brigham City (phone: 435-734-3348) processes fictitious business name registrations (DBA - Doing Business As) for businesses operating under names other than the owner's legal name. The filing fee is approximately $20, and these records are public and searchable through the Clerk's office.
- The state provides a comprehensive online business entity search at corporations.utah.gov where users can look up registered businesses, view formation documents, registered agents, and status.
- The Box Elder County Chamber of Commerce, located in Brigham City, provides business resources and networking opportunities; their website is boxelderchamber.com.
For formal business entity registration (corporations, LLCs, partnerships), businesses must file with the Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Corporations and Commercial Code. This free searchable database includes corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other entity types. Business licenses for operating within incorporated cities are issued by municipal offices; for example, Brigham City requires a business license from the Brigham City offices.
Sales tax licenses are issued by the Utah State Tax Commission and can be applied for online at tap.utah.gov. Professional and occupational licenses (contractors, real estate agents, cosmetologists, etc.) are regulated by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. Building permits and zoning approvals in unincorporated Box Elder County are handled by the Box Elder County Building Department and Planning Department at the county offices.
The county Planning and Zoning office maintains records of conditional use permits, zone changes, and subdivision approvals, which are public records available for inspection.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Box Elder County are administered by the Box Elder County Clerk's office, which serves as the county's elections center. Located at 01 South Main Street, Brigham City, Utah 84302, the elections division can be reached at (435) 734-3348, and election information is available at boxeldercounty.org/clerk. Voter registration in Utah is available online through the state's portal at vote.utah.gov, by mail using a voter registration form, or in person at the County Clerk's office.
- Utah operates under a vote-by-mail system where all active registered voters receive mail ballots approximately 14-21 days before each election.
- Box Elder County provides multiple drop box locations in Brigham City, Tremonton, and other communities.
- In the November 2024 general election, Box Elder County demonstrated strong turnout typical of Utah counties, generally in the 60-75% range of registered voters, reflecting the county's civic engagement.
- Absentee and mail-in voting are standard in Utah's vote-by-mail system; voters who need replacement ballots can request them through the County Clerk or download ballots online.
The voter registration deadline in Utah is 11 days before any election, with online registration available during that period and in-person registration available through the Friday before Election Day. Utah offers same-day voter registration during early voting and on Election Day at vote centers. Box Elder County voters can find their polling locations and voter information by visiting vote.utah.gov and entering their address, or by contacting the County Clerk's office.
Ballots can be returned by mail (postmarked by Election Day), deposited in official drop boxes located throughout the county, or voted in person at early voting locations and Election Day vote centers. Election records that are public include voter registration rolls (with certain personal information restricted), campaign finance reports for local candidates, candidate filings and declarations, precinct-level election results, and voting history (whether someone voted, but not how they voted). The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring midterm elections for US House of Representatives, one US Senate seat, Utah state legislative races, county offices, and local municipal positions.
Transparency in Box Elder County elections is governed by Utah election law (Utah Code Title 20A) and GRAMA, allowing citizens to request election-related records including ballot accounting, voting equipment testing records, and election procedures documentation.
Economy & Demographics
Box Elder County's economy features a diverse mix of agriculture, aerospace manufacturing, food processing, and government installations. The county's largest employer is Northrop Grumman (formerly ATK Thiokol), which operates a major aerospace facility near Promontory producing solid rocket motors for military and space applications, employing several thousand workers. Agriculture remains significant, with the county producing grain crops, alfalfa, livestock, and historically famous Brigham City peaches.
- Major food processing operations include Pepperidge Farm (Campbell Soup Company) in Richmond and Smithfield Foods facilities.
- The median household income in Box Elder County is approximately $67,000, slightly above the national average, with the economy benefiting from high-paying aerospace jobs.
Nuclear Fuel Services operates a facility in the county. The Golden Spike National Historical Park and Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge contribute to tourism revenues. Retail and service sectors in Brigham City and Tremonton serve local populations and travelers along Interstate 15, which runs north-south through the county.
The county's unemployment rate typically tracks below state and national averages, ranging between 2-4% in recent years. Economic development initiatives focus on attracting advanced manufacturing and distribution facilities, leveraging the county's location along major transportation corridors connecting Salt Lake City to Idaho and the Pacific Northwest. The county offers industrial parks and infrastructure to support new business development.
Agriculture, while representing a smaller percentage of employment than historically, continues to define much of the county's land use and cultural identity.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online | Property: ✅ Free Search | Arrest/Jail: ✅ Online | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person/Mail Required | Business: ✅ State Online | Elections: ✅ Online | Overall Score: 8/10 — Box Elder County provides strong digital access to most public records through county and state websites, with comprehensive online tools for property, court, and jail records.
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Cities & Towns in Box Elder County
Explore public records for 17 cities and communities in Box Elder County, Utah.
Nearby Counties
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