About Caddo County
Caddo County is located in southwestern Oklahoma, including approximately 1,278 square miles of diverse terrain ranging from rolling prairie to timber-lined creek bottoms. Established at statehood in 1907, Caddo County was named after the Caddo Nation, one of the indigenous peoples with historic ties to Caddo County. Caddo County Seat is Anadarko, located approximately 50 miles southwest of Oklahoma City, serving as the governmental and commercial hub for Caddo County's estimated 30,000 residents.
- Caddo County Treasurer manages tax collections, while the County Clerk (or Register of Deeds function through the County Clerk) maintains land records, deeds, mortgages, and liens.
Other incorporated communities include Fort Cobb, Hinton, Gracemont, Binger, Lookeba, and Hydro. Caddo County is home to significant Native American heritage, including the headquarters of several tribal nations and the Southern Plains Indian Museum. Major landmarks include the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge nearby, Fort Cobb State Park, and Red Rock Canyon State Park.
Caddo County's economy historically centered on agriculture, particularly wheat, cotton, and cattle ranching, though energy production and tribal gaming have become increasingly important. Caddo County government operates through several key offices located primarily in Anadarko. Caddo County Clerk, located at 201 West Oklahoma Avenue in Anadarko, maintains vital records, court documents, and election administration.
Caddo County Assessor's office, also in the courthouse complex, handles property valuations and tax assessments. County Commissioners oversee infrastructure, roads, and county services from their offices in Caddo County Courthouse.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Caddo County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Caddo County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office oversees Caddo County Detention Center, manages the process of arrests, and maintains criminal records. The sheriff's office is also involved in community outreach programs and operates specialized divisions such as investigations and patrol. The office is key to coordinating with local police departments to ensure public safety across Caddo County.
Police Departments
Caddo County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Caddo County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities like Anadarko, Carnegie, and Hinton. Each city department handles law enforcement within its jurisdiction, while the sheriff's office covers unincorporated areas. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, making sure of full coverage and response throughout Caddo County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Caddo County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 201 West Oklahoma Avenue in Anadarko, Oklahoma 73005, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Caddo County. Inmates can be located through the jail roster, typically available by calling the detention center at or through potential online inmate search systems maintained by the Sheriff's Office.
- Arrest records in Caddo County are considered public information under Oklahoma Statutes Title 51, Section 24A.1, and can be requested from the arresting agency or the Sheriff's Office.
- Written requests should specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
- Mugshots and booking photographs are typically available through the detention center or by formal open records request.
Booking photos and current custody status are generally available as public records under Oklahoma's Open Records Act, 51 O.S. § 24A.1 et seq. Municipal law enforcement within Caddo County includes the Anadarko Police Department serving Caddo County Seat, along with police departments in Fort Cobb, Hinton, and other incorporated municipalities.
Each city police department maintains jurisdiction within city limits and handles local arrests, traffic enforcement, and criminal investigations. Caddo County also falls within Caddo County of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troop G for state highway enforcement. Due to the significant Native American population and tribal lands in Caddo County, certain areas fall under Caddo County of tribal police departments, including those of the Caddo Nation, Wichita and Affiliated Tribes, Apache Tribe, and Delaware Nation, with concurrent federal jurisdiction through the Bureau of Indian Affairs and FBI for major crimes on trust lands following the McGirt decision implications.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Caddo County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks through the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, which provides full criminal history reports. These checks are essential for employment, housing, and other legal purposes, offering detailed information about an individual's criminal background.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Caddo County are maintained by Caddo County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the sheriff's office, often requiring a formal request under the Oklahoma Open Records Act. Arrest records typically provide information such as the date of arrest, charges filed, and the arresting agency.
Jail & Inmate Records
Caddo County Detention Center, located in Anadarko, is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested or are serving short-term sentences. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup is available through the sheriff's office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring prior scheduling and adherence to security protocols.
- The bond process follows Oklahoma state guidelines, allowing for cash, surety, or property bonds to secure release.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Caddo County are taken and retained by Caddo 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 or online databases. While Oklahoma does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals can request removal from third-party sites. The availability of mugshots may vary, and some may be accessible through court records or specific online portals managed by the sheriff's office.
Courts & Case Records
Caddo County is served by the District Court of Caddo County, Oklahoma, which is part of Oklahoma's 6th Judicial District. Caddo County Courthouse, located at 201 West Oklahoma Avenue in Anadarko, Oklahoma 73005, houses the District Court operations. The main court number is. Caddo County Court has general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal matters, including felonies, civil cases exceeding $10,000, domestic relations (divorce, custody, adoption), probate and estate matters, juvenile delinquency, and appeals from lower courts.
- Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the Court Clerk's office for a statutory fee, typically $1.00 per page plus certification fees.
- Caddo County also has jurisdiction for small claims matters (disputes under $10,000) handled through the District Court's small claims division.
- These municipal courts maintain separate records and fee schedules.
- Protective order filings, eviction proceedings, and civil protective orders are also processed through the District Court Clerk's office.
Court records are generally public under Oklahoma Statutes Title 51, Section 24A.1 through 24A.30, though certain records involving minors, adoptions, and sealed cases have restricted access. The Oklahoma District Court Records system (ODCR) provides online access to case information through www.oscn.net, Oklahoma's official court records database, where users can search Caddo County cases by party name, case number, or attorney. This online access is provided free of charge for basic case information, dockets, and many filed documents.
Municipal courts in Anadarko and other cities handle traffic violations, city ordinance violations, and misdemeanors occurring within city limits.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Caddo County are maintained by Caddo County Clerk's office, which functions as the Register of Deeds, located at 201 West Oklahoma Avenue, Anadarko, Oklahoma 73005 Caddo County Clerk records and maintains all real property documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, mortgage releases, liens (mechanic's liens, judgment liens, tax liens), easements, rights-of-way, oil and gas leases, and plat maps.
- Recording fees are established by state statute, typically $15 for the first page and $2 for each additional page, with additional fees for certification.
- While some Oklahoma counties offer full online property search systems, Caddo County's online access may be limited, requiring in-person visits or phone inquiries for detailed records.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available from the County Clerk for statutory fees plus copy charges.
- Agricultural exemptions and homestead exemptions are processed through the Assessor's office with supporting documentation.
These records are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description, with an abstract system that allows title searches back to original land patents and allotments. Caddo County Assessor's office, also located in the courthouse complex, maintains property tax assessment records, ownership information, property descriptions, valuations, and exemption status. Property tax records can be searched by owner name, parcel number, or legal description.
The Assessor's office phone is. Caddo County Treasurer's office, phone, handles property tax payments and can provide tax payment history and current tax status. Oil and gas production records, mineral ownership records, and division orders related to Caddo County properties may also be available through the County Clerk or through the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.
Vital Records
Vital records for Caddo County, Oklahoma, including birth and death certificates, are maintained by both Caddo County Court Clerk at 201 West Oklahoma Avenue, Anadarko, Oklahoma 73005, phone, and the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Vital Records Service, at 123 Robert S. Kerr Avenue, Suite 1900, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102. Birth certificates for births occurring in Caddo County can be requested from either office. Caddo County Clerk may provide faster service for recent records, while the State Vital Records office maintains the full statewide database.
- Fees for certified birth certificates are $15 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously, as established by Oklahoma Statutes Title 63, Section 1-308.
- Death certificates follow the same fee structure and availability.
- Processing time varies from same-day service for in-person requests at Caddo County level to 4-6 weeks for mail requests to the state office.
- Oklahoma offers VitalChek online ordering through the state website at www.ok.gov/health/Birth_and_Death_Certificates, with additional processing fees for expedited service.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $50 and is valid for 10 days.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate direct and tangible interest in the record, such as being the registrant, immediate family member, legal representative, or having a court order. Marriage licenses are issued by Caddo County Court Clerk and require both parties to appear in person with identification, with no waiting period in Oklahoma. Marriage certificates (proof of recorded marriage) are available after the ceremony for the standard vital records fees.
Divorce decrees are obtained from the District Court Clerk as court records rather than vital records, with fees based on page count and certification requirements.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Caddo County are maintained through multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and registration. For businesses operating under an assumed name or DBA (Doing Business As), Caddo County Clerk's office at 201 West Oklahoma Avenue, Anadarko, accepts fictitious name registrations as required by Oklahoma law. These county-level registrations establish public notice of business ownership and are searchable through the County Clerk's records.
- The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at www.sos.ok.gov where the public can search business entities by name, registered agent, or filing number at no charge.
- This database provides information on entity status, formation date, registered agent, and principal office address.
- Building permits, zoning approvals, and development permits in unincorporated Caddo County are processed through Caddo County Planning and Zoning office, while municipalities issue their own permits within city limits.
- County alcoholic beverage licenses are processed through both the Oklahoma ABLE Commission and require local posting and approval processes.
For formal business entity formation, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other statutory entities, registration occurs through the Oklahoma Secretary of State's Business Filing Department. Professional licenses for occupations requiring state certification (contractors, real estate agents, cosmetologists, healthcare providers) are issued by respective Oklahoma state licensing boards, not at Caddo County level. Sales tax permits are obtained through the Oklahoma Tax Commission.
The Anadarko Chamber of Commerce, serving Caddo County businesses, can be contacted through the office’s website. economic development and business information. Home occupation permits and certain health permits may be issued at Caddo County level through the County Clerk or County Health Department.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Caddo County, Oklahoma, are administered by Caddo County Election Board, located at 134 West Broadway in Anadarko, Oklahoma 73005. The Election Board can be contacted through the office’s website. information regarding voter registration, polling locations, absentee voting, and election results. Voter registration in Oklahoma requires completion of a voter registration application at least 25 days before an election.
- Voters can also register in person at the County Election Board, tag agencies, or by mail using a paper application.
- Oklahoma requires voters to provide proof of citizenship when registering.
- These records can be requested from the County Election Board under Oklahoma's Open Records Act.
- The 2024 general election saw typical rural Oklahoma turnout patterns, with turnout in Caddo County estimated in the 55-65% range for registered voters, consistent with statewide rural county participation.
- Absentee ballots can be requested for specific reasons including being away from Caddo County on election day, physical incapacity, or other qualifying reasons under Oklahoma law.
Oklahoma offers online voter registration through the Oklahoma State Election Board website at www.elections.ok.gov, where eligible citizens can register or update their registration information using their Oklahoma driver's license or ID card information. To find your polling place in Caddo County, voters can use the polling place lookup tool on the state election board website, contact the County Election Board directly, or check their voter registration card which lists their assigned precinct and polling location. Caddo County typically maintains multiple polling places throughout Caddo County including locations in Anadarko, Hinton, Fort Cobb, and other communities.
Election records that are public in Oklahoma include voter registration rolls (with certain personal information redacted for privacy), precinct-level election results, candidate filings, campaign finance reports for local candidates, and certified election outcomes. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races for Oklahoma's congressional districts (Caddo County is in the 3rd Congressional District), potential U.S.
Senate races depending on the election cycle, Oklahoma statewide offices including Governor and other constitutional officers, Oklahoma State Legislature seats, county offices, and local municipal elections in applicable years. Absentee voting in Oklahoma requires application to the County Election Board, either in person or by mail, with applications accepted beginning before the election. Notarization of the absentee ballot affidavit is required unless voting in person at the Election Board office.
Caddo County's election transparency is generally strong, with publicly available results posted after elections and open records access to most election administration documents.
Economy & Demographics
Caddo County's economy reflects a blend of traditional agricultural heritage and modern diversification including energy production, tribal economic activity, and government services. Agriculture remains a foundational sector, with Caddo County's 1,278 square miles supporting extensive wheat farming, cattle ranching, cotton production, and hay cultivation. Caddo County's agricultural output contributes significantly to Oklahoma's position as a major wheat and cattle producing state.
Energy production, particularly oil and natural gas extraction, has historically been important to Caddo County's economy, with numerous wells and production facilities operating throughout Caddo County, though production has fluctuated with commodity prices. The presence of multiple tribal headquarters and tribal enterprises in and around Anadarko contributes substantially to the local economy through employment, government services, cultural tourism, and tribal business operations. Major employers in Caddo County include the Anadarko Public Schools, Caddo County government, Indian Health Service facilities, tribal governments and their enterprises, regional healthcare providers, and agricultural services businesses.
Median household income in Caddo County is estimated at approximately $42,000 to $48,000, somewhat below the Oklahoma state median, reflecting the rural character and economic challenges facing many rural Oklahoma counties. The unemployment rate typically tracks slightly above state averages. Tourism related to Native American heritage sites, including the Southern Plains Indian Museum and tribal cultural centers, brings visitors to Caddo County.
Fort Cobb State Park and Red Rock Canyon State Park support recreation-based economic activity. Retail and service businesses in Anadarko serve as the commercial center for Caddo County's dispersed rural population. Economic development initiatives focus on infrastructure improvements, broadband expansion, small business support, and using Caddo County's cultural assets and proximity to Oklahoma City metropolitan area markets.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (OSCN) | Property: Limited: Online, In-Person Preferred | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or State Online | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Overall Score: 6/10, Caddo County provides good access to court records through state systems, but property and jail records require more direct contact with county offices.