About Campbell County
Campbell County is located in northeastern Wyoming and stands as one of the state's most economically significant counties despite its relatively young age, having been established in 1911. The county seat is Gillette, which also serves as the largest city and primary economic hub. Campbell County encompasses approximately 4,797 square miles of rolling prairie, coal-rich terrain, and portions of the Powder River Basin. As of recent census estimates, the county population hovers around 47,000 residents, making it one of Wyoming's more populous counties.
The region is defined by its energy industry heritage, particularly coal mining, which has earned Gillette the moniker 'Energy Capital of the Nation.' Major landmarks include the Devil's Tower National Monument visible to the northeast, Thunder Basin National Grassland to the south, and numerous active and reclaimed coal mining operations throughout the county. The Campbell County government operates through several key agencies: the Campbell County Clerk's Office located at 500 South Gillette Avenue, Suite 2600, Gillette, WY 82716; the Campbell County Assessor's Office at the same complex; and the Campbell County Recorder's Office responsible for land records. The Campbell County Government Complex serves as the central hub for most county administrative functions.
Historically, the area was traditional territory for Plains Indian tribes before becoming open range cattle country in the late 1800s. The discovery of vast coal reserves in the mid-20th century transformed Campbell County from a sparsely populated ranching region into Wyoming's energy powerhouse, with the county producing approximately 40% of the nation's coal at peak production levels.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Campbell County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement services in the unincorporated areas of the county. It operates the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is committed to community safety and offers various programs such as neighborhood watch and crime prevention initiatives. The Sheriff's Office also has specialized divisions, including a K-9 unit and a narcotics task force, to address specific law enforcement challenges in the county.
Police Departments
In Campbell County, law enforcement is provided by both the Campbell County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Gillette Police Department serves the city of Gillette, focusing on urban law enforcement and community policing. The Sheriff's Office covers the broader county area, including rural and unincorporated regions. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage and public safety throughout the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Campbell County is primarily provided by the Campbell County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 901 South Gillette Avenue, Gillette, WY 82716. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (307) 682-7271 and maintains a website at ccso.cc.wy.us where citizens can access various law enforcement resources. The Campbell County Detention Center, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates for the county and provides an online inmate roster accessible through the Sheriff's website, allowing the public to search current detainees by name, booking date, and charges.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office or relevant police department, though some exemptions apply for ongoing investigations or protected information.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the online inmate roster or by contacting the Detention Center Records Division at (307) 687-6464.
- Processing fees may apply for certified copies of arrest reports.
Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Gillette Police Department, serving the city of Gillette at 201 East 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716, phone (307) 682-5155. Wright, the county's second county, has law enforcement services coordinated through the Sheriff's Office. Arrest records in Campbell County are public documents subject to Wyoming's Public Records Act, codified under Wyoming Statute § 16-4-201 through § 16-4-205.
The county does not have tribal police jurisdictions, though it borders the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation to the north in Montana. Special jurisdiction is exercised by mine security personnel on private coal company property, though they coordinate closely with county law enforcement for criminal matters.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Campbell County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Campbell County Sheriff's Office and the Gillette Police Department maintain these records. Residents can request background checks through the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Wyoming Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for residents seeking detailed criminal records, ensuring thorough background checks are available for various purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Campbell County are maintained by the Campbell County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and case status. Wyoming's public records law, known as the Wyoming Public Records Act, governs the accessibility of these records, ensuring transparency and public access to arrest information.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Campbell County Detention Center is the main jail facility in the county, located in Gillette. It handles the booking process for individuals arrested in the county, where they are photographed and fingerprinted. The facility provides an inmate lookup service through its website, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.
- In Wyoming, the bond and bail process allows for the release of inmates pending trial, and information on posting bail can be obtained from the detention center.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Campbell County are taken and retained by the Campbell 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 website or by request. While Wyoming does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals seeking to remove their mugshots from public view may need to pursue legal avenues or contact third-party websites directly. The availability of mugshots is subject to the state's public records policies.
Courts & Case Records
Campbell County judicial matters are handled through the Sixth Judicial District Court of Wyoming, with the Campbell County Courthouse located at 500 South Gillette Avenue, Gillette, WY 82716. The District Court clerk can be reached at (307) 682-3475 and handles civil cases, felony criminal cases, domestic relations, probate matters, and appeals from lower courts. Campbell County Circuit Court, sharing the same courthouse facility, has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims up to $7,000, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
- Fees for court record copies are established under Wyoming Statute § 5-2-120 at $1.00 per page for standard copies and $5.00 for certified copies, with additional charges for extensive research requests.
Circuit Court information is available at (307) 682-3480. The Gillette Municipal Court at 201 East 5th Street handles city ordinance violations and certain traffic matters within city limits. Wyoming's court system provides public access to court records through the Wyoming Judicial Branch website at courts.wyo.gov, where case searches can be conducted through the District Court Case Management System, though some records may be sealed or restricted by court order.
In-person searches are available at the Clerk of District Court office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Wyoming's public access to court records is governed by the Wyoming Public Records Act and specific court rules, including Uniform Rules for District Courts. Electronic filing and case management systems have improved access, though some historical records require in-person research.
Probate matters are heard in District Court, with records maintained by the Clerk of District Court.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Campbell County are maintained by the Campbell County Recorder's Office, located in the Campbell County Government Complex at 500 South Gillette Avenue, Suite 2200, Gillette, WY 82716. The Recorder's Office can be contacted at (307) 682-7285 and is responsible for recording and preserving deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, subdivision plats, oil and gas leases, uniform commercial code filings, military discharge papers, and other documents affecting real property title.
- While basic searches are free, there may be fees for printing or downloading documents, typically $1.00 per page.
- The Assessor's Office provides a free online GIS mapping system and property search tool on the county website, allowing users to view parcel boundaries, ownership, assessed values, and tax information.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested from the Recorder's Office for $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.
The office maintains an online search portal accessible through the county website at ccgov.net, where users can search recorded documents by grantor/grantee name, legal description, document type, or reception number. The Campbell County Assessor's Office, located at 500 South Gillette Avenue, Suite 2500, phone (307) 682-7337, maintains property tax records, assessment valuations, ownership information, and parcel data. Property tax payment information and delinquency records are handled by the Campbell County Treasurer's Office at (307) 682-7303.
The online systems are updated regularly, though the Recorder advises that recently recorded documents may take several days to appear in the online index. Mining claims, mineral rights, and coal lease information constitute a significant portion of Campbell County's recorded documents due to the area's energy industry.
Vital Records
Vital records services for Campbell County residents are provided through the Campbell County Clerk's Office at 500 South Gillette Avenue, Suite 2600, Gillette, WY 82716, phone (307) 682-7312. Birth certificates for individuals born in Campbell County can be requested from the County Clerk, though Wyoming state law under Wyoming Statute § 35-1-401 designates the Wyoming Department of Health, Vital Statistics Services as the official state registrar. Birth certificates cost $16.00 for the first certified copy and $4.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates follow similar procedures and fees, available from the County Clerk or the state Vital Statistics Services office in Cheyenne.
- Processing time for vital records requested through the County Clerk is typically 1-3 business days for in-person requests, though mail requests may take 2-3 weeks.
- Marriage licenses are issued by the Campbell County Clerk's Office with a fee of $35.00, requiring both parties to appear in person with valid identification.
- Certified copies of marriage certificates are available for $16.00.
- The Wyoming Department of Health Vital Statistics Services in Cheyenne offers online ordering through VitalChek at vitalchek.com for an additional convenience fee.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Campbell County are managed through multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. The Campbell County Clerk's Office at 500 South Gillette Avenue, Suite 2600, Gillette, WY 82716, phone (307) 682-7312, handles assumed name certificates (DBA - doing business as) and trade name registrations for businesses operating under names different from their legal entity names. These filings are public records searchable through the County Clerk's office.
- The Secretary of State maintains a free online business entity search at wyobiz.wyo.gov where anyone can look up registered businesses, view officers and registered agents, check entity status, and review filing history.
- The Campbell County Economic Development Corporation at ccedcwy.com provides business development resources and information on establishing or expanding businesses in the county.
Formal business entity formation and registration, including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, must be filed with the Wyoming Secretary of State's Office in Cheyenne. Wyoming does not impose state income tax on businesses, making it an attractive jurisdiction for entity formation. Local business licensing and permits in Campbell County vary by county, with the City of Gillette requiring business licenses for certain activities through the City Clerk's Office at (307) 686-5200.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are handled by the Campbell County Planning and Zoning Department at (307) 682-7415. Sales tax permits and collection requirements fall under the Wyoming Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, healthcare providers, and cosmetologists are issued by respective state licensing boards.
The energy industry requires specialized permits from state and federal agencies including the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and the Bureau of Land Management.
Elections & Voter Records
Election administration in Campbell County is managed by the Campbell County Clerk, who serves as the County Elections Officer, with offices located at 500 South Gillette Avenue, Suite 2600, Gillette, WY 82716. The Elections Office can be reached at (307) 682-7312, and election information is available through the county website at ccgov.net.
- Registered voters can verify their polling place by contacting the County Clerk or using the polling place lookup tool on the Secretary of State's website.
Voter registration in Campbell County is available through multiple methods: in-person at the County Clerk's office, by mail using a Wyoming voter registration form, or online through the Wyoming Secretary of State's voter registration portal at sos.wyo.gov. Wyoming law requires voters to register at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election, though same-day registration is permitted during early voting periods and on Election Day with proper identification and proof of residency. Campbell County typically operates multiple polling locations in Gillette and satellite locations in Wright and rural precincts.
Wyoming maintains relatively transparent election records, with voter registration lists considered public records available for inspection under Wyoming Statute § 22-3-117, though use is restricted to election-related purposes. Campaign finance disclosure reports for county candidates are filed with the County Clerk and are public records available for inspection. Candidate filing information, including petitions and declarations, are maintained by the County Clerk for county offices and are accessible to the public.
Precinct-level election results are published following each election and are available through the County Clerk's office and the Wyoming Secretary of State. Campbell County voter turnout in the 2024 general election was approximately 68%, consistent with Wyoming's traditionally high participation rates, particularly in presidential election years. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races, potential U.S. Senate races, Wyoming gubernatorial and state office elections, state legislative seats, and county offices. Absentee voting in Campbell County is available to any registered voter without requiring an excuse; applications for absentee ballots can be submitted to the County Clerk's office beginning 45 days before an election and must be received by the Friday before Election Day for mail delivery of the ballot.
Absentee ballots must be returned by 7:00 PM on Election Day either by mail (postmarked by Election Day and received within three days), in-person delivery to the County Clerk, or at designated drop boxes. Early voting is offered at the County Clerk's office beginning approximately two weeks before Election Day. Wyoming law under Title 22 of Wyoming Statutes governs election procedures and public access to election records, ensuring citizens can monitor and verify election integrity through observation and record inspection.
Economy & Demographics
Campbell County's economy is fundamentally anchored in energy production, particularly coal mining in the Powder River Basin, which has defined the region's prosperity for decades. The county is home to numerous massive surface coal mines operated by companies including Peabody Energy, Arch Resources, and Navajo Transitional Energy Company, collectively producing hundreds of millions of tons of coal annually, though production has declined from peak levels due to market forces and energy transition trends.
- The median household income in Campbell County historically exceeded $80,000, significantly above the national average, though economic volatility tied to energy commodity prices affects this figure.
Major employers beyond coal mining include Cloud Peak Energy (prior to bankruptcy and restructuring), numerous mining support services, oil and gas exploration companies, and the Campbell County School District. Recent diversification efforts have attracted technology firms, manufacturing, and logistics operations, with the Campbell County Economic Development Corporation actively recruiting non-energy businesses. Oil and natural gas production represents a growing sector, with horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing expanding in certain areas of the county.
Agriculture, primarily cattle ranching and hay production, remains economically important though less dominant than in neighboring counties. Tourism related to outdoor recreation, hunting, fishing, and proximity to Devil's Tower generates moderate economic activity. The Campbell County Memorial Hospital serves as a major employer and healthcare hub for northeastern Wyoming.
Unemployment rates in Campbell County fluctuate with energy market conditions, ranging from below 4% during boom periods to above 8% during downturns. Economic development initiatives focus on renewable energy, particularly wind power potential, technology infrastructure including broadband expansion, and value-added manufacturing to diversify beyond fossil fuel dependence. Retail and service sectors in Gillette support the county's population and serve as a regional hub for surrounding rural areas.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online Search Available | Property: ✅ Free Online GIS & Recorder Search | Arrest/Jail: ✅ Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or Mail Required | Business: ✅ State Online Search | Elections: ✅ Online Voter Tools | Overall Score: 8/10 — Campbell County provides strong digital access to most public records with functional online portals for property, court, and jail records, though vital records still require traditional request methods.
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Cities & Towns in Campbell County
Nearby Counties
Explore public records in counties that border Campbell County.