About Carbon County
Carbon County, Montana, is located in the south-central portion of the state, including approximately 2,062 square miles of diverse terrain ranging from prairie lands to portions of the Beartooth Mountains. Carbon County Seat is Red Lodge, a historic mining town that has transformed into a popular year-round tourism destination at the base of the Beartooth Highway. Established in 1895 from portions of Park and Yellowstone counties, Carbon County was named for the extensive coal deposits that fueled its early economy. Carbon County has an estimated population of approximately 10,500 residents.
Major landmarks include the renowned Beartooth Highway (US Route 212), often called "the most beautiful drive in America," portions of the Custer Gallatin National Forest, and the historic downtown Red Lodge district. Other incorporated communities include Bridger, Fromberg, Joliet, and Roberts. Carbon County Courthouse, located at 17 West 11th Street in Red Lodge, houses key county offices including Carbon County Clerk and Recorder, Carbon Montana Department of Revenue at the same address, and other administrative functions.
The Clerk and Recorder's office maintains vital records, property records, and election administration. Carbon County's economy has evolved from coal mining to a mix of agriculture, tourism, and small business, with ranching remaining a significant component of the rural scene. Carbon County's proximity to Yellowstone National Park and world-class recreational opportunities in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness makes it a distinctive Montana county balancing natural resource heritage with outdoor recreation economy.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Carbon County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across the unincorporated areas of Carbon County. It manages Carbon County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is focused on public safety and offers various community programs meant to crime prevention and public education.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Carbon County is provided by Carbon County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments. These agencies work collaboratively to address crime and ensure public safety across Carbon County. They coordinate on major investigations and share resources to effectively manage law enforcement duties.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Carbon County is primarily provided by Carbon County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 14 North Broadway Avenue in Red Lodge, Montana 59068. Carbon County Detention Center, located adjacent to the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving shorter sentences.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through direct contact with the detention center, though Montana law does not mandate their publication online.
- Processing times for records requests typically range from several days to two weeks depending on the complexity of the request.
- Fees for copies may apply according to Carbon County's fee schedule for public records reproduction.
Inmate information and current jail rosters can be obtained by contacting the detention center directly at during business hours, though Carbon County does not currently offer a full online inmate search portal. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Red Lodge Police Department, serving Carbon County Seat. Arrest records in Carbon County are considered public information under Montana's Constitutional Right to Know provision (Article II, Section 9 of the Montana Constitution) and the public records statute (MCA Title 2, Chapter 6, Part 10).
There are no tribal law enforcement jurisdictions within Carbon County, as it does not contain reservation lands.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Carbon County's criminal records system includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and a sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks through the Montana Department of Justice, which provides full criminal history reports. These records are essential for legal proceedings, employment screenings, and personal inquiries, so that individuals have access to accurate and up-to-date information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Carbon County are maintained by Carbon County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The information provided typically includes the date of arrest, charges filed, and court dates. The Montana Public Records Act governs the accessibility of these records, for public access and public access to government documents.
Jail & Inmate Records
Carbon County Detention Center, located in Red Lodge, is the primary facility for housing individuals arrested within Carbon County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup services are available to the public, allowing individuals to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring appointments and adherence to strict guidelines. The bond and bail process follows Montana state law, allowing for the posting of bail to secure an inmate's release pending trial.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Carbon County are taken and retained by Carbon County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases. While Montana does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals can request the removal of their mugshot from third-party websites under certain conditions.
Courts & Case Records
Carbon County District Court, part of Montana's Thirteenth Judicial District, is located at Carbon County Courthouse, 17 West 11th Street, Red Lodge, MT 59068, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Carbon County Court has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $12,000, domestic relations including divorce and child custody, probate matters, and appeals from lower courts. Carbon County also operates a Justice Court with limited jurisdiction handling misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims up to $7,000, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
- However, remote access may be limited for certain case types, and some records require in-person requests at the Clerk of District Court office.
- Fees for certified copies are typically $5.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page, with copy fees of $0.50 per page for non-certified documents.
- The court also provides some information by phone, though detailed case information typically requires a written request or in-person visit.
The Justice Court is located at 17 West 11th Street in Red Lodge and can be contacted for Montana provides public access to court records through the Montana Judicial Branch's online case search system available at https://supremecourtdocket.mt.gov, which includes records from Carbon County courts. The Clerk of District Court maintains official case files, indexes, judgments, and court orders. Montana's public access to court records is governed by the Montana Constitution's Right to Know provision and the Montana Supreme Court Rules on Public Access to Judicial Records.
Some records, including certain juvenile proceedings, mental health commitments, and sealed documents, are not available for public inspection.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Carbon County are maintained by Carbon County Clerk and Recorder's Office, located at 17 West 11th Street, Red Lodge, MT 59068 The Clerk and Recorder is the official repository for real property documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens (both voluntary and involuntary), easements, rights-of-way, subdivision plats, and cemetery records. These records date back to Carbon County's formation in 1895 and are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $5.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page.
Carbon County does not currently offer a full free online search system for recorded documents, though some document imaging may be available through subscription services. In-person searches can be conducted at the Recorder's office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Property tax information, assessed valuations, and parcel data are maintained separately by Carbon Montana Department of Revenue's Office, also located at the courthouse at 17 West 11th Street
The Assessor maintains property tax records, ownership information, and parcel maps. Property tax payments are processed through Carbon County Treasurer's Office for Carbon County provides a Geographic Information System (GIS) with a parcel viewer accessible through Carbon County website, allowing citizens to view basic property information, parcel boundaries, and ownership data, though detailed tax information may require direct contact with the Assessor or Treasurer. All property records are public under Montana law (MCA 2-6-102) with limited exceptions for certain confidential taxpayer information.
Vital Records
Vital records for Carbon County, Montana, including birth and death certificates, are maintained by both local and state authorities. Carbon County Clerk and Recorder's Office at 17 West 11th Street, Red Lodge, MT 59068, phone, can assist with vital records requests for events occurring within Carbon County. However, the primary custodian of Montana vital records is the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Office of Vital Statistics, located at 111 North Sanders, Room 6, Helena, MT 59604.
- Birth certificates for events in Carbon County can be obtained through either office, with fees of $12.00 for a certified copy.
- Death certificates follow the same process with the same fee structure.
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests, though in-person requests at Carbon County office may be processed same-day or within a few days depending on record availability.
- Online ordering of certified vital records is available through the VitalChek service at https://www.vitalchek.com for state-level requests, with additional processing fees.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of eligibility (immediate family members or legal representatives). Marriage licenses are issued by Carbon County Clerk and Recorder's Office, requiring both parties to appear in person with valid identification; the license fee is approximately $53.00, and there is no waiting period in Montana. Marriage certificates (proof of marriage ceremony) are also recorded and maintained by the Clerk and Recorder.
Divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of District Court at Carbon County Courthouse as part of court case files. Montana vital records are governed by MCA Title 50, Chapter 15 (Vital Statistics Act). Genealogical researchers may access older records with different restrictions than current records.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Carbon County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Carbon County Clerk and Recorder's Office at 17 West 11th Street, Red Lodge, MT 59068, phone, handles the filing of Doing Business As (DBA) names and fictitious business name registrations for sole proprietors and partnerships operating in Carbon County. These local business name filings cost approximately $10.00 and must be renewed periodically.
- The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at https://biz.sosmt.gov where the public can search for registered business entities, view business names, registered agents, formation dates, and status.
- This service is free and publicly accessible.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, filings are made with the Montana Secretary of State, Business Services Bureau. Montana does not have a general state sales tax, so sales tax permits are not required. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, healthcare providers, and other regulated professions are issued by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry and respective professional boards.
Local business licenses and permits may be required by individual municipalities; the City of Red Lodge issues business licenses and can be contacted at City Hall Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits in unincorporated Carbon County are handled by Carbon County Planning Office The Red Lodge Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 701 North Broadway, Red Lodge, is a resource for business information and economic development; their website is https://www.redlodge.com.
Citizens can verify business licensing and registration status through these various offices to ensure compliance.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Carbon County, Montana, are administered by Carbon County Clerk and Recorder, who is the designated Election Administrator. The office is located at 17 West 11th Street, Red Lodge, MT 59068, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Election information and updates are available through Carbon County's election office. Voter registration in Carbon County can be completed by mail, in-person at the Clerk and Recorder's office, or online through the Montana Secretary of State's voter registration portal at https://sosmt.gov/elections/vote.
- Registered voters can update their registration status and find their polling place by using the Montana My Voter Page at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo.
- Montana offers absentee voting for all registered voters without requiring an excuse.
- Absentee ballot requests can be submitted to Carbon County Election Office by mail, in person, or through the state online portal.
- Citizens can request copies of election results, registration statistics, and other election records by contacting the Election Administrator's office.
Montana allows voter registration up to and including Election Day, though registering by the close of regular business hours on the day before the election (typically 30 days prior for federal elections) ensures your name appears on precinct rosters. Carbon County typically operates several polling places on Election Day located in Red Lodge, Bridger, Fromberg, Joliet, Roberts, and other community centers, with exact locations confirmed closer to each election. Montana law makes extensive election records publicly available, including voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted for privacy), campaign finance reports filed with the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices, candidate filing documents, precinct-level election results, and ballot issue information.
In the November 2024 general election, Carbon County reported a turnout rate of approximately 73%, reflecting strong civic engagement typical of Montana counties. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring midterm elections for the U.S. House of Representatives, one U.S.
Senate seat, Montana statewide offices including Governor (if applicable to the cycle), state legislature seats, and various local offices and ballot measures. Absentee ballots are typically mailed to voters beginning 30 days before Election Day, and completed ballots must be received by 8:00 PM on Election Day. Carbon County also offers early voting at the Clerk and Recorder's office beginning 30 days before the election.
Election transparency in Carbon County is supported by Montana's strong public records laws (MCA 13-1-101 et seq.) which guarantee citizen access to election materials, voting system testing, and post-election canvassing procedures.
Economy & Demographics
Carbon County's economy has undergone significant transformation since its founding as a coal mining center in the late 19th century. While coal mining once dominated employment with operations in Red Lodge, Bearcreek, and surrounding areas, the last major mines closed in the mid-20th century. Today, Carbon County's economy is diversified across several sectors with tourism and outdoor recreation playing an increasingly prominent role. The median household income in Carbon County is approximately $57,000, slightly below the Montana state average.
- The service sector, including restaurants, lodging, retail, and recreation outfitters, provides significant seasonal and year-round employment.
Major economic sectors include agriculture and ranching, which remain vital to the rural economy with cattle operations, hay production, and some grain farming. Tourism drives substantial economic activity, particularly in Red Lodge, which is the gateway to the Beartooth Highway and attracts visitors year-round for skiing at Red Lodge Mountain Resort, fishing, hiking, and scenic drives. Red Lodge Mountain Resort is one of Carbon County's largest employers, along with healthcare facilities, school districts, and county government.
Small business entrepreneurship is encouraged through organizations like the Red Lodge Area Chamber of Commerce. Manufacturing and light industry have a limited presence but include some wood products and specialty manufacturing. The unemployment rate in Carbon County typically tracks close to or slightly above Montana's state average, fluctuating seasonally with tourism patterns.
Recent economic development efforts have focused on broadband infrastructure expansion, workforce housing development, and supporting year-round tourism diversification. Carbon County benefits from proximity to Billings, Montana's largest city, located approximately 60 miles northeast, providing access to additional employment, services, and markets. Agriculture, outdoor recreation, and small-town quality of life remain Carbon County's core economic strengths.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (limited) | Property: Limited: Partial Online (GIS viewer; documents require in-person/phone) | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Request | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: Online (state level) | Elections: Yes: Online (state voter tools) | Overall Score: 6/10, Carbon County provides moderate digital access; many records require direct office contact, though state systems supplement local resources.