About Carbon County
Carbon County is located in south-central Wyoming, encompassing approximately 7,897 square miles of diverse terrain ranging from high desert basins to mountainous forest lands. The county seat is Rawlins, situated at the intersection of Interstate 80 and U.S. Highway 287. Established in 1868, Carbon County derives its name from the vast coal deposits that fueled early mining operations and the Union Pacific Railroad expansion. The county's population is approximately 14,500 residents spread across several communities including Rawlins, Saratoga, Encampment, Hanna, Medicine Bow, and Sinclair.
Major landmarks include Seminoe State Park, the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, Elk Mountain, and the historic Wyoming Frontier Prison in Rawlins. The Continental Divide traverses the county, creating distinct watersheds. Carbon County's economy historically centered on mining, ranching, and railroad operations, though tourism and outdoor recreation now play increasingly significant roles.
The Carbon County Clerk and Recorder office is located at 415 West Pine Street in Rawlins, serving as the central repository for vital records, election administration, and land documents. The Carbon County Assessor's office, responsible for property valuations and tax assessment, operates at the same complex. The county combines frontier heritage with modern resource management, maintaining its character as a crossroads of Wyoming's historic transportation corridors.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Carbon County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of the county. It operates the Carbon County Detention Center, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is dedicated to public safety and community engagement, offering programs such as neighborhood watch and crime prevention workshops. The Sheriff's Office also collaborates with other local law enforcement agencies to ensure comprehensive coverage and response to incidents across the county.
Police Departments
In addition to the Carbon County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county. The Rawlins Police Department serves the city of Rawlins, focusing on urban law enforcement and community policing. The Saratoga Police Department and the Hanna Police Department are responsible for their respective towns, handling local incidents and collaborating with the Sheriff's Office on broader county issues. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring a unified response across jurisdictions.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Carbon County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas and provides countywide services from its headquarters at 415 West Pine Street in Rawlins, Wyoming 82301. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (307) 328-2620 and maintains a website at carboncountywy.gov with limited online services. The Carbon County Detention Center, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses pretrial detainees and sentenced inmates.
- Citizens may submit written requests for arrest records to the Sheriff's Office or local police departments, typically requiring identification and a statement of purpose.
- Processing times vary from immediate for simple requests to several business days for more complex record compilations.
Inmate information and booking records can be obtained by calling the detention center directly at (307) 328-2620 or visiting in person during business hours, though Carbon County does not currently offer a comprehensive online inmate search portal. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Rawlins Police Department for the city of Rawlins and small departments in Saratoga and other incorporated towns. Under Wyoming's Public Records Act (Wyoming Statute § 16-4-201 et seq.), arrest records, booking logs, and police reports are generally considered public records subject to disclosure, though certain exemptions apply for ongoing investigations and confidential information.
Mugshots and booking photographs are maintained by the Carbon County Detention Center and may be released pursuant to public records requests, though Wyoming law permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for copying and processing. The county does not maintain tribal police jurisdictions, though the Sheriff's Office coordinates with Wyoming Highway Patrol for interstate incidents along I-80.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Carbon County's criminal records system includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and a sex offender registry. The Sheriff's Office maintains these records, while the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation provides statewide background checks. Residents can request background checks through the Division, which compiles data from various law enforcement agencies. The Wyoming Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for accessing criminal history information, supporting both legal and personal inquiries.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Carbon County are maintained by the Carbon County Sheriff's Office. Residents and attorneys can request these records by contacting the office directly, following procedures outlined under the Wyoming Public Records Act. An arrest record typically includes the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking details. These records are crucial for legal proceedings and background checks, providing transparency and accountability in law enforcement activities.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Carbon County Detention Center, located in Rawlins, is the primary facility for housing inmates in the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing individuals to find information on current detainees. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, and visitors must adhere to specific guidelines regarding conduct and items allowed.
- The bond and bail process follows Wyoming state laws, where individuals can post bail through cash or bond services to secure release pending trial.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Carbon County are taken and retained by the 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 website or by request. Wyoming does not have specific mugshot removal laws, meaning these records remain accessible unless expunged by court order. The availability of mugshots online facilitates transparency but also raises privacy concerns for individuals involved.
Courts & Case Records
Carbon County's judicial system operates under the Wyoming Unified Court System, with the Carbon County District Court serving as the general jurisdiction trial court handling felony criminal cases, major civil disputes exceeding $7,000, domestic relations, probate, and appeals from lower courts. The District Court is located at 415 West Pine Street, Rawlins, WY 82301, phone (307) 328-2624. Carbon County Circuit Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters under $50,000, small claims up to $6,000, preliminary hearings, protective orders, and juvenile matters.
- The Wyoming Judicial Branch maintains an online case search system at wyomingcourts.gov allowing public access to dockets, case summaries, and selected documents for both civil and criminal cases.
- The Carbon County Clerk of District Court charges $2.00 per page for standard certified copies of court documents, $6.00 for certification, and variable fees for other services as established by Wyoming statute.
- Remote access is available through the online portal without charge for basic case information, though detailed document retrieval may require a user account or in-person visit.
Circuit Court operates from the same courthouse complex. Municipal courts in Rawlins and other incorporated towns have jurisdiction over traffic violations and municipal ordinances within their city limits. Wyoming court records are governed by Wyoming Uniform Rules for District Courts, which establish that court files are public records with specific exceptions for sealed documents, juvenile records, and certain domestic cases.
Users can search by party name, case number, or attorney, though some sensitive documents require in-person review. The courthouse maintains public access terminals during regular business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding state holidays.
Property & Public Records
The Carbon County Clerk and Recorder's office, located at 415 West Pine Street, Rawlins, WY 82301, serves as the official repository for land and property records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgage documents, satisfactions of mortgage, mechanic's liens, UCC filings, easements, rights-of-way, subdivision plats, and survey maps. The office can be reached at (307) 328-2668. While Carbon County does not currently offer a fully indexed online search system for recorded documents, the public may access records in person during regular business hours.
- Recording fees are established by Wyoming Statute § 34-1-124 and include $12.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page for most instruments.
- Certified copies cost $2.00 per page plus a $6.00 certification fee.
The Recorder maintains grantor-grantee indices and legal description indices dating back to the county's formation. Property tax information is maintained by the Carbon County Assessor's office at the same address, phone (307) 328-2642. The Assessor maintains property valuation records, ownership information, tax assessment data, and property characteristics.
Carbon County offers limited online property tax and assessment information, though comprehensive searches typically require in-person or telephone inquiries. The Carbon County Treasurer, phone (307) 328-2646, handles tax collection, payment records, and delinquency information. Property owners can obtain certified tax statements, payment histories, and balance information.
Carbon County participates in Wyoming's geographic information system initiatives, and some parcel mapping data may be available through the county website at carboncountywy.gov, though the GIS system is not as comprehensive as some other Wyoming counties.
Vital Records
Vital records for Carbon County, Wyoming are primarily managed through two channels: the Carbon County Clerk's office for local issuance and the Wyoming Department of Health, Vital Statistics Services for statewide records. Birth certificates for births occurring in Carbon County can be requested from the Carbon County Clerk at 415 West Pine Street, Rawlins, WY 82301, phone (307) 328-2668, or from Wyoming Vital Statistics Services, 2300 Capitol Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82002.
- Birth certificate fees are $18.00 for the first certified copy and $4.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Processing time is typically 2-3 business days for in-person requests at the county level or 2-3 weeks for mail requests to the state office.
- Death certificates follow similar procedures with the same fee structure and require proof of relationship or legal interest for access.
- Marriage licenses are issued by the Carbon County Clerk's office with a $25.00 license fee and no waiting period in Wyoming.
- Divorce decrees are judicial records maintained by the Carbon County Clerk of District Court and must be requested through the court system at (307) 328-2624.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate direct and tangible interest as defined by Wyoming Statute § 35-1-426. Both parties must appear in person with valid identification. Marriage certificates can be obtained after the ceremony is performed and recorded.
Wyoming does not currently offer comprehensive online ordering for vital records, though VitalChek provides limited online ordering services for Wyoming state vital records at vitalchek.com with additional convenience fees. Eligible requesters include the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and individuals with court orders demonstrating direct interest as required by Wyoming vital records confidentiality statutes.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Carbon County operates through multiple jurisdictions depending on the type of business activity. Local fictitious name registrations (DBA - Doing Business As) can be filed with the Carbon County Clerk at 415 West Pine Street, Rawlins, WY 82301, phone (307) 328-2668. Formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and registered trademarks must be filed with the Wyoming Secretary of State, Business Division.
- Wyoming offers an online business entity search at wyobiz.wyo.gov where users can search registered businesses, view filing histories, access annual reports, and review registered agent information free of charge.
- The Rawlins-Carbon County Chamber of Commerce, located at 519 West Cedar Street, Rawlins, provides business networking and information at (307) 324-4111 and maintains a website at rawlinswyomingchamber.com.
Wyoming is known for business-friendly incorporation laws with no corporate income tax, no personal income tax, and minimal reporting requirements. The Wyoming Secretary of State can be reached at (307) 777-7311. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, real estate agents, engineers, and healthcare providers are issued by respective Wyoming state licensing boards rather than at the county level.
Sales tax licenses are administered by the Wyoming Department of Revenue. Building permits, zoning compliance, and land use permits in unincorporated Carbon County are handled by the Carbon County Planning Department at (307) 328-2651, while incorporated towns manage their own permitting. The Carbon County Economic Development Corporation promotes business development and can be reached through carboncountywy.com.
Small business resources are also available through the Wyoming Small Business Development Center Network.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Carbon County, Wyoming are administered by the Carbon County Clerk, serving as the County Elections Official, located at 415 West Pine Street, Rawlins, WY 82301. The County Clerk's office can be reached at (307) 328-2668, and election information is available through carboncountywy.gov. Voter registration in Wyoming requires that applicants be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by election day, residents of Wyoming for at least 30 days prior to the election, and not currently adjudicated mentally incompetent or convicted of a felony (unless voting rights have been restored).
- Voters can register in person at the County Clerk's office up until 14 days before election day.
- Wyoming permits no-excuse absentee voting, meaning any registered voter may request an absentee ballot without providing a reason.
Wyoming offers online voter registration through the Wyoming Secretary of State at soswy.state.wy.us for eligible citizens with a Wyoming driver's license or ID card. The voter registration deadline is 14 days before any election in Wyoming, one of the shortest deadlines nationally. Carbon County voters can find their assigned polling location by contacting the County Clerk's office, checking their voter registration card, or using the polling place lookup tool on the Wyoming Secretary of State website.
Wyoming maintains public election records including voter registration rolls (with certain personal information redacted), campaign finance disclosures filed with the Wyoming Secretary of State, candidate filings and declarations, precinct-level election results, and absentee ballot statistics. These records are subject to Wyoming's Public Records Act and Election Code provisions under Wyoming Statute Title 22. Carbon County's voter turnout in the 2024 general election was approximately 74%, reflecting Wyoming's traditionally high participation rates in presidential elections.
Midterm and local election turnout typically ranges from 45-60%. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives for Wyoming's at-large congressional seat, potential U.S.
Senate races, Wyoming state legislature positions including State Senate and House districts covering Carbon County, county offices including County Commissioners, Sheriff, County Clerk, Treasurer, Assessor, Coroner, and various local municipal positions and special district boards. Absentee ballot requests must be submitted to the Carbon County Clerk in writing (mail, email, fax, or in person) no later than the close of business the day before the election, though earlier application is strongly recommended. Completed absentee ballots must be received by the County Clerk by 7:00 PM on election day.
Wyoming also offers early voting beginning 45 days before any election at the County Clerk's office. Election transparency in Carbon County is strong, with citizens able to request voter lists (with restricted personal information), observe ballot counting, review precinct results, and access campaign finance reports through the Wyoming Secretary of State's online portal at soswy.state.wy.us.
Economy & Demographics
Carbon County's economy reflects Wyoming's characteristic blend of natural resource extraction, agriculture, and tourism with emerging diversification efforts. Historically dependent on coal mining, trona extraction, and Union Pacific Railroad operations, the county has experienced economic transitions as mining employment has declined. Major employers include Wyoming State Penitentiary in Rawlins (one of the county's largest employers), Memorial Hospital of Carbon County, Carbon County School Districts, county and municipal governments, and Union Pacific Railroad.
- The median household income in Carbon County is approximately $62,000, slightly below Wyoming's state median but reflecting rural economic conditions.
Key economic sectors include government and public administration (approximately 30% of employment), mining and extraction, transportation and warehousing due to Interstate 80 corridor positioning, healthcare and social services, retail trade, accommodation and food services supporting tourism, and agriculture including cattle ranching and hay production. Sinclair Oil Corporation operates a refinery in the town of Sinclair, representing significant industrial employment. The energy sector continues importance through wind energy development in the high plains regions, though coal production at Hanna Basin mines has substantially decreased.
Tourism generates increasing revenue through outdoor recreation at Seminoe Reservoir, Medicine Bow National Forest access, hunting and fishing, snowmobiling, and historic attractions including the Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum. The Saratoga area benefits from hot springs tourism and guest ranch operations. Economic development priorities focus on diversifying beyond extractive industries, supporting small business development, capitalizing on recreational amenities, and leveraging Interstate 80 transportation advantages.
The Carbon County Economic Development Corporation actively recruits businesses and supports entrepreneurship. Unemployment rates fluctuate with commodity prices but generally track Wyoming averages of 3-5%. Notable economic challenges include distance from major metropolitan markets, limited broadband infrastructure in rural areas, and vulnerability to energy commodity price cycles.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online | Property: ⚠️ Limited Online | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person/Mail | Business: ✅ Online (State) | Elections: ✅ Online | Overall Score: 6.5/10 — Carbon County provides solid access to court and election records online through state systems, but property, jail, and vital records require more direct contact with county offices.
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Cities & Towns in Carbon County
Explore public records for 12 cities and communities in Carbon County, Wyoming.
Nearby Counties
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