About Cascade County
Cascade County is located in north-central Montana, with Great Falls serving as Cascade County Seat and largest city. Established in 1887, Cascade County includes approximately 2,698 square miles and is home to an estimated population of over 84,000 residents, making it one of the most populous counties in Montana. Cascade County derives its name from the series of waterfalls along the Missouri River, famously documented by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805.
Cascade County is characterized by its dramatic scene where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountain Front, offering stunning vistas and diverse terrain. Major landmarks include the Great Falls of the Missouri River, Giant Springs State Park (one of the largest freshwater springs in the United States), and Malmstrom Air Force Base, a significant military installation. Cascade County is bisected by the Missouri River and is a regional hub for commerce, agriculture, and military operations.
Key county agencies maintaining public records include Cascade Clerk and Recorder's Office located at 121 4th Street North in Great Falls, Cascade County Clerk and Recorder's Office at the same address in Cascade County Courthouse, and Cascade Montana Department of Revenue's Office at 121 4th Street North. Cascade County government operates from the historic Cascade County Courthouse, a prominent civic building that has served the community for over a century. Cascade County's economy blends agricultural production, military presence, healthcare, and manufacturing, creating a diverse economic base unique among Montana counties.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Cascade County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Cascade County. The office oversees Cascade County Detention Center, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. Notable divisions within the office include the Criminal Investigations Division and the Patrol Division, which work together to ensure the safety and security of Cascade County's residents.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Cascade County is provided by both Cascade County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Great Falls Police Department serves the city of Great Falls, handling urban law enforcement and coordinating with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes. Other city departments, such as the Belt Police Department, also operate within Cascade County, each responsible for their respective jurisdictions. These agencies work together to address crime and ensure public safety across Cascade County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Cascade County Sheriff's Office, located at 1310 2nd Avenue North in Great Falls, Montana 59401, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Cascade County. Citizens can search for current inmates at Cascade County jail through the detention center's online inmate roster, typically accessible via the Sheriff's Office website at cascadesheriff.com, where booking information, charges, and bond amounts are publicly available.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Montana and are often included in online inmate rosters or can be requested through the Sheriff's Office.
Within Cascade County, the Great Falls Police Department provides law enforcement services for the city of Great Falls and can be contacted for Malmstrom Air Force Base maintains its own Security Forces Squadron with jurisdiction on the installation. Montana's public records law, codified primarily in Title 2, Chapter 6 of the Montana Code Annotated (specifically MCA § 2-6-102 through 2-6-1102), grants citizens the right to inspect and obtain copies of most arrest records and booking logs. To request arrest records in Cascade County, individuals should contact the Sheriff's Office Records Division directly, submit a written public records request identifying the specific records sought, and be prepared to pay copying fees as permitted under Montana law.
Response times for public records requests vary but Montana law requires agencies to respond within a reasonable time, typically interpreted as within a few business days to acknowledge the request and provide an estimated timeline for fulfillment.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Cascade County's criminal records system includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can run a background check through the Montana Department of Justice, which provides full criminal history information. The Montana Department of Justice offers additional resources for residents seeking detailed criminal records.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Cascade County are maintained by Cascade County Sheriff's Office. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. These records typically include the individual's name, the nature of the charges, and the date of arrest. Under the Montana Public Records Act, these records are accessible to the public, for public access in law enforcement activities.
Jail & Inmate Records
Cascade County Detention Center, located in Great Falls, is the primary correctional facility for Cascade County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup is available through Cascade County's official website, allowing residents to search for people currently held in the facility. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and require prior scheduling.
- The bond and bail process in Montana allows for the posting of bail through cash, bond, or property, and information on recently arrested individuals can be obtained from the Detention Center.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Cascade County are taken and retained by Cascade County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a formal request. Montana does not have specific mugshot removal laws, meaning that once a mugshot is part of the public record, it remains accessible unless expunged by court order.
Courts & Case Records
The Eighth Judicial District Court of Montana serves Cascade County and is located at Cascade County Courthouse, 415 2nd Avenue North, Great Falls, MT 59401. Cascade County Court has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $12,000, divorce and family law matters, probate proceedings, and appeals from lower courts. The court can be contacted through the office’s website. Montana operates a statewide case information system called CAPTIS (Court Automated Information System), though public access varies by jurisdiction and case type.
- Cascade County also operates Justice Courts with limited jurisdiction over misdemeanor crimes, traffic violations, small claims (up to $7,000), and preliminary hearings for felonies.
- Fees for copying court documents are established by Montana statute at approximately $0.50 per page for standard copies and higher fees for certified copies.
- The Eighth Judicial District may offer limited online case search capabilities, though many Montana counties still require in-person or written requests for full court record searches.
The Great Falls Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations and certain misdemeanor offenses occurring within city limits. To search court records in Cascade County, individuals may visit the Clerk of District Court office in person at the courthouse during regular business hours, where staff can assist with case searches. Montana law, particularly MCA § 3-1-111 and court rules, establishes that most court records are public unless sealed by court order or protected by specific statutory exemptions such as juvenile records, certain mental health proceedings, and adoption records.
Requests for bulk data or extensive record searches should be directed to the Clerk of Court in writing with specific identifying information such as case numbers, party names, or date ranges to help with efficient retrieval.
Property & Public Records
Cascade County Clerk and Recorder's Office, located at 121 4th Street North, Great Falls, MT 59401, is the official repository for land records, property documents, and vital records. The office can be contacted at and maintains an official website at cascadecountymt.gov where certain records may be accessed online.
- Cascade County offers online property record searches through third-party vendors and county systems, allowing users to search by owner name, address, or parcel number.
- Cascade Montana Department of Revenue's Office, also located at 121 4th Street North (phone: 406-454-6870), maintains property tax records, assessment valuations, ownership information, and property characteristics.
- Montana law at MCA § 7-4-2618 establishes the Clerk and Recorder's duties and fee structure for document recording and copying.
The Recorder's Office maintains and provides public access to real property records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages and deeds of trust, satisfaction of mortgages, easements, covenants, restrictions, liens (mechanic's liens, judgment liens, tax liens), subdivision plats and surveys, right-of-way documents, and mineral rights transfers. These records date back to Cascade County's establishment and are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description. Many basic searches are available free of charge, though printing or downloading documents may require payment.
The Assessor's office provides an online GIS parcel viewer and property search tool through Cascade County website, enabling citizens to view parcel boundaries, tax assessments, legal descriptions, and property attributes without charge. To obtain certified copies of recorded documents, requesters must visit or contact the Clerk and Recorder's Office, specify the document by book and page number or reception number, and pay the statutory fee (typically $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus certification fees).
Vital Records
Vital records for Cascade County, Montana, including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and dissolution of marriage records, are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Cascade County Clerk and Recorder's Office at 121 4th Street North, Great Falls, MT 59401 (phone: 406-454-6800) issues marriage licenses for couples planning to marry in Montana and maintains marriage records for ceremonies performed in Cascade County.
- The fee for a certified birth or death certificate in Montana is $12 for the first copy and $7 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously.
- Processing times for vital records typically range from 2-4 weeks for mail requests, though in-person requests at the state office or authorized county offices may be processed more quickly, sometimes same-day.
- Online ordering of vital records may be available through VitalChek or similar authorized vendors, though additional processing fees typically apply.
Birth and death certificates in Montana are primarily maintained by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Office of Vital Records, located at 111 North Sanders Street, Room 6, Helena, MT 59604. However, county residents may obtain certified copies of birth and death certificates through the local Clerk and Recorder's Office in some circumstances. Montana law restricts access to vital records, with birth certificates available only to the registrant (if of legal age), parents, legal guardians, or other authorized persons as defined in MCA § 50-15-121 through 50-15-127.
Death certificates are similarly restricted for 25 years, after which they become public records. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate eligibility to receive restricted records. Divorce records (Dissolution of Marriage) are court records maintained by the Clerk of District Court at Cascade County Courthouse and are subject to court record access rules rather than vital records statutes.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Cascade County involves multiple agencies depending on the business type and activities. Cascade County Clerk and Recorder's Office at 121 4th Street North, Great Falls, MT 59401 (phone: 406-454-6800) accepts filings for Assumed Business Names (DBAs or "doing business as" registrations) for businesses operating under a name different from the owner's legal name, as required by Montana law. These records are public and can be searched at the Clerk's office.
- The Chamber provides business networking, economic data, and assistance navigating local business requirements, though it does not issue official licenses or permits.
For formal business entity formation and registration, the Montana Secretary of State Business Services Division maintains the statewide business registry, accessible online at sosmt.gov. The Secretary of State's business search portal allows free searches of corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and other registered business entities, providing information on business names, registered agents, filing status, and formation dates. Montana does not impose a general sales tax, so sales tax permits are not required.
However, businesses may need various professional and occupational licenses depending on their activities; these are typically issued by Montana state agencies such as the Department of Labor and Industry. Local business licenses for operations within Great Falls city limits are issued by the City of Great Falls Business License Division, contactable through Great Falls City Hall. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permissions in unincorporated Cascade County are handled by Cascade County Planning and Community Development Department, located at 121 4th Street North (phone: 406-454-6890).
The Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 100 1st Avenue North, Great Falls, MT 59401, is a business resource and can be reached at or through their website at greatfallschamber.org.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Cascade County, Montana are administered by Cascade County Clerk and Recorder - Elections Division, located at 121 4th Street North, Great Falls, MT 59401. The Elections Office can be contacted through the office’s website, and election information is available through Cascade County website at cascadecountymt.gov under the Elections section. Voter registration in Montana is available to U.S. Citizens who are at least 18 years old by election day and residents of Montana for at least 30 days.
- Montana offers online voter registration through the Montana Secretary of State's My Voter Page at app.mt.gov/voterinfo, where eligible citizens can register, update their registration, and check their voter status.
- In the November 2024 general election, Cascade County reported voter turnout of approximately 68-72% of registered voters, reflecting strong civic engagement typical of Montana counties in presidential election years.
- Montana offers absentee voting to all registered voters without requiring an excuse.
- Cascade County voters may request an absentee ballot through the Elections Office by submitting a written application (available on Cascade County website), by phone, or through the My Voter Page online system.
The voter registration deadline in Montana is noon on the day before election day, making Montana one of the few states allowing same-day voter registration at county election offices and polling places, though advance registration is encouraged. To find your polling place in Cascade County, voters can use the Montana Secretary of State's polling place locator on the My Voter Page, contact Cascade County Elections Office directly, or check their voter information card mailed before each election. Montana public records law makes numerous election records available to the public, including voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted), campaign finance disclosure reports filed with the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices, candidate filing documents, precinct-level election results, and ballot issue information.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring Montana's U.S. House of Representatives seat, potentially a U.S. Senate seat depending on the election cycle, state legislative races for Montana House and Senate districts covering Cascade County, county offices including Sheriff and County Commissioners, and various judicial positions and ballot measures.
Absentee ballots are mailed beginning approximately 20 days before each election and must be returned by 8:00 PM on election day either by mail (postmarked by election day) or deposited in official ballot drop boxes located throughout Cascade County, including at the County Courthouse and other designated secure locations. Montana law (MCA Title 13) establishes full election procedures and transparency requirements, so that election records, poll books, and vote tallies are available for public inspection subject to security protocols protecting ballot secrecy and election integrity.
Economy & Demographics
Cascade County's economy is anchored by a diverse mix of military installations, healthcare systems, agriculture, and manufacturing. Malmstrom Air Force Base is Cascade County's largest employer, providing thousands of military and civilian jobs and contributing hundreds of millions of dollars annually to the local economy through payroll, contracts, and operations. The 341st Missile Wing, headquartered at Malmstrom, operates intercontinental ballistic missile facilities across Montana, making defense a key part of Cascade Countyal economy.
- The median household income in Cascade County is estimated at approximately $54,000-$58,000, slightly below the national average but consistent with Montana's rural economy.
- Manufacturing facilities in Cascade County include food processing plants, metal fabrication shops, and concrete production facilities.
Healthcare represents another major economic sector, with Benefis Health System serving as one of the largest private employers in Cascade County, operating hospitals, clinics, and specialty care facilities throughout north-central Montana. Agriculture remains economically significant, with Cascade County farmers and ranchers producing wheat, barley, cattle, and hay on Cascade County's extensive agricultural lands. Cascade County benefits from its position along major transportation corridors, including Interstate 15 and the BNSF Railway main line, helping with commerce and freight movement.
Energy production, particularly wind energy development along the Rocky Mountain Front and oil and gas extraction in certain areas, contributes to the economic base. The Great Falls region has experienced efforts at economic diversification, including technology sector development and expansion of tourism related to the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, outdoor recreation, and cultural attractions such as the C.M. Russell Museum.
Unemployment rates in Cascade County typically track close to state averages, ranging between 3-5% in recent years depending on economic conditions. Recent economic development initiatives have focused on workforce training, small business support, and using Cascade County's strategic location and infrastructure assets.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Online Access | Property: Yes: Online GIS & Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Roster | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail Required | Business: Yes: Online (State Level) | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall Score: 7/10, Cascade County provides good digital access to property, jail, and election records, though court records and vital records require more traditional request methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Cascade County
Explore public records for 13 cities and communities in Cascade County, Montana.