About Cassia County
Cassia County is located in south-central Idaho, established in 1879 and named after Cassia Creek, which runs through the region. The county seat is Burley, Idaho's 12th largest city, situated along the Snake River. Cassia County encompasses approximately 2,580 square miles and has a population of roughly 24,000 residents according to recent estimates. The county is bordered by Twin Falls County to the west, Minidoka County to the north, Oneida County to the east, and shares its southern boundary with Utah.
Major communities include Burley, the commercial hub; Oakley, known for its pioneer heritage; Albion, home to historic Albion Normal School; and Declo and Malta, important agricultural centers. The landscape features fertile irrigated farmland along the Snake River Plain, sagebrush-covered hills, and portions of the Albion Mountains and the Jim Sage Mountains. The City of Rocks National Reserve, located in the southern part of the county near Almo, is a world-renowned rock climbing destination and registered National Historic Landmark featuring spectacular granite spires and California Trail emigrant inscriptions.
The county's economy is anchored by agriculture, particularly potato farming, grain production, and cattle ranching. The Cassia County Courthouse is located at 1459 Overland Avenue in Burley. The Cassia County Recorder's Office, responsible for maintaining land records, operates from the courthouse complex.
The Cassia County Clerk's office handles court records, marriage licenses, and election administration, while the Cassia County Assessor's Office manages property assessments and tax rolls at 1459 Overland Avenue.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Cassia County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of the county. It operates the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is tasked with ensuring public safety through regular patrols and community engagement. The Sheriff's Office also manages several programs aimed at crime prevention and community involvement, including neighborhood watch initiatives and school resource officer programs.
Police Departments
Cassia County is served by the Cassia County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments, including the Burley Police Department and the Oakley Police Department. The Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement in unincorporated areas, while the city police departments manage public safety within their respective jurisdictions. These agencies often collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring a coordinated response across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Cassia County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 1415 Albion Avenue in Burley, Idaho 83318, provides law enforcement services throughout the unincorporated areas of Cassia County and operates the county jail facility. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (208) 878-2251 and maintains a website at cassiacounty.org where some public information is available. The Cassia County Jail, located adjacent to the Sheriff's Office, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders.
- Citizens may request arrest records, booking logs, and incident reports by submitting a written request to the Cassia County Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department.
- Some agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying and processing records requests.
- Mugshots and booking photographs are generally considered public information and may be obtained through direct requests to the law enforcement agency that made the arrest.
- Idaho law requires agencies to respond to public records requests within three business days, though they may take additional time to compile extensive records.
Inmate lookup information can be obtained by calling the jail directly at (208) 878-2541 or visiting the Sheriff's Office in person during business hours. Booking information, inmate rosters, and visitation schedules are typically available through direct contact with the detention facility. Municipal law enforcement within Cassia County is provided by the Burley Police Department, serving the city of Burley, and smaller police presences in incorporated communities.
The Burley Police Department is located at 1401 Overland Avenue, Burley, ID 83318, and can be reached at (208) 878-2424. Arrest records in Cassia County are considered public records under the Idaho Public Records Act, Idaho Code § 74-101 et seq. No tribal law enforcement agencies operate within Cassia County, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands in the county.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Cassia County encompasses felony, misdemeanor, traffic, and sex offender registry records. The Cassia County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Residents can conduct a background check through the Idaho Bureau of Criminal Identification, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Idaho Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for Cassia County residents seeking comprehensive background checks.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Cassia County are maintained by the Cassia 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. Information typically found on a Cassia County arrest record includes the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and bond information. The Idaho Public Records Law governs access to these records, ensuring transparency and public access to governmental documents.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Cassia County Jail, located in Burley, serves as the detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting the arrestee, and records are maintained by the Sheriff's Office. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring prior scheduling and adherence to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process in Idaho allows for the release of inmates pending trial, and information on posting bail can be obtained from the jail administration.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Cassia County are taken and retained by the Cassia 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. Interested parties can search for mugshots via the Sheriff's website or by submitting a formal request. Idaho does not have specific laws governing the removal of mugshots from public records, so they remain accessible unless otherwise ordered by a court.
Courts & Case Records
Cassia County is served by the Fifth Judicial District Court of Idaho, which handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $10,000, divorce and family law cases, probate matters, and appeals from lower courts. The Cassia County Courthouse is located at 1459 Overland Avenue, Burley, Idaho 83318, phone (208) 878-7302. Idaho operates a statewide court records system, and case searches can be conducted through the Idaho Supreme Court's online portal at idcourts.gov using the iCourt Portal system.
- The online system provides access to case information including dockets, party names, case summaries, and some documents.
- Magistrate Court in Cassia County handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters under $10,000, small claims (up to $5,000), traffic violations, preliminary hearings in felony cases, and protection orders.
- The Cassia County Clerk of Court maintains the official court records and provides certified copies for a statutory fee.
- Copies typically cost $1.00 per page for uncertified copies and an additional certification fee of approximately $1.00 per document.
- Online access through the iCourt Portal is free for basic case searches, though registered users can obtain documents electronically for fees.
The Magistrate Division operates from the same courthouse location and shares administrative functions with the District Court. Court records in Idaho are presumed to be public under Idaho Court Administrative Rule 32, which governs public access to court records, though certain categories of cases such as juvenile proceedings, adoption records, and some mental health matters are confidential by statute. In-person record searches can be conducted at the Clerk's office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, excluding court holidays.
The court may seal or restrict certain records upon motion and court order when required by law or when privacy interests outweigh the public's right to access.
Property & Public Records
The Cassia County Recorder's Office, located at 1459 Overland Avenue in Burley, Idaho 83318, phone (208) 878-7309, maintains all land and property records for the county. The Recorder is responsible for recording and preserving documents affecting real property, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, reconveyances, liens (mechanics liens, judgment liens, tax liens), easements, rights of way, subdivision plats, surveys, and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) financing statements.
- Many counties in Idaho contract with private vendors for online access, and there may be subscription fees or per-document charges for downloading recorded images.
- The Assessor's office provides an online parcel search tool that allows citizens to view property tax assessments, ownership history, property characteristics, and tax amounts.
- This information is typically available free of charge for viewing, though printed reports or certified documents may incur fees.
- The Cassia County Treasurer's Office handles property tax collection and can provide information on tax payment history, delinquent taxes, and tax deed processes.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person, by mail, or sometimes online, with fees typically set at $1.00 per page plus a certification fee.
Idaho law requires that documents affecting real property be recorded with the county recorder to provide constructive notice to the public under Idaho Code § 55-811 and related statutes. The Cassia County Recorder's Office provides an online search system accessible through the county website at cassiacounty.org, allowing users to search recorded documents by party name, document type, date range, and instrument number. The Cassia County Assessor's Office, also located at 1459 Overland Avenue, phone (208) 878-7310, maintains property tax assessment records, ownership information, legal descriptions, and property characteristics.
The county may offer a GIS (Geographic Information System) mapping application that allows users to view parcel boundaries, zoning information, and property characteristics overlaid on aerial photography.
Vital Records
Vital records for Cassia County, Idaho, including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce records, are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Cassia County are filed with the Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics, the state agency responsible for maintaining vital records statewide under Idaho Code § 39-201 et seq. Certified copies of birth certificates can be requested from the Idaho Vital Records office at 450 W.
- The state offers online ordering through the VitalChek service at idahoissuinglocations.com, though online orders incur additional processing fees.
- Birth certificates cost $18.00 for the first copy and $11.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates are also available from the state Vital Records office for the same fees.
- Processing time is typically 5-10 business days for mail requests and 2-5 business days for online orders with expedited shipping.
- Couples must apply in person, provide valid identification, and pay the license fee.
State Street, 1st Floor, Boise, ID 83702, or by phone at (208) 334-5988. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record, as only certain individuals are entitled to certified copies under Idaho law, including the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and parties with a court order. Marriage licenses are issued by the Cassia County Clerk's Office at the courthouse, 1459 Overland Avenue, Burley, ID 83318, phone (208) 878-7302.
There is no waiting period in Idaho, and the license is valid for one year from issuance. Marriage certificate copies can be obtained from the County Clerk where the license was issued. Divorce records (decrees of dissolution) are court records maintained by the Cassia County Clerk of Court and can be accessed through the court records system or by requesting copies from the Clerk's office, subject to applicable fees.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Cassia County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the business type and registration requirements. The Cassia County Clerk's Office at 1459 Overland Avenue, Burley, ID 83318, phone (208) 878-7302, handles certain local business filings including assumed business names (DBA - "doing business as") and fictitious business name registrations for businesses operating in the county. These records are public and can be searched by visiting the Clerk's office in person or calling for information.
- Corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other formal business structures must register with the Secretary of State.
- This database is updated regularly and provides comprehensive information on all businesses registered to operate in Idaho.
The primary repository for business entity information in Idaho is the Idaho Secretary of State's office in Boise, which maintains the statewide business entity database. The Idaho Secretary of State provides a free online business entity search tool at sosbiz.idaho.gov where users can search by business name, registered agent, or filing number to view entity status, registration date, principal address, registered agent information, and filing history. Professional and occupational licenses are generally issued by state-level licensing boards rather than county offices.
The Idaho Department of Commerce and Labor and various professional licensing boards regulate specific industries and occupations. Sales tax permits are not required in Idaho, as the state does not impose a general sales tax on most goods and services. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use applications in unincorporated Cassia County are handled by the Cassia County Planning and Zoning Department, typically located in the county offices at 1459 Overland Avenue.
Incorporated cities within Cassia County, such as Burley, maintain their own building departments and business licensing requirements. The Mini-Cassia Chamber of Commerce, serving both Cassia and Minidoka counties, is located in Burley and provides business resources, networking opportunities, and economic development information at minicassiachamber.com.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Cassia County, Idaho, are administered by the Cassia County Clerk, who serves as the county's chief election official. The Clerk's office is located at 1459 Overland Avenue, Burley, Idaho 83318, and can be reached at (208) 878-7302. Election information, sample ballots, and polling place locations are available through the county website at cassiacounty.org and through the Idaho Secretary of State's election portal at idahovotes.gov.
- Idaho law requires voters to register at least 25 days before an election in order to vote in that election, pursuant to Idaho Code § 34-408.
- To register, applicants must be U.S.
- Cassia County operates multiple polling places on election day, with locations announced prior to each election and listed on sample ballots mailed to registered voters.
- The 2024 general election saw moderate turnout in Cassia County, consistent with typical rural Idaho county participation rates of approximately 65-75% of registered voters.
- These records can be requested from the County Clerk under the Idaho Public Records Act, Idaho Code § 74-101 et seq.
Voter registration in Cassia County can be completed online through the Idaho Secretary of State's website at idahovotes.gov, in person at the County Clerk's office, at the Idaho Transportation Department (DMV) offices, or by mail using a voter registration form. Idaho has a closed primary system, meaning voters must be registered with a political party to vote in that party's primary election, though unaffiliated voters may affiliate with a party on election day to participate. citizens, at least 18 years old by election day, residents of Idaho and Cassia County for at least 30 days, and not under conviction of a felony or declared mentally incompetent by a court.
Voters can verify their registration status and find their polling place location by using the online voter tools at idahovotes.gov or by contacting the County Clerk. Election records that are public in Idaho include voter registration lists (with some protected information redacted), candidate filing information, campaign finance reports for local candidates, election results by precinct, and absentee ballot statistics. The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House and Senate midterm elections, Idaho gubernatorial race, other statewide offices, state legislative seats, and local county offices. Absentee ballots in Cassia County can be requested through several methods: online application at idahovotes.gov, by contacting the County Clerk's office in writing or by phone, or in person at the Clerk's office. Idaho offers absentee voting by mail for any reason, and no excuse is required.
Absentee ballot applications must be received by the County Clerk by 5:00 PM on the Friday before election day or 11 days before the election for mail-in requests. Completed absentee ballots must be received by the Clerk's office by 8:00 PM on election day to be counted. Cassia County maintains transparency in its election processes by providing public access to election records, conducting public logic and accuracy testing of voting equipment before elections, and allowing public observation of ballot counting.
Citizens may request absentee voter lists, precinct-level results, and other election data under Idaho's public records law.
Economy & Demographics
Cassia County's economy is fundamentally rooted in agriculture, with potato production, grain farming, sugar beet cultivation, and cattle ranching serving as the primary economic drivers. The county lies within Idaho's highly productive Magic Valley agricultural region, benefiting from Snake River irrigation projects that transformed the high desert into fertile farmland.
- The Burley area hosts food processing plants and agricultural services businesses that support the regional farming economy.
- Amalgamated Sugar Company operates facilities in the region, processing sugar beets grown throughout southern Idaho.
- The median household income in Cassia County is estimated at approximately $50,000 to $55,000, somewhat below the Idaho state median, reflecting the rural agricultural character of the economy.
- Economic development efforts focus on diversifying beyond agriculture, attracting value-added food processing, light manufacturing, and supporting small business growth.
- The county benefits from relatively affordable land and building costs, access to transportation infrastructure, and a workforce experienced in agriculture and food production.
Major employers in the county include agricultural processing facilities, transportation and logistics companies serving the agricultural sector, and government entities including the school district, county government, and state agencies. The county's location along Interstate 84, the primary east-west transportation corridor through southern Idaho, supports trucking, warehousing, and distribution businesses. The unemployment rate in Cassia County typically tracks slightly above the Idaho state average, with seasonal fluctuations related to agricultural cycles.
Tourism contributes to the local economy, particularly related to the City of Rocks National Reserve, which attracts rock climbers, hikers, and history enthusiasts from around the world. The reserve generates visitor spending on lodging, food, equipment, and guide services. Retail trade and healthcare services in Burley serve the broader Mini-Cassia region, including neighboring Minidoka County.
Cassia Regional Hospital is a significant employer providing healthcare services to the region. Wind energy development has emerged as a growing sector, with wind farms in southern Idaho contributing to the regional economy through lease payments to landowners and property tax revenues.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online via iCourt | Property: ✅ Online Search Available | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person Required | Vital Records: ⚠️ State Office Required | Business: ✅ Online via Secretary of State | Elections: ✅ Online Tools Available | Overall Score: 7/10 — Cassia County provides good digital access to court and property records, with election information available online, though some records require direct contact with county offices.
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