About Cheyenne County
Cheyenne County is located in the far eastern plains of Colorado, bordering Kansas to the east. Cheyenne County Seat is Cheyenne Wells, a small community that is the governmental and commercial hub for this rural county. Established in 1889, Cheyenne County includes approximately 1,781 square miles of high plains terrain characterized by agricultural land, grasslands, and wide-open vistas. The population is approximately 1,800 residents, making it one of Colorado's least populous counties.
Cheyenne County is part of Colorado's agricultural heartland, with vast wheat fields, cattle ranches, and irrigated cropland defining the scene. Major landmarks include the historic Cheyenne County Courthouse in Cheyenne County Wells and remnants of the Smoky Hill Trail, an important pioneer route. Cheyenne County is also home to portions of the Arikaree River watershed.
Cheyenne County government operates through several key offices: Cheyenne County Clerk and Recorder, located at 51 South 1st Street East in Cheyenne Wells area Wells, handles vital records, elections, and property recording; Cheyenne County Assessor, also at the courthouse at 51 South 1st Street East, manages property valuations and tax assessments; and Cheyenne County Treasurer collects property taxes. Cheyenne County's remote location and small population create a close community where agriculture remains the economic foundation, and where residents maintain strong connections to Colorado's pioneering heritage and rural traditions.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Cheyenne County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Cheyenne County. The office oversees patrol operations, manages Cheyenne County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is committed to community-oriented policing and often engages in public safety programs tailored to the needs of Cheyenne County residents. Notable divisions within the office include patrol, investigations, and community services, which work collaboratively to ensure the safety and security of Cheyenne County.
Police Departments
In addition to Cheyenne County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Cheyenne County includes the Cheyenne Wells Police Department. The Sheriff's Office has jurisdiction over the unincorporated areas and collaborates with municipal police departments on major crimes and public safety initiatives. The Cheyenne Wells Police Department focuses on law enforcement within the city limits, handling local incidents and working closely with the Sheriff's Office to ensure full coverage and response to emergencies.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Cheyenne County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 51 South 1st Street East in Cheyenne Wells, CO 80810, provides primary law enforcement services throughout Cheyenne County's 1,781 square miles. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains responsibility for patrol, investigations, civil process, and operation of Cheyenne County detention facility. Cheyenne County Jail, located at the same address as the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences.
- Citizens can request arrest records, incident reports, and booking information by submitting a written request to Cheyenne County Sheriff's Office, either in person or by mail.
- Processing fees may apply for copying and research time.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through direct requests to the Sheriff's Office, though they are not published online.
Inmate information can be obtained by calling the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, though Cheyenne County does not currently maintain a full online inmate roster due to its small size and limited detainee population. The Town of Cheyenne Wells area Wells does not maintain a separate municipal police department; law enforcement is consolidated under the Sheriff's Office. Under the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (C.R.S.
§ 24-72-301 et seq.) and the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA, C.R.S. § 24-72-201 et seq.), arrest records are generally considered public information. Response times for records requests vary based on staff availability and the complexity of the request, but the Sheriff's Office aims to comply with CORA's three-day response requirement for acknowledgment of requests.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Cheyenne County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. These records are maintained by Cheyenne County Sheriff's Office and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Residents can conduct background checks through the CBI, which provides statewide criminal history information. The CBI's online portal allows for easy access to criminal records, so that Cheyenne County residents can obtain necessary information for employment, housing, and other purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Cheyenne County are maintained by Cheyenne 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 contain the individual's personal information, arrest details, and any charges filed. The Colorado Open Records Act governs the accessibility of these records, for public access and public access while protecting sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Cheyenne County Jail, located in Cheyenne Wells, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Cheyenne County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing residents to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require scheduling in advance. The bond and bail process follows Colorado state guidelines, where individuals can post bail to secure release pending court appearances.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Cheyenne County are taken and retained by Cheyenne County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through requests to the Sheriff's Office. While there is no dedicated online portal for mugshot searches, interested parties can inquire directly with the office. Colorado does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can petition for removal or sealing of records under certain circumstances.
Courts & Case Records
Cheyenne County is served by the 15th Judicial District Court of Colorado, which also covers Baca, Kiowa, and Prowers counties. Cheyenne County Combined Courts are located at 51 South 1st Street East, Cheyenne Wells, CO 80810, phone. This court handles civil, criminal, domestic relations, probate, juvenile, and mental health cases.
- County Court, also housed at the same address, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases under $25,000, protection orders, and small claims matters up to $7,500.
- The Colorado Judicial Branch provides an online case lookup system at www.courts.state.co.us/Courts/Index.cfm, though availability for older Cheyenne County cases may be limited.
- Certified copies of court documents cost $1.00 per page, with a $20.00 certification fee.
- The Clerk of Court can provide case information and copies upon request, subject to applicable fees and restrictions.
The 15th Judicial District operates under the Colorado Judicial Branch and maintains jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $25,000, domestic relations including divorce and child custody, probate and estate matters, and juvenile delinquency and dependency cases. Colorado court records are governed by C.R.S. § 24-72-205 and Chief Justice Directives regarding public access.
Most court records are public unless sealed by court order or protected by statute (such as juvenile records, certain adoption records, and mental health proceedings). In-person searches can be conducted at Cheyenne County Courthouse during business hours (typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM).
Property & Public Records
Cheyenne County Clerk and Recorder, located at 51 South 1st Street East, Cheyenne Wells, CO 80810, phone, is the official custodian of land and property records. This office maintains and records deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, releases, easements, plat maps, subdivision documents, oil and gas leases, Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings, and other instruments affecting real property in Cheyenne County. Recording fees are established by Colorado statute (C.R.S.
- § 30-1-103) and typically range from $13 for the first page to $5 for each additional page, with additional fees for certain types of documents.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.
The Clerk and Recorder's office maintains grantor/grantee indices that allow users to trace property ownership history. While Cheyenne County does not currently offer a full online property records search portal due to limited resources, basic property information can often be obtained by contacting the office directly. Cheyenne County Assessor's Office, also located at 51 South 1st Street East, phone, maintains property tax records, assessment valuations, ownership information, legal descriptions, and property characteristics for all real property in Cheyenne County.
The Assessor's records are public under Colorado law and can be searched in person at the courthouse. Some property tax information may be accessible through third-party websites or county data services, though official certified copies must be obtained from the Assessor or Recorder. Cheyenne County Treasurer, at the same courthouse location, collects property taxes and can provide tax payment history and delinquency information.
Vital Records
Vital records for Cheyenne County, Colorado are maintained by Cheyenne County Clerk and Recorder at 51 South 1st Street East, Cheyenne Wells, CO 80810, phone. Birth certificates for births occurring in Cheyenne County can be requested from the County Clerk, though certified copies are typically obtained through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Vital Records Section, located at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246, or online at www.colorado.gov/cdphe/VitalRecords.
- The current fee for a certified birth certificate is $20.00 for the first copy and $13.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates cost $20.00 for the first certified copy and $13.00 for additional copies.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $30.00, and there is no waiting period in Colorado.
- Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $17.00.
Birth records less than 100 years old are confidential and only available to the individual, parents, legal guardian, or legal representative. Death certificates are similarly available through the County Clerk for recent deaths in Cheyenne County or through the State Vital Records office. Immediate family members, legal representatives, and parties with a direct tangible interest can obtain death certificates.
Marriage licenses are issued by Cheyenne County Clerk and Recorder, with both parties required to appear in person with valid photo identification. Divorce decrees are court records and must be obtained from Cheyenne County District Court at the same courthouse address. Colorado vital records are governed by C.R.S.
§ 25-2-101 et seq. Processing times vary: in-person requests at Cheyenne County level may be fulfilled immediately if records are available, while state-level requests typically take 7-10 business days by mail or 2-3 days for expedited service.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Cheyenne County are maintained by several agencies depending on the type of business activity. Cheyenne County Clerk and Recorder at 51 South 1st Street East, Cheyenne Wells, CO 80810, phone, maintains trade name filings (Doing Business As or DBA registrations) for sole proprietorships and partnerships operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. Trade name registration costs approximately $20.00 and must be renewed every five years.
- This free online search provides entity status, registered agent information, formation date, and principal office address.
- the local community Wells Chamber of Commerce provides business support and networking opportunities for local enterprises; contact information can be found through community resources.
For full business entity information, the Colorado Secretary of State Business Division maintains the official business entity database at www.coloradosos.gov/biz, where users can search for corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other registered business entities operating in Colorado. New business entity filings are submitted to the Secretary of State, not Cheyenne County. Professional licenses (medical, legal, contracting, cosmetology, etc.) are issued by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), and license verification is available at www.colorado.gov/dora.
Cheyenne County Planning Department or Building Official handles building permits, zoning approvals, and land use applications; inquiries can be directed to the County Commissioners' office for Sales tax licenses in Colorado are administered by the Colorado Department of Revenue. Local business licenses or permits may be required by the Town of the local community Wells for businesses operating within town limits; contact Town Hall for specific requirements.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Cheyenne County, Colorado are administered by Cheyenne County Clerk and Recorder, who is the Designated Election Official (DEO). The elections office is located at 51 South 1st Street East, Cheyenne Wells, CO 80810, phone. Voter registration in Colorado is available online at www.coloradosos.gov/voter/pages/pub/olvr/verifyNewVoter.xhtml through the Colorado Secretary of State's secure system.
- Colorado requires voters to register at least 22 days before an election to receive a mail ballot, though same-day registration is available at voter service and polling centers through Election Day.
- Colorado is a universal mail ballot state under the Voter Access and Modernized Elections Act; all active registered voters automatically receive a mail ballot for every election.
- Absentee/mail ballot requests are automatically fulfilled for all active registered voters; voters who need replacement ballots can contact the County Clerk.
Eligible residents must be U.S. Citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and have lived in Colorado for at least 22 days prior to the election. Cheyenne County voters receive their ballots approximately 18-22 days before Election Day and can return them by mail (postmarked by Election Day), at 24-hour ballot drop boxes located at Cheyenne County Courthouse and other designated locations, or in person at voter service centers.
Voter service and polling centers are available for in-person voting and same-day registration; locations and hours are published on the County Clerk's webpage and through the Colorado Secretary of State at www.coloradosos.gov/voter. Public election records in Cheyenne County include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted per C.R.S. § 1-2-227), campaign finance reports filed with the Secretary of State, candidate filings, ballot issue petitions, precinct-level election results, and election administration records.
These records are available through the County Clerk or the Colorado Secretary of State under CORA. Cheyenne County typically experiences voter turnout of 70-85% in presidential election years and 50-65% in midterm elections, reflecting strong civic engagement in rural Colorado communities. In the November 2024 general election, Cheyenne County reported turnout consistent with these historical patterns.
The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, one U.S. Senate seat, Colorado state constitutional officers (Governor if applicable based on term), state legislative seats, and county offices.
Transparency in Cheyenne County elections is supported by public observation opportunities, post-election audits required by Colorado law, and accessible records under C.R.S. Title 1 (Election Code) and CORA.
Economy & Demographics
Cheyenne County's economy is predominantly agricultural, reflecting its location in Colorado's eastern plains agricultural belt. Cheyenne County's major economic sectors include dryland wheat farming, irrigated corn production, cattle ranching, and related agricultural services. Large-scale grain operations dominate the scene, with many multi-generational family farms producing winter wheat, corn, milo, and sunflowers.
- The median household income in Cheyenne County is estimated at approximately $48,000-$52,000, somewhat below the Colorado state median but typical for rural agricultural counties.
- Cheyenne County's location along US Highway 40 and near Interstate 70 (accessible via Highway 385 north) provides some transportation advantage for agricultural commodity shipment.
Major employers include agricultural operations, Cheyenne County School District RE-5, Cheyenne County government, healthcare facilities including Cheyenne County Hospital, and local retail and service businesses serving the farming community. The unemployment rate in Cheyenne County typically runs below the national average, hovering around 2-3%, though agricultural employment is highly seasonal. Cheyenne County has limited industrial or manufacturing presence due to its small population and remote location.
Economic development efforts focus on maintaining agricultural viability, supporting small business growth, attracting outdoor recreation tourism, and improving broadband internet access to enable remote work opportunities. Recent economic challenges include commodity price volatility, ongoing drought conditions affecting both dryland and irrigated agriculture, rural depopulation as younger residents migrate to urban areas, and limited healthcare and retail services. Wind energy development has emerged as a supplemental economic activity in parts of eastern Colorado, though large-scale wind farms have not been extensively developed in Cheyenne County as of recent years.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Property: Limited: Online, In-Person Available | Arrest/Jail: Limited: By Request | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/State Office | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 6/10, Cheyenne County provides access to public records primarily through in-person requests and state-level portals; local online access is limited due to small county resources.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Cheyenne County
Explore public records for 4 cities and communities in Cheyenne County, Colorado.