About Clear Creek County
Clear Creek County is located in the central Colorado Rocky Mountains, approximately 40 miles west of Denver. Clear Creek County Seat is Georgetown, a historic mining town founded during the Colorado Gold Rush in 1859.
- Clear Creek County is home to Mount Evans Scenic Byway, the highest paved road in North America reaching 14,130 feet.
Clear Creek County includes approximately 396 square miles of mountainous terrain, with elevations ranging from approximately 7,500 feet to over 14,000 feet at the summit of several peaks including Grays Peak and Torreys Peak, two of Colorado's famous "Fourteeners." Clear Creek County's population is estimated at around 9,500 residents, making it one of the smaller counties in Colorado by population. Clear Creek County is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, world-class skiing at Loveland Ski Area, historic mining heritage, and the scenic Interstate 70 corridor that passes through Clear Creek County connecting Denver to the Western Slope. Major communities include Georgetown, Idaho Springs, Silver Plume, and Empire.
Key county offices include Clear Creek County Clerk and Recorder located at 405 Argentine Street in Georgetown, Clear Creek County Assessor at the same address, and various administrative offices housed in the historic Clear Creek County Courthouse. Clear Creek County's economy historically relied on silver and gold mining, and today depends heavily on tourism, recreation, outdoor sports, and service industries supporting visitors traveling through the I-70 mountain corridor.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order across Clear Creek County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office oversees Clear Creek County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in various community programs meant to crime prevention and public safety education. Notable divisions within the office include patrol, investigations, and emergency management, all working collaboratively to ensure the safety of county residents.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Clear Creek County is provided by Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments. The Idaho Springs Police Department and the Georgetown Police Department are the primary city law enforcement agencies. These departments handle local policing within their respective jurisdictions, while the Sheriff's Office covers unincorporated areas and provides support for major crimes and emergencies. Coordination between these agencies ensures full law enforcement coverage across Clear Creek County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Clear Creek County is primarily provided by Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 405 Argentine Street, Georgetown, CO 80444. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a website at clearcreekcounty.us where citizens can find information about public safety services, community programs, and contact information. The Sheriff's Office operates Clear Creek County Detention Facility, which houses inmates arrested within Clear Creek County.
- The Georgetown Marshal's Office provides law enforcement services within the Town of Georgetown.
- Citizens may request arrest records, booking reports, and incident reports by submitting a formal public records request to Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office or the relevant municipal police department.
- Requests should include specific information such as the name of the individual, date of arrest, and case number if known.
- Mugshots and booking photographs are generally considered public records in Colorado and may be released upon request, though some agencies publish recent bookings online.
- Processing times and fees vary by agency.
Inmate information and jail rosters can typically be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by calling the detention facility directly. Booking information, custody status, and bond amounts are generally available to the public. Municipal law enforcement is provided by several local police agencies including the Idaho Springs Police Department, which serves the largest incorporated county in Clear Creek County.
Arrest records in Clear Creek County are public documents 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.).
Clear Creek County does not have tribal law enforcement jurisdictions, but Colorado State Patrol maintains a strong presence along the I-70 corridor for traffic enforcement and highway safety.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Clear Creek County cover felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as a sex offender registry. The Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Colorado Bureau of Investigation provides statewide background checks. Residents can request background checks through the CBI's online portal, which includes information on arrests, convictions, and sex offender status. The system provides transparency and public safety information to the community.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Clear Creek County are maintained by Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office. These records include information about the individual arrested, the charges filed, and the circumstances of the arrest. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), these records are accessible to the public, although certain restrictions may apply to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Clear Creek County Detention Center, located in Georgetown, is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested in Clear Creek County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting the personal information of detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing the public to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled times and guidelines that must be adhered to by visitors.
- The bond and bail process follows Colorado state law, allowing for the release of detainees pending trial under certain conditions.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Clear Creek County are taken and retained by Clear Creek 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, either online or by request. Colorado does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals may petition for removal or sealing of records under certain circumstances, such as expungement or case dismissal.
Courts & Case Records
Clear Creek County court matters are handled primarily by Clear Creek County Combined Court, part of Colorado's 5th Judicial District, located at 405 Argentine Street, Georgetown, CO 80444. The court can be reached for This combined court handles civil, criminal, domestic relations, probate, juvenile, and small claims matters for Clear Creek County. The 5th Judicial District also serves Eagle, Lake, and Summit counties.
- Fees for copies of court documents typically include certification fees, per-page copying charges, and research time if extensive retrieval is required.
Online case searches are available through the Colorado Judicial Branch website at courts.state.co.us, where users can access case information, party searches, and docket entries through the Colorado Courts E-Filing system and public access portals. Municipal courts operate independently in Idaho Springs and Georgetown to handle traffic violations, municipal ordinances, and misdemeanor offenses occurring within town limits. The Idaho Springs Municipal Court is located at 1711 Colorado Boulevard, Idaho Springs, and handles local traffic and code violations.
Court records in Colorado are governed by C.R.S. § 13-3-101 et seq, which establishes that court records are presumptively open to public inspection unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute. The Clerk of Court maintains all case files, judgments, orders, and official court records.
Colorado's mandatory e-filing system for civil cases allows electronic access to many documents, though criminal case records may have more restrictions due to privacy and victim protection considerations. Probate records, including wills, estate inventories, and guardianship matters, are maintained by the Probate Division and are generally public unless sealed.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Clear Creek County are maintained by Clear Creek County Clerk and Recorder's Office, located at 405 Argentine Street, Georgetown, CO 80444, phone. The Clerk and Recorder is responsible for recording and preserving documents affecting real property including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, liens, releases, easements, subdivision plats, and other instruments related to real estate transactions.
- The office provides public access to these records during regular business hours, and many Colorado counties now offer online document search capabilities through third-party vendors.
- Clear Creek County provides online access to recorded documents and property information through a searchable database available on Clear Creek County website.
- There is typically no fee to search online, though downloading or printing official documents may require payment.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person or by mail, with fees typically ranging from $1-3 per page plus certification fees.
- Clear Creek County's GIS mapping system provides detailed parcel information, zoning data, flood zones, and aerial photography for all properties within Clear Creek County boundaries.
These records date back to Clear Creek County's establishment in 1861 and provide a complete chain of title for properties throughout Clear Creek County. Property tax records and assessment information are maintained separately by Clear Creek County Assessor's Office, also located at 405 Argentine Street, Georgetown, CO 80444, phone. The Assessor's Office provides online access to property tax records, assessment values, parcel information, and ownership data through Clear Creek County's Geographic Information System (GIS) and property search portal.
Property tax collection is handled by Clear Creek County Treasurer's Office.
Vital Records
Vital records for Clear Creek County, Colorado, include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Clear Creek County can be requested through Clear Creek County Clerk and Recorder's Office at 405 Argentine Street, Georgetown, CO 80444, phone. However, Colorado law centralizes most vital records administration through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Vital Records Section, located at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246.
- Death certificates have similar fees and processing times.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $30 and the license is valid for 35 days from issuance.
- Divorce decrees are court records maintained by Clear Creek County Combined Court and must be requested through the Clerk of Court.
- The Colorado Vital Records office offers online ordering through VitalChek at vitalchek.com for eligible applicants, providing expedited processing for an additional fee.
Birth certificates cost approximately $20 for the first copy and $13 for additional copies ordered at the same time, with processing times of 10-15 business days for mail requests or immediate issuance for in-person requests when available. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record, as required by C.R.S. § 25-2-117, which restricts access to immediate family members, legal representatives, and other authorized parties.
Marriage licenses are issued by Clear Creek County Clerk and Recorder's Office, with both parties required to appear in person with valid identification. Certified copies of marriage certificates can be obtained from the same office. Genealogical researchers may access older vital records through the Colorado State Archives.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Clear Creek County can be accessed through multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Clear Creek County Clerk and Recorder's Office at 405 Argentine Street, Georgetown, CO 80444, maintains records of trade name registrations (DBA, "Doing Business As") filed at Clear Creek County level.
- This searchable database is free and includes information on business names, principal addresses, registered agent information, and filing history.
These records are public and can be searched in person or by contacting the office for However, most formal business entity filings, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, are registered with the Colorado Secretary of State's Business Division. The Secretary of State maintains a full online business database at sos.state.co.us where anyyou can search for registered businesses, view formation documents, check entity status, list registered agents, and access annual reports. Local business licenses and permits may be required depending on the county and type of business operation.
The Town of Idaho Springs and Town of Georgetown each maintain separate business licensing requirements for operations within their jurisdictions. Sales tax licenses are administered by the Colorado Department of Revenue for state sales tax, while local sales tax collection may require registration with Clear Creek County or individual municipalities. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are handled by Clear Creek County Community Development Department, which oversees construction permits, septic system approvals, and compliance with county land use regulations.
Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, plumbers, electricians, and other regulated professions are generally issued at the state level through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). Clear Creek County Economic Development office and local chambers of commerce, including the Georgetown Community Center and Idaho Springs Visitors Center, provide resources and assistance for businesses operating in or relocating to Clear Creek County.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Clear Creek County are administered by Clear Creek County Clerk and Recorder, serving as the Designated Election Official, with offices located at 405 Argentine Street, Georgetown, CO 80444. The elections office can be reached, and election information is available at clearcreekcounty.us/clerk. Colorado has implemented universal mail-in voting, meaning all registered voters automatically receive a mail ballot for every election.
- Colorado offers same-day voter registration, allowing eligible citizens to register and vote simultaneously through Election Day, though registration at least eight days before an election allows ballots to be mailed.
- Voters can register or update their registration until 7:00 PM on Election Day.
- Ballot tracking is available through BallotTrax, allowing voters to receive notifications when their ballot is mailed, received, and counted.
Voter registration in Clear Creek County can be completed online through the Colorado Secretary of State's website at GoVoteColorado.gov, in person at the Clerk and Recorder's office, or through the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles when obtaining or renewing a driver's license. To find your polling place or ballot drop-off location in Clear Creek County, voters should visit Clear Creek County elections website or use the Colorado Secretary of State's voter portal, which provides personalized ballot information, drop box locations, and voter service center hours. Public election records in Clear Creek County include voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted under C.R.S.
§ 1-2-227), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political committees, precinct-level election results, and candidate filing information. These records are available for inspection and copying under the Colorado Open Records Act. Clear Creek County typically experiences voter turnout rates between 75% and 85% in presidential general elections, significantly higher than the national average, reflecting Colorado's highly engaged electorate and convenient mail ballot system.
In the 2024 general election, Clear Creek County turnout was approximately 82%. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, one U.S.
Senate seat, Colorado statewide offices including Governor, and numerous state legislative seats. Colorado's mail-in ballot system allows voters to complete their ballots at home and return them via mail (postage-free), at 24-hour secure ballot drop boxes located throughout Clear Creek County, or in person at voter service centers. Election transparency in Colorado is among the nation's strongest, with statutory requirements for post-election audits, public observation of ballot counting, and full disclosure of campaign contributions and expenditures.
Economy & Demographics
Clear Creek County's economy is heavily oriented toward tourism, outdoor recreation, and service industries supporting the millions of travelers who pass through Clear Creek County annually on Interstate 70 en route to Colorado's mountain resorts. Clear Creek County's proximity to Denver makes it an attractive destination for day-trippers seeking hiking, skiing, fishing, kayaking, and scenic drives.
- The median household income in Clear Creek County is estimated at approximately $72,000 to $78,000, somewhat higher than the national average, though housing costs reflect mountain resort proximity.
Major employers include Loveland Ski Area, one of Colorado's oldest ski resorts operating since 1936, along with numerous hospitality businesses, restaurants, gas stations, and retail establishments serving tourists. Historic mining once dominated the local economy, with Georgetown and Silver Plume producing enormous quantities of silver in the late 19th century, but mining activity has declined to minimal levels today. Clear Creek County's population includes many Denver-area commuters who accept longer travel times to live in a mountain environment.
Economic sectors include accommodation and food services, retail trade, construction, healthcare, and public administration. Clear Creek County benefits economically from the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, Georgetown Loop Railroad (a heritage tourist attraction), and numerous hiking trails accessing Colorado's Fourteeners. Small-scale specialty businesses, art galleries, antique shops, and craft breweries have emerged in Georgetown and Idaho Springs, capitalizing on heritage tourism.
The Colorado Department of Transportation is a major presence in Clear Creek County, maintaining the critical I-70 mountain corridor. Unemployment rates in Clear Creek County typically track closely with state averages, though seasonal variation affects tourism-dependent businesses. Economic development priorities focus on sustainable tourism, historic preservation, broadband infrastructure expansion, and attracting remote workers who can use mountain lifestyle amenities.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search Online | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/Request | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or State Office | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 8/10, Clear Creek County provides good digital access to property and court records through state and county portals, with strong election transparency through Colorado's voter information systems.
Official Government Resources
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Cities & Towns in Clear Creek County
Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Clear Creek County, Colorado.