About Comanche County
Comanche County is located in the southwestern region of Kansas, bordered by Oklahoma to the south and sharing boundaries with Clark, Barber, Kiowa, and Edwards counties. The county seat and largest city is Coldwater, which serves as the administrative center for this rural county. Established in 1867 and organized in 1885, Comanche County was named after the Comanche Native American tribe that historically inhabited the region.
- New York Avenue in Coldwater, houses most county offices including the County Clerk, Register of Deeds, County Treasurer, and County Assessor.
- The Comanche County Clerk maintains official county records and oversees elections, while the Register of Deeds office handles all land and property transaction recordings.
The county encompasses approximately 790 square miles of rolling prairie landscape characterized by short-grass plains, agricultural lands, and scattered woodlands along creek beds. As of the 2020 Census, Comanche County has a population of approximately 1,689 residents, making it one of the least populous counties in Kansas. The county's economy has historically been driven by agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and wheat farming, with oil and gas production also contributing to local revenues.
The Comanche County Courthouse, located at 201 S. The County Assessor's office, responsible for property valuations and tax assessments, is also located in the courthouse. Notable landmarks include the Coldwater Lake, a popular recreation area, and historic downtown Coldwater with its turn-of-the-century architecture.
The county's sparse population and vast agricultural landscapes represent the quintessential character of rural southwestern Kansas.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Comanche County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of the county. The office oversees the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is dedicated to ensuring public safety through patrols, investigations, and community engagement. It also offers programs aimed at crime prevention and public education, reflecting its commitment to serving the residents of Comanche County.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Comanche County is primarily handled by the Comanche County Sheriff's Office. Additionally, the city of Coldwater has its own police department, which handles local law enforcement within city limits. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage and response throughout the county. The Sheriff's Office and local police departments work together to maintain public safety and enforce the law.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Comanche County, Kansas is primarily provided by the Comanche County Sheriff's Office, located at 201 S. New York Avenue in Coldwater, Kansas 67029. The Sheriff's Office is responsible for patrol operations throughout the unincorporated areas of the county, operation of the county jail, service of civil process, and court security. The department can be reached at (620) 582-2186 for non-emergency matters.
- Citizens may request arrest records, incident reports, and related law enforcement documents by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office or applicable municipal police department.
- Mugshots and booking photographs are typically included in booking records and can be requested as part of an open records request, though processing times may vary depending on staff availability.
- Fees for copies of records may apply as authorized under Kansas statute.
- The county does not maintain an online mugshot database, so all requests must be directed to the custodian of records at the Sheriff's Office.
The Comanche County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office, is a small detention facility that houses pre-trial detainees and individuals serving short-term sentences. Inmate information and booking records can be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, though Comanche County does not currently maintain an online inmate roster. Municipal law enforcement within the county is provided by the Coldwater Police Department, which serves the county seat and maintains jurisdiction within city limits.
Given the county's small population, the police department operates with limited staffing and coordinates closely with the Sheriff's Office on major incidents. Arrest records and booking information in Comanche County are considered public records under the Kansas Open Records Act (K.S.A. 45-215 et seq.).
Due to the rural nature of Comanche County, response times for law enforcement may be longer in remote areas, and mutual aid agreements with neighboring counties are common for emergency situations requiring additional resources.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Comanche County include felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and sex offender registry information. These records are maintained by the Comanche County Sheriff's Office and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Residents can run background checks through the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, which provides a comprehensive history of criminal activity. The system ensures that individuals and organizations can access necessary information for employment, housing, and other critical decisions.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Comanche County are maintained by the Comanche County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, adhering to the Kansas Open Records Act. Arrest records provide essential information such as the date of arrest, charges, and the arresting agency, offering transparency and accountability in law enforcement activities.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Comanche County Jail, located in Coldwater, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting individuals upon arrest. Inmate information can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office for those seeking to locate someone recently arrested. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require scheduling in advance. The bond and bail process follows Kansas state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees under certain conditions.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Comanche County are taken and retained by the Comanche County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. Individuals seeking mugshots can access them through the Sheriff's Office, either in person or via their website if available. Kansas does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances. Mugshots are part of the public record and are used for identification and legal proceedings.
Courts & Case Records
Comanche County is served by the 30th Judicial District Court of Kansas, which has jurisdiction over the county. The District Court handles all criminal felony cases, civil matters exceeding $10,000, domestic relations including divorce and child custody, probate and estate matters, juvenile cases, and appeals from municipal courts. The Comanche County District Court is located in the Comanche County Courthouse at 201 S. New York Avenue, Coldwater, Kansas 67029, and can be reached at (620) 582-2361.
- The court clerk's office maintains all district court records and provides public access to case information during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.
- Kansas law provides for public access to most court records under K.S.A.
- Fees for case searches, document copies, and certified copies are established by Kansas statute, with standard copy fees typically $0.50 per page and certification fees around $1.50 per document.
Court sessions are typically held on scheduled dates due to the small caseload, with judges from the 30th District rotating to hear cases. 45-215 and court rules, though certain records involving juveniles, mental health proceedings, and sealed documents are restricted. Case searches can be conducted in person at the clerk's office, and while some Kansas counties participate in the statewide Kansas District Court Public Access Portal, smaller counties like Comanche may have limited online access.
Municipal courts operate in Coldwater to handle city ordinance violations, traffic tickets, and misdemeanors occurring within city limits. The Coldwater Municipal Court has limited jurisdiction and holds sessions monthly or as needed. Probate matters, including wills, estates, guardianships, and conservatorships, are handled by the District Court.
Researchers seeking historical court records or case files should contact the District Court Clerk's office directly, as archival records may be stored separately or transferred to the Kansas State Historical Society for long-term preservation.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Comanche County, Kansas are maintained by the Comanche County Register of Deeds, located in the Comanche County Courthouse at 201 S. New York Avenue, Coldwater, Kansas 67029. The Register of Deeds office can be reached at (620) 582-2192 and is responsible for recording and preserving all real property transactions, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage releases, liens, easements, rights-of-way, plat maps, and other instruments affecting real property titles.
- Recording fees are established by Kansas statute and vary based on document type and page count.
- While some Kansas counties offer online property record searches, Comanche County's small population means that online access may be limited, and in-person or telephone requests are often necessary.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested from the Register of Deeds for a statutory fee, typically $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus certification fees.
- Researchers conducting title searches or property due diligence should contact the Register of Deeds office directly to inquire about current search options and procedures.
These records are public under Kansas law and provide the official chain of title for all parcels within the county. The office maintains grantor-grantee indexes and tract indexes to facilitate property searches. Property tax records and assessments are maintained separately by the Comanche County Appraiser's Office, also located in the courthouse.
The County Appraiser is responsible for establishing fair market values for all real and personal property subject to taxation, maintaining property descriptions, and producing the annual tax rolls. The Comanche County Treasurer's Office collects property taxes and maintains payment records. Property owners and title researchers can obtain parcel information, property valuations, tax payment history, and legal descriptions by contacting the Appraiser's office at (620) 582-2801.
Some counties in Kansas participate in regional GIS mapping systems that provide online parcel viewers, but availability varies.
Vital Records
Vital records for Comanche County, Kansas, including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce records, are maintained at both the county and state levels. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Comanche County can be requested from the Comanche County Clerk's office, located at 201 S. New York Avenue, Coldwater, Kansas 67029, phone (620) 582-2361. The County Clerk maintains these records as the local registrar and can issue certified copies to eligible applicants. Under Kansas law (K.S.A.
- Fees for certified vital records are established by statute, typically $15 for the first copy of a birth or death certificate and $10 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously.
- Processing times for in-person requests are usually immediate if records are available, while mail requests may take one to two weeks.
- Marriage licenses are issued by the Comanche County Clerk's office, and couples must apply in person with valid identification and payment of the statutory fee, currently $85.50.
- The state office can be reached at (785) 296-1400, and online ordering is available through VitalChek for an additional convenience fee.
65-2422), birth and death records are restricted, and only certain individuals may obtain certified copies, including the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, or individuals with a direct and tangible interest. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and complete the appropriate application form. Marriage records, once filed, become public records and can be searched by the general public.
Divorce records are maintained by the Comanche County District Court Clerk, as divorces are judicial proceedings. For statewide access or records from other Kansas counties, the Kansas Office of Vital Statistics in Topeka serves as the central repository for all vital records in the state. Birth records are restricted for 100 years from the date of birth, while death records have shorter restriction periods.
Genealogists and researchers should contact the County Clerk for guidance on accessing historical vital records.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Comanche County, Kansas are managed through multiple levels of government. At the county level, the Comanche County Clerk, located at 201 S. New York Avenue, Coldwater, Kansas 67029, phone (620) 582-2361, handles certain local business filings including assumed name registrations (DBA or "doing business as" filings) for sole proprietorships and partnerships operating under fictitious business names. These records are public and can be searched by contacting the County Clerk's office.
- This database is free to access and provides comprehensive business entity information for all Kansas-registered companies.
For formal business entity formations such as corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, businesses must register with the Kansas Secretary of State's Business Services Division in Topeka. The Kansas Secretary of State maintains a searchable online Business Entity Database available at sos.ks.gov, where users can search for registered businesses, view entity status, registered agents, formation dates, and file documents. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, cosmetologists, healthcare providers, and real estate agents are issued by the appropriate Kansas state licensing boards, not at the county level.
Sales tax permits and exemption certificates are administered by the Kansas Department of Revenue. Local business licenses and permits may be required within the City of Coldwater, and applicants should contact Coldwater City Hall for specific requirements. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits in unincorporated areas are handled by the Comanche County Planning and Zoning office or Building Inspector, if such positions exist, otherwise through the County Commission.
The Comanche County area is served by local economic development organizations that may maintain business directories and provide assistance to new and existing businesses. While Comanche County's small population means fewer formal business licensing requirements compared to urban counties, all businesses should verify compliance with applicable local, county, and state regulations.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Comanche County, Kansas are administered by the Comanche County Clerk, who serves as the county election officer. The election office is located at 201 S. New York Avenue, Coldwater, Kansas 67029, and can be reached at (620) 582-2361 for voter registration information, polling place locations, and election-related questions. Voter registration in Comanche County can be completed in person at the County Clerk's office, by mail, or online through the Kansas Voter Registration system at www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/voterreg.
- Kansas law requires voters to register at least 21 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
- The County Clerk provides unofficial election results on election night, with official canvass results certified by the County Commission within days following the election.
- Citizens may request copies of election-related records by submitting an open records request to the County Clerk under the Kansas Open Records Act.
- The County Clerk's office provides sample ballots before elections and posts unofficial results on election night, contributing to electoral transparency in this small rural county.
Eligible voters must be U.S. citizens, residents of Kansas and Comanche County, and at least 18 years old by election day. Voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling place by contacting the County Clerk or using the Kansas Voter View system online.
Comanche County typically operates one or two polling places on election day, usually located in Coldwater, given the county's small population and geographic concentration. Advance voting by mail is available to all Kansas voters; applications for advance ballots can be obtained from the County Clerk's office or downloaded from the Kansas Secretary of State website, and must be submitted according to statutory deadlines, typically one week before election day. Election records in Comanche County are public documents under Kansas law, including voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted), precinct-level election results, candidate filing information, and campaign finance reports for county-level candidates.
In the 2024 general election, Comanche County, like most rural Kansas counties, experienced voter turnout of approximately 65-70 percent of registered voters, slightly above the state average, reflecting strong civic engagement in rural communities. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, contests for statewide offices including Governor of Kansas (if scheduled), Kansas Legislature seats, and various county offices.
Transparency in elections is maintained through public testing of voting equipment before elections, observation rights for candidate representatives, and public access to election records.
Economy & Demographics
The economy of Comanche County, Kansas is predominantly agricultural, reflecting the county's rural character and vast open prairies. As of recent estimates, the median household income in Comanche County is approximately $50,000, somewhat below the Kansas state median. The county's economic foundation rests on cattle ranching, wheat farming, and other agricultural pursuits including sorghum, corn, and hay production. Large-scale ranching operations dominate the landscape, with cow-calf operations and backgrounding yards representing significant economic activity.
- Agriculture-related businesses, including equipment dealers, feed suppliers, and veterinary services, support the primary sector.
Oil and gas extraction has historically played an important role in Comanche County's economy, with numerous wells scattered throughout the county contributing royalty income to landowners and tax revenues to the county. The energy sector, while not as prominent as in some neighboring counties, remains a steady economic contributor. The county's small population results in limited commercial and retail activity, with most retail and services concentrated in Coldwater, the county seat.
Government employment, including county offices, the school district, and road maintenance operations, represents a notable portion of the workforce. The unemployment rate in Comanche County typically mirrors or slightly exceeds state averages, fluctuating with agricultural commodity prices and seasonal farming cycles. Healthcare services are limited, with residents often traveling to larger communities for specialized medical care.
Tourism plays a minor but growing role, with outdoor recreation at Coldwater Lake attracting anglers and campers. The county faces demographic challenges common to rural Great Plains communities, including population decline, aging residents, and limited employment opportunities for young adults. Economic development efforts focus on supporting existing agricultural enterprises, maintaining infrastructure, and preserving quality of life for current residents.
There are no major corporate headquarters or large manufacturing facilities in Comanche County, and the economic outlook remains tied to agricultural commodity markets and energy prices.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ In-Person/Phone | Property: ⚠️ In-Person/Phone | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ In-Person/Phone | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person Required | Business: ✅ State Online (local in-person) | Elections: ⚠️ Limited Online | Overall Score: 4/10 — Comanche County's small population means limited digital access; most public records require in-person or telephone requests to county offices, though state-level systems provide some online business entity searches.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Comanche County
Explore public records for 3 cities and communities in Comanche County, Kansas.
Nearby Counties
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