About Crook County
Crook County is located in the northeastern corner of Wyoming, bordered by South Dakota and Montana. Established in 1875 and organized in 1885, Crook County was named after General George Crook, a distinguished military officer who served in the Indian Wars. Crook County Seat is Sundance, a small town made famous by the outlaw Harry Longabaugh, who adopted the alias "Sundance Kid" after being incarcerated there in the 1880s.
- This striking geological formation rises 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River and attracts approximately 400,000 visitors annually.
Crook County includes approximately 2,859 square miles and has a population of around 7,200 residents, making it one of Wyoming's smaller counties by population. Crook County is home to Devils Tower National Monument, America's first national monument designated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. Crook County's economy is primarily driven by agriculture, tourism, and natural resource extraction.
Crook County's government operates from Crook County Courthouse at 309 Cleveland Street in Sundance. Key county offices include Crook County Clerk located in the courthouse, Crook County Clerk who maintains land records, and Crook County Assessor responsible for property valuations. Crook County maintains a largely rural character with the incorporated town of Sundance serving as the primary commercial and governmental center.
The scene features rolling plains transitioning to ponderosa pine forests in the Black Hills region, offering diverse recreational opportunities including hunting, fishing, and hiking.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Crook County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Crook County. This office patrols the unincorporated areas, manages Crook County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. Notable divisions within the office include the patrol division, investigations, and a dedicated team for search and rescue operations, reflecting Crook County's commitment to full law enforcement services.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Crook County is primarily handled by Crook County Sheriff's Office, which oversees the unincorporated areas and smaller communities. In addition, the city of Sundance has its own police department, the Sundance Police Department, which manages law enforcement within city limits. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and response.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Crook County Sheriff's Office, located at 309 Cleveland Street in Sundance, Wyoming 82729, is the primary law enforcement agency for Crook County. Crook County Detention Center, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving sentences. Inmate information can be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the Sheriff's Office, though there may be fees associated with obtaining copies.
- Wyoming law requires that law enforcement agencies respond to public records requests within a reasonable timeframe.
- For historical arrest records, requests should be directed to the Sheriff's Office records division.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Crook County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation offers additional resources for background checks, which can be requested by residents for employment or personal purposes.
- The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation provides statewide criminal history information, which includes data from Crook County, making sure of full coverage If you need detailed criminal records.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Crook County are maintained by Crook County Sheriff's Office. These records provide detailed information about the circumstances of an arrest, including the charges, arresting officer, and date of arrest. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the Wyoming Public Records Act, these records are accessible to the public, although certain sensitive information may be redacted to protect privacy.
Jail & Inmate Records
Crook County Detention Center, located in Sundance, is the primary facility for housing individuals arrested within Crook County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting the personal information of detainees. Inmate lookup services are available to the public, allowing individuals to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to strict security protocols.
- The bond and bail process in Wyoming allows for the release of detainees under certain conditions, and information on recently arrested individuals can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Crook County are taken and retained by Crook County Sheriff's Office as part of the booking process. These booking photos are considered public records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While some counties offer online databases for mugshot searches, Crook County may require in-person or written requests for access. Wyoming 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
Crook County is served by the Sixth Judicial District Court of Wyoming, which handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $50,000, domestic relations, probate, and juvenile matters. Crook County Court is located at Crook County Courthouse, 309 Cleveland Street, Sundance, Wyoming 82729, and can be contacted through the office’s website. The court clerk's office maintains case files and court records dating back to Crook County's organization.
- Circuit Court for Crook County also convenes at the courthouse and has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters under $50,000, small claims up to $6,000, and is the appellate court for lower courts.
- Case searches can be conducted in person at the courthouse, and the clerk's office charges fees for copies and certified documents according to the fee schedule established by Wyoming statute.
- Fees for certified copies typically range from $3 to $5 per document plus a certification fee.
Crook County Circuit Court handles the majority of traffic violations and preliminary hearings for felony cases. Court records in Wyoming are presumed to be public under Wyoming Statute §1-39-101 et seq. And Rule 2.06 of the Wyoming Public Records Act.
The public may access court records by visiting the clerk's office during business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Wyoming Judicial Branch operates a statewide case lookup system at wyomingcases.gov, though not all historical records may be digitized. Justice of the Peace Court historically operated in Crook County but has been largely consolidated into the Circuit Court system under Wyoming's unified court structure.
Property & Public Records
Crook County County Clerk's Office, located at 309 Cleveland Street, Sundance, Wyoming 82729, maintains official land records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, liens, releases, easements, rights-of-way, and plat maps. The office can be contacted through the office’s website. The Recorder's office has indexed land records dating back to Crook County's establishment, with some records available in digital format. Property records are public under Wyoming Statute §18-3-401 et seq, and citizens may search deed records during business hours or request copies for a statutory fee.
- To obtain certified copies of recorded documents, requesters must visit or contact the County Clerk's office with the specific document information including book and page number or reception number.
- Fees for copies are established by Wyoming statute and typically include a per-page charge plus certification fees if required.
Crook County Assessor's Office, also located in the courthouse, maintains property tax assessment records, parcel information, ownership data, and agricultural land classifications. The Assessor can be contacted for property valuation information. Property tax records including current and delinquent taxes are maintained by Crook County Treasurer's Office at the same address.
Crook County does not currently offer a full online property search portal, though some property information may be available through third-party vendors. Crook County may offer a Geographic Information System (GIS) parcel viewer, though online access capabilities are limited compared to larger Wyoming counties. For the most current property information, direct contact with the Recorder or Assessor's office is recommended.
Vital Records
Vital records for Crook County, Wyoming, are maintained by both local and state agencies. Birth and death certificates occurring in Crook County may be obtained through Crook County Clerk's Office at 309 Cleveland Street, Sundance, Wyoming 82729, phone, though the Wyoming Department of Health Vital Statistics Services is the primary repository for all Wyoming vital records.
- Death certificates are available for $13 for the first copy and $4 for additional copies.
- The marriage license fee is established by Wyoming statute and there is no waiting period or blood test requirement in Wyoming.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through the Wyoming Department of Health's VitalChek service at vitalchek.com, though expedited service fees apply.
- Requesters must provide valid identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record under Wyoming Statute §35-1-401 et seq.
The state office is located at 2300 Capitol Avenue, Hempstead Building, 1st Floor, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82002 and can be contacted through the office’s website. Birth certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, with processing times typically ranging from two to four weeks for mail requests. Marriage licenses are issued by Crook County Clerk's Office and require both parties to appear in person with valid government-issued identification. Divorce decrees and dissolution records are maintained by the District Court Clerk at Crook County Courthouse.
Genealogical researchers may access historical vital records more than 50 years old through the Wyoming State Archives. Certified copies suitable for legal purposes require notarized applications and proof of relationship or legal authority to obtain restricted records.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Crook County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Crook County Clerk's Office at 309 Cleveland Street, Sundance, Wyoming 82729, handles Doing Business As (DBA) filings and fictitious name registrations for businesses operating under assumed names in Crook County.
- Sales tax licenses and permits are administered by the Wyoming Department of Revenue's Excise Tax Division, and businesses collecting sales tax must register with the state.
- The Sundance Area Chamber of Commerce, which can be reached through the City of Sundance offices, provides resources for business development and maintains information about local businesses.
These records are public and can be searched by contacting the Clerk's office for business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, filings must be made with the Wyoming Secretary of State's Office. The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at wyobiz.wyo.gov where citizens can look up business entities, verify good standing status, view registered agents, and access articles of incorporation and annual reports. Wyoming is known for its business-friendly environment with no corporate income tax and strong privacy protections for LLC members.
Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are issued by respective state licensing boards rather than county agencies. Building permits and zoning approvals in unincorporated Crook County are handled by Crook County Planning and Zoning Department, while the Town of Sundance issues its own permits for construction within town limits. County business licenses may be required for certain activities, and inquiries should be directed to the County Clerk's office for specific requirements.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Crook County are administered by Crook County Clerk, who serves as Crook County election official. Crook County Clerk's office is located at 309 Cleveland Street, Sundance, Wyoming 82729, and can be contacted through the office’s website. election related inquiries. Voter registration in Wyoming is available to U.S. Citizens who are at least 18 years old by election day and have resided in Wyoming for at least 30 days prior to the election.
- Wyoming offers online voter registration through the Secretary of State's website at sos.wyo.gov, where eligible citizens can register or update their registration information.
- Absentee ballots in Crook County can be requested through the County Clerk's office either in person, by mail, or online through the state system.
- Wyoming law allows any registered voter to request an absentee ballot without providing a reason.
- Crook County maintains transparent election processes with public testing of voting equipment, observation opportunities for interested citizens, and prompt posting of unofficial results on election night.
The voter registration deadline in Wyoming is typically 30 days before an election, though same-day voter registration is available at polling places during early voting and on election day with proper documentation including proof of residence. To find your polling place in Crook County, voters can contact the County Clerk's office or check their voter registration status on the Wyoming Secretary of State's website. Crook County typically operates several polling locations in Sundance and outlying areas of Crook County during general elections.
Election records that are public in Wyoming include voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted), campaign finance reports filed with the Wyoming Secretary of State, candidate filing information, and precinct-level election results. These records are accessible under Wyoming Statute §22-1-101 et seq. Governing elections.
Crook County, like much of Wyoming, demonstrates high voter participation rates, often exceeding 70% turnout in presidential election years. In the 2024 general election, Crook County voter turnout was consistent with Crook County's history of strong civic engagement. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races, potential U.S. Senate races depending on the cycle, and Wyoming state legislature positions. Absentee ballot applications must be received by the County Clerk by the close of business the day before the election, though earlier submission is strongly encouraged.
Economy & Demographics
Crook County's economy is characterized by a diverse mix of agriculture, tourism, natural resource extraction, and government services. Cattle ranching and dryland farming represent the traditional economic base, with many multi-generational family operations continuing to dominate the rural scene. Crook County's agricultural sector produces cattle, hay, wheat, and other crops suited to the semi-arid climate.
- Census Bureau estimates, the median household income in Crook County is approximately $58,000 to $63,000, slightly below the state average but reflecting the rural character of Crook County.
- Timber harvesting in the Black Hills portion of Crook County provides additional economic activity.
- Government employment, including county offices, schools, and federal land management agencies, provides stable year-round jobs.
Tourism centered around Devils Tower National Monument contributes significantly to the local economy, with visitor spending supporting hotels, restaurants, guide services, and retail establishments in Sundance and surrounding areas. The monument's international recognition, enhanced by its feature in the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," draws visitors from across the globe. According to U.S.
The unemployment rate typically tracks below national averages, consistent with Wyoming's generally strong employment picture driven by natural resource industries. Bentonite mining occurs in portions of Crook County, contributing to Wyoming's position as the world's leading producer of this valuable clay mineral used in drilling, foundries, and other industrial applications. Small businesses in Sundance provide essential services including healthcare, retail, construction, and professional services.
Crook County has seen modest growth in remote workers and entrepreneurs attracted to the quality of life and outdoor recreation opportunities. Economic development efforts focus on supporting existing businesses, promoting tourism, and maintaining the infrastructure necessary for agriculture and natural resource industries.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (via state portal) | Property: Limited: Online Access | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Only | Vital Records: Yes: Available (state & county) | Business: Yes: Online (state portal) | Elections: Yes: Good Access | Overall Score: 7/10, Crook County provides reasonable access to public records, though some services require in-person or phone contact due to the county's small size and limited digital infrastructure.