About Crowley County
Crowley County is located in southeastern Colorado, established in 1911 and named after Colorado pioneer John H. Crowley. Crowley County Seat and largest town is Ordway, positioned approximately 50 miles east of Pueblo. Crowley County includes approximately 800 square miles of high plains terrain at an elevation averaging 4,300 feet. As of recent census estimates, the population hovers around 5,900 residents, making it one of Colorado's smaller counties by population.
The scene is characterized by agricultural plains irrigated by the Arkansas River, which flows through the southern portion of Crowley County. Lake Henry and Ordway Reservoir are notable water features that support both irrigation and recreation. Crowley County's history is deeply rooted in homesteading and irrigated farming, with the establishment of canal systems in the early 20th century transforming the arid plains into productive farmland.
Crowley County is home to Crowley County Correctional Facility, a state prison that represents a significant employer in Crowley County. Crowley County Recorder, County Clerk and Recorder, and County Assessor maintain offices at Crowley County Courthouse located at 110 East 6th Street in Ordway, CO 81063. The economy remains heavily agricultural, with wheat, corn, alfalfa, and cattle production dominating.
What makes Crowley County unique is its blend of agricultural heritage, prison economy, and small-town character, along with its position as a vital contributor to Colorado's Eastern Plains agricultural output.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Crowley County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement services throughout Crowley County, particularly in the unincorporated areas. The office oversees Crowley County jail, manages the booking and processing of arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community policing efforts and may have specialized divisions focusing on narcotics, investigations, or community outreach, tailored to the needs of Crowley County residents.
Police Departments
In addition to Crowley County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement services in Crowley County are provided by municipal police departments, such as the Ordway Police Department. These agencies are responsible for maintaining law and order within their respective jurisdictions, handling local incidents, and coordinating with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes. The Sheriff's Office typically handles broader county-wide issues, while municipal departments focus on city-specific law enforcement needs.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Crowley County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas and provides countywide services including patrol, criminal investigations, civil process, and detention operations. The Sheriff's Office is, Ordway, CO 81063, and can be reached for The office maintains a detention facility that houses county inmates and provides booking information.
- § 24-72-201 et seq.), and requests can be submitted to the Sheriff's Office in writing.
- Requesters should provide specific information about the incident or individual and be prepared to pay reasonable copying fees.
Inmate searches and jail roster information can typically be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, as many smaller Colorado counties do not maintain real-time online inmate databases. Municipal law enforcement in Crowley County is limited due to the small population centers; Ordway, the largest town, relies primarily on the Sheriff's Office for law enforcement services, though some municipal ordinance enforcement may be handled locally. Arrest records in Crowley County are public records under the Colorado Public (Open) Records Act (C.R.S.
Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Colorado and may be available through the Sheriff's Office, though policies on dissemination vary. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation also maintains criminal history records accessible through authorized channels. Due to the presence of Crowley County Correctional Facility, a state Department of Corrections facility, inmates housed there fall under state jurisdiction and can be searched through the Colorado Department of Corrections inmate locator system at https://cdoc.colorado.gov/.
There are no tribal police jurisdictions in Crowley County.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Crowley County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registrations. Crowley County Sheriff's Office, along with the local police departments, maintains these records. Background checks can be conducted through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, which provides statewide criminal history information. Residents of Crowley County can access these records to verify the criminal background of individuals for employment or personal reasons.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Crowley County are maintained by Crowley County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the individual arrested. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following procedures outlined under the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA). An arrest record in Crowley County typically contains the date of arrest, charges, and the arresting agency, providing a summary of the incident.
Jail & Inmate Records
Crowley County Jail, located in Ordway, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Crowley County. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting personal information of the 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, typically requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process follows Colorado state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees upon payment of a set bail amount or through a bail bondsman.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Crowley County are taken and retained by Crowley County Sheriff's Office as part of the booking process. These photographs are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office, either online or by request. While some third-party websites may offer mugshot searches, the most reliable source is the official Sheriff's Office. Colorado has specific laws regarding the removal of mugshots from online databases, particularly if the charges are dismissed or if the individual is acquitted.
Courts & Case Records
Crowley County is served by the Colorado 16th Judicial District Court, which also covers Bent and Otero counties. Crowley County Combined Courts are located at 110 East 6th Street, Ordway, CO 81063, and can be reached for This court has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $15,000, domestic relations matters including divorce and child custody, probate and estate matters, juvenile cases, and mental health proceedings.
- County Court, also located at the same address, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases up to $15,000, protection orders, and small claims matters (up to $7,500).
- Fees for court documents vary; certified copies typically cost $1.00 per page plus a $20.00 certification fee, while standard copies are generally $0.75 per page.
- In-person requests can be made at the Clerk of Court's office during regular business hours.
Colorado offers an online case search system through the Colorado Judicial Branch website at https://www.courts.state.co.us/. Users can search by party name, case number, or attorney to access case information, though some sensitive records may be restricted. Public access to court records in Colorado is governed by C.R.S.
§ 13-3-101 et seq. And Chief Justice Directives, which balance transparency with privacy concerns. Some documents, including sealed records, juvenile records (except certain serious offenses), and records containing confidential information, may be restricted.
The court maintains both civil and criminal dockets, and historical records dating back to Crowley County's founding are preserved through the Clerk of Court's office.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Crowley County are maintained by Crowley County Clerk and Recorder, located at 110 East 6th Street, Ordway, CO 81063. The office can be contacted for The Clerk and Recorder's office is responsible for recording and preserving real property documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, releases, liens (mechanic's, judgment, tax), easements, plat maps, and subdivision records. These records are public under Colorado law (C.R.S. § 30-10-406) and can be accessed by anyone during normal business hours.
- While some Colorado counties offer strong online property record search systems, Crowley County's online resources may be limited due to its small size and budget constraints.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for a fee, typically $1.00 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page, with additional charges for certification.
- Research requests can be made in person, by phone, or by written request.
Interested parties should contact the Clerk and Recorder's office directly to inquire about current online search availability. Property tax records and assessment information are managed by Crowley County Assessor's Office, also located in the courthouse at 110 East 6th Street, Ordway, CO 81063, phone. The Assessor maintains property valuation records, ownership information, parcel maps, and agricultural classification data.
Property tax payment information and delinquency records are handled by the County Treasurer's office at the same location. While Crowley County may not have an advanced GIS parcel viewer system like larger counties, basic property information can typically be obtained by contacting the Assessor's office with a parcel number, legal description, or street address.
Vital Records
Vital records in Crowley County, Colorado, are managed through multiple offices depending on the record type. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Crowley County can be requested through Crowley County Clerk and Recorder's office at 110 East 6th Street, Ordway, CO 81063, phone. However, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Vital Records Section, maintains the statewide repository and is often the most reliable source for certified copies.
- Birth certificates cost $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 copy and $13.00 for additional copies.
- Processing times vary: in-person requests at the state office may be completed the same day, walk-in requests at Crowley County level typically take a few days, and mail requests generally require 2-4 weeks.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at https://www.vitalchek.com for expedited service with additional fees.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $30.00.
The state office is located at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246-1530, and can be reached at or through their website at https://cdphe.colorado.gov/vital records. Marriage licenses are issued by Crowley County Clerk and Recorder's office; couples must apply in person with valid identification, and there is no waiting period or blood test required in Colorado. Divorce decrees and dissolution records are court records maintained by Crowley County District Court Clerk, accessible through the court for Access to vital records is governed by Colorado Revised Statutes § 25-2-117, which restricts birth and death certificates to eligible individuals including the registrant, family members, legal representatives, and those with a direct and tangible interest.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Crowley County are accessible through several offices depending on the type of record. Crowley County Clerk and Recorder at 110 East 6th Street, Ordway, CO 81063, handles certain local business filings including trade name (DBA - Doing Business As) registrations and fictitious name statements. These records are public and can be searched by contacting the Clerk's office. For full business entity information, the Colorado Secretary of State maintains the statewide business database accessible at https://www.sos.state.co.us/biz/BusinessEntityCriteriaExt.do.
- This free online search tool allows users to look up corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, trade names, and trademarks registered in Colorado.
- The database provides formation dates, registered agent information, principal office addresses, and filing status.
Business licenses at the municipal level, if required, would be issued by the Town of Ordway or other municipalities; inquiries should be directed to town offices for Professional and occupational licenses (contractors, cosmetologists, real estate agents, etc.) are typically regulated at the state level through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), with searchable databases at https://apps.colorado.gov/dora/licensing/lookup/. Sales tax licenses and retailer permits are administered by the Colorado Department of Revenue. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use applications in unincorporated Crowley County are handled by Crowley County Planning and Zoning Department; contact the County Commissioners' office for information.
Crowley County Economic Development office and local chambers of commerce may provide additional business resources, though Crowley County's small size means formal economic development infrastructure may be limited.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Crowley County, Colorado, are administered by Crowley County Clerk and Recorder, who is the designated election official. The office is located at 110 East 6th Street, Ordway, CO 81063, and can be reached for Crowley County elections website and information can be accessed through Crowley County government page or the Colorado Secretary of State's election portal at https://www.sos.state.co.us/.
- The registration deadline for mail and online registration is typically 22 days before an election; after that, individuals must register in person.
- To register, applicants must be U.S.
- Colorado is a universal mail ballot state, meaning every registered voter automatically receives a mail ballot approximately 18-22 days before each election.
Voter registration in Crowley County can be completed online through the state system at GoVoteColorado.gov, in person at the Clerk and Recorder's office, or by mail using a voter registration form. Colorado allows same-day voter registration during the early voting period and on Election Day at voter service and polling centers. Citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and Colorado residents for at least 22 days prior to the election.
Voters can return ballots by mail (no postage required if using the official return envelope), at 24-hour ballot drop boxes located in Ordway and other accessible locations, or in person at voter service centers. To find your polling place or voter service center in Crowley County, voters can contact the Clerk's office or use the online lookup tool at https://www.sos.state.co.us/voter/pages/pub/olvr/findVoterReg.xhtml. Election records that are public include voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted for privacy), campaign finance disclosures filed by candidates and committees (available through the Colorado Secretary of State TRACER system), candidate filings and statements, precinct-level election results, and ballot issue information.
The 2024 general election saw typical turnout for Crowley County in the range of 65-75%, consistent with Colorado's generally high voter participation rates. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate midterm elections, Colorado state offices including Governor (if applicable to the cycle), state legislative seats, and local county positions.
Absentee and mail-in ballots are the standard voting method in Colorado; voters who do not receive a ballot or need a replacement should contact the Clerk and Recorder's office. Transparency in Crowley County elections is governed by Colorado Revised Statutes Title 1 (Elections) and the Colorado Open Records Act, so that citizens can request ballot counting procedures, voting equipment testing records, election canvass reports, and voter history data, subject to privacy protections for individual voter choices.
Economy & Demographics
Crowley County's economy is predominantly agricultural, reflecting its Eastern Plains location and the productive irrigated farmland supported by Arkansas River water rights and extensive canal systems. Wheat, corn, alfalfa, sorghum, and dry beans are principal crops, while cattle ranching and feedlot operations contribute significantly to agricultural revenues. Crowley County ranks among Colorado's top producers in several crop categories, with agriculture representing the economic foundation for generations.
- As of recent estimates, the median household income in Crowley County is approximately $44,000 to $48,000, below both state and national averages, reflecting the rural character and limited economic diversification.
- Crowley County has few major corporations or industrial facilities outside of agricultural processing and farm implement dealers.
The single largest employer in Crowley County is Crowley County Correctional Facility, a state-operated medium-security prison managed by the Colorado Department of Corrections, which employs several hundred staff and has a substantial economic impact through payroll and local spending. Beyond agriculture and corrections, the economy includes small retail businesses, service providers, and government employment (county offices, school district). Crowley County School District RE-1-J is another significant employer.
Unemployment rates in Crowley County have historically tracked slightly above state averages but remain relatively stable. Economic challenges include limited population growth, out-migration of younger residents, dependence on commodity prices, and water availability issues. Recent economic development efforts have focused on promoting agribusiness value-added opportunities, supporting existing businesses, and maintaining infrastructure.
Tourism plays a minimal role, though hunting, fishing at area reservoirs, and heritage tourism related to homesteading history generate modest activity. Wind energy development has emerged as a potential economic opportunity in some Eastern Plains counties, though large-scale projects in Crowley County remain limited.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Online (State Portal) | Property: Limited: Contact Office | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Yes: State Online + Local Office | Business: Yes: State Online Search | Elections: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Overall Score: 6/10, Crowley County provides access to public records primarily through in-person and phone requests due to limited local digital infrastructure, though state-level portals fill many gaps.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Crowley County
Explore public records for 4 cities and communities in Crowley County, Colorado.