About Custer County
Custer County, Colorado, is a rural mountain county located in the south-central portion of the state, including approximately 740 square miles of the Wet Mountain Valley and portions of the Sangre de Cristo Range. Custer County Seat is Westcliffe, a small town situated at an elevation of approximately 7,888 feet. Established in 1877 and named after Civil War cavalry commander General George Armstrong Custer, Custer County has a population of roughly 4,700-5,000 residents as of recent estimates, making it one of Colorado's least-populous counties.
The dramatic scene includes the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, the Spanish Peaks, and portions of San Isabel National Forest, drawing outdoor recreation enthusiasts year-round. Major landmarks include the Wet Mountain Valley, known for its stunning views of the fourteen-thousand-foot peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Range, and the historic Silver Cliff mining town. Custer County's economy historically centered on ranching, mining, and timber, though tourism and second-home development have become increasingly important.
Key county offices include Custer County Clerk and Recorder at 205 South 6th Street in Westcliffe, Custer County Assessor at the same address, and various administrative offices housed in Custer County Courthouse. What makes Custer County unique is its designation as Colorado's first International Dark Sky Community, recognized for exceptional night sky visibility with minimal light pollution, attracting astronomers and stargazers from around the world.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Custer County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Custer County, particularly in the unincorporated areas. The office handles patrol duties, manages Custer County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community outreach programs and emergency response coordination. The office runs a search and rescue team that is crucial given Custer County's mountainous terrain and outdoor activities.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Custer County is primarily handled by Custer County Sheriff's Office, which covers the entire county, including unincorporated areas. The town of Westcliffe has its own police department, which focuses on municipal law enforcement within town limits. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and response throughout Custer County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Custer County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for Custer County, headquartered at 205 South 6th Street, Westcliffe, CO 81252, and can be reached for The Sheriff's Office website, accessible through Custer County government portal at www.custercountygov.com, provides information on services, community programs, and public safety initiatives. Custer County Detention Facility, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates and provides booking information; however, as a small rural facility, inmate lookup may require direct phone contact with the Sheriff's Office during business hours, as online databases are limited.
- To request arrest records, citizens should submit a written request to Custer County Sheriff's Office, specifying the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
- Processing times and copy fees apply per county policy.
- Mugshots and booking photos may be available through direct request to the Sheriff's Office, though online mugshot databases are not consistently maintained for this rural county.
For current inmate information, citizens should call the jail directly at the Sheriff's Office main number. The incorporated towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff are small communities that rely primarily on Custer County Sheriff's Office for law enforcement, though they maintain their own municipal governments. Under the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (C.R.S.
§ 24-72-301 et seq.) and the Colorado Open Records Act (C.R.S. § 24-72-200.1 et seq.), arrest records are generally considered public information, though certain juvenile and sealed records are protected. No tribal law enforcement jurisdictions exist within Custer County boundaries.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Custer County's criminal records system includes documentation of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and a sex offender registry. The Sheriff's Office is the primary custodian of these records, while the Colorado Bureau of Investigation provides statewide background checks that include Custer County data. Residents can request background checks through the Bureau's online portal, which provides full criminal history information. The sex offender registry is maintained by the Sheriff's Office and is accessible to the public for safety and awareness.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Custer County are maintained by Custer 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. Under the Colorado Open Records Act, these records are accessible to the public, although certain restrictions may apply to protect privacy and ongoing investigations. An arrest record typically includes the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and any court dates.
Jail & Inmate Records
Custer County Jail, located in Westcliffe, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Custer County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing the public to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring appointments and adherence to a strict schedule. The bond and bail process follows Colorado state guidelines, allowing for cash or surety bonds depending on the charges.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Custer County are taken and retained by Custer 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. While the office may not provide an online database for mugshot searches, requests can be made in person or by mail. Colorado does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can petition for removal if charges are dropped or if they are found not guilty.
Courts & Case Records
Custer County is served by the 11th Judicial District Court of Colorado, with Custer County courthouse located at 205 South 6th Street, Westcliffe, CO 81252. The court can be reached for This combined district court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $15,000, domestic relations matters including divorce and child custody, probate proceedings, juvenile cases, and mental health matters.
- County Court, also housed in the same facility, exercises jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases up to $15,000, protection orders, and small claims matters up to $7,500.
- Certified copies of court documents cost $1.50 per page, with a $20 certification fee, while uncertified copies are typically $0.75 per page, though fees are subject to change.
Colorado's court system provides online case access through the Colorado Judicial Branch website at www.courts.state.co.us, where users can search case records by party name, case number, or attorney, though some sensitive case types are restricted from public view. In-person records searches can be conducted at Custer County courthouse during business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Colorado Open Records Act (C.R.S.
§ 24-72-200.1) governs access to most court administrative records, while case file access is governed by Colorado Rules of Public Access to Court Records. Many court records are presumed open to public inspection unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute, including juvenile records, certain mental health proceedings, and cases involving victims of sexual assault.
Property & Public Records
Custer County Clerk and Recorder's Office, located at 205 South 6th Street, Westcliffe, CO 81252 (phone: 719-783-2441), is the official repository for land and property records in Custer County. The office maintains and provides public access to real property records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgage releases, mechanic's liens, lis pendens notices, easements, covenants, subdivision plats, and other documents affecting real property title.
- Recording fees vary by document type and page count, with standard documents typically costing $13 for the first page and $5 for each additional page, though fees are adjusted periodically.
- Certified copies are available for an additional fee.
- The Clerk and Recorder's Office provides document recording services during regular business hours and maintains indices searchable by grantor/grantee name and legal description.
- For property tax information, Custer County Assessor's Office, also at 205 South 6th Street (phone: 719-783-2411), maintains property valuation records, ownership data, and assessment information.
- Custer County Treasurer, located at the same address (phone: 719-783-2468), handles property tax collection, payment records, and tax lien information.
While Custer County has limited online record searching capabilities compared to larger Colorado counties, some records may be accessible through third-party subscription services. The Assessor's website, accessible through www.custercountygov.com, may provide basic property search capabilities and mill levy information. Citizens can request property tax payment history and obtain tax receipts.
A GIS parcel viewer may be available through Custer County website, showing property boundaries, ownership, and basic assessment data, though functionality may be limited compared to urban counties.
Vital Records
Vital records for Custer County, Colorado, are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Custer County are filed with Custer County Clerk and Recorder's Office at 205 South 6th Street, Westcliffe, CO 81252 (phone: 719-783-2441), though the office typically maintains only recent records. Certified copies of birth certificates cost approximately $20, and certified death certificates cost approximately $20 for the first copy and $13 for additional copies ordered simultaneously, though fees are subject to change.
- Processing times range from 10-15 business days for mail requests to 2-5 business days for expedited online orders.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Custer County Clerk and Recorder's Office; couples must apply in person with valid identification, and the current fee is approximately $30.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Vital Records Section in Denver maintains the state's full vital records registry for births and deaths occurring anywhere in Colorado from 1910 forward. State vital records can be requested by mail at Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Vital Records Section, HSVRD-VR-A1, 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246-1530, by phone, or online through VitalChek at www.colorado.gov/cdphe/categories/services/birth-death-and-other-vital records for expedited processing with additional fees. Colorado has no waiting period or blood test requirement.
Divorce decrees are court records maintained by Custer County District Court, accessible through the Clerk of Court. Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 25-2-117, vital records are confidential and available only to eligible applicants including the registrant (if of legal age), family members, legal representatives, and individuals with a direct tangible interest as defined by law, requiring presentation of valid government-issued photo identification.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Custer County, Colorado, are maintained at multiple government levels. For local business registrations, Custer County Clerk and Recorder's Office at 205 South 6th Street, Westcliffe, CO 81252 (phone: 719-783-2441) handles trade name filings (doing business as or DBA registrations) for businesses operating under names other than the owner's legal name. Trade name registration fees are established by statute and typically cost $20-25.
- Sales tax licenses for businesses collecting retail sales tax are administered by the Colorado Department of Revenue, though businesses must also register with local jurisdictions that impose sales taxes.
However, formal business entity formation, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, must be registered with the Colorado Secretary of State's Business Division. The Secretary of State maintains a free, searchable online database at www.sos.state.co.us/biz where users can look up business entity information by name or ID number, view formation dates, registered agent information, status (active, delinquent, dissolved), and principal addresses. Professional and occupational licenses (such as contractors, health practitioners, cosmetologists) are generally issued by state-level boards and divisions rather than county government.
Building permits, zoning compliance, and land use approvals are handled by Custer County Planning and Zoning Department, contactable through Custer County administration offices at 205 South 6th Street. Contractors performing work in unincorporated Custer County should verify permit requirements with the Building Department. The Wet Mountain Valley Chamber of Commerce (website: www.wetmountainvalley.com) serves the business community in Custer County, providing networking, promotion, and visitor information for the Westcliffe and Silver Cliff area.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Custer County, Colorado, are administered by Custer County Clerk and Recorder's Office, which is the designated election official, located at 205 South 6th Street, Westcliffe, CO 81252. The office can be reached, and election information is available through Custer County website at www.custercountygov.com. Voter registration in Colorado is available online through the Colorado Secretary of State's website at www.GoVoteColorado.gov, where eligible citizens can register or update their registration.
- Early voting typically begins 15 days before Election Day at designated Voter Service and Polling Centers where voters may register, update registration, receive replacement ballots, and vote in person.
Colorado law requires voters to register at least 22 days before an election to receive a mail ballot automatically, though same-day registration is available at Voter Service and Polling Centers during the early voting period and on Election Day. Registered voters in Custer County automatically receive mail ballots for all elections under Colorado's vote-by-mail system, which can be returned by mail (postmarked by Election Day) or deposited in secure ballot drop boxes located in Westcliffe and other locations announced before each election. Voters can track their ballot status online through the BallotTrax system.
In-person voting is available at Voter Service and Polling Centers; voters can find their designated polling location and hours by contacting the County Clerk or visiting the Colorado Secretary of State's website. Public election records include voter registration lists (available for purchase under specific statutory restrictions), campaign finance reports for county candidates and ballot issue committees, candidate filings and statements, election results by precinct, and related administrative records, all governed by Colorado's open records laws. In the November 2024 general election, Custer County demonstrated strong civic engagement with turnout typically ranging between 70% and 85%, consistent with Colorado's historically high participation rates, particularly in presidential election years.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, one U.S. Senate seat, Colorado statewide offices including Governor (if applicable to the cycle), state legislative seats, and county offices, along with potential ballot measures.
Colorado Revised Statutes Title 1 governs election administration and provides for substantial transparency, allowing citizens to observe ballot processing, request audits under specific conditions, and access precinct-level voting data.
Economy & Demographics
Custer County's economy is characterized by ranching, agriculture, tourism, and an increasing number of retirees and remote workers attracted by Custer County's natural beauty and quality of life. Custer County's population density remains extremely low, with approximately 6-7 people per square mile, contributing to its rural character. Major economic sectors include cattle ranching, which has been the backbone of the local economy since the 19th century, with vast private ranches occupying much of the Wet Mountain Valley. Hay production supports the ranching industry.
- Census data estimates, median household income in Custer County ranges between $50,000 and $60,000, somewhat below the Colorado state median, reflecting the rural, lower-cost character of Custer County.
Tourism represents a growing sector, driven by outdoor recreation including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, and Custer County's designation as an International Dark Sky Community, attracting astronomy enthusiasts. According to U.S. The largest employers include Custer County School District, county government, retail establishments in Westcliffe and Silver Cliff, and healthcare providers including Custer County Medical Clinic.
Unemployment rates tend to fluctuate seasonally, with higher employment during summer tourism months. Custer County has seen modest growth in second-home development and retirees, though affordable housing availability has become a concern. There are no major manufacturing facilities or corporate headquarters in Custer County.
Economic development initiatives focus on promoting tourism, supporting existing ranching operations, and attracting remote workers and small businesses compatible with Custer County's rural character and environmental values. San Isabel National Forest and Bureau of Land Management lands provide some employment through federal agencies and contracting, though at limited levels.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Property: Limited: Online Access | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone Request | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or State Office | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 6/10, Custer County provides access to most public records, though as a small rural county, online services are more limited than in urban areas, requiring more in-person or phone contact.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Custer County
Explore public records for 2 cities and communities in Custer County, Colorado.