About Custer County

Population 4,411 residents
County Seat Challis
Established 1881
Named After General George Armstrong
Area 4,921 square miles

Custer County, Idaho, is a vast and rugged county located in the central part of the state, including approximately 4,937 square miles of mountainous terrain. Custer County seat is Challis, a small community situated along the Salmon River that is the administrative and commercial hub for this sparsely populated region. With a population of approximately 4,300 residents as of recent estimates, Custer County is one of Idaho's least densely populated counties, offering People an authentic experience of the American West. Custer County was established in 1881 and named after General George Armstrong Custer. Custer County is home to several significant landmarks, including portions of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness (the largest contiguous wilderness area in the lower 48 states), and the historic mining town of Bonanza, which experienced a gold rush in the 1870s. The Lost Rivers Mountain Range and the White Cloud Mountains dominate the scene, with Borah Peak—Idaho's highest mountain at 12,662 feet—located within county boundaries. Custer County's economy historically centered on mining, ranching, and timber, though today tourism and outdoor recreation play increasingly important roles. Custer County Recorder, maintains property and land records. Custer County Clerk's office, also at Custer County courthouse at 206 Main Street, handles court records, marriage licenses, and election administration. Custer County Assessor, situated at the same courthouse complex, manages property tax assessments and maintains parcel information for Custer County's vast land area.

  • The Lost Rivers Mountain Range and the White Cloud Mountains dominate the scene, with Borah Peak, Idaho's highest mountain at 12,662 feet, located within county boundaries.

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

Custer County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Custer County. It operates Custer County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office runs programs focused on rural crime prevention and emergency response coordination, reflecting Custer County's vast and varied scene.

Police Departments

In addition to Custer County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Custer County includes the Challis Police Department and the Mackay Police Department. These municipal departments handle law enforcement within their respective city limits and coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on larger investigations and emergencies. The agencies work together to ensure public safety across Custer County, sharing resources and information as needed.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

Law enforcement in Custer County, Idaho, is primarily provided by Custer County Sheriff's Office, Idaho 83226. Custer County Detention Center, a small facility adjacent to the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates awaiting trial or serving short sentences.

  • Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Idaho and may be available through direct request to the Sheriff's Office, though they may not be posted online.

Inmate information can be obtained by calling the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, though online inmate lookup services may be limited due to Custer County's small size and limited technological infrastructure. The city of Challis, as a small county, relies primarily on the Sheriff's Office for law enforcement services and does not maintain a separate municipal police department. Other communities in Custer County, including Mackay, Clayton, and Stanley, similarly depend on the Sheriff's Office for primary law enforcement.

Arrest records in Custer County are public records under Idaho Code § 74-101 et seq, the Idaho Public Records Act, which guarantees citizen access to most government documents. Due to the remote nature of Custer County and its proximity to vast wilderness areas, the Sheriff's Office works closely with Idaho State Police, U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement, and Bureau of Land Management rangers who have jurisdiction on federal lands.

Search and rescue operations are a significant component of law enforcement activity given Custer County's rugged terrain and popular backcountry recreation areas.

Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records

Criminal Records

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Custer County, ID are public under most state public-records laws unless sealed or expunged by a court. They are maintained by the arresting agency, primarily the County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Custer County jail is operated by the County Sheriff's Office and houses pretrial detainees and short-sentence inmates. Inmate locator tools allow public searches by name or booking number.

801 E Main Street PO Box 385 Challis, ID 83226 • Phone: (208) 879-2360

Courts & Case Records

Custer County's judicial system operates under Idaho's Seventh Judicial District. Custer County Courthouse, Idaho 83226 (phone: 208-879-2350), houses the District Court, which has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $10,000, domestic relations matters including divorce and child custody, probate proceedings, and appeals from lower courts. The Honorable District Judge presiding over Custer County cases also serves other counties in the Seventh District.

  • The Idaho Supreme Court's iCourt Portal (https://mycourts.idaho.gov) provides online access to case information for many Idaho counties, including searching by party name or case number.
  • To obtain certified copies of court documents, requesters must contact Custer County Clerk of Court at the courthouse address above.
  • Fees for copies typically run $1.00 per page for standard documents, with certification adding an additional fee.
  • The small size of Custer County means that online access may be more limited than in larger Idaho counties, and many records requests require direct contact with court staff.

Custer County Magistrate Court, also located in the courthouse, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims (up to $5,000), preliminary hearings for felonies, civil cases under $10,000, infractions, protection orders, and initial appearances. Court records in Idaho are generally public under Idaho Court Administrative Rule 32, which governs public access to court records. However, certain records are confidential or sealed by law, including juvenile records, adoption proceedings, and cases involving mental health commitments.

In-person visits during business hours (typically Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays) allow for document review and copying. Probate matters, including wills, estate administration, guardianships, and conservatorships, are filed with the Magistrate Division and become part of the public record unless sealed by court order.

Property & Public Records

Property and land records in Custer County, Idaho, are maintained by Custer Clerk of the District Court's Office, Challis, Idaho 83226 The Recorder is responsible for maintaining and indexing all documents related to real property in Custer County, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, reconveyances, easements, covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs), mineral rights documents, water rights filings, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and plat maps for subdivisions.

  • The Recorder's Office accepts documents for recording during regular business hours and charges fees based on the number of pages and the type of document, as established by Idaho Code § 31-3205.
  • Property tax information is maintained by Custer County Assessor's Office, also located at the courthouse complex at 206 Main Street (phone: 208-879-2365).
  • Property tax payments are processed by Custer County Treasurer.
  • To obtain certified copies of recorded documents from the Recorder's Office, requesters typically pay $1.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus a certification fee if required.

Idaho is a race-notice state, meaning that properly recorded documents provide constructive notice to all parties and establish priority. Many Idaho counties have implemented online access to recorded documents, though Custer County's system may be more limited given its small population and budget constraints. Citizens seeking property records should contact the Recorder's Office directly to inquire about current online access options.

The Assessor maintains parcel maps, property valuations, ownership information, and assessment records. Idaho Code § 63-202 governs property tax assessments. Some Idaho counties participate in the statewide geographic information system (GIS) portal, which may provide online parcel mapping and basic property information.

All property records in Idaho are presumed to be public records under the Idaho Public Records Act unless specifically exempted by statute.

Vital Records

Vital records for Custer County, Idaho, including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees, are handled by multiple agencies depending on the type of record and date. For births and deaths occurring in Custer County, certified copies can be requested from the Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics, 450 West State Street, Boise, Idaho 83702, or by calling. The state vital records office maintains centralized records for all Idaho births and deaths.

  • Birth certificates in Idaho cost $22 for the first copy and $16 for additional copies of the same record ordered at the same time.
  • Death certificates follow the same fee structure.
  • Processing time for mail requests is typically 3-4 weeks, though expedited service may be available for an additional fee.
  • The Idaho Bureau of Vital Records offers online ordering through VitalChek, a third-party vendor, at https://www.idahvitalrecords.org, though convenience fees apply.
  • For marriage licenses, couples must apply in person at Custer Clerk of the District Court's Office at 206 Main Street in Challis (phone: 208-879-2360).

Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record, as required by Idaho Code § 39-259. Eligible applicants include the registrant (for birth records), immediate family members, legal representatives, and individuals with a court order. Idaho requires both parties to appear together, provide valid identification, and pay the marriage license fee (typically around $30-40).

There is no waiting period or blood test requirement in Idaho, and the license is valid for one year from issuance. Certified copies of marriage certificates can be obtained from the Clerk of the District Court where the license was issued or from the Idaho Bureau of Vital Records. Divorce decrees are obtained from the Clerk of District Court in Custer County where the divorce was granted, in this case, Custer County Clerk at 208-879-2350.

Business & Licensing

Business and licensing records in Custer County, Idaho, are managed through a combination of county and state agencies. The Idaho Secretary of State's office maintains the central database for all business entity registrations in Idaho, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships (LLPs), and other business structures.

  • To register a new business entity in Idaho, entrepreneurs must file the appropriate formation documents with the Secretary of State and pay the required filing fees, which vary by entity type.
  • For assumed business names (DBAs) or trade names operating in Custer County, filings may be made with Custer Clerk of the District Court's Office at 206 Main Street in Challis (phone: 208-879-2360).

The Idaho Business Entity Search is available online at https://sosbiz.idaho.gov/search/business, allowing free public access to view business names, registered agents, filing dates, status (active/inactive), and principal addresses. Idaho Code § 53-504 governs the registration of assumed business names. Professional licenses in Idaho are issued by the appropriate state licensing board (e.g, Board of Medicine, Board of Contractors, Real Estate Commission) rather than at Custer County level.

The Idaho Department of Commerce and local economic development organizations provide resources for business owners. For local business licenses required by municipal ordinances, business owners in Challis should contact Challis City Hall, while those in other municipalities should contact their respective city offices. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits in unincorporated areas of Custer County are handled by Custer County Planning and Zoning Department, which can be reached at the courthouse complex in Challis.

Idaho does not have a general state sales tax license, but certain industries require specific permits and licenses. Given Custer County's small population and rural character, many business services are informal, but proper registration and licensing remain legally required.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I search for someone recently arrested in Custer County, Idaho?
To search for someone recently arrested in Custer County, Idaho, you can contact the Custer County Jail. The jail is located at 801 E Main Ave, Challis, ID 83226. They maintain an inmate lookup process that you can access by calling their main line at (208) 879-2232. You may visit the Sheriff's Office website for more information on recent arrests and detainees.
Mugshots or booking photos in Custer County, Idaho, can be obtained from the Custer County Sheriff's Office. The office is responsible for maintaining these records and may provide access through their physical location at 801 E Main Ave, Challis, ID 83226. For online access, you may need to check if they have a digital portal or contact them directly at (208) 879-2232 for guidance.
To obtain a criminal background check in Custer County, Idaho, you should contact the Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification. They handle statewide background checks, and you can initiate the process by visiting their website or calling them. Locally, you may also inquire at the Custer County Sheriff's Office for any specific county-level checks they might offer.
You can look up sex offenders in Custer County, Idaho, by accessing the Idaho Sex Offender Registry. This registry is managed by the Idaho State Police and provides an online search tool where you can enter specific details to find registered offenders in the area. The registry is updated regularly to ensure accurate information is available to the public.
To register to vote in Custer County, you can complete registration online at the Idaho Secretary of State's website (https://voteidaho.gov/
Property records in Custer County are maintained by the Custer Clerk of the District Court's Office at 206 Main Street, Challis, Idaho 83226, phone (208) 879-2360. The Recorder maintains deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other real property documents. For property tax information and assessed values, contact the Custer Assessor's Office at the same courthouse location, phone (208) 879-2365. Due to the county's small size and limited resources, online property search capabilities may be limited or unavailable, so most records requests require calling or visiting the office in person during business hours. Idaho law presumes property records are public under the Idaho Public Records Act (Idaho Code § 74-101 et seq.).
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Custer County can be obtained from the Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics, 450 West State Street, Boise, Idaho 83702, phone (208) 334-5988, or online at https://www.idahvitalrecords.org through VitalChek. Certified copies cost $22 for the first copy and $16 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Processing time is typically 3-4 weeks for mail requests, with expedited service available for additional fees. Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Idaho Code § 39-259, such as being an immediate family member or legal representative. Marriage licenses are issued by the Custer Clerk of the District Court at (208) 879-2360, and divorce decrees are obtained from the Custer County Clerk of Court at (208) 879-2350.
Business entity records for corporations, LLCs, and other registered businesses in Idaho are searchable online for free at the Idaho Secretary of State's Business Entity Search (https://sosbiz.idaho.gov/search/business). For assumed business names (DBAs) or trade names filed in Custer County, contact the Custer Clerk of the District Court's Office at 206 Main Street, Challis, phone (208) 879-2360. Local business licenses may be required by individual municipalities, contact Challis City Hall for businesses operating within city limits. Professional licenses are issued by state licensing boards rather than at the county level, and information is available through the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses.

Cities & Towns in Custer County

Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Custer County, Idaho.

Challis Clayton Ellis Mackay Stanley

Economy & Demographics

Custer County, Idaho's economy is characterized by its rural, resource-based industries and growing outdoor recreation sector. Historically, mining was the economic foundation, with gold, silver, lead, and other minerals extracted from Custer County's mountainous terrain since the 1870s. While large-scale mining has diminished, small-scale mineral extraction and exploration continue. Ranching and agriculture remain vital economic activities, with cattle ranching being particularly important given Custer County's extensive grazing lands.

  • The median household income in Custer County is estimated at approximately $45,000-50,000, somewhat below the Idaho state median, reflecting the rural nature and limited employment opportunities.

Hay production supports the ranching industry throughout the Salmon River valley. Custer County's economy has increasingly diversified toward tourism and outdoor recreation, with visitors drawn to wilderness areas, fishing on the Salmon River, hunting, hiking, mountain biking, and winter sports. The U.S.

Forest Service is one of Custer County's largest employers, managing vast tracts of public land including portions of the Challis National Forest and Salmon-Challis National Forest. Other significant public sector employers include Custer County government, school districts, and state agencies. Small businesses in Challis, Mackay, and Stanley provide services to residents and tourists, including lodging, restaurants, retail, and guide services.

The unemployment rate in Custer County typically fluctuates seasonally, rising in winter months when tourism slows and outdoor work becomes limited. Recent economic development efforts have focused on promoting year-round tourism, supporting small business development, improving broadband internet access to enable remote work, and maintaining the working ranch scene. The Land of Yankee Fork State Park and its interpretive center near Challis attract visitors interested in mining history.

Custer County faces economic challenges common to remote rural areas, including limited healthcare facilities, an aging population, outmigration of young adults seeking employment opportunities, and distance from major markets and transportation corridors.

Elections & Voter Records

Elections in Custer County, Idaho, are administered by Custer County Clerk, serving as the ex-officio election official, with offices, Challis, Idaho 83226. The Clerk can be contacted through the office’s website, and election information may be available through Custer County's limited online presence or by direct contact. Citizens, at least 18 years old by election day, residents of Idaho and Custer County for at least 30 days, and not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction. To find your polling place in Custer County, voters should contact the County Clerk's office or check their voter registration status on the Idaho Secretary of State's website.

Given Custer County's sparse population and large geographic area, Custer County typically operates a limited number of polling places on Election Day, with locations in Challis, Mackay, Stanley, and Clayton. Idaho is primarily an in-person voting state, though absentee voting is available for voters who meet qualifying criteria under Idaho Code § 34-1002, including being absent from Custer County on Election Day, having a disability or illness, or being 65 years or older. Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to Custer County Clerk, and completed ballots must be returned by 8:00 PM on Election Day.

Election records that are public in Idaho include voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted under Idaho Code § 34-437A), campaign finance reports filed with the Idaho Secretary of State, candidate declarations and filings, and precinct-level election results. Custer County typically experiences S.

House and Senate races, Idaho gubernatorial and statewide constitutional offices, state legislative seats, and various county offices. Idaho's election system emphasizes paper ballots and hand-counting in many smaller counties, contributing to transparency and security. Custer County's elections reflect the conservative political culture of rural Idaho while maintaining professional administration of the democratic process.

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