About Custer County
Custer County is located in southeastern Montana, covering approximately 3,783 square miles of rolling prairie, badlands, and river valleys. Custer County Seat is Miles City, a historic ranching and railroad town situated along the Yellowstone River with a population of approximately 8,400 residents. Custer County itself has a total population of around 11,800 people as of recent estimates. Established in 1877 and named after Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, Custer County is rich in Western history and frontier heritage.
Major landmarks include the Miles City Bucking Horse Sale, one of the nation's premier rodeo events, Makoshika State Park (though primarily in adjacent Dawson County, the badlands extend into Custer County), and the Range Riders Museum, which preserves Custer County's cowboy and military history. The economy is anchored by agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and dryland farming, along with energy development and tourism. Custer County Courthouse is, housing essential offices including the County Clerk and Recorder at the same address
Custer Montana Department of Revenue's Office, responsible for property valuations and tax assessments, is also located in the courthouse and can be contacted through the office’s website. The Yellowstone River provides recreation and irrigation, while the surrounding prairie supports one of Montana's most important livestock regions. Custer County represents authentic Montana ranch country, where Western traditions remain vibrant and the scene retains its frontier character.
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 oversees Custer County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in community policing and crime prevention programs.
Police Departments
In addition to Custer County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Custer County is provided by the Miles City Police Department. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, making sure of full coverage across Custer County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Custer County Sheriff's Office, Montana 59301, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Custer County. The office provides patrol services, criminal investigations, civil process service, and operates Custer County Detention Center. Inmate information and jail rosters can typically be obtained by calling the detention center directly at or by visiting the facility in person during business hours.
- The Miles City Police Department, located at 12 North 10th Street, Miles City, MT 59301, phone, provides law enforcement services within the city limits of Miles City, Custer County's largest county.
- Citizens may request arrest records, booking logs, and incident reports by submitting a written request to either the Sheriff's Office or the Miles City Police Department.
- Requests should include the subject's name, date of birth if known, and approximate date of arrest.
- There may be copying fees associated with obtaining records, typically around $0.25 per page.
- Mugshots and booking photos are maintained by Custer County Detention Center and are generally available upon request, though the agencies may restrict release of certain images under ongoing investigation exemptions.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Custer County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can conduct background checks through the Montana Department of Justice, which provides access to statewide criminal history information. The Montana Department of Justice offers additional resources for background checks and criminal record inquiries.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Custer County are maintained by Custer County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following the procedures outlined under the Montana Public Records Act. Arrest records typically contain the date of arrest, charges filed, and any court proceedings that follow.
Jail & Inmate Records
Custer County Detention Center, located in Miles City, is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or serving short sentences. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing the public to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, and visitors must adhere to strict guidelines.
- Bond and bail processes follow Montana state laws, where bail can be posted through the court system or a bail bondsman.
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 Montana does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals can request the removal of their mugshot from online databases by contacting the hosting website directly. The availability of mugshots online depends on the policies of the Sheriff's Office and third-party websites.
Courts & Case Records
Custer County is served by the Montana Eighteenth Judicial District Court, with Custer County Courthouse, Miles City, MT 59301. Custer County Court Clerk can be contacted through the office’s website. Custer County Court has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $12,000, divorce and custody cases, probate matters, and appeals from lower courts. The Clerk of District Court maintains case files, court calendars, and provides public access to court records during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- The Montana Judicial Branch operates the Montana Courts Case Search system, accessible online, though not all historical Custer County records may be digitized.
- For full searches, in-person visits or written requests to the Clerk of Court may be necessary.
- Fees for copying court documents are typically $0.50 per page, and certified copies cost an additional fee of approximately $5.00 per document.
- Custer County also has a Justice Court, which handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, small claims up to $7,000, and certain civil matters.
Property & Public Records
Custer County Clerk and Recorder's Office, Miles City, MT 59301, phone, is the official repository for land and property records in Custer County. The Recorder maintains and provides public access to documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens (mechanic's, judgment, tax), easements, right-of-way agreements, subdivision plats, and surveys. These records are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description, and most documents recorded since Custer County's establishment in 1877 are available for public inspection.
- Copying fees are approximately $1.00 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page of the same document.
- Certified copies carry an additional certification fee of around $5.00.
Montana law (MCA 7-4-2601 through 7-4-2641) governs the recording and maintenance of these documents. The office is open Monday through Friday, typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. While Custer County does not currently offer a fully full online search portal for recorded documents, visitors can search records in person at the Recorder's Office.
For property tax information, assessment values, and parcel data, Custer Montana Department of Revenue's Office is located in the same courthouse building for The Assessor maintains property ownership records, legal descriptions, assessed valuations, and tax history. Property tax bills and payment information are handled by Custer County Treasurer's Office for The Montana Department of Revenue's Cadastral Mapping Project provides some GIS and parcel mapping information online, though full property research typically requires contacting the Recorder or Assessor directly. All property records are public under Montana's constitutional guarantee of public access to government information.
Vital Records
Vital records for Custer County, Montana, including birth and death certificates, are maintained at both Custer County and state levels. For recent vital records (approximately within the past five years), Custer County Clerk and Recorder's Office at 1010 Main Street, Miles City, MT 59301, phone, can assist with applications. However, the official state repository is the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Office of Vital Statistics, P.O. Box 4210, Helena, MT 59604
- Birth certificates cost $12.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for each additional copy of the same certificate ordered at the same time.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service may be available for an additional fee.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Custer County Clerk and Recorder's Office; couples must apply in person, provide valid identification, and pay a fee of approximately $53.00.
- Dissolution of marriage (divorce) records are maintained by the Clerk of District Court for Montana offers limited online ordering of vital records through VitalChek, though fees are higher for this expedited service.
Death certificates are the same price. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of relationship or legal interest in the record. Montana law (MCA 50-15-101 through 50-15-301) governs access to vital records, with birth records restricted for 100 years and death records for 25 years to immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a documented legal interest.
There is no waiting period in Montana, and the license is valid for 180 days. Marriage certificates (proof of the completed marriage) can be obtained from the same office after the officiant files the completed license. Walk-in service may be available at the state office in Helena for immediate needs.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Custer County operates through multiple jurisdictions depending on the type of business activity. For businesses operating under an assumed name or trade name (DBA - Doing Business As), registration is filed with Custer County Clerk and Recorder at 1010 Main Street, Miles City, MT 59301 Custer County maintains records of local business filings which are public record and available for inspection during regular business hours.
- This database includes active and inactive entities, registration dates, registered agent information, and filing history.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, registration is handled by the Montana Secretary of State's Office in Helena. The Secretary of State maintains the Montana Business Entity Search, a free online database accessible at sos.mt.gov, which allows the public to search for registered businesses by name, principal name, or registered agent. Montana does not have a state sales tax, so sales tax permits are not required.
However, certain professional and occupational licenses are regulated by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, Professional and Occupational Licensing Division. Local business licenses within Miles City may be required and are issued by the Miles City Clerk's Office at City Hall. Building permits, zoning compliance, and land use permits in unincorporated Custer County are handled by Custer County Planning Department, which can be reached through the courthouse.
The Miles City Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 511 Pleasant Street, Miles City, MT 59301, phone, website milescitychamber.com, provides business development resources, networking opportunities, and information for entrepreneurs and established businesses in Custer County.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Custer County are administered by Custer County Clerk and Recorder's Office, Miles City, MT 59301 This office oversees voter registration, conducts all federal, state, and local elections, maintains voter rolls, manages polling places, and certifies election results. Voter registration in Montana is available online through the Montana Secretary of State's My Voter Page at app.mt.gov/voterinfo, in person at the Clerk and Recorder's Office, by mail, or at designated voter registration drives.
- Montana allows same-day voter registration, meaning eligible residents can register and vote on Election Day by providing proof of residency and identification at their polling place.
- For those preferring to register in advance, the deadline is noon the day before Election Day, though election officials encourage earlier registration to ensure accuracy.
- These records are accessible through public records requests to the Clerk and Recorder.
- Montana offers absentee voting for any reason; Custer County voters can request an absentee ballot by contacting the Clerk and Recorder's Office by mail, phone, or in person.
- Absentee ballot requests must be received by noon the day before Election Day, though earlier requests are strongly encouraged.
To find your polling place in Custer County, voters can contact the Clerk and Recorder, check their voter registration status on the state's My Voter Page, or watch for sample ballot mailings that include polling location information. Most polling places are in Miles City and rural community centers throughout Custer County. Public election records in Custer County include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted under MCA 13-2-220), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political committees (available through the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices), candidate filing information, precinct-level election results, and ballot issue materials.
In the November 2024 general election, Custer County reported voter turnout of approximately 68-72%, consistent with Montana's traditionally high participation rates in presidential elections. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, potential U.S.
Senate contests, and Montana state legislative races. Montana is a vote-by-mail state for certain elections, and many counties offer this option broadly. Election transparency is high in Custer County; citizens may observe ballot counting, request copies of election results, and access campaign finance data.
Montana law (MCA Title 13) governs election procedures and mandates public access to most election records, making sure of accountability in the democratic process.
Economy & Demographics
Custer County's economy is traditionally rooted in agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and dryland wheat farming, which remain the largest sectors of employment and land use. Custer County includes some of Montana's most productive rangeland, supporting thousands of head of cattle annually.
- The median household income in Custer County is approximately $52,000 to $58,000, slightly below the Montana state average but reflecting the rural character and lower cost of living.
Major employers include Holy Rosary Healthcare, a regional medical center serving southeastern Montana; the Miles Community College, which provides education and workforce training; local government entities including Custer County and City of Miles City; and agricultural service businesses including livestock auction yards, feed suppliers, and equipment dealers. The energy sector, particularly oil and gas extraction in the Bakken formation periphery and coal bed methane production, contributes significantly to the tax base and employment, though activity has fluctuated with commodity prices. Unemployment rates typically track close to state averages, ranging between 3% and 5% in recent years.
Tourism represents a growing economic sector, anchored by the annual Miles City Bucking Horse Sale each May, which draws thousands of visitors and is considered one of the premier rodeo stock sales in North America. The Range Riders Museum, Yellowstone River recreation, and hunting access contribute additional tourism revenue. Economic development efforts focus on diversifying beyond traditional agriculture and energy sectors, improving broadband infrastructure, and supporting small business development.
The Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation works to attract new businesses and retain existing employers. Retail trade and services sector employment concentrates in Miles City, which is the commercial hub for southeastern Montana.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Online (State Portal) | Property: Limited: In-Person Search Primary | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: Online (State Level) | Elections: Yes: Good Access | Overall Score: 6/10, Custer County provides constitutional access to public records, though many require in-person visits or direct contact with offices. Digital infrastructure is developing, with state-level resources supplementing county systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Custer County
Explore public records for 3 cities and communities in Custer County, Montana.