About Custer County
Custer County is located in central Nebraska, covering approximately 2,576 square miles of rolling prairie, sandhills, and river valleys. The county seat is Broken Bow, situated along the Middle Loup River and serving as the commercial and governmental hub for the region. Established in 1877 and organized in 1879, Custer County was named after General George Armstrong Custer. The county's population is approximately 10,500 residents according to recent estimates, with Broken Bow accounting for roughly 3,500 of those residents.
The landscape is characterized by the Nebraska Sandhills in the northern portion and agricultural lands in the southern areas. Major landmarks include Victoria Springs State Recreation Area, the Custer County Courthouse built in 1903, and the extensive ranch lands that define the county's character. The economy is primarily agricultural, with cattle ranching and crop production dominating.
The Custer County Recorder is located at 431 South 10th Avenue in Broken Bow, handling land records and property documents. The Custer County Clerk's office, also at the courthouse at 431 South 10th Avenue, maintains vital records, election administration, and various county filings. The Custer County Assessor's office, situated in the same courthouse complex, is responsible for property valuations and tax assessments.
What makes Custer County unique is its position at the edge of the Nebraska Sandhills, one of the largest grass-stabilized sand dune regions in the Western Hemisphere, creating a distinctive landscape that supports one of the most productive ranching regions in the United States.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Custer County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the county's unincorporated areas. The office oversees the Custer County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also provides patrol services, investigates crimes, and collaborates with other law enforcement agencies. Notable programs include community policing initiatives and crime prevention workshops aimed at enhancing public safety.
Police Departments
In addition to the Custer County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county is provided by municipal police departments, including the Broken Bow Police Department. These agencies have jurisdiction within their respective city limits and handle local law enforcement duties. They coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and regional issues, ensuring comprehensive coverage and response throughout the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Custer County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 431 South 10th Avenue in Broken Bow, Nebraska 68822, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of the county. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (308) 872-6866 and maintains jurisdiction over criminal investigations, civil process service, and operation of the county detention facility. The Custer County Jail, located at the same address as the Sheriff's Office, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates.
- To request arrest records, citizens should submit a written request to the Custer County Sheriff's Office, specifying the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
- There may be a nominal copying fee for physical records.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Nebraska and can be requested through the same process, though the Sheriff's Office maintains discretion regarding active investigations.
- Processing times vary, but most requests are fulfilled within several business days.
- The county does not currently offer online mugshot databases, requiring in-person or written requests for such records.
Inmate information can be obtained by calling the jail directly at (308) 872-6866 during business hours, though the county does not currently maintain a comprehensive online inmate roster. Within Custer County, the Broken Bow Police Department serves the county seat, providing municipal law enforcement services for city limits. Other communities such as Anselmo, Ansley, Callaway, Comstock, Mason City, Merna, Oconto, Sargent, and Westerville are smaller municipalities with limited or no dedicated police services, relying primarily on the Sheriff's Office.
Arrest records in Custer County are public records under Nebraska Revised Statute §84-712, the Nebraska Public Records Act, which establishes the public's right to access government documents.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Custer County's criminal records include felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Sheriff's Office, along with the local police departments, maintains these records. Background checks can be conducted through the Nebraska State Patrol, which provides statewide criminal history reports. The Nebraska Bureau of Investigation also offers resources for residents seeking background checks and criminal record information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Custer County are maintained by the Custer County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, following the procedures outlined in the Nebraska Public Records Law. An arrest record typically contains the date of arrest, charges, and the arresting agency's information.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Custer County Jail, located in Broken Bow, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup services are available for the public to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to security protocols. The bond and bail process follows Nebraska state guidelines, allowing for cash bonds or surety bonds through a bail bondsman.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Custer County are taken and retained by the Custer County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. Mugshots may also be available through third-party websites that aggregate public records. Nebraska does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals can request removal from third-party sites based on their policies.
Courts & Case Records
Custer County is served by the Nebraska District Court for the 14th Judicial District, with the courthouse located at 431 South 10th Avenue, Broken Bow, Nebraska 68822. The District Court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $59,000, domestic relations including divorce and child custody, probate and estate matters, and appeals from county court.
- Some case information is available free online, though detailed documents may require in-person review or certified copies for a fee.
The Custer County Court, part of Nebraska's unified court system, also operates from the same courthouse facility and handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases up to $59,000, small claims up to $3,900, and preliminary hearings for felonies. The courthouse phone number is (308) 872-5701. Nebraska offers a statewide court case search through the Nebraska Judicial Branch's online portal at www.nebraska.gov/justice, where users can search by party name, case number, or attorney for cases in Custer County.
The Clerk of the District Court maintains case files and charges fees according to the Nebraska fee schedule: $14 per document for certified copies, with various filing fees ranging from $49 to $292 depending on case type. Public access to court records in Nebraska is governed by Nebraska Revised Statute §25-12,120, which establishes that court records are presumptively public unless sealed by court order or protected by specific confidentiality statutes. Records involving juvenile matters, mental health proceedings, and certain adoption records are restricted.
Researchers can visit the Clerk's office during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, to review case files in person, with staff assistance available for locating specific documents.
Property & Public Records
The Custer County Register of Deeds, located at 431 South 10th Avenue in Broken Bow, Nebraska 68822, maintains all land and property records for the county. The office can be reached at (308) 872-5701 and is responsible for recording deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, military discharges (DD-214s), and other instruments affecting real property. These records date back to the county's organization in 1879 and are indexed by grantor/grantee and legal description.
- The Register of Deeds charges statutory fees for recording documents, typically $16 for the first page and $3 for each additional page, with certified copies available for $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee.
While Custer County does not currently offer a comprehensive online property records search directly through the county website, some historical records may be accessible through third-party vendors or through in-person research at the courthouse. Property tax records are maintained by the Custer County Assessor's office at the same courthouse address, phone (308) 872-5701. The Assessor maintains property valuations, ownership information, and assessment records, while the Custer County Treasurer's office handles tax collection and maintains records of tax payments, delinquencies, and tax sale information.
Property owners and researchers can visit the Assessor's office to review property cards, which contain detailed information about structures, land classifications, and valuation history. The county participates in the Nebraska Parcel Mapping System, though availability of online GIS tools varies. For the most current property tax information, including amounts due and payment history, contact the Treasurer's office directly.
All property records are public under Nebraska law, and same-day service is typically available for document retrieval during normal business hours.
Vital Records
Vital records for Custer County, Nebraska, are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. The Custer County Clerk's office at 431 South 10th Avenue, Broken Bow, Nebraska 68822, phone (308) 872-5701, issues marriage licenses for couples intending to marry in Custer County. The marriage license fee is approximately $30, and there is no waiting period in Nebraska, though the license is valid for one year from issuance. Marriage certificates and records of marriages performed in Custer County are also available from the County Clerk.
- Birth and death certificates occurring in Custer County since statewide registration began (birth registration started in 1905, death registration in 1904) can be requested from the state office.
- The current fee for a certified birth or death certificate is $17 for the first copy and $14 for additional copies of the same record ordered simultaneously.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- Online ordering is available through the VitalChek service at www.vitalchek.com, which processes Nebraska vital records requests with an additional service fee.
For birth and death certificates, Nebraska operates a centralized system through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Vital Records Office, P.O. Box 95065, Lincoln, Nebraska 68509-5065. Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record, as Nebraska restricts access to immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with court orders.
Divorce records are filed with the Clerk of the District Court in the county where the divorce was granted. Access to vital records is governed by Nebraska Revised Statute §71-601 through §71-649, which establishes confidentiality protections and eligibility requirements for obtaining certified copies. Genealogical researchers may access older records with fewer restrictions at the Nebraska State Historical Society in Lincoln.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Custer County, Nebraska, are maintained at multiple levels of government. The Custer County Clerk's office at 431 South 10th Avenue, Broken Bow, Nebraska 68822, processes certain local business filings including trade names and fictitious business name registrations (DBAs) for businesses operating in the county. These records are public and can be searched by contacting the Clerk's office at (308) 872-5701.
- For comprehensive business entity information, the Nebraska Secretary of State maintains the official statewide business registry, searchable online at www.sos.nebraska.gov under the Business Services section.
- The online search is free and provides information on business formation dates, registered agents, status (active, dissolved, withdrawn), and filing history.
- Sales tax permits are issued by the Nebraska Department of Revenue, and businesses operating in Custer County must register with the state for tax collection purposes.
- The Chamber provides resources for entrepreneurs and maintains information about business development opportunities in the Broken Bow area and greater Custer County.
The Secretary of State database includes corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other business entities registered to conduct business in Nebraska, including those based in Custer County. Professional licenses for occupations such as healthcare providers, contractors, real estate agents, and cosmetologists are issued by state licensing boards rather than the county, and can be verified through the respective Nebraska professional licensing boards. Building permits and zoning compliance are handled by local municipalities for work within city limits; in Broken Bow, contact the City Clerk's office.
For unincorporated areas, Custer County does not have comprehensive zoning, though certain development activities may require county permits. The Broken Bow Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 235 South 9th Avenue, Broken Bow, maintains a directory of local businesses and can be reached at (308) 872-5921 or through their website.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Custer County, Nebraska, are administered by the Custer County Clerk, who serves as the Election Commissioner for the county. The Clerk's office is located at 431 South 10th Avenue, Broken Bow, Nebraska 68822, and can be reached at (308) 872-5701. The office oversees voter registration, maintains voter rolls, conducts all federal, state, county, and municipal elections, and processes absentee ballots. Voter registration in Nebraska is available to U.S. citizens who are at least 18 years old by the election date and have resided in Nebraska for at least 30 days.
- Residents can register to vote online through the Nebraska Secretary of State's website at www.sos.nebraska.gov/elections, or by submitting a paper application to the Custer County Clerk.
- Nebraska offers same-day voter registration during the early voting period, allowing eligible citizens to register and vote simultaneously at the County Clerk's office.
- Absentee voting is available to any registered voter in Nebraska without requiring an excuse.
The voter registration deadline is 6:00 PM on the third Friday preceding any election (approximately 18 days before election day). Voters can find their specific polling place by contacting the County Clerk's office or checking online through the Nebraska Voter Registration website using their name and date of birth. Custer County typically operates multiple polling locations on election day, with the specific sites published before each election.
Election records that are public in Nebraska include voter registration lists (excluding some personal information like birth dates and driver's license numbers), campaign finance reports filed with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission, candidate filing information, and precinct-level election results. In the November 2024 general election, Custer County reported a voter turnout of approximately 78%, reflecting strong civic engagement typical of rural Nebraska counties. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races for Nebraska's congressional districts, potential U.S. Senate seats if up for election that cycle, Nebraska state legislative races (which are nonpartisan and unicameral), and various county and local offices. Voters can request an absentee ballot by submitting a written application to the Custer County Clerk beginning 120 days before an election, with requests due by 6:00 PM the second Friday before election day for mail ballots.
Early in-person voting is available at the County Clerk's office for a period before election day. Nebraska Revised Statute §32-101 through §32-1551 governs elections and public access to election-related records, establishing transparency requirements while protecting certain voter privacy interests. Citizens can request copies of precinct results, voter turnout statistics, and other election data by contacting the County Clerk's office, with most aggregated election results available shortly after certification.
Economy & Demographics
Custer County's economy is fundamentally based on agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and crop production, which form the backbone of economic activity across the county's 2,576 square miles. The Nebraska Sandhills region, which covers the northern portion of Custer County, supports some of the most productive rangeland in North America, with cattle operations representing the largest agricultural sector. Corn, soybeans, and hay production are significant in the southern portions of the county where soil conditions support cultivation.
- According to recent estimates, the median household income in Custer County is approximately $51,000, slightly below the Nebraska state median.
Major employers include the Broken Bow Public Schools, the Custer County government, Jennie M. Melham Memorial Medical Center (a critical access hospital serving the region), and various agricultural businesses and cooperatives. Retail and service businesses in Broken Bow serve both local residents and the broader trade area encompassing several surrounding counties.
The county has seen investment in agricultural infrastructure, including grain elevators, veterinary services, and farm equipment dealers. The Broken Bow area benefits from its position along U.S. Highway 2 and Nebraska Highway 70, providing transportation connections for agricultural products and commerce.
Tourism contributes to the local economy through hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation, particularly related to the Middle Loup River and Victoria Springs State Recreation Area. Unemployment rates in Custer County typically track below the national average, reflecting the stable but seasonal nature of agricultural employment. Economic development efforts focus on supporting existing agricultural businesses, attracting value-added agricultural processing, improving telecommunications infrastructure for rural areas, and maintaining quality healthcare and educational facilities to retain families.
The Broken Bow Economic Development Corporation works to recruit new businesses and support expansion of existing enterprises in the county seat and surrounding areas.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (State Portal) | Property: ⚠️ Limited Online | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ⚠️ State Office/In-Person | Business: ✅ Online (State) | Elections: ✅ Accessible | Overall Score: 6/10 — Custer County provides access to public records primarily through in-person and phone requests, with state-level online systems supplementing local services for court and business records.
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Cities & Towns in Custer County
Explore public records for 11 cities and communities in Custer County, Nebraska.
Nearby Counties
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