About Daggett County
Daggett County, located in the northeastern corner of Utah, is the state's least populous county and one of the least populated counties in the entire United States. With a population of approximately 935 residents as of the most recent census, Daggett County encompasses 721 square miles of rugged terrain along the Wyoming border. The county seat is Manila, a small community named after the 1898 Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War. Established in 1918 from parts of Uinta County, Daggett County is Utah's youngest county.
The county is dominated by the spectacular Flaming Gorge Reservoir, created by the Flaming Gorge Dam on the Green River, which serves as the region's primary landmark and economic engine. The reservoir and surrounding Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area attract thousands of outdoor enthusiasts annually for fishing, boating, camping, and wildlife viewing. The Ashley National Forest covers much of the county's landscape, providing pristine wilderness and recreational opportunities.
Daggett County government offices are concentrated in Manila, including the County Recorder at 95 North 1st West, Manila, UT 84046, the County Clerk/Auditor at the same address, and the County Assessor's office. The county's remote location, extreme weather conditions, and sparse population create unique challenges for public service delivery. The economy revolves primarily around recreation, tourism, livestock ranching, and government services.
Dutch John, the county's only other significant community, was originally built to house workers during the construction of Flaming Gorge Dam.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Daggett County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the county. It patrols the unincorporated areas, manages the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community outreach programs and works closely with other local and state law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety. Notable programs include search and rescue operations and community policing initiatives.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Daggett County is primarily handled by the Daggett County Sheriff's Office. There are no municipal police departments within the county, as the Sheriff's Office provides comprehensive law enforcement services. The Sheriff's Office coordinates with state and federal agencies on major crimes and emergency situations. This collaboration ensures a unified response to incidents and enhances public safety across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Daggett County is provided primarily by the Daggett County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 95 North 1st West, Manila, UT 84046. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (435) 784-3255 and serves the entire county with a small staff of deputies covering the vast rural territory. Given the county's tiny population and geographic isolation, the Sheriff's Office works closely with the Utah Highway Patrol and neighboring county agencies for mutual aid.
- Written requests for arrest records should be submitted to the Sheriff's Office, specifying the individual's name and approximate date of incident.
- Mugshot availability is limited due to the lack of a local detention facility, but booking photographs may be obtained through formal GRAMA requests.
There are no incorporated municipalities with independent police departments in Daggett County; all law enforcement functions fall under the Sheriff's jurisdiction. The county does not operate a traditional jail facility due to its small size; individuals arrested in Daggett County are typically transported to detention facilities in neighboring Uinta County or other regional jails through interlocal agreements. To inquire about current inmates or recent arrests, citizens should contact the Daggett County Sheriff's Office directly at the phone number listed above.
Arrest records and booking information are considered public under Utah Code Ann. § 63G-2-301, which establishes the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA). The county does not maintain an online inmate search portal due to its size.
The Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area within the county also falls under the jurisdiction of U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement, which handles federal violations on public lands.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Daggett County include felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and sex offender registry information. The Daggett County Sheriff's Office and the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification maintain these records. Background checks can be conducted through the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification, which provides statewide criminal history information. Residents can access records for personal review or employment purposes, subject to state regulations.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Daggett County are maintained by the Daggett 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. The records are subject to the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA), which governs public access to government records. Arrest records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking details.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Daggett County Jail, located in Manila, serves as the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting individuals upon arrest. Inmate information, including charges and bond amounts, can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance. The bond and bail process in Utah allows for cash bail or bail bonds, with specific procedures outlined by the county.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Daggett County are taken and retained by the Daggett 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 there is no specific online database for mugshots, requests can be made in person or via mail. Utah does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can petition for removal if the charges are dropped or they are acquitted.
Courts & Case Records
Daggett County is served by the Eighth District Court, which is part of Utah's state court system. The Eighth Judicial District covers Daggett, Duchesne, and Uintah counties. District Court proceedings for Daggett County typically occur at the Daggett County Courthouse, 95 North 1st West, Manila, UT 84046, though some hearings may be held at the district's main facility in Vernal (Uintah County) due to caseload efficiency.
- The District Court has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $10,000, divorce and family law cases, probate matters, and appeals from Justice Court.
- Daggett Justice Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims up to $11,000, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
- Online court record searches are free for basic case information, but certified copies require fees ranging from $10 to $35 depending on the document type.
- Copies can be requested in person at the courthouse or by mail with appropriate payment.
For case information, contact the Eighth District Court at (435) 781-5445. Utah's state court system offers online case searches through the XChange portal at www.utcourts.gov/xchange, though access requires case number or party name information. The Justice Court is located at the same courthouse address in Manila and can be reached at (435) 784-3154.
There are no municipal courts in Daggett County due to the absence of incorporated cities. Court records in Utah are presumed public under Utah Code Ann. § 78A-2-202 and Rule 4-202 of the Utah Rules of Judicial Administration, though certain records involving juveniles, adoption, and sealed cases are restricted.
The small caseload in Daggett County means that court staff can often provide personalized assistance to those seeking records.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Daggett County are maintained by the Daggett County Recorder's Office, located at 95 North 1st West, Manila, UT 84046, phone (435) 784-3218. The Recorder is responsible for maintaining and preserving documents related to real property, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, easements, plat maps, subdivision plats, and other instruments affecting title to real property. The office indexes these records by grantor, grantee, and legal description to facilitate public searches.
- Copy fees are established by state statute at approximately $5 for the first page and $2 for each additional page of recorded documents.
- Certified copies carry an additional fee.
- Utah County property tax records can be searched through the state's Property Tax Division website, which provides access to parcel information, assessed values, and tax amounts.
Daggett County participates in Utah's statewide property records database, and many historical records have been digitized. While the county does not maintain its own comprehensive online property search portal due to limited resources, property documents can be researched through subscription services or by visiting the Recorder's office in person during regular business hours. Property tax information is managed by the Daggett County Assessor's Office at the same government complex, phone (435) 784-3220.
The Assessor maintains property valuations, ownership information, and assessment records. Tax payment records and delinquency information are handled by the County Treasurer. The county does not currently offer a sophisticated GIS parcel viewer, but basic property information including legal descriptions, ownership, and taxable value can be obtained by contacting the Assessor's office directly.
All property records are public under GRAMA unless specifically exempted by law.
Vital Records
Vital records for Daggett County, Utah, are managed at both the local and state levels. Birth and death certificates occurring in Daggett County can be obtained through the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Vital Records and Statistics, PO Box 141012, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-1012, phone (801) 538-6105. The state office is the primary custodian of all Utah vital records. Birth certificates cost $25 for a certified copy, with additional copies ordered at the same time costing $20 each. Death certificates follow the same fee structure.
- 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 https://www.vitalchek.com, which charges additional processing fees but offers faster service.
- Eligible requesters include the subject of the record (if of age), parents, legal guardians, adult children, spouse, grandparents, siblings, and legal representatives.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $50 and licenses are valid for 30 days from issuance.
- Divorce records are maintained by the District Court where the divorce was granted, and certified copies must be requested through the court clerk's office.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Utah Code Ann. § 26-2-25. Marriage licenses in Daggett County are issued by the Daggett County Clerk's Office at 95 North 1st West, Manila, UT 84046, phone (435) 784-3154.
Utah requires a marriage license application with valid photo identification, and there is no waiting period or blood test requirement. Certified copies of marriage certificates can be obtained from both the County Clerk and the State Vital Records office. Birth records are confidential for 100 years, while death records are public after being filed, according to Utah vital records statutes.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Daggett County involve both county-level and state-level agencies depending on the type of business activity. The Daggett County Clerk's Office at 95 North 1st West, Manila, UT 84046, phone (435) 784-3154, handles certain local business registrations, including Doing Business As (DBA) or fictitious business name filings for entities operating under an assumed name in the county.
- Their online business entity search is available at https://secure.utah.gov/bes and allows free searching of all registered businesses in Utah by name, registered agent, or entity number.
- This database provides information on business formation dates, registered agents, principal addresses, and current status.
For comprehensive business entity information including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and trademarks, the Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Corporations and Commercial Code maintains the official state registry. Professional and occupational licenses in Utah are regulated by the Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL), which oversees contractors, real estate agents, healthcare professionals, and dozens of other licensed professions. Sales tax licenses and employer registration are handled through the Utah State Tax Commission.
Building permits, land use permits, and zoning matters in Daggett County are managed by the Daggett County Planning and Zoning Department, which can be reached through the county administrative offices at (435) 784-3218. Given the county's small size and reliance on federal lands, commercial development is limited and building permits are infrequent. The Flaming Gorge Chamber of Commerce serves the region and can be contacted for information about local business conditions and networking, though economic development resources are limited compared to more populous counties.
Daggett County does not impose a separate business license requirement for most business types, but specific activities may require county approval or permitting.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Daggett County are administered by the Daggett County Clerk, who serves as the County Clerk/Auditor and also functions as the County Clerk/Recorder. The elections office is located at 95 North 1st West, Manila, UT 84046, and can be reached at (435) 784-3154. The County Clerk oversees all aspects of elections including voter registration, ballot preparation, polling place operations, absentee voting, and results canvassing.
- Voter registration in Utah is available online through the state's election website at https://vote.utah.gov, where eligible residents can register, update their registration, or check their voter status.
- To register, individuals must be U.S.
- Utah has transitioned to a vote-by-mail system for most elections, with ballots mailed automatically to all active registered voters approximately 14-20 days before Election Day.
- These records can be requested through the County Clerk under GRAMA or accessed through the Utah Lieutenant Governor's election website.
Utah requires voter registration to be completed at least 7 days before an election to participate in that election, with online registration available up to 11 days before Election Day and in-person registration available through the Friday before the election. Utah offers same-day voter registration during early voting and on Election Day at designated locations. citizens, Utah residents for at least 30 days before the election, and at least 18 years old by the date of the election.
Voters in Daggett County can find their polling place by checking their voter registration information online or contacting the County Clerk. Given the small population, Daggett County typically operates very few polling locations, with Manila serving as the primary voting center. Voters can return mail ballots through the postal service, at designated drop boxes, or in person at the County Clerk's office or polling locations.
In-person voting is still available during early voting periods and on Election Day for those who prefer to vote in person or did not receive a mail ballot. Election records that are public in Utah include voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted for privacy), campaign finance disclosures filed with the Utah Lieutenant Governor's office, candidate declaration of candidacy forms, precinct-level election results, and ballot measure information. In the 2024 general election, Daggett County demonstrated high civic engagement with approximately 78-82% voter turnout, consistent with Utah's generally high participation rates and reflective of the county's small, close-knit community.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate midterm elections, Utah state legislative races, county offices, and potentially state constitutional amendments or ballot measures. Daggett County election transparency is strong despite limited technological resources; the small population enables direct communication between voters and election officials, and all legally required election records are available upon request.
Economy & Demographics
Daggett County has one of the most unique economies in Utah, shaped fundamentally by its status as the state's least populous county and its geographic position along the Flaming Gorge Reservoir. The county's economy is heavily dependent on recreation and tourism, with Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area serving as the primary economic driver. Thousands of visitors annually generate revenue through fishing licenses, boat rentals, lodging, camping fees, and related services.
- The median household income in Daggett County is estimated at approximately $58,000 to $65,000, slightly below the Utah state average, with significant seasonal variation due to tourism employment patterns.
The reservoir is renowned for trophy lake trout, kokanee salmon, and smallmouth bass fishing, attracting anglers from across the western United States. Major employers in the county include the U.S. Forest Service, which manages the Ashley National Forest and recreation area, Daggett County government, Daggett County School District, and small businesses serving the tourism sector including marinas, resorts, RV parks, and guide services.
Manila and Dutch John contain most commercial activity, with Dutch John originally built as a planned community for dam construction workers in the 1950s. Livestock ranching, particularly cattle grazing on both private and permitted federal lands, continues as a traditional economic activity though it employs relatively few residents. The county has minimal manufacturing or technology sectors.
Unemployment rates fluctuate seasonally, typically ranging from 3% to 6%, with higher unemployment in winter months when recreation activity declines. Property tax revenue is limited by the small population and property base, making the county dependent on state funding formulas and federal payments in lieu of taxes for public lands. There are no major corporate headquarters or industrial facilities in Daggett County.
Recent economic development discussions have focused on improving broadband infrastructure, supporting small business development, and enhancing tourism facilities, though growth is constrained by the remote location, harsh winters, and limited infrastructure.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (State Portal) | Property: ⚠️ Limited Online Access | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ By Request Only | Vital Records: ⚠️ State Office Required | Business: ✅ Online (State Level) | Elections: ✅ Mail Ballot System | Overall Score: 6/10 — Daggett County provides access to public records primarily through in-person requests and phone contact due to its small size, though state-level online resources supplement local access.
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Cities & Towns in Daggett County
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Nearby Counties
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