About Elbert County
Elbert County, Colorado is a rural county located in the central part of the state, approximately 40 miles southeast of Denver. Established in 1874, Elbert County was named after territorial governor Samuel Hitt Elbert and includes approximately 1,851 square miles of rolling plains and high prairie terrain. Elbert County Seat is Kiowa, a small town situated along State Highway 86. As of the 2020 Census, Elbert County had a population of approximately 26,062 residents, making it one of Colorado's less densely populated counties with about 14 people per square mile.
- The scene features gently rolling grasslands with elevations ranging from about 5,500 to 7,500 feet.
Elbert County is characterized by its agricultural heritage, ranching operations, and increasingly, residential growth as Denver metro area development extends eastward. Major communities include Elizabeth, the largest town in Elbert County, as well as Kiowa, Simla, and Matheson. Elbert County is home to Elbert County Fairgrounds in Kiowa and offers outdoor recreation including hunting, fishing, and hiking.
Key county agencies include Elbert County Clerk and Recorder located at 751 Ute Avenue in Kiowa, Elbert County Assessor at the same address, and Elbert County Treasurer. Elbert County operates under a Board of County Commissioners form of government. Elbert County's economy is rooted in agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and dryland farming, though residential development and small businesses have grown significantly in recent decades as Elbert County attracts families seeking rural living with reasonable proximity to Denver.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Elbert County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Elbert County. This office provides a range of services including patrolling, investigating crimes, and managing Elbert County jail. The Sheriff's Office is key to making sure of public safety and works closely with other local law enforcement agencies to address crime and community concerns. Notable programs include community outreach initiatives and crime prevention workshops meant to building a safer environment for residents.
- The office also maintains criminal records and processes arrests, so that all legal protocols are followed under state and local laws.
Police Departments
In addition to Elbert County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Elbert County is supported by municipal police departments such as the Elizabeth Police Department and the Simla Police Department. These agencies are responsible for maintaining public safety within their respective town limits and often collaborate with the Sheriff's Office on larger investigations and emergency responses. The Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement in unincorporated areas and coordinates with municipal departments to ensure full coverage across Elbert County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Elbert County is primarily provided by Elbert County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 751 Ute Avenue in Kiowa, Colorado 80117. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a website at www.elbertcountysheriff.com where residents can access non-emergency services, crime prevention information, and office updates. Elbert County Detention Facility, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders.
- Citizens can request arrest reports, incident reports, and booking information by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office, though certain investigative records may be exempt from disclosure.
- Processing fees may apply for copies and research time.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically public records in Colorado and may be available through the detention facility or by specific public records request.
- Response time for records requests varies but agencies must respond within three business days indicating whether records exist and when they will be available.
Inmate information can be obtained by calling the detention facility directly or by visiting the Sheriff's Office website, which may provide an online inmate roster with booking information, charges, and bond amounts. Elbert County has limited municipal police departments due to its rural nature; most incorporated towns rely on the Sheriff's Office for primary law enforcement, though some contract for additional patrol services. Under Colorado's public records law, specifically the Colorado Open Records Act (C.R.S.
§ 24-72-201 et seq.), arrest records are generally considered public information. Some arrest and booking information may also appear on third-party websites, though official records should be obtained directly from the Sheriff's Office for accuracy and legal purposes.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Elbert County includes a variety of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Elbert County Sheriff's Office maintains these records, while the Colorado Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal records through the Sheriff's Office or use the Colorado Bureau of Investigation's online portal for statewide background checks.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Elbert County are maintained by Elbert County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrested individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following the guidelines set forth by the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA). An arrest record typically contains information such as the date of arrest, charges, and the arresting officer's details.
- Requests for these records may require a formal written application and could involve processing fees depending on the nature and extent of the information requested.
Jail & Inmate Records
Elbert County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or serving short sentences. The booking process at this facility involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainee. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require prior scheduling and adherence to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process in Colorado allows for the release of detainees under certain conditions, and information on posting bail can be obtained directly from the detention center or the Sheriff's Office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Elbert County are taken and retained by Elbert 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, either online or by formal request. The availability of mugshots may vary, and in some cases, they can be found through third-party websites that aggregate public records. Colorado does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals seeking to have their mugshots removed from online platforms may need to pursue legal avenues or contact the hosting website directly.
Courts & Case Records
Elbert County is served by the 18th Judicial District Court, which covers Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln Counties. Elbert County Combined Courts facility is located at 751 Ute Avenue (P.O. Box 190), Kiowa, Colorado 80117, and can be reached for The district court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $15,000, domestic relations matters including divorce and child custody, probate proceedings, juvenile cases, and appeals from county court.
- Court records can be searched through the Colorado Judicial Branch's online system at www.courts.state.co.us, where users can access case information, dockets, and some filed documents.
Elbert County Court (county-level court) operates from the same facility and has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases under $15,000, protection orders, and small claims disputes up to $7,500. The statewide case search system allows lookup by party name, case number, or attorney, though some sealed or confidential cases will not appear. Physical access to court files is available at the Clerk of Court's office during regular business hours.
Certified copies of court documents can be requested in person or by mail with appropriate fees; as of recent schedules, certification typically costs $20 for the first page and $5 for each additional page, with standard copies at $0.25 per page. Under Colorado Court Rules and C.R.S. § 24-72-205, most court records are presumed open to public inspection unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute (such as juvenile records, certain mental health proceedings, or sealed adoption records).
Online access to some documents may be restricted even when the physical file is public. The court accepts filings through the Colorado eFiling system for represented parties and pro se litigants in most case types.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Elbert County are maintained by Elbert County Clerk and Recorder's Office, located at 751 Ute Avenue (P.O. Box 159), Kiowa, Colorado 80117, phone. The Clerk and Recorder maintains an extensive archive of documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgage documents, releases, liens (mechanics liens, tax liens, judgment liens), easements, covenants, plat maps, subdivision records, and various other instruments affecting real property.
- Elbert County has implemented a land records system that allows remote access to digitized documents, typically charging fees for document retrieval and printing.
- The Assessor provides property valuations, ownership information, parcel data, and assessment records, accessible online through Elbert County website.
- Recording fees for new documents vary by document type and page count, governed by Colorado statutes.
These records date back to Elbert County's formation in 1874 and are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description. Elbert County offers online property records search through their official website at www.elbertcounty-co.gov, where users can access recorded documents, though some premium search features or document images may require a subscription or per-page fees. Property tax information is maintained by Elbert County Assessor's Office at the same Kiowa address, phone, and Elbert County Treasurer's Office, phone.
A GIS mapping system is available at www.elbertcounty-co.gov showing parcel boundaries, ownership, zoning, and assessment data in an interactive format. Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person, by mail, or potentially online, with fees typically around $1.00-$2.00 per page for standard copies and additional certification fees (approximately $5-$10) when notarized or certified copies are required.
Vital Records
Vital records for Elbert County, including birth and death certificates, are available through multiple sources. Elbert County Clerk and Recorder's Office at 751 Ute Avenue, Kiowa, Colorado 80117, phone, maintains local vital records and can provide certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring within Elbert County. Birth certificates are restricted records available only to the registrant (if of legal age), parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, or legal representatives with proper identification and documentation of relationship.
- Current fees are approximately $20 for the first certified copy of a birth or death certificate and $13 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously, though fees should be verified as they are subject to change.
- Processing time at Elbert County level is typically 1-3 business days for in-person requests and 1-2 weeks for mail requests.
- The state office maintains records statewide and offers online ordering through VitalChek with expedited processing available for additional fees.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $30 and is valid for 35 days from issuance.
- Divorce records (dissolution of marriage decrees) are court records maintained by Elbert County Combined Courts and must be requested through the Clerk of Court.
Death certificates have similar restrictions for recent deaths (typically within 50-100 years) but older records become public. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Vital Records Section, located at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, Colorado 80246-1530, is the central state repository for all Colorado vital records and can be reached at or online at www.cdphe.colorado.gov/vitals. Marriage licenses are issued by Elbert County Clerk and Recorder's Office; couples must apply in person with valid identification, and there is no waiting period or blood test required in Colorado.
Colorado vital records law is codified in C.R.S. § 25-2-101 et seq, establishing confidentiality provisions and authorized recipient requirements.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Elbert County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Elbert County Clerk and Recorder's Office at 751 Ute Avenue, Kiowa, phone, handles trade name registrations (doing business as or DBA filings) for businesses operating under assumed names within Elbert County. These records are public and can be searched in person at the Clerk's office. However, formal business entity formation and registration occurs at the state level through the Colorado Secretary of State's Office.
- This free searchable database provides information on business names, registered agents, formation dates, status (active, delinquent, dissolved), and principal addresses.
The Secretary of State maintains a full online business database at www.sos.state.co.us/biz where users can search for corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, trademarks, and other registered business entities. Business licenses and permits vary by business type and location within Elbert County. Sales tax licenses are issued by the Colorado Department of Revenue for state collection, and businesses operating in certain municipalities may require additional local licensing.
Professional and occupational licenses (contractors, real estate agents, healthcare providers, etc.) are typically regulated by state boards under the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). Building permits, land use permits, and zoning approvals are handled by Elbert County Community Development Department at 751 Ute Avenue, phone, which enforces county building codes, subdivision regulations, and land use ordinances. Commercial building permit records are public and can be inspected at the Community Development office.
Elbert County Economic Development office promotes business growth and can provide information on local business climate, incentives, and resources. The Elizabeth Area Chamber of Commerce (www.elizabethchamber.org) and Elbert County Chamber of Commerce serve local business communities with networking, advocacy, and promotional activities.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Elbert County are administered by Elbert County Clerk and Recorder, serving as the Designated Election Official, located at 751 Ute Avenue, Kiowa, Colorado 80117. The Elections Division can be reached, and election information is available at www.elbertcounty-co.gov/elections. Voter registration in Colorado is available to U.S. Citizens who are at least 16 years old (though you must be 18 to vote), have been residents of Colorado for at least 22 days prior to the election, and are not currently serving a sentence for a felony conviction.
- The deadline for pre-registration is 8 days before Election Day to receive a mail ballot automatically; otherwise, voters can register or update registration through Election Day at Voter Service and Polling Centers.
- Colorado is a vote-by-mail state, meaning all active registered voters automatically receive a mail ballot 18-22 days before each election.
Colorado offers same-day voter registration through Election Day, though pre-registration is encouraged. Online voter registration is available through the Colorado Secretary of State at www.govotecolorado.gov, and applications can also be submitted by mail or in person at the Clerk's office. Ballots can be returned by mail (postage-free), deposited in secure 24-hour ballot drop boxes located throughout Elbert County (including locations in Kiowa and Elizabeth), or voted in person at Voter Service and Polling Centers.
To find your polling place or Voter Service Center locations, visit Elbert County Clerk's elections website or the state's GoVoteColorado.gov site where you can look up your voter registration, ballot status, and nearest drop box locations. Election records that are public under Colorado law (C.R.S. § 1-1-101 et seq.) include voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted), campaign finance reports filed with county and state authorities, candidate filings and petitions, election results by precinct, and ballot issue financial disclosures.
Voter registration data does not include Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, or birth dates. Precinct-level election results are published after each election on Elbert County website. In the November 2024 general election, Elbert County experienced approximately 80-85% voter turnout among active registered voters, reflecting Colorado's high participation rates due to convenient mail ballot access.
The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races (Elbert County is currently in Colorado's 4th Congressional District), state legislative seats, county offices, and potentially statewide ballot measures. Absentee/mail ballot requests are not necessary in Colorado as all voters automatically receive mail ballots, but voters who do not receive a ballot can request one through the County Clerk's office or vote in person at a Voter Service Center during the early voting period (typically beginning 15 days before Election Day) or on Election Day itself.
Elbert County promotes election transparency by providing public testing of voting equipment, allowing election observation by credentialed watchers, and maintaining detailed audit trails of ballot processing and tabulation.
Economy & Demographics
Elbert County's economy is historically rooted in agriculture and ranching, which remain significant sectors today. Cattle ranching, hay production, and dryland farming of wheat and corn dominate the agricultural scene, with Elbert County ranking among Colorado's leaders in beef cattle production.
- The median household income in Elbert County was estimated at approximately $92,000-$98,000 in recent census data, notably higher than the Colorado median, reflecting the influx of suburban professionals.
Elbert County's proximity to the Denver metropolitan area has increasingly influenced its economic development, with residential construction and real estate becoming major economic drivers as families seek affordable rural living within commuting distance of metro Denver employment centers. Major employment sectors include agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting; construction; retail trade; educational services; and health care. Elbert County has limited large-scale industrial or manufacturing presence due to its rural character and infrastructure limitations.
However, small businesses, home-based enterprises, and service providers have grown substantially. Key employers include Elbert County School District RE-2 (Elizabeth School District), Elbert County government, Walmart distribution operations in nearby areas, and numerous small agricultural operations and family ranches. Elbert County has experienced steady residential growth, with population increasing approximately 35-45% since 2000, driving demand for construction, retail, and services.
Economic development efforts focus on maintaining Elbert County's rural character while supporting sustainable business growth, infrastructure improvements (particularly broadband internet access in rural areas), and tourism related to outdoor recreation and agritourism. Unemployment rates in Elbert County typically track below state and national averages, often in the 3-5% range, reflecting Elbert County's suburban residential character. Notable economic assets include Elbert County's transportation corridors including Interstate 70 along the northern edge and State Highways 86 and 24 providing access to Colorado Springs and Denver markets.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (Statewide System) | Property: Yes: Online GIS & Records Search | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Online, Call Required | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail Preferred | Business: Yes: Online (State Level) | Elections: Yes: Online Voter Tools | Overall Score: 7.5/10, Elbert County provides good digital access to property and court records with online systems, though some law enforcement and vital records require direct contact or in-person requests.