About Emery County
Emery County is located in east-central Utah, spanning approximately 4,462 square miles of diverse terrain that ranges from high desert plateaus to rugged canyonlands. The county seat is Castle Dale, a small town situated at the base of the San Rafael Swell. As of recent estimates, Emery County has a population of approximately 9,800 residents, making it one of Utah's more sparsely populated counties. The county was created in 1880 and named after territorial governor George W. Emery.
Major landmarks include the San Rafael Swell, a massive geologic dome featuring spectacular rock formations and canyonlands; Goblin Valley State Park, known for its unique mushroom-shaped hoodoos; and portions of the Manti-La Sal National Forest. The county also encompasses significant coal mining operations that have shaped its economy for over a century. Key government offices serving the public include the Emery County Recorder, located at 75 East Main Street in Castle Dale; the Emery County Clerk/Auditor at the same address in the Emery County Courthouse; and the Emery County Assessor, also housed in the courthouse complex.
What makes Emery County unique is its combination of remote wilderness areas, rich paleontological resources including dinosaur fossils, and a close-knit rural community deeply tied to mining, ranching, and outdoor recreation. The county offers gateway access to some of Utah's most pristine and least-visited public lands, including extensive Bureau of Land Management wilderness study areas.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Emery County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across the county, particularly in the unincorporated areas. The office manages the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The sheriff's office also runs various community programs aimed at crime prevention and public safety. Notably, the office has specialized divisions such as search and rescue and a K-9 unit to assist in diverse law enforcement activities.
Police Departments
In addition to the Emery County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county is supported by municipal police departments in cities such as Green River and Huntington. These city police departments handle local law enforcement within their respective jurisdictions, focusing on community policing and local ordinance enforcement. They coordinate with the sheriff's office on major crimes and county-wide initiatives to ensure comprehensive public safety coverage.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Emery County is primarily handled by the Emery County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 75 East Main Street in Castle Dale, Utah 84513. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (435) 381-2404 and maintains a website at emerycounty.com/sheriff. The agency provides patrol services, criminal investigations, search and rescue operations, and operates the Emery County Jail, a detention facility that houses both pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates.
- To request arrest records, citizens must submit a GRAMA request to the Emery County Sheriff's Office, specifying the name and approximate date of arrest.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically considered public records in Utah and can be requested through the same process, though the agency may charge copying fees.
- Processing times vary, but agencies must respond to GRAMA requests within ten business days.
To look up current inmates at the Emery County Jail, citizens can contact the Sheriff's Office directly or visit the facility during business hours; some inmate information may be available by calling the jail booking desk. Municipal police departments operate in the county's incorporated cities, including the Huntington City Police Department and other local agencies serving smaller communities like Castle Dale, Ferron, and Orangeville, though some contract with the Sheriff's Office for law enforcement services. Arrest records in Emery County are public records under Utah's Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA), codified at Utah Code §63G-2-201 et seq.
There are no tribal police jurisdictions within Emery County, as no tribal lands are located within county boundaries. The county's remote geography and extensive public lands mean that federal agencies including the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service also maintain law enforcement presence for crimes occurring on federal property.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Emery County encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and sex offender registry information. The Emery County Sheriff's Office, along with the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification, maintains these records. Residents can request background checks through the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification, which provides comprehensive criminal history reports. This process is essential for employment, housing, and other background verification needs.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Emery County are maintained by the Emery County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and legal representatives by contacting the sheriff's office directly. An arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and booking information. The process is governed by the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA), which outlines the public's right to access government records.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Emery County Jail, located in Castle Dale, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup services are available through the sheriff's office, allowing the public to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring prior scheduling and adherence to security protocols. The bond and bail process follows Utah state guidelines, allowing for cash bonds or bail bonds through approved agents.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Emery County are taken and retained by the Emery County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images are part of the public record and can be accessed through the sheriff's website or by request. Utah does not have specific mugshot removal laws, so the availability of these photos is subject to the state's public records policies. Third-party websites may also host these images, but the most reliable source is the sheriff's office.
Courts & Case Records
The Seventh District Court serves Emery County, Utah, with a courthouse located at 75 East Main Street in Castle Dale, Utah 84513. This district court can be reached at (435) 381-2186 and handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $10,000, divorce and family law cases, probate matters, and appeals from lower courts. The Seventh District covers Carbon, Emery, Grand, and San Juan counties. For lower-level matters, the Emery County Justice Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor crimes, small claims up to $11,000, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
- More detailed documents may require in-person inspection at the courthouse or formal records requests.
- Certified copies of court documents are available for a fee, typically $10 for certification plus copying costs.
Justice Court is also located in Castle Dale and can be contacted at (435) 381-2186. Municipal courts operate in incorporated cities within Emery County to handle city ordinance violations and traffic infractions occurring within city limits. To search court records in Emery County, the public can access Utah's statewide XChange case search system at www.utcourts.gov/case, which provides free online access to case information including party names, charges, court dates, and dispositions for both district and justice courts.
Under Utah Code §78A-2-302 and Rule 4-202 of the Utah Rules of Judicial Administration, court records are presumptively public unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute, such as adoption records, juvenile matters, and certain mental health proceedings. The Clerk of Court maintains an index of all cases and can assist researchers during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Emery County are maintained by the Emery County Recorder's Office, located at 75 East Main Street in Castle Dale, Utah 84513. The Recorder can be reached at (435) 381-2186 and is responsible for recording and preserving documents affecting real property, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, trust deeds, mortgages, releases, reconveyances, easements, liens, subdivision plats, and other instruments. The office maintains an online property search tool accessible through the county website at emerycounty.com, though the robustness of online access may vary.
- Recording fees are set by statute and typically include a base fee plus per-page charges.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Recorder's Office for statutory fees, generally $10 for certification plus copying costs.
- Many researchers also utilize the county's GIS parcel viewer, which provides interactive maps showing property boundaries, ownership, tax information, and aerial photography.
- This system is typically accessible through the county website and offers free public access to basic property information.
For property tax information, assessment values, and ownership data, the Emery County Assessor's Office is located in the same courthouse complex and can be contacted at (435) 381-2186. The Assessor maintains parcel information, conducts annual property valuations, and administers property tax exemptions. The Emery County Treasurer collects property taxes and maintains tax payment records.
Utah is a race-notice recording state, meaning the first party to properly record an interest in real property generally has priority. Utah Code §17-21-18 requires county recorders to maintain records and make them available for public inspection during regular business hours.
Vital Records
Vital records for Emery County, including birth and death certificates, are maintained by both local and state agencies. For birth certificates for individuals born in Emery County, requests can be made through the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Vital Records and Statistics, PO Box 141012, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-1012, or by visiting their website at health.utah.gov/vitalrecords. The state office charges $25 for a certified birth certificate copy, with additional copies ordered at the same time costing $10 each.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service is available for additional fees.
- Death certificates follow similar procedures, with the same fees and processing times, though death records are public after 50 years.
- For marriage licenses, couples must apply at the Emery County Clerk's Office at 75 East Main Street in Castle Dale; the fee is set by state law and the license is valid for 30 days from issuance anywhere in Utah.
- Divorce records (decrees of dissolution) are court records maintained by the Seventh District Court in Emery County and must be requested through the Clerk of Court.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through VitalChek, an authorized vendor for Utah vital records, at www.vitalchek.com, though convenience fees apply.
Birth records are restricted for 100 years and can only be obtained by the registrant (if of age), parents, legal guardians, or legal representatives. Marriage certificates can be obtained from the county clerk where the license was issued or from the state Office of Vital Records. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of relationship to the registrant.
Utah Code §26-2-1 et seq. governs vital records administration and establishes eligibility requirements for obtaining certified copies. The Emery County Clerk can be reached at (435) 381-2186 for questions about marriage licenses and local vital records services.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Emery County can be accessed through multiple agencies depending on the type of record sought. For business entity formation and registration, the Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Corporations and Commercial Code maintains the official registry of all corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other business entities operating in Utah.
- These records can be requested at the county offices in Castle Dale.
- The Castle Valley Chamber of Commerce serves the Emery County region and provides business support services; information is available through local economic development contacts.
Their free online business entity search is available at concierge.utah.gov, where users can search by business name, registered agent, or entity number to find formation documents, registered addresses, officers, and current status. For fictitious name registrations (DBA - doing business as), sole proprietorships, and certain local business licenses, the Emery County Clerk's Office at 75 East Main Street in Castle Dale maintains records and can be contacted at (435) 381-2186. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, real estate agents, healthcare providers, and cosmetologists are issued by various Utah state licensing boards under the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing; these can be searched at dopl.utah.gov.
Sales tax licenses and employer accounts are administered by the Utah State Tax Commission. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use applications are handled by the Emery County Planning and Zoning Department, which maintains records of building permits, conditional use permits, subdivision approvals, and zoning compliance. Business records maintained by government agencies are generally public under Utah's GRAMA statute (Utah Code §63G-2-301), though some proprietary business information may be protected from disclosure.
Researchers seeking comprehensive business information should check both state and county sources, as registration and licensing requirements vary by business type and activity.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Emery County, Utah, are administered by the Emery County Clerk's Office, which serves as the official election authority. The Clerk's Office is located at 75 East Main Street in Castle Dale, Utah 84513, and can be reached at (435) 381-2186. Information about elections, candidates, and voting is available through the county website at emerycounty.com or through the Utah State Elections Office at vote.utah.gov.
- Voter registration in Emery County can be completed online at vote.utah.gov/register, in person at the County Clerk's office, or by mail using a printed registration form.
- Utah conducts elections primarily by mail, and all registered voters automatically receive mail ballots approximately two weeks before each election.
- The 2024 general election in Emery County saw turnout consistent with rural Utah counties, typically ranging between 65-75% of registered voters in presidential election years.
Utah law requires voters to register at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election, though same-day registration is available during early voting and on Election Day with proper identification and proof of residency. To find your polling place in Emery County, voters can use the polling place locator at vote.utah.gov or contact the County Clerk's office directly. Ballots can be returned by mail (must be postmarked by the day before Election Day) or deposited in official ballot drop boxes located throughout the county, or voters may choose to vote in person at limited in-person voting locations during early voting or on Election Day.
Election records that are public in Utah include the official voter registration list (with certain personal information redacted), campaign finance disclosure reports filed by candidates and political action committees (available at disclosures.utah.gov), candidate declaration forms, precinct-level election results, and canvass reports. These records are accessible under Utah Code §63G-2-301 and specific election transparency provisions. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House and Senate midterm elections, Utah state legislative races, county offices, and potentially statewide ballot measures. Absentee or mail-in ballot requests in Utah are automatic for registered voters, but voters who do not receive a ballot or need a replacement can request one through the County Clerk's office by phone, email, or online portal up to the day before the election. Emery County provides excellent election transparency, with ballot counting occurring in public view, detailed result reporting by precinct, and responsive staff willing to assist citizens with election records requests under GRAMA provisions.
Economy & Demographics
Emery County's economy has traditionally centered on natural resource extraction, particularly coal mining, which remains a significant employer despite industry fluctuations. Major employers include Bowie Resource Partners, which operates coal mining operations in the county, providing hundreds of jobs with above-average wages. The energy sector, including coal-fired power generation at facilities like the historic Hunter and Huntington power plants (though facing closure timelines), has anchored the local economy for decades.
- Median household income in Emery County is estimated at approximately $60,000 to $65,000, somewhat below the Utah state average but supported by higher-paying mining and energy jobs.
Agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and some hay production, continues as a heritage industry adapted to the county's high-desert climate and terrain. Tourism is an increasingly important economic sector, driven by the county's proximity to exceptional outdoor recreation including Goblin Valley State Park, the San Rafael Swell, and world-class mountain biking, off-roading, and backcountry exploration opportunities. The county's unemployment rate typically tracks near or slightly above state averages, with sensitivity to energy sector volatility.
Economic development efforts focus on diversifying beyond extractive industries, with initiatives to support small business development, outdoor recreation tourism infrastructure, and leveraging the county's quality of life for remote workers and retirees. The county's population is aging as younger residents often leave for educational and employment opportunities in urban areas. Notable economic assets include extensive public lands managed for multiple use, developing renewable energy potential (solar and wind), and the county's strategic location along Highway 10 connecting to Interstate 70.
The Emery County Economic Development office works to attract new businesses and retain existing employers while managing the transition from coal-dependent economy to more diversified industries.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online via XChange | Property: ✅ Online Recorder Search | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person Required | Vital Records: ⚠️ State Office/In-Person | Business: ✅ Online State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Portal & Mail Voting | Overall Score: 7/10 — Emery County provides good digital access to court and property records with state system integration, though arrest and vital records require more direct agency contact.
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Cities & Towns in Emery County
Explore public records for 9 cities and communities in Emery County, Utah.
Nearby Counties
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