About Fallon County
Fallon County is located in the southeastern corner of Montana, bordered by both North Dakota and South Dakota. Established in 1913 from a portion of Custer County, Fallon County includes approximately 1,620 square miles of prairie and badlands terrain. Fallon County Seat and largest community is Baker, situated along Highway 12. As of recent census estimates, Fallon County has a population of approximately 3,000 residents, making it one of Montana's smaller counties by population. The scene is characterized by vast agricultural lands, rolling hills, and portions of the Powder River Basin.
Fallon County is named after Benjamin O'Fallon, a nephew of explorer William Clark. Major landmarks include the Medicine Rocks State Park, featuring spectacular sandstone formations sacred to Native American tribes, and portions of the Custer National Forest. The local economy is driven primarily by agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and dryland farming, along with oil and gas extraction.
County government offices are centralized in Baker at Fallon County Courthouse, located at 10 West Fallon County Avenue. Key county agencies include Fallon County Clerk and Recorder, responsible for maintaining public records including land records, marriage licenses, and election administration; Fallon Montana Department of Revenue's Office, which handles property valuations and tax assessments; and Fallon County Treasurer, who collects property taxes. Fallon County's rural character, proximity to Theodore Roosevelt's ranching country, and dramatic geological features make it a distinctive part of Montana's eastern plains region.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Fallon County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Fallon County, particularly in the unincorporated areas. The office oversees Fallon County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. Notable initiatives include partnerships with local schools and community groups to enhance public safety and awareness.
Police Departments
In addition to Fallon County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Fallon County is supported by the Baker Police Department. Both agencies collaborate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, making sure of full coverage and response throughout Fallon County. Coordination between these agencies is crucial for effective law enforcement and community safety.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement services in Fallon County are primarily provided by Fallon County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at Fallon County Courthouse complex at 10 West Fallon Avenue in Baker, Montana 59313. Fallon County Detention Center houses inmates arrested within Fallon County jurisdiction.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through direct request to the Sheriff's Office, with requesters typically required to provide identification and pay reasonable copying fees.
- Processing times for records requests vary but the agency must respond within a reasonable time as defined by Montana law.
Inmate information and jail roster details can typically be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, as many smaller Montana counties do not maintain online inmate databases. The City of Baker maintains a municipal police presence for city limits, though many law enforcement functions are coordinated with the Sheriff's Office. Arrest records and booking information in Fallon County are considered public records under Montana's Constitutional Right to Know provisions (Article II, Section 9 of the Montana Constitution) and the Montana Public Records Act (Title 2, Chapter 6, Part 10 of the Montana Code Annotated).
Montana statute 44-5-303 MCA governs the retention and disclosure of criminal justice information. No tribal law enforcement agencies operate within Fallon County boundaries, as Fallon County does not contain reservation lands.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Fallon County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Background checks can be conducted through the Montana Department of Justice, which offers full reports for people seeking information on criminal history. The Bureau provides a centralized database for background checks, making sure of accuracy and thoroughness in the information provided to Fallon County residents.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Fallon County are maintained by Fallon County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the individual arrested. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The process is governed by the Montana Public Records Act, which ensures transparency and public access to governmental records. Arrest records typically include the date of arrest, charges, and any court proceedings related to the case.
Jail & Inmate Records
Fallon 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 involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring appointments and adherence to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process follows Montana state guidelines, allowing for the release of individuals under certain conditions while they await court proceedings.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Fallon County are taken and retained by Fallon 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 some mugshots may be available online, others might require a formal request to view. Montana does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals can petition for removal or sealing under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the charges.
Courts & Case Records
Fallon County District Court, part of Montana's Sixteenth Judicial District, is located at Fallon County Courthouse, 10 West Fallon Avenue, Baker, Montana 59313. The court can be contacted through the office’s website. District Court has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $12,000, divorce and family law matters, probate proceedings, and appeals from lower courts. The Sixteenth Judicial District also serves Carter County.
- Fallon County Justice Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases up to $12,000, small claims, temporary order of protection proceedings, and initial appearances for felonies.
- Montana's court system provides limited online case search capabilities through the Montana Judicial Branch website, though full searching often requires in-person or written requests to the Clerk of District Court.
- The Clerk maintains the official court record and provides certified copies of judgments, divorce decrees, and other court documents for statutory fees: typically $5 for certification plus copying costs.
Justice Court information is available through Fallon County Clerk of District Court. Montana's constitutional right to access court records is established in Article II, Section 9 of the Montana Constitution, while Mont. Code Ann.
§ 2-6-102 affirms the public's right to examine public records including most court documents. However, certain records such as sealed adoption files, juvenile proceedings, and cases involving mental health commitments may be confidential under specific statutes. The Montana Supreme Court Administrative Rules also govern public access to court records.
Requests for older archived records may require additional processing time and should be directed to the Clerk of District Court in writing with specific case information including case number, party names, and case type.
Property & Public Records
Fallon County Clerk and Recorder, located at 10 West Fallon Avenue, Baker, Montana 59313, maintains land and property records for Fallon County. The office can be contacted for The Recorder's Office maintains official records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages and deeds of trust, mortgage releases and satisfactions, liens (mechanics liens, judgment liens, tax liens), easements, rights-of-way, subdivision plats, surveys, and other documents affecting real property title. These records are indexed by grantor and grantee names and by legal description.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for statutory fees, generally $5 for certification plus $1-2 per page for copying.
Montana law requires most documents affecting real property to be recorded in Fallon County where the property is located (Mont. Code Ann. § 70-21-101).
While some Montana counties offer online document searching, Fallon County's size and resources may limit online access; interested parties should contact the Clerk and Recorder's office directly to inquire about current search options. In-person searches are available during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays. Fallon Montana Department of Revenue's Office, also located in the courthouse, maintains property tax assessment records including ownership information, legal descriptions, assessed valuations, property characteristics, and tax history.
Property tax inquiries and payment information are handled by Fallon County Treasurer's Office at (406) 778-7arbitrarily. The Montana Department of Revenue Cadastral Mapping Project may provide GIS parcel information, though county-specific online viewers vary by jurisdiction. All property records are public under Montana's constitutional and statutory public records provisions unless specifically exempted by law.
Vital Records
Vital records for events occurring in Fallon County, Montana, are available through multiple sources. Birth and death certificates can be requested from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Office of Vital Statistics, P.O. Box 4210, Helena, Montana 59604-4210. The state vital records office maintains centralized records for births and deaths occurring throughout Montana. Birth certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously; death certificates cost $10 each. Certified copies are required for most legal purposes.
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service may be available for additional fees.
- The Montana Vital Records office also offers online ordering through VitalChek, an authorized third-party vendor, at https://www.vitalchek.com, though convenience fees apply.
- The marriage license fee is set by state statute.
- Divorce records (Dissolution of Marriage decrees) are court records maintained by the Clerk of District Court and may be requested from that office with proper identification and payment of applicable fees.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Mont. Code Ann. § 50-15-120 through § 50-15-127.
Eligible applicants include the registrant (if of legal age), parents, legal guardians, legal representatives, or others with court orders. Marriage licenses in Montana are issued by the Clerk of District Court in Fallon County where the marriage ceremony will occur. Fallon County Clerk of District Court, located at the courthouse at 10 West Fallon Avenue, Baker, Montana 59313, issues marriage licenses for couples planning to marry in Fallon County.
Both parties must appear in person with valid photo identification and proof of age. There is no waiting period, and the license is valid for 180 days from issuance. Montana vital records law is codified at Title 50, Chapter 15 of the Montana Code Annotated.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Fallon County operates through both county and state agencies. Fallon County Clerk and Recorder's Office, located at 10 West Fallon Avenue, Baker, Montana 59313, handles local business name registrations and fictitious name (DBA - Doing Business As) filings for businesses operating within Fallon County. These filings establish public notice of business ownership and are searchable public records.
- This database is freely accessible to the public and updated regularly.
- The Chamber provides business networking, visitor information, and economic data for prospective businesses considering location in Fallon County.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, businesses must register with the Montana Secretary of State's Business Services Bureau. The Montana Secretary of State maintains a full online business entity search at https://biz.sosmt.gov where users can search for registered business entities, view formation documents, registered agents, and corporate status. Professional and occupational licenses are generally issued by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry's various professional licensing boards, depending on the profession.
Local business licenses or permits may be required by the City of Baker for businesses operating within city limits; inquiries should be directed to Baker City Hall for Building permits, zoning compliance, and land use applications in unincorporated Fallon County areas are handled by Fallon County Planning Office or the County Clerk's office. Construction projects must comply with applicable Montana building codes and local zoning ordinances. The Baker Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, located at 51 S Main Street, Baker, Montana 59313, promotes local economic development and can be reached at or through their website.
Elections & Voter Records
Election administration in Fallon County is conducted by Fallon County Clerk and Recorder, who serves as Fallon County's Election Administrator. The office is located at 10 West Fallon Avenue, Baker, Montana 59313, and can be contacted for Voter registration in Montana is available to U.S. Citizens who are at least 18 years old on or before the next election and who have resided in Montana for at least 30 days prior to the election.
- Montana law provides for extensive public access to election records under Title 13 of the Montana Code Annotated.
- Montana is an absentee-friendly state; any registered voter may request an absentee ballot without providing a reason.
- Absentee ballot requests can be submitted through the My Voter Page, by written request to Fallon County Election Office, or in person.
- Montana law (MCA § 13-1-111) provides that election records are public unless specifically exempted, for public access in the electoral process.
- Citizens may request copies of election results, voter turnout data, and other election administration records by contacting the County Election Administrator.
Montana offers online voter registration through the Montana Secretary of State's My Voter Page at https://sosmt.gov/elections/vote/, where eligible citizens can register, update their registration, check registration status, and request absentee ballots. Late registration is available in Montana up through noon the day before Election Day at Fallon County election office, making Montana one of the most accessible states for voter registration. Voters can find their assigned polling place by contacting Fallon County Election Office or by using the polling place lookup tool on the Secretary of State's website.
Fallon County typically operates a limited number of polling locations given its small population, with Baker serving as the primary voting location. Public records include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted), campaign finance reports filed with the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices, candidate filing information, ballot issues, and precinct-level election results. The 2024 general election saw typical rural Montana turnout patterns in Fallon County, with participation rates generally ranging from 65% to 75% of registered voters, reflecting strong civic engagement characteristic of Montana communities.
The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate races (Montana gained a second House seat after the 2020 census), along with state legislative races, county offices, and potentially statewide ballot measures. Montana conducts elections primarily by mail in many counties, though Fallon County voters should confirm current procedures with the Election Administrator.
Economy & Demographics
Fallon County's economy is fundamentally based on agriculture and energy extraction, reflecting the natural resource extensive southeastern Montana. Cattle ranching and dryland farming constitute the primary agricultural activities, with wheat, barley, and hay among the principal crops. Fallon County sits within the Powder River Basin, one of the nation's most significant energy-producing regions, and oil and gas extraction contributes substantially to the local tax base and employment.
- According to recent economic data, median household income in Fallon County approximates $55,000 to $65,000, though figures fluctuate with commodity prices and energy market conditions.
- Fallon County's location along Highway 12, a major east-west corridor, provides transportation connectivity for agricultural products and energy resources.
Fallon County's small population means government entities, including county government, public schools, and the USDA service agencies, rank among the larger employers. Healthcare services, provided primarily through Fallon Medical Complex in Baker, represent another significant employment sector. Retail trade, construction, and agricultural services round out the employment scene.
Major economic infrastructure includes grain elevators, fertilizer suppliers, farm equipment dealers, and fuel distribution facilities. Fallon County has experienced economic cycles tied to energy development, with periods of oil and gas drilling bringing temporary population increases and economic activity. Unemployment rates in Fallon County typically track close to or slightly above Montana's state average, varying seasonally with agricultural cycles.
Tourism contributes modestly to the economy, with visitors attracted to Medicine Rocks State Park, hunting opportunities, and proximity to Theodore Roosevelt country. Recent economic development efforts have focused on improving telecommunications infrastructure, supporting small business development, and maintaining quality of life amenities to retain working-age families. Property tax revenue from energy extraction and large ranch properties helps fund county services despite the small population base.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Online (Contact Clerk) | Property: Limited: In-Person/Phone Required | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Contact Sheriff | Vital Records: Limited: State Office or In-Person | Business: Yes: State Online (SOS) | Elections: Yes: State Online Registration | Overall Score: 5/10, Fallon County provides standard rural Montana access; most records require direct office contact, though state-level systems offer voter registration and business search capabilities.