About Grand County
Grand County, Utah, encompasses approximately 3,694 square miles in the southeastern portion of the state and is home to some of America's most iconic natural landmarks. The county seat is Moab, a world-renowned outdoor recreation hub situated along the Colorado River. As of recent census estimates, Grand County has a population of approximately 9,700 residents, making it one of Utah's smaller counties by population despite its substantial geographic size.
The county's landscape is dominated by red rock formations, desert terrain, and two of America's most visited national parks: Arches National Park and a significant portion of Canyonlands National Park. Grand County was created in 1890 from portions of Emery County and takes its name from the Grand River, the historical name for the Colorado River before 1921. The county's economy revolves heavily around tourism, outdoor recreation, film production, and increasingly, remote workers drawn to the area's natural beauty.
Key county offices include the Grand County Recorder at 125 East Center Street, Moab, UT 84532; the Grand County Clerk/Auditor at the same address; and the Grand County Assessor, also located in the County Courthouse complex. The area has a rich history including uranium mining during the Cold War era, cattle ranching, and Native American heritage, with evidence of ancestral Puebloan and Fremont cultures throughout the region. What makes Grand County unique is its dramatic contrast between a small permanent population and the millions of annual visitors who pass through, creating distinctive governance and infrastructure challenges.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Grand County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across the unincorporated areas of the county. The office manages the county jail, oversees patrol operations, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community outreach programs and provides educational resources on crime prevention. Notable divisions within the office include the Search and Rescue team and the Drug Task Force, which address specific community needs and enhance public safety.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Grand County is provided by the Grand County Sheriff's Office and the Moab City Police Department. The Sheriff's Office covers the unincorporated areas, while the Moab City Police Department serves the city of Moab. These agencies collaborate on major investigations and share resources to enhance public safety. The Moab City Police Department focuses on urban policing, traffic enforcement, and community engagement within city limits.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Grand County, Utah, is primarily provided by the Grand County Sheriff's Office, located at 125 East Center Street, Moab, UT 84532. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (435) 259-8115 and maintains a website at www.grandcountyutah.net/sheriff. The agency provides patrol services, criminal investigations, search and rescue operations (particularly crucial given the county's vast wilderness areas), and operates the Grand County Jail.
- Inmate lookup and custody information for the Grand County Detention Center can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by calling the jail directly at (435) 259-8115.
- To request arrest records, citizens may submit a GRAMA request to the Grand County Sheriff's Office or the Moab City Police Department, specifying the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
- There may be nominal fees for copies.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the jail's public roster or by specific records request.
Current inmate rosters typically include booking information, charges, and bond status. The City of Moab operates the Moab City Police Department at 217 East Center Street, Moab, UT 84532, phone (435) 259-4321, which handles law enforcement within city limits. Given the high volume of tourists and outdoor recreationists, both agencies coordinate closely on search and rescue, traffic enforcement along Highway 191 and Highway 128, and managing public safety in recreation areas.
Arrest records in Grand County are public records under the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA), Utah Code §63G-2-201 et seq. The county also coordinates with federal agencies including the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management, which have law enforcement jurisdiction on federal lands. Utah Highway Patrol maintains a presence on state highways throughout the county.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Grand County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registrations. The Grand County Sheriff's Office and the Moab City Police Department maintain these records, with oversight from the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification. Residents can conduct background checks through the Bureau, which provides comprehensive criminal history reports. The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, ensuring community awareness and safety.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Grand County are maintained by the Grand County Sheriff's Office. Residents and attorneys can request these records through formal applications, adhering to the guidelines set by the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA). An arrest record in Grand County typically includes the individual's personal details, the nature of the charges, and the arresting agency. Requests for records can be made in person or via mail to the Sheriff's Office, with some information available online.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Grand County Jail, located in Moab, serves as the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmates can be located through an online inmate lookup tool provided by the Sheriff's Office. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines. The bond and bail process in Utah allows for the release of inmates pending trial, with options for cash bail or bond services.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Grand County are taken and retained by the Grand 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 website or by request. Utah does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can petition for removal if the charges are dismissed or if they are acquitted. The availability of mugshots online is subject to privacy considerations and state regulations.
Courts & Case Records
Grand County is served by the Seventh District Court of Utah, with the Grand County Courthouse located at 125 East Center Street, Moab, UT 84532. The District Court can be reached at (435) 259-1321 and handles felony criminal cases, civil matters over $10,000, domestic relations including divorce and custody, probate matters, and appeals from lower courts. District Court judges rotate through Grand County from the Seventh District, which also includes Carbon, Emery, and San Juan counties.
- The Grand County Justice Court, located at the same courthouse address, phone (435) 259-1348, has jurisdiction over misdemeanor crimes, traffic violations, small claims up to $11,000, and infractions.
- Case searches can be conducted through Utah Courts' online system, XChange, available at www.utcourts.gov, which provides access to case information, dockets, calendars, and some filings.
- There is no fee to search cases online, though certified copies and documents require fees ranging from $1 per page for standard copies to $10 for certification.
- The clerk's office accepts requests in person, by mail, or through the online portal.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Grand County, Utah, are maintained by the Grand County Recorder's Office, located at 125 East Center Street, Moab, UT 84532, phone (435) 259-1321. The Recorder's Office website at www.grandcountyutah.net/recorder provides access to recorded documents including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, mechanics liens, federal tax liens, easements, right-of-way documents, subdivision plats, and condominium declarations.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $5 for the first page and $2 for each additional page, plus any applicable mailing fees.
The office has digitized records and offers a free online search portal where users can search by name, parcel number, document type, or recording date. Property tax information is managed by the Grand County Assessor's Office at the same courthouse address, phone (435) 259-1322, and the Grand County Treasurer handles tax collection. The Assessor maintains detailed property records including ownership, assessed values, property characteristics, building square footage, and tax history.
An online GIS parcel viewer is available through the county website, providing interactive maps with property boundaries, ownership information, and assessment data. This system is particularly valuable in Grand County where property boundaries often interface with federal lands. The Recorder's Office indexes all documents according to Utah Code §17-21-6 and records documents presented that meet statutory requirements under Utah Code §57-3-102.
Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office also maintains military discharge records (DD-214) with restricted access as specified by law, and survey maps and plats.
Vital Records
Vital records services for Grand County, Utah, are provided through the Grand County Clerk/Auditor's Office at 125 East Center Street, Moab, UT 84532, phone (435) 259-1321. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Grand County can be requested through the County Clerk, though the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Vital Records and Statistics is the primary custodian of all Utah vital records. The state office is located at 288 North 1460 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84114, phone (801) 538-6105, and operates an online ordering portal at https://vitalrecords.utah.gov.
- Birth certificates cost $20 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; death certificates are $18 for the first copy and $10 for additional copies.
- Marriage licenses are issued by the Grand County Clerk's Office; couples must apply in person with valid photo identification, and the current fee is approximately $40-$50.
- Divorce records are maintained as court records through the Seventh District Court and can be accessed through the court clerk.
- The County Clerk can provide guidance on genealogical research requests for older records.
Certified copies typically take 3-5 business days when ordered online with expedited shipping, or 4-6 weeks by mail. Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as defined by Utah Code §26-2-3 and §26-2-25. There is no waiting period in Utah, and the license is valid for 30 days.
Marriage license applications and records are public. Utah vital records law, codified at Utah Code Title 26, Chapter 2, restricts birth and death certificate access to immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with documented legal interest.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Grand County, Utah, involves multiple agencies depending on the business type and scope. The Grand County Clerk/Auditor's Office at 125 East Center Street, Moab, UT 84532, phone (435) 259-1321, handles local business license applications, fictitious name registrations (DBA - Doing Business As), and certain trade name filings. Business licenses in unincorporated Grand County are required for most commercial operations, with fees varying by business type.
- The state maintains a free online business entity search at https://secure.utah.gov/bes/, where users can look up corporation names, registered agents, filing dates, and entity status.
- The Moab Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 217 East Center Street, Moab, UT 84532, maintains a business directory and provides resources at www.moabchamber.com.
The City of Moab Business Licensing Department, located at Moab City Hall, 217 East Center Street, Moab, UT 84532, phone (435) 259-5121, issues business licenses for operations within city limits, including retail, restaurants, lodging, and service businesses. State-level business entity registration, including corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, is handled by the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code, part of the Utah Department of Commerce. Building permits, land use permits, and zoning compliance are managed by the Grand County Community Development Department at (435) 259-1346.
Given the county's reliance on tourism, many businesses require additional permits such as conditional use permits for short-term rentals, special event permits, and restaurant health permits from the Southeast Utah Health Department. Professional and occupational licenses, such as contractors, real estate agents, and healthcare providers, are issued by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL).
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Grand County, Utah, are administered by the Grand County Clerk/Auditor, serving as the County Clerk, located at 125 East Center Street, Moab, UT 84532. The elections office can be reached at (435) 259-1321, and election information is available at www.grandcountyutah.net/elections. Voter registration in Grand County can be completed online through the Utah Voter Registration system at https://vote.utah.gov, by mail using a paper application, or in person at the County Clerk's office.
- Utah conducts elections primarily by mail; all active registered voters automatically receive mail ballots approximately 14-21 days before Election Day.
- The County Clerk's office provides accessible voting equipment for voters with disabilities and language assistance as required by federal law.
- Citizens can request specific election records, including ballot counting processes and voting equipment testing records, through GRAMA requests to the County Clerk under Utah Code §63G-2-201.
Utah law requires registration at least 11 days before Election Day for in-person voting; online and by-mail registrations must be received by 11 days before the election. Same-day voter registration is available during early voting periods and on Election Day with proper identification, though these voters may cast provisional ballots. Eligible voters must be U.S.
citizens, Utah residents, residents of Grand County for at least 30 days, and at least 18 years old on or before Election Day. Voters can find their polling place, check registration status, and view sample ballots through the state's voter information portal at https://vote.utah.gov or by contacting the County Clerk. Grand County typically operates 3-4 voting locations on Election Day, concentrated in and near Moab, with additional early voting locations available at the County Courthouse in the weeks preceding elections.
Public election records in Utah include voter registration rolls (with certain personal information redacted per Utah Code §63G-2-302), campaign finance disclosure reports filed with the Utah Lieutenant Governor's Office, candidate filings and declarations, precinct-level election results, and ballot initiative petitions. These records are accessible under GRAMA and through the Utah Lieutenant Governor's Elections Office website at https://elections.utah.gov. Grand County's turnout in the November 2024 general election was approximately 78%, higher than many Utah counties, reflecting strong civic engagement.
The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. Senate and House races, Utah state legislative seats, county commission positions, and various local offices. Voters may return ballots by mail (postmarked by Election Day), at secure ballot drop boxes located throughout Grand County, or in person at early voting sites and polling locations.
In-person voting with same-day registration is available during early voting and on Election Day.
Economy & Demographics
Grand County's economy is overwhelmingly driven by tourism and outdoor recreation, with visitors generating the majority of economic activity. Arches and Canyonlands National Parks attract over 2.5 million combined annual visitors, creating sustained demand for lodging, restaurants, guide services, and retail. Major employers include the Grand County School District, Grand County government, City of Moab, and numerous hospitality businesses.
- The median household income in Grand County is approximately $62,000, slightly below the Utah state median, though income levels vary significantly between year-round residents and seasonal workers.
- The potash mining industry, operated by Intrepid Potash at their facility southwest of Moab, provides high-wage industrial employment.
Tourism and hospitality services represent the dominant economic sector, encompassing hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, outfitters, bike shops, and adventure tour companies. Recreation-based retail, particularly outdoor gear and equipment sales, forms another substantial component. Film production has historically been significant, with Grand County's dramatic landscapes featured in hundreds of commercials, films, and television productions, though this sector has declined from its peak.
Healthcare services, provided primarily by Moab Regional Hospital, represent another major employer. The county has seen growing interest from remote workers and technology professionals attracted to lifestyle opportunities, contributing to housing market pressures. Agriculture, primarily cattle ranching, remains present but economically limited by the arid environment and prevalence of federal land ownership.
Unemployment in Grand County typically ranges from 3-5%, with significant seasonal variation as tourism businesses reduce staff in winter months. Recent economic development efforts focus on sustainable tourism, workforce housing development, and diversification beyond seasonal recreation dependency. The Grand County Economic Development Office works to attract year-round businesses while balancing growth with quality-of-life preservation.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online via XChange | Property: ✅ Free Online Search & GIS | Arrest/Jail: ✅ Online Roster | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or State Portal | Business: ✅ Online (State & County) | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall Score: 9/10 — Grand County provides excellent digital access to public records with comprehensive online systems for most record types, strong transparency practices, and responsive GRAMA compliance.
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Cities & Towns in Grand County
Nearby Counties
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