About Grant County
Grant County, Washington, is located in the central part of the state and is an important agricultural and energy hub within the Columbia Basin region. Grant County Seat is Ephrata, situated approximately 180 miles east of Seattle. Grant County includes 2,791 square miles of land area, making it one of the larger counties in Washington by geographic size. According to recent census estimates, Grant County population exceeds 99,000 residents. Grant County was established in 1909 and named after President Ulysses S. Grant.
Major cities and communities include Moses Lake, Ephrata, Quincy, Royal City, Soap Lake, Warden, and George. Grant County is distinguished by its dramatic geological features including the Grand Coulee, Ancient Lakes, and Dry Falls, once the world's largest waterfall during the Ice Age floods. Grant County's economy is anchored by irrigated agriculture from the Columbia Basin Project, making it one of the nation's leading producers of potatoes, wheat, apples, and other crops.
Grant County Courthouse complex in Ephrata houses the County Recorder's Office at 35 C Street NW, the County Clerk's Office, and the Assessor's Office. Grant County is also home to significant renewable energy infrastructure including wind farms and data centers. Recreation opportunities abound with numerous lakes, the Columbia River, and outdoor activities ranging from fishing to hiking.
The multicultural population reflects Grant County's agricultural heritage with significant Hispanic and Native American communities. The Colville Confederated Tribes maintain a presence in northern portions of Grant County.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Grant County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Grant County. It manages Grant County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is involved in various community programs, including crime prevention initiatives and educational outreach. The Sheriff's Office also has specialized divisions such as a marine unit and a K-9 unit, which are tailored to the unique needs of Grant County's geography and community.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Grant County is provided by both Grant County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Ephrata Police Department, Moses Lake Police Department, and Quincy Police Department are among the key agencies serving the incorporated areas. These departments coordinate with the sheriff's office on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage across Grant County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Grant County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency serving unincorporated areas and providing countywide services, headquartered at 35 C Street NW in Ephrata, Washington 98823. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a website at grantcountywa.gov/sheriff. The agency operates Grant County Jail, a detention facility housing pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates.
- To request arrest records, citizens must submit a written public records request to the Sheriff's Office or the specific police department that made the arrest.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the jail roster online or by requesting copies from the Records Division.
- The Sheriff's Office Records Division processes requests for incident reports, accident reports, and arrest records.
- Processing times vary but agencies must respond to public records requests within five business days under state law.
Citizens can search for current inmates through Grant County Sheriff's Office website using the jail roster feature, which typically includes booking photos, charges, booking dates, and bond information. Municipal police departments operating within Grant County include the Moses Lake Police Department (serving Grant County's largest city), Ephrata Police Department, Quincy Police Department, Royal City Police Department, Soap Lake Police Department, and Warden Police Department. Arrest records and booking information in Grant County are public records under Washington's Public Records Act (RCW 42.56), which presumes that all government records are public unless specifically exempted.
Some records may be redacted or withheld if they are part of an active investigation or protected by statute. Grant County does not have tribal police agencies operating within its primary boundaries, though coordination occurs with federal agencies regarding the Columbia River jurisdiction.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Grant County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and sex offender registry information. Grant County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Washington State Patrol provides background checks for residents. The Washington Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for accessing statewide criminal history information, making sure of thorough background checks for employment or personal purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Grant County are maintained by Grant County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, adhering to the Washington Public Records Act. An arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and the arresting officer's name. The process ensures transparency and accessibility while protecting sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Grant County Jail, located in Ephrata, is the primary detention facility for Grant County. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting individuals upon arrest. Inmate lookup is available through Grant County's online portal, allowing the public to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring appointments and adherence to a schedule. The bond and bail process in Washington allows for the posting of bail through cash or bond, and the jail provides information on how to help with this process.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Grant County are taken and retained by Grant 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 under the Washington Public Records Act. Washington does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of charges.
Courts & Case Records
Grant County operates a unified court system serving all residents. Grant County Superior Court, located at 35 C Street NW, Ephrata, WA 98823 (phone: 509-754-2011 ext. 2), has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $100,000, domestic relations matters including divorce and custody, probate and estate matters, and appeals from lower courts. Grant County District Court, sharing the same courthouse complex, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil disputes up to $100,000, preliminary hearings for felonies, protection orders, and traffic infractions.
- The Washington State Courts website (www.courts.wa.gov) provides statewide case search capabilities, though not all Grant County records may be immediately available online.
- Copies of court documents cost $0.50 per page for standard documents, with certified copies available for an additional fee.
- Online access continues to expand but currently requires in-person or written requests for many historical records.
Grant County operates multiple District Court locations including Ephrata and Moses Lake to serve the population. Municipal courts exist in Moses Lake, Ephrata, Quincy, and other incorporated cities, handling traffic infractions and city ordinance violations within their respective jurisdictions. Court records in Grant County are accessible under Washington Court Rule GR 31, which governs public access to court records.
In-person searches can be conducted at the Clerk's Office during business hours Monday through Friday. Some records, including certain juvenile cases, mental health proceedings, and sealed documents, are restricted from public access by statute. Case information can be obtained by providing case numbers, party names, or filing dates.
The Superior Court Clerk maintains an index of all cases filed and can assist researchers in locating specific documents.
Property & Public Records
Grant County Recorder's Office, located at 35 C Street NW, Ephrata, WA 98823 (phone: 509-754-2011 ext. 389), is responsible for recording and maintaining land records, property documents, and various legal instruments. The Recorder's Office preserves deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, reconveyances, liens (including mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens), easements, real estate contracts, plat maps, surveys, and UCC financing statements.
- Recording fees vary by document type, generally starting at $79 for the first page and $1 for each additional page for standard documents.
- Grant County Assessor's Office, also located in the Ephrata courthouse (phone: 509-754-2011 ext.
- Grant County Treasurer's Office (phone: 509-754-2011 ext.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for an additional fee of $5 per document.
- Requests can be submitted in person, by mail, or increasingly through online portals.
Grant County offers online property record searching through the Official Public Records Search portal accessible via Grant County website at grantcountywa.gov. The online system allows users to search by grantor/grantee names, document type, legal description, or recording date. Document images are available for viewing and printing, typically dating back to the 1980s with ongoing digitization of older records.
363), maintains property tax assessment records, parcel information, and valuation data. The Assessor provides a free online Property Information Search tool through Grant County website where users can search by parcel number, property address, or owner name to access assessment values, property characteristics, sales history, and tax information. 401) handles property tax collections and maintains payment histories.
Grant County operates a full Geographic Information System (GIS) with an interactive parcel viewer showing property boundaries, zoning, aerial imagery, and topographic information.
Vital Records
Vital records for Grant County, Washington, include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Grant County may be requested through the Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics, PO Box 47814, Olympia, WA 98504-7814, as Washington operates a centralized vital records system. The state office can be reached for Birth certificates cost $25 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Death certificates cost $25 for the first copy and $10 for additional copies.
- Processing time for vital records requests is typically 4-6 weeks by mail, though expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- Marriage licenses in Grant County are issued by Grant County Auditor's Office located at 35 C Street NW, Ephrata, WA 98823 (phone: 509-754-2011 ext.
- The fee is approximately $64, and there is a three-day waiting period after application before the license is valid.
- Certified copies of marriage certificates can be obtained from the Auditor's Office for $5 per copy.
- Divorce decrees are filed with Grant County Superior Court Clerk and must be requested through the court.
Washington law (RCW 70.58A) governs access to vital records and restricts access to immediate family members, legal representatives, or individuals with a direct and tangible interest. Applicants must provide valid photo identification such as a driver's license or passport. Birth certificates are available for births occurring in Washington State from July 1907 forward.
Death certificates are similarly available from 1907 forward. 344). Both parties must appear in person to apply for a marriage license.
Marriage licenses expire after 60 days if not used. Online ordering of vital records is available through VitalChek at wa.gov/doh for state-held records, providing expedited service with additional fees.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Grant County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Grant County Auditor's Office processes local business registrations and fictitious name filings (Doing Business As or DBA registrations) for businesses operating within unincorporated Grant County. The Auditor's Office is located at 35 C Street NW, Ephrata, WA 98823, and can be reached at ext. 344.
- This online database allows free searches by business name, UBI (Unified Business Identifier) number, or registered agent.
- The database provides information on business formation dates, officers and directors, registered agents, business addresses, and active status.
- Building permits, land use permits, and zoning approvals in unincorporated Grant County are handled by Grant County Community Development Department (phone: 509-754-2011 ext.
For full business entity searches including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other registered entities, the Washington Secretary of State maintains the official business registry accessible at sos.wa.gov/corps. Cities within Grant County including Moses Lake, Ephrata, and Quincy require separate business licenses for operations within city limits, administered by their respective city clerk offices. Professional and occupational licenses in Washington are managed by the Department of Licensing and specific professional boards depending on the occupation.
State business license applications can be initiated through the Business Licensing Service at dor.wa.gov. Sales tax permits are required for retail businesses and are issued by the Washington Department of Revenue. 380), located in the courthouse complex.
The department reviews building plans, issues construction permits, conducts inspections, and enforces zoning codes. Grant County Economic Development Council promotes business development and can be reached through their website for information on starting or expanding businesses in Grant County.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Grant County, Washington, are administered by Grant County Auditor's Office - Elections Division, located at 35 C Street NW, Ephrata, WA 98823. The Elections Division can be reached at ext. 344, and election information is available at grantcountywa.gov under the Auditor/Elections section.
- Washington is a vote-by-mail state, meaning all registered voters automatically receive ballots mailed to their registered address approximately 18 days before each election.
- Absentee ballots in Washington's vote-by-mail system are automatically sent to all active registered voters; however, voters who need replacement ballots can request them through the Elections Division.
- Grant County provides accessible voting equipment at the Auditor's Office for voters with disabilities who need assistance marking their ballot.
Voter registration in Grant County can be completed online through the Washington Secretary of State's VoteWA portal at voter.votewa.gov, in person at the Auditor's Office, by mail using a voter registration form, or at the Department of Licensing when obtaining or renewing a driver's license. Washington allows same-day voter registration during the in-person voting period before Election Day. For mail registration, applications must be postmarked no later than 8 days before Election Day, though online registration is accepted until 8 days before the election.
Voters can return completed ballots by mail (no postage required if returned by Election Day), deposit them in official ballot drop boxes located throughout Grant County (including locations in Ephrata, Moses Lake, Quincy, and other communities), or deliver them in person to the Auditor's Office. Ballot drop boxes are accessible 24 hours a day and are clearly marked. To find your specific ballot drop box location, voters can use the online tool at voter.votewa.gov or contact the Elections Division.
Election records that are public in Grant County include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted per RCW 29A.08.710), precinct-level election results, candidate filings, campaign finance reports through the Public Disclosure Commission, and election result certifications. In the November 2024 general election, Grant County voter turnout was approximately 68%, reflecting typical participation levels for Washington presidential election years. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races, one U.S. Senate seat, Washington state legislative races, and various county offices. Voters can track their ballot status online at votewa.gov to confirm when their ballot was mailed, received, and counted.
Election transparency is mandated by Washington law (Title 29A RCW), which requires public observation of ballot processing, logic and accuracy testing of voting equipment, and public disclosure of campaign finance records.
Economy & Demographics
Grant County's economy is fundamentally rooted in agriculture, with the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project transforming Grant County into one of the most productive agricultural areas in the United States. Grant County is consistently ranked among the top counties nationwide for potato production, with major processing facilities operated by companies including Lamb Weston and McCain Foods. Other significant crops include wheat, corn, alfalfa, apples, cherries, and various vegetable crops.
- The agricultural sector supports numerous food processing plants, cold storage facilities, and agricultural services.
Beyond agriculture, Grant County has emerged as a significant hub for technology infrastructure, particularly data centers attracted by abundant hydroelectric power from the Columbia Basin Project and competitive electricity rates. Major technology companies including Microsoft, Yahoo (Verizon Media), Intuit, and Dell have established large-scale data center operations near Quincy and throughout Grant County. These facilities represent billions of dollars in investment and provide high-paying technical jobs.
According to recent economic data, the median household income in Grant County is approximately $62,000, slightly below the Washington state average but reflecting Grant County's mix of agricultural, industrial, and professional employment. Major employers include Samaritan Healthcare (regional medical center in Moses Lake), Royal Slope Fruit & Cold Storage, Columbia Basin Job Corps, public school districts, and county government. The clean energy sector contributes significantly with the Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility near Ellensburg (Kittitas County line) and multiple wind farms within county boundaries generating hundreds of megawatts of renewable energy.
The Port of Ephrata and Grant County International Airport support business development and aviation-related commerce. Tourism represents a growing economic sector with attractions including recreational boating and fishing on Moses Lake, Banks Lake, Potholes Reservoir, and numerous smaller lakes, plus geological tourism to Dry Falls and Ancient Lakes. Unemployment rates in Grant County typically track slightly above state averages, ranging from 5-7% depending on seasonal agricultural cycles.
Economic development initiatives focus on diversifying the economy while supporting the traditional agricultural base.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Partial Online | Property: Yes: Free Search Online | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Roster | Vital Records: Limited: State Office/Mail | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Full Online Access | Overall Score: 7.5/10, Grant County provides good digital access to property, jail, and election records with online portals, though court records require more in-person visits and vital records go through the state system.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Grant County
Explore public records for 16 cities and communities in Grant County, Washington.