About Hodgeman County
Hodgeman County is located in west-central Kansas, established on March 20, 1867, and organized in 1879. The county seat is Jetmore, a small city that serves as the administrative and commercial center for this rural county. Hodgeman County encompasses approximately 860 square miles of predominantly agricultural land in the High Plains region. As of recent census estimates, the population is approximately 1,700 residents, making it one of Kansas's least populous counties. The county was named after Captain Amos Hodgeman, a member of the 7th Kansas Cavalry who died during the Civil War.
- The Hodgeman County Courthouse, located at 500 Main Street in Jetmore, houses the County Clerk, Register of Deeds (Recorder), and other administrative offices.
Major landmarks include the Hodgeman County State Fishing Lake, offering recreational opportunities, and the historic downtown Jetmore area. The county is characterized by wheat farming, cattle ranching, and oil production. The County Assessor's office, responsible for property valuations, is also located in the courthouse.
The Hodgeman County Treasurer manages tax collection and financial operations. The region experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters, typical of the High Plains. Agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy, with extensive wheat fields and cattle operations dominating the landscape.
The county's rural character and small population create a tight-knit community where local government remains accessible to residents.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Hodgeman County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across the county, particularly in the unincorporated areas. The office handles a variety of duties including patrolling, responding to emergencies, and conducting investigations. The Sheriff's Office also operates the county jail and is in charge of processing arrests and maintaining criminal records. The office is known for its community outreach programs and efforts to engage with residents to ensure public safety and trust.
Police Departments
In addition to the Hodgeman County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county is supported by the Jetmore Police Department. The Sheriff's Office covers the unincorporated areas and provides backup to the municipal police when needed. The Jetmore Police Department is responsible for maintaining law and order within the city limits of Jetmore. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring a comprehensive approach to public safety across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement services in Hodgeman County are primarily provided by the Hodgeman County Sheriff's Office, located at 500 Main Street in Jetmore, Kansas 67854. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (620) 357-8311 and is responsible for patrol, investigations, civil process service, and operation of the county detention facility. The Hodgeman County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences. Inmate information can typically be obtained by calling the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours.
- 45-215 et seq.), which provides broad public access to government documents with specific exemptions.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available as part of arrest records and can be requested through the same process.
- Kansas law requires agencies to respond to open records requests in a reasonable time, typically within three business days.
- Fees for copies may apply based on actual copying costs.
For municipal law enforcement, the City of Jetmore may contract with the Sheriff's Office or maintain limited local police services. Arrest records in Hodgeman County are considered public records under the Kansas Open Records Act (K.S.A. Citizens may request arrest records, booking logs, and incident reports by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office, though certain investigative records may be temporarily withheld if release would interfere with ongoing investigations.
The Sheriff's Office maintains records of arrests, warrants, and incidents occurring within unincorporated areas of the county. No tribal law enforcement agencies operate within Hodgeman County. For archived records or historical arrest information, researchers may need to contact the Kansas Bureau of Investigation or examine court records at the Hodgeman County District Court.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Hodgeman County encompass felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as entries in the sex offender registry. The Hodgeman County Sheriff's Office maintains these records, while the Kansas Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal history information through the KBI's online portal, which offers a comprehensive overview of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system in Kansas.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Hodgeman County are maintained by the Hodgeman County Sheriff's Office. These records include detailed information about the arrest, charges, and any court proceedings. Residents and attorneys can request access to these records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The Kansas Open Records Act governs the release of public records, ensuring transparency and accessibility. An arrest record typically includes the individual's personal details, the nature of the offense, and the arresting officer's information.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Hodgeman County Jail, operated by the Hodgeman County Sheriff's Office, is the primary detention facility in the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrested individuals. 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 this facility, requiring visitors to schedule in advance and adhere to strict guidelines.
- The bond and bail process follows Kansas state law, allowing for the release of individuals pending trial under certain conditions.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Hodgeman County are taken and retained by the Hodgeman County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While Kansas does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals seeking to have their mugshots removed from public view may need to pursue legal action or request removal from third-party websites. The Sheriff's Office may provide access to mugshots through their official website or upon request.
Courts & Case Records
Hodgeman County is served by the 24th Judicial District of Kansas, which includes Hodgeman County along with several other counties in west-central Kansas. The Hodgeman County District Court is located in the courthouse at 500 Main Street, Jetmore, Kansas 67854, and can be reached at (620) 357-6421. The District Court has general jurisdiction over civil, criminal, domestic relations, probate, and juvenile matters arising in the county. Kansas District Courts handle felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $4,000, divorces, adoptions, estates, and appeals from municipal courts.
- The Kansas Judicial Branch operates an online case search portal at www.kansas.gov/kscourts, though availability of Hodgeman County records online may be limited.
- For comprehensive record searches, requesters typically must visit the Clerk of the District Court office in person or submit written requests.
- The court charges fees for certified copies, typically $1.50 per page for uncertified copies and additional certification fees.
Municipal Court operates in Jetmore for traffic violations and city ordinance violations occurring within city limits. Court records in Kansas are presumptively open to the public under K.S.A. 45-215 and Kansas Supreme Court Rule 1.04, which governs public access to judicial records.
Case files include pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, and exhibits. Some sensitive records, such as adoption files, sealed juvenile records, and confidential mental health proceedings, are restricted from public access. The Clerk of the District Court maintains dockets, indexes, and archives of all court proceedings.
Remote access capabilities may be limited given the county's small size and rural character, making in-person visits often necessary for detailed research.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Hodgeman County are maintained by the Register of Deeds office, located in the Hodgeman County Courthouse at 500 Main Street, Jetmore, Kansas 67854. The Register of Deeds can be contacted at (620) 357-6356 and is responsible for recording and preserving documents affecting real property ownership and interests.
- 19-1201 et seq.) requires the Register of Deeds to maintain permanent records of all filed instruments.
- Researchers seeking property records should contact the office directly to inquire about online search availability or plan an in-person visit.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for statutory fees, typically around $1.50 for the first page and $0.50 for additional pages, plus certification fees.
Available records include warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgages, mortgage releases, assignments, liens (mechanic's liens, tax liens, judgment liens), easements, right-of-way agreements, plat maps, and oil and gas leases—particularly significant in this energy-producing county. Kansas law (K.S.A. Many Kansas counties, including some smaller ones, have begun digitizing records, though Hodgeman County's online accessibility may be limited.
The Hodgeman County Appraiser's office, also in the courthouse at (620) 357-6313, maintains property tax assessment records, parcel data, ownership information, and property valuations. Property tax payment records are available through the County Treasurer's office. Some Kansas counties participate in regional GIS (Geographic Information System) portals providing online parcel mapping and basic ownership data, though availability varies.
Given the county's significant agricultural and mineral production economy, mineral rights records and oil/gas lease documents represent an important component of the land records system. Abstractors, title companies, and attorneys regularly access these records for real estate transactions and title work.
Vital Records
Vital records for Hodgeman County, Kansas, are maintained at both the county and state levels. The Hodgeman County Clerk's office, located at 500 Main Street, Jetmore, Kansas 67854, phone (620) 357-6421, serves as a local custodian for certain vital records. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Hodgeman County can be requested from the Kansas Office of Vital Statistics, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, 1000 SW Jackson Street, Suite 120, Topeka, Kansas 66612. Kansas law (K.S.A.
- Certified birth certificates cost $15 for the first copy, with processing times typically 4-6 weeks by mail or faster with in-person requests in Topeka.
- Death certificates cost $15 per certified copy.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $85.
- Certified copies of marriage certificates can be obtained from the County Clerk for approximately $15.
- Kansas offers online vital records ordering through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com for an additional convenience fee, though verification requirements still apply.
65-2409a et seq.) governs access to vital records, with birth certificates restricted for 100 years and death certificates generally accessible with fewer restrictions. Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate direct and tangible interest in the record (immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with court orders). Marriage licenses are issued by the Hodgeman County Clerk's office; Kansas does not have a waiting period, and licenses are valid for six months.
Divorce records (decrees of dissolution) are court records maintained by the Clerk of the District Court rather than vital records offices. Historical vital records from the late 1800s and early 1900s may be incomplete or housed at the Kansas Historical Society in Topeka for research purposes.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Hodgeman County are managed through multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. The Hodgeman County Clerk's office at 500 Main Street, Jetmore, Kansas 67854, phone (620) 357-6421, handles local business filings including Assumed Name (DBA - Doing Business As) registrations required for sole proprietors and partnerships operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. Kansas statute K.S.A. 81-201 requires registration of trade names with the Register of Deeds in counties where business is conducted.
- The Kansas Business Center at www.kansas.gov/businesscenter provides online access to search business entities, file formations, annual reports, and view business documents.
- Searching the database is free; filing fees vary by entity type.
For formal business entity formation and registration—corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships—the Kansas Secretary of State Business Services Division maintains the official registry. Professional and occupational licenses in Kansas are typically issued by state-level boards and agencies rather than county offices. Sales tax permits and employer withholding registrations are handled by the Kansas Department of Revenue.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits in unincorporated Hodgeman County areas are managed by the county planning and zoning department or county commission; within Jetmore city limits, the city clerk issues such permits. The Jetmore Chamber of Commerce can provide information on local business resources and economic development, though given the county's small size, chamber operations may be limited. Agricultural operations, significant in this farming and ranching county, may require additional permits or licenses for activities like commercial pesticide application, grain handling, or livestock operations through state agricultural agencies.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Hodgeman County are administered by the Hodgeman County Clerk, who serves as the county election officer. The County Clerk's office is located at 500 Main Street, Jetmore, Kansas 67854, and can be reached at (620) 357-6421 for voter registration and election information. Voter registration in Kansas can be completed online at www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/voterreg (Kansas Voter Registration), by mail using a printed application, or in person at the County Clerk's office. The registration deadline is 21 days before any election in Kansas. Residents must be U.S.
- citizens, Kansas residents, and at least 18 years old by the next election to register.
- Transparency in elections is supported by Kansas Open Records Act provisions allowing public access to most election administration documents, though individual voter ballot choices remain secret.
Kansas requires proof of citizenship documentation (birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers) to complete voter registration under K.S.A. 25-2309. Registered voters can verify their polling place by contacting the County Clerk or using the Kansas Voter View portal at www.myvoteinfo.voteks.org, which allows voters to check registration status, polling locations, sample ballots, and advance voting locations.
Public election records include voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted under K.S.A. 25-2320), campaign finance reports filed with the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission, candidate filing documents, precinct-level election results, and election night canvass reports. Hodgeman County, like many rural Kansas counties, typically experiences voter turnout in the 60-70% range for presidential general elections, somewhat higher than urban areas; 2024 general election turnout likely followed this pattern.
The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate races, Kansas state constitutional offices including Governor (if cycle-appropriate), state legislative seats, and local county positions. Advance voting by mail (absentee ballot) is available to all Kansas voters without requiring an excuse; applications can be submitted to the County Clerk beginning 90 days before an election and must be received by the Tuesday before Election Day.
Kansas law (K.S.A. 25-1122 et seq.) governs advance voting procedures.
Economy & Demographics
Hodgeman County's economy is fundamentally agricultural, reflecting its High Plains geography and rural character. Wheat farming dominates cropland use, with thousands of acres planted annually, making agriculture the leading economic sector. Cattle ranching represents another major component, with numerous cow-calf operations and some feedlot activity. The median household income in Hodgeman County is estimated at approximately $52,000-$56,000, somewhat below the Kansas state median but typical for rural agricultural counties.
Oil and gas production contributes significantly to the local economy and tax base, with numerous active wells extracting petroleum from subsurface formations. Major employers include agricultural operations (large farms and ranches), the Hodgeman County government and school district (USD 227 Hodgeman County), retail and service businesses in Jetmore, and energy sector operations. The county unemployment rate typically tracks close to or slightly above state averages, with seasonal variation related to agricultural cycles.
Population decline, common in rural Kansas counties, presents economic challenges including workforce availability and maintenance of services. Economic development efforts focus on retaining existing businesses, supporting agricultural operations through infrastructure improvements, and maintaining quality of life factors that keep families in the community. The Hodgeman County State Fishing Lake supports some tourism and recreational economic activity.
Wind energy development, expanding across western Kansas, may represent future economic opportunity, though specific large-scale projects in Hodgeman County should be verified. Local retail and service businesses in Jetmore serve county residents and surrounding areas. The county's economic resilience depends heavily on agricultural commodity prices, precipitation patterns, and energy sector markets.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ Limited Online Access | Property: ⚠️ Contact Office | Arrest/Jail: 📞 Phone Required | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or State Office | Business: ✅ State Online (Secretary of State) | Elections: ✅ State Voter Portal Available | Overall Score: 5/10 — Hodgeman County, like many rural Kansas counties, offers limited online public records access, with most requests requiring phone contact or in-person visits to county offices in Jetmore.
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Cities & Towns in Hodgeman County
Nearby Counties
Explore public records in counties that border Hodgeman County.