Johnson County

Johnson County is located in north-central Wyoming, covering approximately 4,166 square miles of diverse terrain that includes portions of the Bighorn Mountains and the Powder River Basin. The county seat is Buffalo, a historic town situated at an elevation of 4,633 feet along Clear Creek. As of the 2020 Census, Johnson County had a population of approximately 8,447 residents, making it one of Wyoming's smaller counties by population. The county was established in 1875 and named after E.P. Johnson, a prominent attorney and legal advisor for early cattlemen.

• The Johnson County Courthouse, built in 1937, remains the center of county government operations and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

The Johnson County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the county, particularly in the unincorporated areas. The office oversees the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community policing initiatives and provides various services such as search and rescue operations. Notable programs include crime prevention workshops and a community outreach division aimed at fostering good relations between law enforcement and residents.

Police Departments

Law enforcement in Johnson County is provided by both the Johnson County Sheriff's Office and the Buffalo Police Department. The Sheriff's Office covers the unincorporated areas and collaborates with the Buffalo Police Department on major crimes and emergencies within the city limits. The Buffalo Police Department focuses on maintaining public safety within the city of Buffalo, handling local incidents, and working closely with the community to address safety concerns.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

The Johnson County Sheriff's Office, located at 76 North Main Street in Buffalo, Wyoming 82834, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of the county. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (307) 684-5566 and maintains jurisdiction over patrol, investigations, search and rescue operations, and detention services. The Johnson County Detention Center, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences.

• The City of Buffalo operates the Buffalo Police Department, which provides law enforcement services within the city limits.
• Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office or the Buffalo Police Department, identifying the specific information sought.
• While some agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies, Wyoming law requires disclosure of most arrest and booking information.
• Requests should specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
• The Sheriff's Office maintains records of all bookings, including photographs taken during the intake process.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Johnson County encompass a range of offenses, including felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and entries in the sex offender registry. The Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Wyoming Bureau of Investigation provides background checks for residents. To run a background check, individuals can submit requests to the Bureau, which compiles information from various law enforcement agencies across the state. This system ensures comprehensive access to criminal history for legal and employment purposes.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Johnson County are maintained by the Johnson County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, often requiring a small fee. Arrest records typically include details such as the individual's name, the nature of the offense, and the date of arrest. Under the Wyoming Public Records Act, these records are accessible to the public, ensuring transparency and accountability in law enforcement activities.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Johnson County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing inmates in the county. The booking process at the detention center 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 the facility, typically requiring scheduling in advance and adherence to strict guidelines.

• The bond and bail process in Wyoming allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with conditions set by the court.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Johnson County are taken and retained by the Johnson County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by direct request. While Wyoming does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals can petition for removal or sealing of records under certain circumstances, particularly if charges are dropped or the individual is acquitted.

Johnson County is served by the Fifth Judicial District Court of Wyoming, which sits in Buffalo at the Johnson County Courthouse, 76 North Main Street, Buffalo, WY 82834. The District Court can be reached at (307) 684-7271 and handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $50,000, domestic relations including divorce and custody, probate matters, and appeals from lower courts. The Honorable District Court judges rotate through Johnson County on a regular schedule.

• Circuit Court, also located in the Johnson County Courthouse at (307) 684-7271, has jurisdiction over misdemeanor crimes, civil cases up to $50,000, small claims up to $6,000, protection orders, and traffic violations.
• To obtain certified copies of court documents, requesters must visit the District or Circuit Court Clerk's office in person or submit a written request with appropriate fees.
• The fee schedule typically includes $5.00 for the first page of certification and $0.50 for each additional page, though fees should be verified with the Clerk's office.

The Johnson County Clerk & Recorder's Office, located at 76 North Main Street, Buffalo, WY 82834, serves as the official repository for property and land records. The office can be reached at (307) 684-7272 and maintains deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens (mechanic's liens, tax liens, judgment liens), easements, rights-of-way, military discharge papers (DD-214), plat maps, surveys, UCC filings, and mining claims. The Recorder's office has indexed records dating back to the county's founding in 1875.

• Recording fees vary by document type: deeds and mortgages typically cost $15.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page, though fee schedules should be confirmed with the Recorder's office.
• Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained for an additional fee beyond the per-page copying charges.

Vital records for Johnson County, Wyoming residents are managed through both the Johnson County Clerk's Office and the Wyoming Department of Health, Vital Statistics Services. The Johnson County Clerk's Office, located at 76 North Main Street, Buffalo, WY 82834, phone (307) 684-7272, issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for ceremonies performed in Johnson County.

• Birth certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for additional copies ordered at the same time; death certificates cost $12.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for additional copies.
• Certified copies are typically processed within 5-10 business days, though expedited service may be available for an additional fee.
• Online ordering is available through the Wyoming Vital Records system via VitalChek at https://www.vitalchek.com for an additional convenience fee.
• The Johnson County Clerk issues marriage licenses for couples planning to marry in Johnson County; both parties must appear in person with valid identification and pay the license fee (typically $25-30).

Business and licensing records in Johnson County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and regulatory requirement. The Johnson County Clerk's Office at 76 North Main Street, Buffalo, WY 82834, phone (307) 684-7272, handles Doing Business As (DBA) filings, also known as trade names or fictitious business names, for businesses operating under a name different from the owner's legal name. These filings are public records and can be searched through the Clerk's office.

• All corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other formal business entities must register with the Secretary of State.

Elections in Johnson County, Wyoming are administered by the Johnson County Clerk, serving as the county's election official. The office is located at 76 North Main Street, Buffalo, WY 82834, and can be reached at (307) 684-7272. The Johnson County Clerk's website and the Wyoming Secretary of State's elections page at https://sos.wyo.gov/Elections provide election information and resources. Voter registration in Wyoming requires that applicants be United States citizens, at least 18 years old by election day, and residents of Wyoming for at least 30 days prior to the election.

• The voter registration deadline in Wyoming is 30 days before any election for new registrations, though registered voters may update their address information closer to election day.

Johnson County's economy has historically been rooted in agriculture and natural resource extraction, with ranching and livestock production remaining central to the county's economic identity. Cattle ranching dominates agricultural activity, supported by extensive grazing lands in both the valleys and mountain foothills. The county's location adjacent to the Powder River Basin has brought coal mining interests, though mining employment fluctuates with energy market conditions.

• According to recent Census data, Johnson County's median household income is approximately $58,000-$62,000, somewhat below Wyoming's state median but reflective of the rural character and lower cost of living.

Court Records: ✅ Online Search Available | Property: ⚠️ Limited Online Access | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or State Portal | Business: ✅ State Online Search | Elections: ✅ County & State Resources | Overall Score: 6.5/10 — Johnson County provides access to most public records, though many services require in-person visits or phone contact. Wyoming's statewide systems supplement county-level access.

Explore public records for 4 cities and communities in Johnson County, Wyoming.