About McCone County
McCone County is located in the northeastern region of Montana, established in 1919 from portions of Richland and Dawson counties. McCone County was named after State Senator George McCone. Circle serves as McCone County Seat, positioned along Highway 200 approximately 60 miles north of the Yellowstone River. McCone County includes approximately 2,643 square miles of rolling prairie and badlands terrain. As of the most recent census estimates, McCone County maintains a population of approximately 1,700 residents, making it one of Montana's least populated counties.
The scene is characterized by dryland wheat farming, cattle ranching, and wildlife habitat. McCone County sits within the Fort Peck Lake region, with portions of the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge extending into its boundaries.
McCone County Courthouse, located at 1004 C Avenue in Circle, houses the primary county offices including the County Clerk and Recorder, Montana Department of Revenue, County Treasurer, and other administrative functions. The Redwater River flows through McCone County, providing important water resources for agriculture. The economy remains heavily dependent on agriculture, particularly wheat production and cattle operations.
Historic sites include remnants of homestead-era settlements and the Wolf Point-Circle Railroad corridor. McCone County experiences a semi-arid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers, typical of Montana's northern plains. Public services are centered in Circle, with limited municipal infrastructure outside McCone County Seat.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
McCone County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout McCone County, particularly in unincorporated areas. This office handles patrol duties, manages McCone County jail, and processes arrests. The office is a critical component of McCone County's law enforcement infrastructure, making sure of the safety and security of its residents.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in McCone County is primarily managed by McCone County Sheriff's Office, which covers the entire county, including unincorporated areas. There are no municipal police departments within McCone County, making the Sheriff's Office the primary law enforcement agency. The office coordinates with state and federal agencies on major crimes and emergency situations, making sure of full coverage and response to incidents throughout McCone County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
McCone County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for McCone County, headquartered at McCone County Courthouse, 1004 C Avenue, Circle, MT 59215. McCone County operates a small jail facility adjacent to the courthouse for housing inmates awaiting trial or serving short sentences.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office, though a reasonable fee may be charged for copying and research time.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through direct request to the Sheriff's Office, as McCone County does not publish booking photos online.
- Response times for records requests typically range from several days to two weeks depending on the complexity of the request.
Inmate information and current jail roster can be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, as McCone County does not maintain an online inmate search portal. Arrest records and booking information are public records under Montana's Constitutional Right to Know provisions (Article II, Section 9 of the Montana Constitution) and the Montana Public Records Act (MCA Title 2, Chapter 6, Part 10).
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in McCone County cover a variety of documents, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can conduct background checks through the Montana Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which provides full criminal history reports. The bureau offers services to residents for personal background checks, employment screening, and other legal purposes, making sure of access to accurate and up-to-date criminal information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in McCone County are maintained by McCone 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 these records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The information provided on an arrest record typically includes the date and location of the arrest, the arresting officer's name, and the charges. Access to these records is governed by the Montana Public Records Act, which ensures transparency and public access to government records.
Jail & Inmate Records
McCone County Detention Center, located in Circle, is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested within McCone County. The booking process at this facility involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available for family members and legal representatives to locate individuals who have been recently arrested. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and require prior scheduling.
- The bond and bail process in Montana allows for the release of detainees under certain conditions, and inquiries can be made through the detention center for further details.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in McCone County are taken and retained by McCone 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 there is no specific online portal for mugshot searches, individuals can request access to these photos directly from the office. Montana does not have specific laws regarding the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals can petition for removal under certain circumstances if the charges are dropped or if they are acquitted.
Courts & Case Records
McCone County is served by the Montana Fourth Judicial District Court, which holds sessions in Circle at McCone County Courthouse, 1004 C Avenue, Circle, MT 59215. McCone County Court can be reached at and has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $12,000, domestic relations including divorce and child custody, probate matters, and appeals from lower courts. The Honorable District Court Judge presides over cases from multiple counties within the Fourth Judicial District.
- McCone County Justice Court operates at the same courthouse location and handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, small claims up to $7,000, and preliminary hearings for felony cases.
- McCone County does not currently offer online court case search capabilities; case information must be obtained by visiting the Clerk of District Court office in person or by submitting a written request.
- Fees for certified copies of court documents are established by MCA 25-1-201 and typically range from $5 for the first page to $2 for each additional page.
Property & Public Records
McCone County Clerk and Recorder office, located at 1004 C Avenue, Circle, MT 59215, maintains official property and land records for McCone County. The office can be contacted through the office’s website. The Clerk and Recorder is responsible for recording and preserving documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, satisfactions of mortgages, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, easements, mineral rights conveyances, and subdivision plat maps. All recorded documents are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description to help with public searching.
- McCone County does not currently offer a full online property records database; requests for document copies must be made in person, by mail, or by telephone.
- Recording fees are established by state statute MCA 7-4-2631 and vary based on document type and page count, generally starting at $7 for the first page.
- Certified copies of recorded documents require additional fees and may take several business days to prepare.
Montana law requires most instruments affecting real property to be recorded in McCone County where the property is located per MCA 70-21-101. The public may examine recorded documents during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with reduced hours during lunch. McCone Montana Department of Revenue's Office, also located in the courthouse, maintains property assessment records, ownership information, and property tax valuations.
The Assessor can be contacted for Property tax information and assessed values are public records available for inspection. McCone County Treasurer's office handles tax collection and can provide payment history and delinquency information. Montana does not mandate county-level GIS parcel viewers, and McCone County has limited online mapping resources available.
Vital Records
Vital records for McCone County, Montana, including birth and death certificates, are maintained by both McCone County Clerk and Recorder and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Office of Vital Statistics. For birth certificates of individuals born in McCone County, applications may be submitted to the County Clerk and Recorder at 1004 C Avenue, Circle, MT 59215
- The current fee for a certified birth certificate copy is $12 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates follow similar procedures and fees, with access limited to immediate family members and legal representatives.
- Processing time at McCone County level typically ranges from one to two weeks.
- For faster service or records dating back many decades, requestors may contact the Montana Office of Vital Statistics, PO Box 4210, Helena, MT 59604
- The marriage license fee is established by state law.
Birth certificates are confidential records restricted to the person named on the certificate, immediate family members, legal guardians, or legal representatives, as specified in MCA 50-15-120 through 50-15-127. Marriage licenses are issued by McCone County Clerk and Recorder and require both parties to appear in person with valid government-issued photo identification. There is no waiting period in Montana, and the license is valid for 180 days.
Certified copies of marriage certificates are available for $12. Divorce decrees and dissolution records are maintained by the Clerk of District Court at McCone County Courthouse and must be requested through that office. Montana does not currently offer statewide online ordering for vital records, though VitalChek provides expedited processing for state-level requests with additional fees.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in McCone County operates through multiple jurisdictions depending on business type and location. McCone County Clerk and Recorder, located at 1004 C Avenue, Circle, MT 59215, phone, accepts filings for assumed business names (Doing Business As or DBA) and maintains these records for public inspection. Montana businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with McCone County per MCA 30-13-201. The filing fee is typically $10 and renewals are not required unless ownership changes.
- The Secretary of State maintains an online business entity search at https://biz.sosmt.gov where the public can search for registered businesses, view filing status, registered agents, and officers.
- This database is freely accessible and updated regularly.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, registration must be completed through the Montana Secretary of State Business Services Bureau. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, electricians, plumbers, and healthcare professionals are issued by respective Montana state licensing boards, not at McCone County level. Building permits and land use permits in unincorporated McCone County are handled through the County Planning and Zoning Department or County Commissioners
The Town of Circle may have separate business licensing requirements for businesses operating within town limits; contact Circle Town Hall for municipal business licenses. Montana does not impose a general sales tax, eliminating that licensing requirement. McCone County area does not maintain a traditional Chamber of Commerce, though regional economic development efforts are coordinated through the Circle area business community.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in McCone County, Montana, are administered by McCone County Clerk and Recorder, who is the official Election Administrator. The elections office is located at McCone County Courthouse, 1004 C Avenue, Circle, MT 59215, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Voter registration in Montana is available through multiple methods: online at https://sosmt.gov/elections/vote, by mail using a voter registration form, or in person at the County Election Office.
- Montana law requires voters to register at least 30 days before Election Day, though same-day voter registration is available at McCone County election office until noon the day before Election Day per MCA 13-2-304.
- Montana conducts elections primarily by mail; all registered voters automatically receive a mail ballot approximately 20 days before Election Day.
- The 2024 general election saw typical turnout for Montana rural counties, generally ranging between 65-75 percent of registered voters.
Voters must be U.S. Citizens, at least 18 years old on or before Election Day, a resident of Montana and McCone County for at least 30 days, and not otherwise disqualified by law. McCone County voters cast ballots at polling places in Circle and other designated locations depending on precinct boundaries.
Polling place information can be obtained from the County Election Office or through the Montana Secretary of State's My Voter Page at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo. Voters may return completed ballots by mail (must be postmarked by Election Day), drop them at designated secure drop boxes, or deliver them in person to the County Election Office. In-person voting is also available at McCone County courthouse during a period before Election Day and on Election Day itself.
Election records that are public under Montana law include voter registration lists, candidate filings, campaign finance reports for local candidates, precinct-level election results, and ballot issue information. Voter history (whether someone voted, not how they voted) is also public record. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House and Senate midterm elections, Montana state legislative races, and county offices. Transparency in McCone County elections is maintained through public testing of vote tabulation equipment, post-election canvass procedures, and availability of election records upon request under MCA 13-1-201 and the Montana public records law.
Economy & Demographics
McCone County's economy is predominantly agricultural, with dryland wheat farming and cattle ranching serving as the primary economic drivers. McCone County lies within Montana's Golden Triangle wheat-producing region, though with lower average precipitation than counties to the west. According to U.S. Census Bureau estimates, the median household income in McCone County is approximately $52,000, somewhat below the Montana state median.
Agriculture accounts for the majority of economic output, with spring wheat, winter wheat, barley, and pulse crops such as lentils and peas commonly grown. Cattle operations include both cow-calf operations and backgrounding. McCone County's population has declined from historic highs during the homestead era, reflecting broader trends in rural agricultural regions.
Major employers include school districts, county government, agricultural services companies, and ranching operations. Circle Public Schools serves as one of the largest employers in McCone County Seat. Healthcare services are limited, with basic medical care available through local clinics.
The energy sector has minimal presence compared to eastern Montana counties with significant oil and gas development. Tourism contributes modestly through hunting, fishing, and recreation associated with Fort Peck Lake and the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge.
McCone County experiences seasonal employment patterns tied to agricultural cycles, with peak activity during planting and harvest seasons. Unemployment rates typically remain low due to the small labor force, though underemployment and seasonal variation affect economic stability. Recent years have seen challenges related to commodity price fluctuations, drought conditions, and ongoing rural depopulation.
Broadband internet expansion efforts aim to improve connectivity for agricultural operations and remote work possibilities. McCone County has limited retail and commercial services, with residents often traveling to larger regional centers for goods and services.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: In-Person Required | Property: Limited: In-Person/Phone | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail | Business: Yes: State Online (local in-person) | Elections: Yes: State Tools Available | Overall Score: 4/10, McCone County has limited digital public records access; most requests require in-person visits or phone contact, though state-level resources supplement local availability.