About Moffat County
Moffat County is located in the northwestern corner of Colorado, bordered by Wyoming to the north and Utah to the west. Moffat County Seat is Craig, which is the economic and administrative hub for this expansive rural region. Established in 1911 from portions of Routt County, Moffat County includes approximately 4,751 square miles of diverse terrain including sagebrush valleys, rugged canyons, and portions of the Elkhead Mountains. The population is approximately 13,000 residents according to recent estimates.
Moffat County is named after David Moffat, a Denver banker and railroad entrepreneur who promoted development in northwestern Colorado. Major landmarks include Dinosaur National Monument along the southern border, Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge, and the Yampa River corridor. Moffat County's economy has historically centered on ranching, coal mining, and energy production, with the Craig Station power plant being a significant employer.
County administration is handled through several key offices located at Moffat County Courthouse at 221 West Victory Way in Craig. Moffat County Clerk and Recorder maintains vital records, election administration, and recording functions. Moffat County Assessor's office, also located at 221 West Victory Way, handles property valuations and tax assessment.
Moffat County's remote location and proximity to public lands make it unique, with vast stretches of Bureau of Land Management territory used for recreation, grazing, and energy development. Outdoor recreation draws visitors year-round for hunting, fishing, rafting, and exploring paleontological sites.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Moffat County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Moffat County. This office oversees Moffat County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is key to community safety through patrols, investigations, and emergency response. Notable programs include community outreach initiatives and a focus on rural crime prevention, reflecting Moffat County's vast and varied terrain.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Moffat County is provided by Moffat County Sheriff's Office and the Craig Police Department. The Sheriff's Office handles rural and unincorporated areas, while the Craig Police Department serves the city of Craig. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, making sure of full coverage across Moffat County. Their collaboration includes joint task forces and shared resources for investigations.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Moffat County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Moffat County, operating from 221 West Victory Way in Craig, Colorado 81625. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a website at moffatcountysheriff.com. The agency provides patrol services, criminal investigations, search and rescue coordination, and operates Moffat County Jail. Inmate information and current custody status can be obtained by calling the jail directly at or by visiting the Sheriff's Office during business hours.
- To request arrest records, citizens may submit written requests to the Sheriff's Office or police department that made the arrest, specifying the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
- Booking photos and mugshots are generally available through direct request to Moffat County Sheriff's Office, though they may not be posted online.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest reports and related documentation.
The jail typically houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders. Within Moffat County, the City of Craig operates the Craig Police Department, which handles law enforcement within municipal boundaries. The Craig Police Department is located at 300 West 4th Street, Craig, CO 81625, and can be reached for Arrest records in Moffat County are public records subject to the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (C.R.S.
24-72-301 et seq.) and the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), codified at C.R.S. 24-72-200.1 et seq. Some records may be withheld if they are part of ongoing investigations or contain confidential information.
Moffat County does not have tribal police jurisdiction, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands within Moffat County boundaries.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Moffat County cover felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as a sex offender registry. Moffat County Sheriff's Office and the Craig Police Department maintain these records. Background checks can be conducted through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, which provides statewide criminal history information. This system ensures that residents and employers have access to accurate and up-to-date criminal records for various purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Moffat County are maintained by Moffat County Sheriff's Office. These records include details such as the date of arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, adhering to the Colorado Open Records Act. The records provide a full view of an individual's interactions with law enforcement, aiding in legal proceedings and background checks.
Jail & Inmate Records
Moffat County Jail, located in Craig, is the primary detention facility for Moffat County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting the charges against the individual. Inmate information can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office, which provides resources for locating recently arrested individuals. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring appointments and adherence to security protocols. The bond and bail process follows Colorado state guidelines, allowing for cash, surety, or property bonds.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Moffat County are taken and retained by Moffat County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases, depending on availability. Colorado does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances.
Courts & Case Records
Moffat County is served by the Colorado 14th Judicial District Court, which has jurisdiction over civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile matters. Moffat County Combined Courts are located at 221 West Victory Way, Craig, CO 81625, and the main phone number is. The district court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $15,000, domestic relations, probate matters, and appeals from county court. Moffat County Court (county-level court) handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases under $15,000, protection orders, and small claims up to $7,500.
- The Colorado Judicial Branch provides online case searches through the statewide system at www.courts.state.co.us/Courts/Index.cfm, where users can search for cases by party name, case number, or attorney.
- Moffat County Court Clerk's office accepts in-person and mail requests for certified copies of court documents.
- Fees for certified copies are typically $1.50 for the first page and $0.75 for each additional page, plus a $5.00 certification fee.
Court records in Colorado are governed by C.R.S. 13-3-101 et seq. And the Colorado Rules of Public Access to Court Records.
Most court records are presumptively public unless sealed by court order or protected by statute. Some records, including sealed records, juvenile case files, and adoption records, are confidential and not available to the public. The court also handles mental health proceedings and certain protective order matters that may have restricted access.
Marriage license records issued by the County Clerk may be accessed through the court system for dissolutions. For specific case access questions, contact the Clerk of Court at the Craig courthouse.
Property & Public Records
Moffat County Clerk and Recorder's Office maintains land and property records for Moffat County, located at 221 West Victory Way, Craig, CO 81625. The office can be reached for The Recorder function handles the recording of real property documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, mechanic's liens, easements, subdivision plats, releases, assignments, and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings. These records are public and date back to Moffat County's formation in 1911.
- Recording fees vary by document type and page count, with standard documents typically costing $13.00 for the first page and $5.00 for each additional page as of current county fee schedules.
- Moffat County provides online access to recorded documents through a subscription service or pay-per-document portal, accessible via Moffat County website at moffatcounty.colorado.gov.
- Property tax records and current year assessments can be searched online through Moffat County Assessor's website.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person, by mail, or in some cases through the online portal, with fees applied per certification.
- Moffat County also maintains a Geographic Information System (GIS) parcel viewer available online, providing aerial imagery, parcel boundaries, ownership information, and zoning designations for public use.
Vital Records
Vital records for Moffat County, including birth and death certificates, are maintained by both Moffat County Clerk and Recorder and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Birth certificates for births occurring in Moffat County can be requested from Moffat County Clerk and Recorder's Office at 221 West Victory Way, Craig, CO 81625, phone. The current fee for a certified birth certificate copy is $20.00 for the first copy and $13.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate if the record is on file locally; mail requests may take one to two weeks.
- Death certificates can also be obtained from Moffat County Clerk and Recorder's Office with the same fee structure ($20 for the first copy, $13 for additional copies).
- State vital records can be ordered online through www.colorado.gov/cdphe/vitals or VitalChek, an authorized third-party vendor, with additional service fees applied.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $30, and there is no waiting period in Colorado.
- Divorce records (dissolution of marriage decrees) are maintained by the District Court Clerk and can be requested from Moffat County Combined Courts.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship or tangible interest as required by C.R.S. 25-2-117. Authorized applicants include family members, legal representatives, and those with a direct tangible interest.
The State of Colorado also maintains vital records centrally through the Colorado Vital Records Office, located at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246. Marriage licenses are issued by Moffat County Clerk and Recorder's Office; both parties must appear in person with valid identification. Vital records are confidential under Colorado law, and only eligible persons may obtain certified copies as specified in C.R.S.
25-2-117.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Moffat County involves both county-level and state-level requirements. Moffat County Clerk and Recorder's Office handles trade name (DBA - Doing Business As) registrations for businesses operating under names other than the owner's legal name. These filings are maintained at 221 West Victory Way, Craig, CO 81625, phone. The filing fee for a trade name is approximately $20, and records can be searched in person at the Clerk's office.
- For formal business entity formation (corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, nonprofit corporations), businesses must register with the Colorado Secretary of State.
- The Secretary of State maintains a full online business database at www.sos.state.co.us/biz, where users can search for registered business entities by name, principal name, or registration number at no charge.
- This database provides information on business status, registered agent, formation date, and principal office address.
- Moffat County Chamber of Commerce, located in Craig, provides resources for new and existing businesses and can be reached through their website at Craig-Chamber.com or by phone at.
Sales tax licenses are administered by the Colorado Department of Revenue, not at Moffat County level, and can be applied for through the state Revenue Online system. Certain professional licenses (contractors, real estate agents, cosmetologists, etc.) are regulated by state boards and divisions. At the local level, the City of Craig requires separate business licenses for operations within city limits; contact Craig City Hall for municipal licensing requirements.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are handled by Moffat County Planning and Development Department, located at 221 West Victory Way, phone. This office administers zoning regulations, subdivision reviews, special use permits, and building code compliance.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Moffat County are administered by Moffat County Clerk and Recorder, serving as the Designated Election Official under Colorado election law. The office is located at 221 West Victory Way, Craig, CO 81625, and can be reached for The elections division manages voter registration, ballot preparation, polling place coordination, early voting, mail ballot processing, and canvassing of results. Colorado offers online voter registration through the Secretary of State's website at www.sos.state.co.us/voter/pages/pub/olvr/findVoterReg.xhtml.
- Moffat County is a vote-by-mail county, meaning all active registered voters automatically receive a mail ballot approximately 22 days before each election.
- In the November 2024 general election, Moffat County saw voter turnout consistent with rural Colorado counties, typically in the 70-75% range of active registered voters.
- Absentee and mail-in ballots are the default voting method in Moffat County; voters who do not receive a ballot or need a replacement can request one by contacting the Clerk and Recorder.
- Colorado's election transparency is among the strongest in the nation, with post-election audits, observer access to ballot processing, and detailed reporting required by statute.
Eligible citizens must register at least 22 days before an election to receive a ballot by mail; Colorado also offers same-day registration during the early voting period and on Election Day at Voter Service and Polling Centers. Voters may return ballots by mail (postmarked by Election Day), via 24-hour drop boxes located in Craig and other locations, or in person at Moffat County elections office or designated Voter Service and Polling Centers. To find your ballot drop box location or Voter Service and Polling Center, visit Moffat County elections page or contact the Clerk's office directly.
Colorado makes extensive election records public under C.R.S. 1-1-107 and the Colorado Open Records Act. Publicly available records include the voter registration list (with certain personal information redacted for privacy), campaign finance reports filed with the Secretary of State, candidate filings, precinct-level election results, and ballot issue text and financial impact statements.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, potential U.S. Senate contests, Colorado statewide offices including Governor (if applicable to the cycle), state legislative races, county offices, and local ballot measures.
Economy & Demographics
Moffat County's economy has traditionally been anchored by energy production, agriculture, and natural resource extraction. The Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association's Craig Station, a coal-fired power plant, has historically been one of the largest employers in Moffat County, though the facility has undergone unit retirements as part of broader energy transitions. Coal mining has been significant, with operations like the Colowyo Mine (operated by Tri-State) providing employment and contributing to the tax base.
- As of recent estimates, the median household income in Moffat County is approximately $60,000, though this varies with fluctuations in the energy sector.
Agriculture remains vital, with cattle ranching dominating the scene; Moffat County supports substantial hay production and livestock operations across its extensive grazing lands. The unemployment rate in Moffat County has historically tracked above the Colorado state average, particularly during downturns in energy markets, though recent diversification efforts aim to stabilize employment. Tourism and outdoor recreation contribute to the local economy, with Dinosaur National Monument drawing visitors interested in paleontology and river recreation on the Yampa and Green Rivers.
Hunting, fishing, and off-road vehicle recreation provide seasonal economic activity. Economic development initiatives have focused on broadening the employment base beyond traditional energy sectors, including exploring renewable energy projects, outdoor recreation infrastructure, and small business support. Retail and service sectors in Craig support both local residents and travelers passing through on Highway 40.
Moffat County government itself is a significant employer, along with Moffat County School District and Memorial Regional Health, the local hospital. The Bureau of Land Management and other federal agencies manage vast land holdings and contribute to local employment. Recent economic challenges include the transition away from coal-based energy, workforce retention, and attracting new investment to the remote region.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (Statewide Portal) | Property: Yes: Online Search Available | Arrest/Jail: Limited: By Request (Limited Online) | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: State Online Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall Score: 7/10, Moffat County provides good access to property and election records online, though some public safety and vital records require direct contact.