About Navajo County
Navajo County is located in the northeastern portion of Arizona, including approximately 9,959 square miles of diverse terrain ranging from high desert plateaus to pine forests. Navajo County Seat is Holbrook, situated along Interstate 40 and historic Route 66. Navajo County was established in 1895 and named for the Navajo Nation, which occupies a significant portion of Navajo County's northern territory. The population is approximately 110,000 residents, making it one of Arizona's more rural counties.
Major landmarks include the Petrified Forest National Park, a world-renowned geological wonder featuring fossilized trees from the Triassic Period, and portions of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Navajo County also contains significant portions of the Hopi Reservation and Holbrook area Nation lands, giving it unique cultural and jurisdictional characteristics. Show Low is the largest city and economic hub in the southern portion of Navajo County.
Navajo County Recorder's Office is located at 100 East Code Talkers Drive in Holbrook, maintaining land records and official documents. Navajo County Clerk of the Superior Court operates from the courthouse at the same complex. Navajo County Assessor's Office, responsible for property valuations, is also housed at the Code Talkers Drive government center.
The elevation ranges from approximately 5,000 feet in Holbrook to over 7,600 feet in the White Mountains region near Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside, creating distinct climate zones and supporting diverse economic activities from ranching to tourism.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Navajo County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Navajo County. It manages Navajo County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community programs such as neighborhood watch and drug prevention initiatives. The office has specialized divisions, including a K-9 unit and a search and rescue team, which are crucial for the vast and varied terrain of Navajo County.
Police Departments
In addition to Navajo County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Navajo County. These include the Holbrook Police Department, Show Low Police Department, and Winslow Police Department. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective city limits. They often collaborate with the sheriff's office on major investigations and emergency responses, making sure of full coverage across Navajo County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Navajo County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 100 East Code Talkers Drive in Holbrook, Arizona 86025, provides law enforcement services to unincorporated areas of Navajo County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and operates Navajo County Detention Facility, which houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates. Inmate searches can be conducted through the Sheriff's website at navajocountyaz.gov, where a roster provides current booking information, charges, and bond amounts.
- Requests for arrest records can be submitted to the Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department in writing, with fees varying by agency and volume of records requested.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the online inmate roster or by specific request to the detention facility.
Municipal police departments operate in incorporated cities including the Show Low Police Department, Holbrook Police Department, Winslow Police Department, Pinetop-Lakeside Police Department, Snowflake-Taylor Police Department, and the Hopi Tribal Police. The Navajo Nation Police Department has jurisdiction over tribal lands within county boundaries. Arrest records in Navajo County are public documents under Arizona Revised Statutes §39-121 et seq, Arizona's Public Records Law.
Because substantial portions of Navajo County lie within tribal jurisdictions, crimes occurring on reservation lands may be handled by tribal police or federal law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, creating a complex law enforcement scene. The Sheriff's Office maintains patrol substations in Show Low and other population centers to improve response times across the geographically expansive county.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Navajo County's criminal records system includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic, and sex offender registry records. Navajo County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Background checks can be conducted through the Arizona Department of Public Safety, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Arizona Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for residents seeking detailed background checks, including fingerprint-based searches.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Navajo County are maintained by Navajo County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal written requests or by visiting the sheriff's office in person. Arrest records typically include the individual's name, charges, booking date, and arresting agency. The process is governed by the Arizona Public Records Law, which ensures public access to government records while protecting sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Navajo County Jail, located in Holbrook, is the primary detention facility for Navajo County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup is available through the sheriff's office website, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, and visitors must adhere to strict security protocols. The bond and bail process follows Arizona state guidelines, allowing for release upon posting the set bail amount.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Navajo County are taken and retained by Navajo 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 website or by submitting a records request. Arizona does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals can petition for removal if the charges are dropped or if they are found not guilty. Third-party websites may also host these images, but their removal policies vary.
Courts & Case Records
Navajo County Superior Court, located at 100 East Code Talkers Drive in Holbrook, Arizona 86025, is the general jurisdiction trial court handling felony criminal cases, civil matters over $10,000, family law cases including divorce and child custody, probate matters, and appeals from lower courts. The Superior Court can be reached for Case lookup is available through the Arizona Judicial Branch's public access portal at azpoint.azcourts.gov, where users can search by case number, party name, or attorney.
- Navajo County operates Justice Courts in Holbrook, Show Low, Winslow, and Pinetop-Lakeside, handling misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters under $10,000, evictions, and traffic violations.
- The fee schedule includes $24 for certified copies of court documents and variable research fees for extensive requests.
- The Clerk of the Superior Court maintains an archive of historical records and can assist with in-person research requests during business hours.
These courts also conduct preliminary hearings in felony cases and issue protection orders. Municipal courts in Show Low, Winslow, Holbrook, and other incorporated areas handle city ordinance violations and traffic citations issued within city limits. Court records in Arizona are presumptively public under Arizona Revised Statutes §12-224 and Arizona Rules of Public Access to the Records of the Judicial Branch.
Remote online access through AZPoint is free for basic case information searches, though certified copies and detailed documents require payment. Certain records, including sealed cases, juvenile matters, and some family court documents, are restricted from public access by statute or court order.
Property & Public Records
Navajo County Recorder's Office, located at 100 East Code Talkers Drive, Holbrook, Arizona 86025, maintains official land records including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, reconveyances, liens, easements, subdivision plats, and mining claims. The office can be reached at and operates a website at navajocountyaz.gov. An online document search system allows free public access to recorded documents dating back several decades, with the ability to view and print images of recorded instruments.
- Recording fees are established by Arizona statute and typically range from $30 for the first page to $5 for additional pages.
- The Assessor provides a free online parcel search tool that displays current and historical tax information, ownership records, and property details.
Navajo County Assessor's Office, at the same address and reachable, maintains property tax assessment records including ownership information, legal descriptions, assessed values, property characteristics, and exemption status. Property tax collection is handled by Navajo County Treasurer's Office for Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person or by mail with appropriate identification and payment; fees are $2 per page for certified copies. Navajo County maintains a Geographic Information System (GIS) portal providing interactive maps showing parcel boundaries, zoning, flood zones, and infrastructure.
Because portions of Navajo County consist of tribal trust lands, not all property within county boundaries appears in Recorder records, as tribal lands follow separate recording systems under federal jurisdiction.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Navajo County are available through the Arizona Department of Health Services Office of Vital Records, which centralized vital records statewide. Birth certificates can be requested by eligible individuals including the registrant, parents, legal guardians, or legal representatives. The current fee is $20 for the first certified copy and $7 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Death certificates cost the same and are available to immediate family members, legal representatives, and parties with a direct and tangible interest.
- Applications can be submitted online through vitalchek.com, Arizona's authorized vendor, with additional processing fees, or by mail to Arizona Department of Health Services, Office of Vital Records, P.O.
- Processing time is typically 10-15 business days for mail requests and 5-7 business days for online orders.
- Expedited service is available for additional fees.
- Marriage licenses are issued by the Clerk of the Superior Court in Navajo County at 100 East Code Talkers Drive, Holbrook; applicants must appear in person with valid identification and pay the $83 license fee.
- Marriage certificates documenting the solemnized marriage are filed with the Clerk's Office and certified copies cost $10.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing in Navajo County varies by activity and location, with most regulatory oversight occurring at the municipal level for businesses within incorporated cities. Navajo County Development Services Department, located at 100 East Code Talkers Drive, Holbrook, handles building permits, zoning compliance, and land use applications for unincorporated areas. Navajo County Clerk does not maintain a general business license registry, though certain specialized permits may be required for specific activities such as liquor licenses.
- The Arizona Corporation Commission maintains the statewide business entity database searchable at ecorp.azcc.gov, where users can search for corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and trade names registered in Arizona.
- This free online portal provides information on business names, registered agents, filing dates, and status.
- Building permits for construction projects in unincorporated Navajo County are issued by the Development Services Department, with fees based on project valuation.
Businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must file a Trade Name (DBA - Doing Business As) with the Arizona Corporation Commission, not Navajo County. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, real estate agents, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are issued by respective state licensing boards. Sales tax licenses (Transaction Privilege Tax) are obtained through the Arizona Department of Revenue.
The Show Low Regional Chamber of Commerce (showlowchamber.com) and Holbrook Chamber of Commerce (holbrookchamber.com) provide business resources and networking opportunities. Zoning and land use records are public and can be researched through the Development Services Department.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Navajo County are administered by Navajo County Elections Department, located at 100 East Code Talkers Drive, Holbrook, Arizona 86025. The Elections Office can be reached at and maintains information at navajocountyaz.gov/elections. Voter registration in Arizona is available online through servicearizona.com, the state's official portal, or by completing a paper registration form available at the Elections Office, public libraries, MVD offices, and various government buildings. The registration deadline in Arizona is 29 days before any election.
- Registered voters can verify their registration status and find polling place locations through Navajo County Elections website or the statewide portal at my.arizona.vote.
- Navajo County uses vote centers in general elections, allowing any registered county voter to cast a ballot at any open voting location.
- Early voting by mail is popular in Arizona; voters can request placement on the Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL) to automatically receive a ballot by mail for every election.
- Mail ballot requests can be submitted through the Elections Office website, by phone, or in writing.
- In the November 2024 general election, Navajo County reported approximately 58% voter turnout among registered voters, consistent with rural Arizona patterns.
Ballots must be received by 7:00 PM on Election Day to be counted. Public election records in Navajo County include voter registration lists (available for purchase for political purposes under A.R.S. §16-168), candidate nomination papers, campaign finance reports filed with Navajo County for local races, and precinct-level election results.
The Arizona Secretary of State maintains additional campaign finance filings for state-level races. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate midterm races, Arizona state legislature seats, county offices including Sheriff and Supervisors, and various local measures.
Election transparency in Arizona includes public testing of voting equipment, observer access to ballot processing, and detailed canvass reports available through Navajo County Elections Office under A.R.S. §16-624 and related statutes.
Economy & Demographics
Navajo County's economy is characterized by a mix of government services, healthcare, tourism, retail trade, forestry, and ranching. The White Mountain region, including Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside, draws substantial tourism revenue from outdoor recreation including fishing, hiking, skiing at Sunrise Park Resort, and summer escapes from Phoenix heat. Major employers include Navajo County government, school districts, Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center in Show Low, and various tribal government entities.
- The median household income in Navajo County is approximately $47,000, below the Arizona state average, reflecting the rural nature and higher poverty rates in some areas.
Government and public administration constitute significant employment sectors, along with healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation and food services. The timber industry, once dominant, has declined but still maintains presence through Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests management and smaller sawmill operations. Cattle ranching continues as a traditional economic activity on private and leased grazing lands.
The Navajo Generating Station near Page (in Coconino County but affecting regional economy) closed in 2019, impacting regional employment. Economic development efforts focus on expanding broadband access, supporting small business development, and using natural amenities for sustainable tourism. The Hopi Tribe and the local community Nation operate various enterprises including retail, hospitality, and natural resource development that contribute substantially to Navajo Countyal economy.
Unemployment rates in Navajo County typically run higher than state averages, ranging from 5-8% depending on seasonal factors. Recent growth has occurred in the Show Low area with new retail developments and healthcare facility expansions.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Roster | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 8/10, Navajo County provides strong digital access to court, property, and jail records through county and state portals, with election information available online.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Navajo County
Explore public records for 29 cities and communities in Navajo County, Arizona.