About Niobrara County
Niobrara County is located in eastern Wyoming, bordered by the state of Nebraska to the east. Established in 1911 from portions of Converse County, it is one of Wyoming's younger counties. The county seat is Lusk, the largest community in the county, situated along U.S. Highway 20 and U.S. Highway 85. Niobrara County encompasses approximately 2,626 square miles of high plains terrain characterized by rolling grasslands, buttes, and scattered pine ridges. The county's population hovers around 2,400 residents, making it one of Wyoming's least populated counties.
The Niobrara River, from which the county takes its name, flows through the northern portion of the county. Major landmarks include the Table Mountain rock formation visible from Lusk, remnants of the historic Texas Trail cattle drive route, and portions of the Thunder Basin National Grassland. The county's economy has historically centered on ranching, agriculture, and more recently oil and gas extraction.
Key county offices are located at the Niobrara County Courthouse at 424 South Elm Street in Lusk. The County Clerk, County Recorder, and County Assessor maintain offices in the courthouse, providing essential public records services. The Niobrara County Clerk manages election administration, vital records, and county commission records.
The County Recorder maintains land records, deeds, mortgages, and other property instruments. The County Assessor handles property valuations and tax assessment records. Lusk serves as the commercial and governmental hub, featuring the Stagecoach Museum which preserves the region's frontier heritage.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Niobrara County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of the county. The office is tasked with patrolling rural areas, responding to emergencies, and ensuring public safety. Additionally, the Sheriff's Office manages the Niobrara County Detention Center, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is known for its community outreach programs and efforts to engage with residents to promote safety and awareness.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Niobrara County is primarily handled by the Niobrara County Sheriff's Office and the Lusk Police Department. The Sheriff's Office covers the unincorporated areas of the county, while the Lusk Police Department is responsible for law enforcement within the town of Lusk. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage and response throughout the county. The collaboration between these departments enhances public safety and resource sharing.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Niobrara County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency serving the county, headquartered at 424 South Elm Street in Lusk, Wyoming 82225. The Sheriff's Office provides patrol services, criminal investigations, civil process service, and operates the county detention facility. The office can be reached at (307) 334-2211. The Niobrara County Detention Center, located adjacent to the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences.
- Citizens may request arrest records, incident reports, and booking information by submitting a written or in-person request to the Niobrara County Sheriff's Office.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records and can be requested through the Sheriff's Office, though availability may vary depending on ongoing investigations.
- Wyoming law requires law enforcement agencies to respond to public records requests within a reasonable timeframe, though fees may apply for copying and certification.
- For historical arrest records or court dispositions, requesters should contact the Niobrara County Clerk of District Court.
Inmate information and jail roster details can be obtained by contacting the detention center directly at the Sheriff's Office main number. The Town of Lusk maintains a small municipal police presence, though the Sheriff's Office handles the majority of law enforcement calls throughout the county. Arrest records in Niobrara County are public records under Wyoming Statute § 16-4-201 et seq., the Wyoming Public Records Act.
The Sheriff's Office maintains records of arrests, warrants, and criminal complaints. The county does not have tribal law enforcement jurisdiction, as no tribal lands are located within Niobrara County boundaries.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Niobrara County encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Niobrara County Sheriff's Office and the Lusk Police Department maintain these records, while the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal records through the Sheriff's Office or the state bureau. The Wyoming Bureau of Investigation offers a comprehensive background check service, which includes statewide criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Niobrara County are maintained by the Niobrara County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the individual. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the Wyoming Public Records Act, these records are accessible to the public, ensuring transparency and accountability. Arrest records typically include the date of arrest, charges filed, and court dates.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Niobrara County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested in the county. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting the detainee, and the facility provides an inmate lookup service for family members and legal representatives to locate individuals. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled times and security protocols in place.
- The bond and bail process in Wyoming allows for the release of detainees pending trial, and information on recently arrested individuals can be obtained through the Sheriff's Office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Niobrara County are taken and retained by the Niobrara 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 Wyoming does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals can request the removal of their mugshot from third-party websites. The Sheriff's Office may provide access to mugshots through their official website or upon request, depending on their policies.
Courts & Case Records
Niobrara County is served by the Eighth Judicial District Court of Wyoming, with the Niobrara County District Court located in the courthouse at 424 South Elm Street, Lusk, Wyoming 82225. The court can be reached at (307) 334-2211. The District Court has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $7,000, domestic relations matters including divorce and child custody, probate and estate matters, and appeals from lower courts.
- The Niobrara County Circuit Court, also located in the Lusk courthouse, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, small claims up to $7,000, preliminary hearings, and protective orders.
- Court records in Niobrara County can be accessed in person at the Clerk of District Court office during regular business hours.
- Case searches require the case number or party names and can be requested through the Clerk of Court.
Wyoming courts operate under a unified court system administered by the Wyoming Supreme Court. Wyoming adopted limited online case access through the Wyoming District Court Electronic Filing System, though availability varies by court. Certified copies of court documents can be requested from the Clerk of Court with fees typically ranging from $3.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus certification fees of approximately $2.00 per document.
Wyoming public access to court records is governed by Wyoming Uniform Rules for District Courts, which presume most civil and criminal records are public unless sealed by court order. Justice of the Peace courts historically served Niobrara County but have been largely consolidated into the Circuit Court system. Probate matters are handled by the District Court.
Property & Public Records
The Niobrara County Recorder's Office, located at 424 South Elm Street in Lusk, Wyoming 82225, maintains all land and property records for the county. The office can be contacted at (307) 334-2211. The Recorder preserves and provides access to warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, satisfaction of mortgages, mechanics liens, UCC financing statements, easements, rights-of-way, subdivision plats, and other instruments affecting real property. Recording fees are established by Wyoming Statute § 34-1-142 and typically include a base fee plus per-page charges.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested from the County Recorder with fees for certification and copying.
Documents are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description to facilitate searches. The Niobrara County Assessor's Office, also located in the courthouse, maintains property tax assessment records, ownership information, legal descriptions, and property valuations. Property tax records can be searched by parcel number, owner name, or property address.
The Assessor's office phone is (307) 334-2211. Property tax collections are handled by the Niobrara County Treasurer. While Niobrara County does not currently offer a comprehensive online GIS or property search portal, basic property information may be obtained by contacting the Assessor's office directly.
The Recorder's office maintains an extensive archive of land records dating back to the county's formation in 1911, with some historical records transferred from the predecessor Converse County. All recorded documents become public records under Wyoming law, accessible during regular courthouse business hours. Research assistance is available from Recorder staff for locating specific documents or conducting title searches.
Vital Records
Vital records for Niobrara County, Wyoming are maintained at both the county and state level. The Niobrara County Clerk's Office at 424 South Elm Street, Lusk, Wyoming 82225, phone (307) 334-2211, issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for ceremonies performed in Niobrara County. Marriage license applications require both parties to appear in person with valid photo identification and payment of the marriage license fee, currently $25 in Wyoming. There is no waiting period or blood test requirement.
- Birth and death records can also be requested through the Niobrara County Clerk for events occurring within the county, though processing may take longer than ordering directly from the state office.
- Birth certificate fees are $15 for the first copy and $8 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificate fees are similarly $13 for the first copy.
- Processing time ranges from two to four weeks depending on the method of request and workload.
- Online ordering is available through the Wyoming VitalChek system at vitalchek.com for expedited processing with additional service fees.
Birth and death certificates are primarily maintained by the Wyoming Department of Health, Vital Statistics Services, located at Hathaway Building, 2300 Capitol Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82002. Applicants must provide valid identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Wyoming Statute § 35-1-424. Divorce records and divorce decrees are maintained by the Clerk of District Court where the divorce was granted.
Birth records less than 100 years old and death records less than 50 years old have restricted access limited to family members, legal representatives, and individuals with documented legal interest.
Business & Licensing
Business registration and licensing in Niobrara County involves both county and state agencies. The Niobrara County Clerk's Office at 424 South Elm Street, Lusk, Wyoming 82225, phone (307) 334-2211, maintains records of fictitious name registrations (Doing Business As or DBA filings) for businesses operating under assumed names in the county. Wyoming Statute § 40-2-101 requires businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name to file a Trade Name Certificate with the county clerk where business is conducted.
- The filing fee is typically $25 and must be renewed every five years.
- For formal business entity formation—including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit corporations—businesses must register with the Wyoming Secretary of State.
- This searchable database is free and publicly accessible.
- The Niobrara County Chamber of Commerce, based in Lusk, provides business development resources and community economic information.
The Secretary of State maintains an online business entity search database at wyobiz.wyo.gov where the public can search for registered business entities, view registration status, registered agent information, and filing history. Professional and occupational licenses are generally issued by state-level boards and the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services rather than at the county level. Sales tax licenses are administered by the Wyoming Department of Revenue.
Building permits and zoning matters in unincorporated Niobrara County are handled by the Niobrara County Planning and Zoning Department, while the Town of Lusk administers its own building permits and municipal business licenses for businesses operating within town limits. Businesses should contact the County Clerk for local filing requirements and the Secretary of State for statewide business entity registration.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Niobrara County are administered by the Niobrara County Clerk, serving as the County Elections Officer. The office is located at 424 South Elm Street, Lusk, Wyoming 82225, and can be reached at (307) 334-2211 for voter registration information, polling locations, and absentee ballot requests. Voter registration in Wyoming requires applicants to be U.S. citizens, residents of Wyoming, and at least 18 years old by election day.
- Wyoming offers online voter registration through the Wyoming Secretary of State website at sos.wyo.gov, where eligible citizens can register or update their registration information.
- Early voting and absentee voting are available to all registered voters.
- Absentee ballot applications can be requested from the County Clerk beginning approximately 45 days before an election, and completed ballots must be received by 7:00 p.m.
- The 2024 general election saw strong turnout in Niobrara County, consistent with Wyoming's typical presidential election participation rates of 65-75 percent of registered voters.
- Election transparency is supported by Wyoming's public records laws, allowing citizens to request and inspect election materials, voter lists, and results documentation through the County Clerk's office.
The voter registration deadline is typically the Friday before election day in Wyoming, one of the nation's most lenient deadlines. In-person registration is available at the County Clerk's office during regular business hours. Voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling place through the Wyoming Secretary of State's voter registration lookup tool online.
Niobrara County typically operates several polling locations on election day, with the main polling site in Lusk and additional sites in smaller communities as needed. on election day. Public election records in Niobrara County include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted under Wyoming Statute § 22-3-111), candidate filings, precinct-level election results, and campaign finance reports for local candidates.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives, one U.S. Senate seat, Wyoming statewide constitutional offices including Governor, and state legislative races.
Niobrara County is part of Wyoming's At-Large Congressional District and State Senate and House districts serving the eastern region.
Economy & Demographics
Niobrara County's economy is predominantly based on agriculture, ranching, and natural resource extraction. Cattle ranching is the cornerstone of the local economy, with vast expanses of rangeland supporting cow-calf operations and yearling grazing. Hay production, wheat farming, and other dryland crops supplement the agricultural sector. The energy sector plays an increasingly important role, with oil and gas development occurring in portions of the county, providing royalty revenue to landowners and tax revenue to county government.
- Census estimates, median household income in Niobrara County approximates $55,000 to $60,000, slightly below the Wyoming state median but supported by lower cost of living in rural areas.
The county benefits from proximity to productive oil and gas fields in the Powder River Basin region. According to recent U.S. Major employers include Niobrara County School District #1, Niobrara County government, Niobrara Health and Life Center (the local critical access hospital), and various ranching operations.
The Town of Lusk serves as the retail and service hub, with local businesses providing essential goods and services to the surrounding ranch community. Tourism contributes modestly to the economy, with travelers along U.S. Highway 20 stopping in Lusk and visitors exploring the region's paleontological sites, hunting opportunities, and historical attractions such as the Stagecoach Museum.
Unemployment rates in Niobrara County typically track below the national average, though the economy is subject to cyclical fluctuations in commodity prices for cattle and energy. Economic development efforts focus on maintaining quality of life, supporting existing businesses, and leveraging the county's low tax environment and abundant natural resources.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ In-Person Access | Property: ⚠️ Limited Online | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or State Office | Business: ✅ State Online Search | Elections: ⚠️ County Office | Overall Score: 5/10 — Niobrara County provides traditional in-person access to most public records but limited online digital services.
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Cities & Towns in Niobrara County
Explore public records for 4 cities and communities in Niobrara County, Wyoming.
Nearby Counties
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