About Powder River County
Powder River County is located in southeastern Montana, established in 1919 from parts of Custer County. Powder River County Seat is Broadus, the only incorporated town in Powder River County, situated approximately 90 miles south of Miles City. Powder River County includes approximately 3,297 square miles of rolling plains, badlands, and prairie grasslands. Powder River County takes its name from the Powder River, which flows northward through Powder River County before joining the Yellowstone River.
As of recent census estimates, Powder River County maintains a population of approximately 1,700 residents, making it one of Montana's least populated counties with a population density of less than one person per square mile. The scene is characterized by vast cattle ranches, coal deposits, and scenic badlands formations. Major landmarks include portions of the Custer National Forest and Medicine Rocks State Park, known for its unique sandstone formations that hold spiritual significance to Native American tribes.
The economy has historically centered on ranching, coal mining, and agriculture. Public records are maintained by several county offices located primarily in Broadus at Powder River County Courthouse, 1 Main Street, Broadus, MT 59317. Powder River County Clerk and Recorder is the primary custodian of vital records, land records, and election materials.
Powder River Montana Department of Revenue maintains property tax records and valuations. The Clerk of District Court oversees court records and legal proceedings. What makes Powder River County unique is its vast open spaces, extremely low population density, strong ranching heritage, and the preservation of Old West character that defines much of rural Montana.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Powder River County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Powder River County. This office patrols the unincorporated areas, making sure of public safety and responding to emergencies. The office is involved in various community programs meant to crime prevention and public education.
Police Departments
In Powder River County, law enforcement is primarily handled by Powder River County Sheriff's Office, as there are no municipal police departments within Powder River County. The office works closely with the Montana Highway Patrol and other state agencies to address issues such as traffic enforcement and major criminal investigations. This collaboration ensures full coverage and efficient response to incidents across Powder River County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Powder River County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for Powder River County, headquartered at Powder River County Courthouse, 1 Main Street, Broadus, MT 59317. Powder River County Detention Center, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates arrested within county jurisdiction.
- Citizens may request arrest records, incident reports, and booking information by submitting a written or in-person request to the Sheriff's Office.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available upon request, though Powder River County does not publish them online.
- Processing times for records requests vary depending on the complexity of the request.
Inmate information can typically be obtained by calling the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, though Powder River County does not maintain a full online inmate roster due to its small size and limited detention capacity. Most inmates requiring long-term housing are transferred to regional detention facilities. The Town of Broadus does not maintain a separate municipal police department; all law enforcement services are provided by the Sheriff's Office and the Montana Highway Patrol.
Arrest records in Powder River County are public records accessible under Montana's public records laws, specifically the Montana Constitution Article II, Section 9, and the Montana Code Annotated Title 2, Chapter 6, Part 10. There are no tribal police agencies operating within Powder River County boundaries, though the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation lies to the west in adjacent counties. Montana Highway Patrol troopers from District 7 provide additional coverage along US Highway 212 and other state routes passing through Powder River County.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Powder River County cover a variety of offenses, including felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and entries in the sex offender registry. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Montana Department of Justice, which provides statewide data. The records include details of convictions, sentences, and any ongoing legal proceedings.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Powder River County are maintained by Powder River County Sheriff's Office. These records include information about the individual arrested, the charges filed, and the circumstances of the arrest. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The records are subject to the Montana Public Records Act, which governs the accessibility of public records in the state. Arrest records typically include the date of arrest, charges, and any court proceedings related to the case.
Jail & Inmate Records
Powder River County Detention Center, located in Broadus, is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or serving short sentences. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available for family members and legal representatives to locate individuals housed in the facility. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and generally require scheduling in advance, with certain restrictions in place to ensure security.
- In Montana, the bond or bail process allows individuals to be released from custody while awaiting trial, provided they meet the conditions set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Powder River County are taken and retained by Powder River County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While some counties may offer online databases for mugshot searches, Powder River County requires direct contact with the Sheriff's Office for such inquiries. Montana does not have specific laws regarding the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of records.
Courts & Case Records
Powder River County is served by the Montana Sixteenth Judicial District Court, which holds sessions at Powder River County Courthouse, 1 Main Street, Broadus, MT 59317. Powder River County Court has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $12,000, domestic relations, probate, juvenile matters, and appeals from lower courts. The Clerk of District Court can be reached at and maintains all District Court case files, judgments, and court records.
- Montana provides statewide access to District Court case information through the Montana Judicial Branch's online portal, though full search capabilities may vary by case type.
- Powder River County Justice Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims up to $7,000, traffic violations, and fish and game violations.
- The Justice of the Peace holds court at the courthouse and can be contacted for Justice Court records are maintained locally and can be accessed by contacting the Justice Court clerk directly.
- Certified copies of court documents are available for a fee, typically $2.00 per page plus certification fees.
Court records in Montana are presumed public under Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1002 and Article II, Section 9 of the Montana Constitution, which guarantees the right to examine public documents. The Montana Supreme Court has ruled that court records must be accessible unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute. Online case searches through the Montana Judicial Branch website allow searching by party name, case number, or attorney, though some sensitive cases involving juveniles or mental health may be restricted.
In-person research is available during regular courthouse hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding state holidays.
Property & Public Records
Powder River County Clerk and Recorder, located at Powder River County Courthouse, 1 Main Street, Broadus, MT 59317, is the official repository for land records, property documents, and recorded instruments. The office can be contacted through the office’s website. The Clerk and Recorder maintains and provides public access to deeds, mortgages, liens, satisfactions, easements, rights-of-way, subdivision plats, cemetery plats, military discharges (DD-214s), Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings, and other documents affecting real property in Powder River County.
- Researchers must visit the courthouse in person, call the office, or submit written requests for specific documents.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for statutory fees: $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.
- While a county-wide GIS parcel viewer is not currently available online, the Assessor's office can provide property information by phone or in-person inquiry.
- Montana Cadastral Mapping provides statewide GIS data that includes Powder River County parcels, accessible at svc.mt.gov/msl/mtcadastral.
Montana law under MCA § 7-4-2601 requires the County Clerk and Recorder to record and index documents affecting title to real property. Most records dating back to Powder River County's formation in 1919 are available for public inspection. Due to Powder River County's small size and limited budget, Powder River County does not currently maintain a full online property records search system.
Property tax information is maintained by Powder River Montana Department of Revenue's Office, also located at the courthouse The Assessor maintains property valuations, ownership records, tax assessment rolls, and property classifications. Property tax payments and delinquency information are handled by the County Treasurer's Office at the same location.
Vital Records
Vital records for Powder River County, Montana, are maintained at both Powder River County and state levels. Powder River County Clerk and Recorder, Broadus, MT 59317, phone, is the local registrar for birth and death certificates occurring within county boundaries. Birth certificates can be requested from the County Clerk and Recorder's office for births that occurred in Powder River County. The current fee for a certified birth certificate is $12.00 for the first copy and $7.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates are also available from the County Clerk and Recorder for deaths occurring in Powder River County, with the same fee structure as birth certificates.
- Processing time for vital records requests at Powder River County level is typically 5-10 business days, depending on workload and record accessibility.
- Couples must apply in person, pay the $53.00 license fee, and observe the state's requirements under MCA § 40-1-301 through 40-1-311.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of eligibility (direct relationship or legal authorization). For full statewide access, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Office of Vital Statistics, maintains records for all births and deaths occurring in Montana since statehood. Their office is located at 111 North Sanders, Room 6, Helena, MT 59601, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Online ordering of Montana vital records is available through VitalChek at https://www.vitalchek.com for expedited service with additional processing fees.
Marriage licenses in Powder River County are issued by the County Clerk and Recorder's office. Marriage records are public documents and can be searched at the Clerk and Recorder's office. Divorce decrees are court records maintained by the Clerk of District Court at the courthouse and are subject to the same access provisions as other court documents.
Montana Code Annotated Title 50, Chapter 15 governs vital records administration throughout the state.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Powder River County involves both county-level and state-level processes. Powder River County Clerk and Recorder, Broadus, MT 59317, phone, accepts and maintains Doing Business As (DBA) filings, also known as assumed business name registrations, for businesses operating in Powder River County under a name different from the owner's legal name. These filings are public records searchable at the Clerk and Recorder's office during regular business hours. The filing fee is established by state statute.
- The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at https://biz.sosmt.gov where users can search for registered business entities, view filing history, registered agents, and status information at no charge.
- However, businesses may need to register for Montana withholding tax and unemployment insurance through the Montana Department of Revenue.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, businesses must register with the Montana Secretary of State's Business Services Division. Professional and occupational licenses are regulated at the state level by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, which oversees various boards and licensing requirements for professions ranging from contractors to healthcare providers. Sales tax does not exist in Montana, so there are no sales tax permits required.
Building permits, zoning compliance, and land use matters in Powder River County are handled by the County Planning Office and Building Department, typically coordinated through Powder River County clerk's office. Given Powder River County's sparse population and rural character, zoning regulations are less full than in urban counties, though subdivision regulations and septic system approvals still apply. Powder River County area is served by local agricultural organizations and the Montana Chamber of Commerce rather than a dedicated county chamber, reflecting Powder River County's ranching-focused economy.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Powder River County, Montana, are administered by Powder River County Clerk and Recorder, who serves as Powder River County's Election Administrator. The office is located at Powder River County Courthouse, 1 Main Street, Broadus, MT 59317, and can be contacted through the office’s website. election related inquiries. Voter registration in Montana is available through several methods: online at https://sosmt.gov/elections/vote/, by mail using a voter registration form available from Powder River County elections office or Montana Secretary of State, or in-person at the Clerk and Recorder's office.
- To register, applicants must be U.S.
Montana law requires voters to register at least 30 days before an election, with the exception of late registration provisions that allow registration through Election Day with proof of residence, though late registrants may be required to vote a provisional ballot. Citizens, at least 18 years old by the next election, a resident of Montana and Powder River County for at least 30 days, and not currently serving a felony sentence in a penal institution. Voters can verify their registration status and find their polling location through the Montana Secretary of State's My Voter Page at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo/.
Powder River County typically operates multiple polling places on Election Day, with the primary location at Powder River County Courthouse in Broadus, and additional locations established based on geographic needs and precinct boundaries. Election records that are public in Montana include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted), campaign finance reports filed with the Commissioner of Political Practices, candidate filings, precinct-level election results, and ballot issue information. Montana Code Annotated § 13-2-301 through 13-2-309 governs access to voter registration lists.
In the 2024 general election, Powder River County demonstrated strong voter participation consistent with Montana's high turnout rates, with approximately 75-80% of registered voters casting ballots, reflecting the civic engagement typical of rural Montana counties. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate races, Montana statewide offices including potentially the Governor's race depending on the cycle, state legislative seats, and county offices.
Absentee voting by mail is available to all Montana voters without requiring an excuse. Voters can request an absentee ballot by contacting Powder River County Election Administrator, completing an absentee ballot request form available on the Montana Secretary of State's website, or requesting a ballot in person. Absentee ballot applications must be received by noon the day before the election, though earlier submission is strongly encouraged.
Montana offers transparency in elections through public access to voter registration data, campaign finance disclosure systems managed by the Commissioner of Political Practices, post-election audits, and the ability to observe election processes including ballot counting.
Economy & Demographics
Powder River County's economy is fundamentally based on agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, which has been the dominant industry since settlement. Powder River County contains some of Montana's largest ranch operations, with cattle production representing the primary agricultural output. Hay production, wheat farming, and other dryland crops contribute to the agricultural economy, though livestock operations far exceed crop production in economic importance.
- The median household income in Powder River County is estimated at approximately $52,000, somewhat below the Montana state median, reflecting the rural agricultural economy and small population base.
Coal mining has historically played a significant role in Powder River County's economy, with the Powder River Basin extending into southeastern Montana. The Decker Coal Mine, located in adjacent Big Horn County near Powder River County border, has provided employment opportunities for county residents. Energy development, including coal bed methane extraction and potential oil and gas activities, contributes to property tax revenues and employment.
Unemployment rates in Powder River County typically remain low, often below 4%, though the economy is subject to agricultural commodity price fluctuations and seasonal variations. Major employers include ranching operations, Powder River County government, Powder River County School District, healthcare facilities, and businesses in Broadus serving the local population. The public sector, including schools and county government, represents a significant employment component in the small population base.
Tourism contributes modestly to the economy, with visitors attracted to Medicine Rocks State Park, hunting opportunities, and Powder River County's frontier character. Powder River County lacks large corporate facilities or manufacturing plants, maintaining its character as one of Montana's most rural and agriculturally-focused counties. Economic development efforts focus on supporting existing agricultural operations, improving infrastructure, and maintaining essential services for the dispersed population.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Online (Statewide Portal) | Property: Limited: In-Person/Phone Required | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Only | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or State Portal | Business: Yes: State Online Search | Elections: Yes: State Online Tools | Overall Score: 5/10, Powder River County maintains public records accessibility primarily through in-person and phone requests at the courthouse due to its small size and limited digital infrastructure, though state-level online resources supplement local access.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Powder River County
Explore public records for 4 cities and communities in Powder River County, Montana.