About Rich County
Rich County is located in the northeastern corner of Utah, bordered by Idaho to the north and Wyoming to the east. Rich County Seat is Randolph, a small agricultural community situated at an elevation of approximately 6,280 feet. Established in 1864, Rich County was named after Apostle Charles C. Rich of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who led early Mormon settlements in the Bear Lake Valley region. Rich County includes 1,086 square miles and has a population of approximately 2,500 residents, making it one of Utah's least populous counties.
Bear Lake, often called the "Caribbean of the Rockies" due to its brilliant turquoise-blue water, straddles the Utah-Idaho border and serves as Rich County's premier natural landmark and economic driver. Rich County is characterized by high mountain valleys, ranching operations, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Rich County government offices are located at 20 South Main Street in Randolph, Utah 84064.
Rich County Recorder's office maintains land records and property documents, while the County Clerk oversees vital records, elections, and business filings. Rich County Assessor determines property values for taxation purposes. The economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and hay production, along with tourism related to Bear Lake and winter sports at nearby Beaver Mountain Ski Area.
Rich County's remote location and small population create a close community where government services are accessible and personalized.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Rich County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement services across Rich County, including patrolling unincorporated areas, managing Rich County jail, and processing arrests. The office also maintains criminal records and works closely with other local and state law enforcement agencies.
Police Departments
Rich County is primarily served by Rich County Sheriff's Office, which handles law enforcement duties across Rich County. In addition to the Sheriff's Office, the Garden City Police Department provides municipal law enforcement services within Garden City. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies to ensure full coverage and response throughout Rich County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Rich County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 20 South Main Street in Randolph, Utah 84064, provides primary law enforcement services throughout Rich County.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written GRAMA request to the Sheriff's Office, which must respond within ten business days.
- Mugshots and booking photographs are generally considered public records in Utah and can be requested through the same GRAMA process.
Inmate information and booking records can be obtained by contacting the jail directly during business hours for Due to Rich County's small size, there is no dedicated online inmate roster, but jail staff can provide current booking information upon request. The municipalities of Randolph, Laketown, and Garden City do not maintain independent police departments; all law enforcement is handled by the Sheriff's Office and supported by the Utah Highway Patrol on state routes. Arrest records in Rich County are public documents subject to the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA), codified at Utah Code § 63G-2-101 et seq.
Due to Rich County's proximity to both Idaho and Wyoming borders, the Sheriff's Office coordinates with neighboring county and state law enforcement agencies. There are no tribal lands or special jurisdiction law enforcement agencies within Rich County boundaries.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Rich County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. For full background checks, individuals can contact the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification, which offers statewide criminal history reports. The Bureau provides detailed information on arrests, convictions, and other criminal activities, so that Rich County residents have access to necessary legal documentation.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Rich County are maintained by Rich County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrested individual. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following the procedures outlined under the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA). Arrest records typically include the date of arrest, charges, and the arresting agency, providing a summary of the incident.
Jail & Inmate Records
Rich County Jail, located in Randolph, is the primary detention facility for Rich County. The booking process at the jail involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to strict security protocols.
- The bond and bail process in Utah allows for the release of detainees under certain conditions, and information on posting bail can be obtained directly from the jail.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Rich County are taken and retained by Rich County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through requests made to the Sheriff's Office. While there is no specific online portal for mugshot searches, individuals can inquire directly with the office for access. Utah does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can petition for removal under certain circumstances if the charges are dropped or if they are found not guilty.
Courts & Case Records
Rich County is served by the First Judicial District Court of Utah, which has jurisdiction over Rich County along with Box Elder, Cache, and Morgan counties. Rich County Courthouse is located at 20 South Main Street, Randolph, Utah 84064, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Rich County Court hears felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $10,000, domestic relations cases including divorce and custody, probate matters, and appeals from lower courts.
- Rich County also has a Justice Court that handles misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims up to $15,000, traffic violations, protective orders, and preliminary hearings for felony cases.
- Copies of court documents can be requested in person at the courthouse or by mail for a fee of $0.50 per page for standard copies and $5.00 for certified copies plus a $2.00 certification fee.
- For matters requiring direct court clerk assistance, Rich County District Court Clerk can provide guidance on filing procedures, fee schedules, and record access protocols.
Rich County Justice Court is located at the same courthouse address and shares contact information with the District Court. Utah's court records are governed by Utah Code § 78A-2-301 through § 78A-2-324, which establish that most court records are public unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute. The Utah State Courts maintain an online case search system called XChange at https://www.utcourts.gov/xchange/ where users can search for civil and criminal cases by party name, case number, or attorney.
Access to basic case information is free, though certified copies and detailed documents require payment. The court clerk's office is open Monday through Friday, typically from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding state holidays.
Property & Public Records
Rich County Recorder's Office, located at 20 South Main Street, Randolph, Utah 84064, maintains all land and property records for Rich County. The Recorder can be reached at and is responsible for recording and preserving documents including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, reconveyances, easements, liens, uniform commercial code (UCC) filings, subdivision plats, and other instruments affecting real property. Utah is a race-notice state, meaning properly recorded documents take priority based on recording date.
- The Recorder's Office provides public access to recorded documents during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Recording fees are established by Utah Code § 17-21-18.5 and typically include a base fee plus per-page charges.
- Rich County Assessor's Office, also located at 20 South Main Street, provides property tax assessment information, parcel data, and ownership details.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for $5.00 per document plus $2.00 for certification.
Rich County participates in the Utah State Archives' online document search system, and many property records can be searched through third-party vendors, though Rich County may not maintain its own dedicated online portal due to its small size. Contact the Assessor for property valuations, tax assessment appeals, and parcel identification information. Property tax bills are issued by the County Treasurer at the same location.
Rich County may offer a GIS mapping system for parcel viewing, though access may require contacting the Assessor's office directly. All property records are public under Utah GRAMA law unless specifically exempted for privacy or security reasons.
Vital Records
Vital records for Rich County, Utah, including birth and death certificates, are maintained by both Rich County Clerk's Office and the Utah Department of Health and Human Services Office of Vital Records and Statistics. Rich County Clerk, located at 20 South Main Street, Randolph, Utah 84064, telephone, can provide birth and death certificates for events occurring within Rich County. Birth certificates cost $20 for the first certified copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Death certificates have the same fee structure.
- Processing time is typically 1-2 weeks for in-person or mail requests.
- Eligible requestors include the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and individuals with a court order.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Rich County Clerk's Office and cost $50.
- Certified copies of marriage certificates are available for $20.
- For vital records more than 100 years old or when county access is unavailable, requests can be submitted to the Utah Office of Vital Records and Statistics, P.O.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Utah Code § 26-2-1 et seq, which governs vital records access and confidentiality. Couples must apply in person, present valid identification, and observe a waiting period before the marriage can be solemnized. Divorce records are maintained by the District Court Clerk at Rich County Courthouse rather than by the vital records office.
Box 141012, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-1012, telephone, or online at https://vitalrecords.utah.gov/. The state office offers online ordering with credit card payment and expedited processing options. All vital records requests require completion of an application form and payment of applicable fees, along with proof of identity and relationship to the person named on the record.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Rich County operates through multiple governmental levels. Rich County Clerk, located at 20 South Main Street, Randolph, Utah 84064, telephone, handles local business filings including fictitious name registrations (Doing Business As or DBA filings) and certain county-specific business licenses. Businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must file a DBA statement with the County Clerk, which becomes a matter of public record searchable by the public.
For business entity formation such as corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, registration is handled by the Utah Department of Commerce Division of Corporations and Commercial Code. The state maintains a searchable online database at https://secure.utah.gov/bes/ where anyyou can look up registered business entities, view organizational documents, check business status, identify registered agents, and review filing history free of charge. This database is the most full source for business entity information in Utah.
Sales tax licenses are issued by the Utah State Tax Commission and are required for most retail businesses. Professional and occupational licenses are regulated by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use applications in Rich County are handled by Rich County Planning and Zoning Department at Rich County offices in Randolph.
Contractors working in Rich County must be licensed through the state. The Bear Lake Regional Economic Development Council serves Rich County and can provide information about business incentives and economic development opportunities. Contact information for specific business licensing requirements can be obtained through the County Clerk's office at.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Rich County, Utah, are administered by Rich County Clerk, who serves as Rich County's chief election official. The Clerk's office is located at 20 South Main Street, Randolph, Utah 84064, telephone. Election information and county-specific voter resources can be accessed through Rich County website at richcountyutah.net. Voter registration in Rich County is available online through the Utah Lieutenant Governor's Office at vote.utah.gov, where eligible residents can register or update their registration.
- Vote-by-mail is actively encouraged in Utah, and all active registered voters receive a ballot by mail approximately 21 days before each election.
- Rich County Clerk provides election results on election night and certified results following the canvass period.
- Rich County typically demonstrates high voter turnout relative to its registered voters, often exceeding 70-80% in presidential elections and 50-60% in midterm elections.
- Utah's vote-by-mail system combined with in-person and same-day registration options provides extensive voter access while maintaining election security through signature verification and ballot tracking systems.
Prospective voters must be United States citizens, at least 18 years old by the next election, and residents of Utah for 30 days immediately before the election. The voter registration deadline is 11 days before Election Day for online and by-mail registration, though same-day voter registration is available at Rich County clerk's office and designated voting locations up through Election Day under Utah's same-day registration law. Polling places in Rich County are limited due to the small population; voters can find their specific polling location by visiting vote.utah.gov and entering their address, or by contacting the County Clerk.
Rich County typically operates polling places in Randolph, Garden City, and Laketown for Election Day voting. Early voting is available at the County Clerk's office beginning 14 days before Election Day. Voters may return mail ballots through the postal service (must be postmarked by the day before Election Day), in person at the Clerk's office, or at designated ballot drop boxes located throughout Rich County.
Election records that are public under Utah Code § 20A-1-101 et seq. Include voter registration lists (excluding some personal information), candidate filings, campaign finance disclosures, precinct-level election results, and ballot measures. The 2024 general election saw strong turnout consistent with these patterns.
The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, potential U.S. Senate races if applicable, Utah state legislative seats, county offices, and various local positions.
Absentee/mail-in ballot requests are not required in Utah since all active voters automatically receive mail ballots; however, voters who need replacement ballots can request them from the County Clerk through Election Day.
Economy & Demographics
Rich County's economy is predominantly agricultural, with cattle ranching, hay production, and livestock operations forming the backbone of traditional employment. Rich County's high mountain valley terrain and relatively short growing season favor hay and alfalfa cultivation that supports the ranching industry. Median household income in Rich County is estimated at approximately $60,000-$65,000, somewhat below Utah's state median but reflective of the rural agricultural economy.
- Property tax revenue from vacation homes and lakefront properties provides important county revenue.
Tourism represents a growing and increasingly important economic sector, driven primarily by Bear Lake recreation during summer months. Bear Lake attracts thousands of visitors for boating, fishing, camping, and water sports, with the lake's unique turquoise color resulting from calcium carbonate deposits. The Raspberry Days festival in Garden City draws substantial summer crowds.
Winter tourism centers on Beaver Mountain Ski Area, one of Utah's oldest and most affordable ski resorts, offering family-oriented skiing and snowboarding. Major employers include Rich County School District, county government, ranching operations, and tourism-related businesses such as lodging, restaurants, and recreation services concentrated in Garden City and Laketown. Rich County has minimal manufacturing or industrial activity due to its remote location and small population base.
Unemployment in Rich County typically ranges from 3-5%, varying seasonally with tourism patterns. Economic development efforts focus on sustaining agriculture, promoting four-season tourism, supporting small business development, and improving broadband infrastructure. Rich County's proximity to Idaho and Wyoming creates some economic interconnection with Logan, Utah, and nearby communities across state borders.
Challenges include limited healthcare facilities, distance from major markets, and seasonal employment fluctuations.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online via Utah XChange | Property: Limited: Online (State Archives) | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or State Portal | Business: Yes: Online (State Database) | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall Score: 6.5/10, Rich County provides access to public records primarily through state systems and in-person requests, with limited dedicated county online portals due to its small size and resources.
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Cities & Towns in Rich County
Explore public records for 4 cities and communities in Rich County, Utah.