About Salt Lake County
Salt Lake County is located in north-central Utah and is the state's most populous county, with an estimated population exceeding 1.2 million residents as of recent census data. Salt Lake County Seat is Salt Lake City, which also serves as Utah's state capital. Salt Lake County includes approximately 807 square miles, bordered by the Wasatch Mountains to the east and the Great Salt Lake City area to the northwest.
Major landmarks include Temple Square, the Utah State Capitol, the Great Salt Lake County itself, Big Cottonwood Canyon, Little Cottonwood Canyon, and numerous world-class ski resorts including Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, and Solitude. Historically, Salt Lake County was established in 1850 and named after the Great Salt Lake. Salt Lake County was settled by Mormon pioneers led by Brigham Young beginning in 1847, and Salt Lake County has grown into Utah's economic, cultural, and governmental hub.
Salt Lake County Recorder's Office, located at 2001 South State Street, Suite S-1200, Salt Lake County City, UT 84190, maintains property records and vital records. Salt Lake County Clerk's Office, situated at Salt Lake County Government Center at 2001 South State Street, handles marriage licenses, business filings, and election administration. Salt Lake County Assessor's Office, also at the Government Center, is responsible for property valuations and tax assessments.
What makes Salt Lake County unique is its blend of outdoor recreation, religious heritage, diverse urban development, and its role as the gateway to Utah's famous outdoor destinations.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Salt Lake County, as well as the management of Salt Lake County jail system. The office is tasked with processing arrests, maintaining criminal records, and providing court security. Notable programs include community outreach initiatives meant to crime prevention and public safety education.
Police Departments
Salt Lake County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Salt Lake City Police Department, West Valley City Police Department, Sandy City Police Department, and West Jordan Police Department. Each department has jurisdiction over its respective city, while the Sheriff's Office covers unincorporated areas. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, making sure of full law enforcement coverage across Salt Lake County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 3365 South 900 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84119, provides law enforcement services to unincorporated areas of Salt Lake County and operates Salt Lake County Metro Jail. Phone contact is 385-468-9700. Salt Lake County Metro Jail, also known as Oxbow Jail, houses inmates awaiting trial or serving sentences.
- To request arrest records, individuals must submit a GRAMA request to the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest, typically including the subject's name, date of birth, and incident date.
- Processing fees may apply.
- Some agencies provide online records request portals, while others require written requests by mail or in person.
- The Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake County also provides law enforcement services to several Salt Lake County cities under contract.
Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office website at slco.org/jail, where the public can search by name or booking number to view custody status, charges, bond amounts, and booking photos. Mugshots are public record and accessible through the online jail roster. Salt Lake County includes numerous municipal police departments, including Salt Lake City area City Police Department, West Valley City Police Department, Sandy Police Department, South Salt Lake County Police Department, West Jordan Police Department, Murray Police Department, Midvale Police Department, Taylorsville Police Department, Draper Police Department, Riverton Police Department, South Jordan Police Department, Millcreek Police Department, Cottonwood Heights Police Department, Bluffdale Police Department, and Herriman Police Department.
Each county maintains its own police records and operates independently. Arrest records are considered public under the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA), Utah Code § 63G-2-101 et seq.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Salt Lake County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and a sex offender registry. Background checks can be conducted through the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification, which provides full criminal history reports for residents.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Salt Lake County are maintained by Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office, as well as individual municipal police departments. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through these agencies, following the guidelines set by the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA). A Salt Lake County arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, charges, booking details, and court dates. Requests for records can be made in person or through online portals provided by the respective law enforcement agencies.
Jail & Inmate Records
Salt Lake County Jail, officially known as Salt Lake County Metro Jail, is the primary detention facility for Salt Lake County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestee. Inmate information can be accessed through the jail's online inmate lookup tool, which provides details on charges, bail amounts, and court dates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring appointments and adherence to a strict schedule.
- The bond process in Utah allows for cash bail or bond through a bail bondsman, with specific procedures outlined by Salt Lake County jail.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Salt Lake County are taken and retained by Salt Lake 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 website or by request. Utah does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related charges. Third-party websites may also host these images, though they are not officially sanctioned by Salt Lake County.
Courts & Case Records
Salt Lake County's judicial system is served by the Third Judicial District Court, the primary trial court handling felony criminal cases, civil matters over $10,000, domestic relations, probate, and appeals from lower courts. The Third District Court is located at the Matheson Courthouse, 450 South State Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84114, phone 801-238-7300.
- The system charges fees for detailed documents beyond basic case information.
- Salt Lake County also has Justice Courts handling misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims up to $11,000, and civil cases under $11,000.
- Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the clerk's office for statutory fees, typically $7-15 per document plus copy fees.
- Online access provides convenience for basic case lookups, while full files require in-person requests or orders through the court clerk.
Court records can be searched online through Utah's statewide XChange case search portal at www.utcourts.gov/xchange, which provides access to both civil and criminal case information, including dockets, party names, attorneys, judgments, and case status. Multiple Justice Courts operate throughout Salt Lake County in various municipalities. Municipal courts within Salt Lake County cities handle traffic violations, city ordinance violations, and misdemeanor offenses occurring within city limits.
Salt Lake County Clerk's Office maintains some historical court records and jury administration functions. Public access to court records in Utah is governed by Rule 4-202 of the Utah Code of Judicial Administration and Utah Code § 78A-2-301 et seq, which establish that court records are presumptively public unless sealed by court order or protected by specific statute.
Property & Public Records
Salt Lake County Recorder's Office, located at 2001 South State Street, Suite S-1200, Salt Lake City, UT 84190, maintains and provides public access to land records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, trust deeds, mortgages, reconveyances, liens (mechanic's liens, judgment liens, tax liens), easements, covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs), subdivision plat maps, and other documents affecting real property titles. The Recorder's Office phone number is 385-468-7600, and their website is slco.org/recorder.
- Earlier records may require in-person research or special requests.
- Certified copies can be requested for $10 for the first page and $2 for each additional page, with additional fees for expedited service.
- The Assessor's website (slco.org/assessor) provides property tax valuations, ownership information, property characteristics, and tax history.
Salt Lake County offers a free online property document search at slco.org/recorder/search where users can search by name, document number, or parcel number to view recorded documents. Most documents recorded after 1980 are available for free viewing and download. Property tax information is maintained separately by Salt Lake County Assessor's Office at 2001 South State Street, Suite N-1100, Salt Lake City, UT 84190, phone 385-468-8200.
Salt Lake County also offers a full GIS parcel viewer at maps.slco.org that displays interactive property maps with parcel boundaries, aerial photography, flood zones, zoning information, and links to Recorder and Assessor data. Salt Lake County Surveyor's Office maintains survey monuments and plat information. All property records are public under Utah Code § 17-21-18.5 and GRAMA provisions.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Salt Lake County are maintained by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Vital Records and Statistics, located at 288 North 1460 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116. Birth certificates cost $20 for the first certified copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Death certificates cost $18 for the first copy and $9 for additional copies. Processing time is typically 3-5 business days for in-person requests and 2-4 weeks for mail requests.
- Online ordering is available through the VitalChek service at vitalchek.com, though convenience fees of $10-15 apply.
- Marriage licenses cost $40 for Utah residents and $50 for non-residents if one party is a Utah resident, or $50 if both parties are non-residents.
- Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $20.
- Utah vital records law provides the legal framework under Utah Code Title 26B, Chapter 8.
Birth records are restricted for 100 years under Utah Code § 26B-8-120, with access limited to the registrant (if 18+), parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, legal representatives, or individuals with court orders. Death certificates have fewer restrictions but immediate family members and legal representatives have the easiest access. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo ID, demonstrate their relationship or eligibility, and complete application forms.
Marriage licenses are issued by Salt Lake County Clerk's Office at 2001 South State Street, Suite N-2100, Salt Lake City, UT 84190, phone 385-468-7300. There is no waiting period, and licenses are valid for 32 days. Divorce records are maintained by the District Court Clerk where the divorce was granted.
Walk-in services are available at the Clerk's Office during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing in Salt Lake County operates through multiple jurisdictions. Salt Lake County Clerk's Office, located at 2001 South State Street, Suite N-2100, Salt Lake City, UT 84190, phone 385-468-7300, handles assumed name (DBA) filings and some county-level business registrations. DBA filings cost approximately $25 and must be renewed every five years. Most business entity formations, however, are registered with the Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Corporations and Commercial Code.
- State business registration fees vary by entity type, typically $70-75 for LLCs and $75-100 for corporations.
- Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, website slchamber.com, is the primary business advocacy organization and provides resources, networking, and economic development support.
The state's business entity search is available online at secure.utah.gov/bes, where users can search for corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other entities registered in Utah, viewing officers, registered agents, status, formation dates, and annual report compliance. Salt Lake County cities issue their own business licenses for operations within municipal boundaries; businesses must contact the specific city where they operate, such as Salt Lake City Business Licensing at 451 South State Street, Room 154, or through individual city clerk offices. Professional licenses (contractors, cosmetologists, healthcare professionals, etc.) are issued by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL), with online lookup available at dopl.utah.gov.
Sales tax licenses are obtained through the Utah State Tax Commission. Building permits, zoning approvals, and development applications are processed by Salt Lake County Planning and Development Services Division at 2001 South State Street, Suite N-3600, phone 385-468-6700, for unincorporated areas, or by individual city planning departments for incorporated areas.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Salt Lake County are administered by Salt Lake County Clerk's Office, specifically the Elections Division, located at 2001 South State Street, Suite N-2100, Salt Lake City, UT 84190. The elections office phone number is 385-468-7400, and the website is slco.org/clerk/elections. Utah offers online voter registration through the state's official portal at vote.utah.gov, where eligible citizens can register or update their registration.
- Utah requires voters to register at least 7-11 days before an election depending on the method, with online and in-person registration available up to 7 days before, and mail registration due 30 days before.
- Utah is primarily a vote-by-mail state; all active registered voters automatically receive mail ballots approximately 14-21 days before each election.
- Utah law provides broad access to election records under GRAMA and Title 20A of the Utah Code.
Utah residents must be U.S. Citizens, at least 18 years old by election day, and have resided in Utah for 30 days preceding the election. To find your specific polling place, voters can visit vote.utah.gov and enter their address, or contact the County Clerk Elections Division.
Voters can return ballots by mail (postmarked by election day), at designated drop boxes throughout Salt Lake County (by 8 PM on election day), or vote in person during early voting periods or on election day at voter service centers. Salt Lake County typically operates multiple voter service centers for in-person voting and same-day registration. Public election records include voter registration rolls (available under Utah Code § 20A-2-202.5, excluding protected information), campaign finance disclosure reports filed with the Lieutenant Governor's office at disclosures.utah.gov, candidate filings and declarations, and certified election results by precinct.
The 2024 general election saw Salt Lake County voter turnout of approximately 68-72%, reflecting typical presidential year participation. The next major election is November 4, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, potential U.S.
Senate races, Utah state legislature seats, county offices, and local municipal positions. Absentee/mail-in ballot requests are unnecessary for active registered voters who automatically receive ballots, but inactive voters or those needing replacement ballots can request them through vote.utah.gov or by contacting the Elections Division. Utah's election transparency is strong, with detailed results, turnout statistics, and election reports published on the County Clerk and Lieutenant Governor websites after certification.
Economy & Demographics
Salt Lake County is the economic powerhouse of Utah, representing approximately 50% of the state's economic output. Major industries include technology and software development, financial services, healthcare, tourism and hospitality, aerospace and defense, mining and natural resources, and outdoor recreation. Salt Lake County hosts the headquarters or major operations of numerous Fortune 500 and nationally recognized companies including Zions Bancorporation, Huntsman Corporation, Extra Space Storage, C.R.
- Intermountain Healthcare operates multiple hospitals and is a dominant healthcare employer.The median household income in Salt Lake County is approximately $82,000-85,000, higher than the national median.
England, Overstock.com (now Bed Bath & Beyond's e-commerce), and divisions of Goldman Sachs, Adobe, eBay, Oracle, and Microsoft. The University of Utah is one of the largest employers with over 30,000 employees and a major research institution driving innovation. Key economic sectors include information technology (the Silicon Slopes tech corridor), financial services and insurance, education and healthcare, retail trade, professional and business services, and construction.
Mining has historical significance, and tourism related to ski resorts, national parks access, and cultural attractions contributes substantially. Salt Lake County's unemployment rate typically runs 2.5-3.5%, consistently below national averages. Major economic development projects include continued downtown Salt Lake City redevelopment, expansion of mass transit (TRAX light rail and FrontRunner commuter rail), and ongoing residential and commercial development throughout Salt Lake County's growing municipalities.
Salt Lake County benefits from a young, educated workforce and business-friendly tax climate.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail Required | Business: Yes: Online | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 9/10, Salt Lake County provides excellent digital access to most public records, with online portals for property records, court cases, inmate information, business entities, and election data. Only vital records require traditional request methods.
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Cities & Towns in Salt Lake County
Explore public records for 18 cities and communities in Salt Lake County, Utah.