About Sheridan County
Sheridan County is located in north-central Wyoming, nestled against the eastern slopes of the Bighorn Mountains. Sheridan County Seat is the city of Sheridan, which is the economic and governmental hub for Sheridan County. Established in 1888, Sheridan County includes approximately 2,523 square miles and had a population of approximately 30,921 as of the 2020 census. Sheridan County is renowned for its spectacular natural beauty, including proximity to the Bighorn National Forest, Cloud Peak Wilderness, and numerous recreational areas.
Historic downtown Sheridan area features well-preserved Western architecture and was a significant stop along the Bozeman Trail. Sheridan County's economy traditionally centered on ranching, coal mining, and agriculture, but has diversified to include healthcare, tourism, and energy sectors. Key public records offices serving Sheridan County residents include the County Clerk located at 224 South Main Street, Suite B-9, Sheridan, WY 82801; the County Assessor at 224 South Main Street, Suite B-3; and the County County Clerk's Office at the same address.
Sheridan County's rich Western heritage includes connections to the cattle baron era, and today Sheridan County maintains its rural character while supporting a vibrant arts community, quality healthcare facilities, and excellent educational institutions. Sheridan County is also home to significant historical sites related to the Johnson County War and early frontier settlement.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Sheridan County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Sheridan County. The office oversees Sheridan County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. Notable divisions within the office include the patrol division, investigations, and a dedicated team for handling emergency management and search and rescue operations.
Police Departments
Sheridan County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Sheridan County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities like Sheridan and Ranchester. The Sheridan Police Department handles law enforcement within the city limits of Sheridan, focusing on urban crime and community policing. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and response across Sheridan County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Sheridan County is primarily provided by Sheridan County Sheriff's Office, located at 1350 W. 5th Street, Sheridan, WY 82801. Sheridan County Detention Center houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions. Inmate information can be obtained by calling the jail directly or visiting the Sheriff's Office in person during business hours.
- To request arrest records, citizens must submit a written request to the Sheriff's Office or the arresting agency, and reasonable fees may apply for copying and processing.
Municipal law enforcement is provided by Sheridan County Police Department for the City of Sheridan, located at 55 Grinnell Plaza, Sheridan County, WY 82801 Smaller communities in Sheridan County rely on county sheriff services. Arrest records in Sheridan County are considered public records under Wyoming Public Records Act, W.S.
§ 16-4-201 et seq. Booking photographs and mugshots are generally available through the detention center, though policies regarding public dissemination may vary.
Some arrest information may be restricted if cases involve juveniles or ongoing investigations. Wyoming law enforcement agencies are required to provide access to public records within a reasonable timeframe, typically within three business days unless an exemption applies. Citizens seeking full criminal history information should contact the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation for statewide background checks.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Sheridan County's criminal records include felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can request background checks through the Division, which includes criminal history and sex offender status. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation offers additional resources for accessing criminal records and making sure of public safety.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Sheridan County are maintained by Sheridan County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, often requiring identification and a processing fee. Arrest records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking details. The Wyoming Public Records Act governs access to these records, for public access while protecting sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Sheridan County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested or are serving sentences in Sheridan County. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing the public to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled times and requirements for visitors.
- The bond and bail process follows Wyoming state guidelines, and individuals can post bail through the court or a bail bondsman to secure release pending trial.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Sheridan County are taken and retained by Sheridan County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. Wyoming does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals can petition for removal in certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related charges.
Courts & Case Records
Sheridan County's judicial system operates through the Ninth Judicial District Court, with Sheridan County Courthouse located at 224 South Main Street, Sheridan, WY 82801. Sheridan County Court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $50,000, domestic relations including divorce and custody, probate matters, and appeals from lower courts. Court administration can be contacted through the office’s website. Circuit Court, also located in the courthouse, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters up to $50,000, small claims, protection orders, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
- The Wyoming Judicial Branch maintains an online case lookup system at wyomingcases.gov, which provides free access to search District and Circuit Court cases statewide by party name, case number, or attorney.
- Copies of court documents can be requested from the Clerk of Court at Sheridan County Courthouse, with fees of $1.00 per page for standard copies and $5.00 for certified copies.
- Online case information includes docket entries, party information, and case status, but actual filed documents typically require an in-person or written request.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Sheridan County are maintained by Sheridan County Clerk's Office, which is the County Recorder, located at 224 South Main Street, Suite B-9, Sheridan, WY 82801 The Recorder's Office maintains documents affecting real property including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens (mechanic's liens, tax liens, judgment liens), easements, right-of-way agreements, subdivision plats, surveys, and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings.
- Recording fees vary by document type, with standard deeds typically costing $15.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page.
- Sheridan County GIS system provides interactive parcel mapping with aerial photography, ownership boundaries, and property attributes.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Clerk's Office for $5.00 per document plus copying fees.
These records are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description to help with public searches. Sheridan County Assessor's Office, located at 224 South Main Street, Suite B-3, Sheridan, WY 82801, phone, maintains property tax assessment records, ownership information, property characteristics, and valuation data. The Assessor provides an online property search tool accessible through Sheridan County website at sheridancounty.com, allowing the public to search by owner name, parcel number, or address to view assessment information, tax history, and property details free of charge.
Property tax payment information is handled by Sheridan County Treasurer's Office at the same complex.
Vital Records
Vital records for Sheridan County, Wyoming, are maintained at both Sheridan County and state levels. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Sheridan County can be requested through Sheridan County Clerk's Office at 224 South Main Street, Suite B-9, Sheridan, WY 82801 Birth certificates cost $12.00 for the first certified copy and $4.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Death certificates cost $10.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for additional copies.
- Processing time at Sheridan County level is typically 3-5 business days when applying in person with proper identification.
- The marriage license fee is $24.00 and there is no waiting period or blood test required.
- Wyoming law requires that requesters of birth and death certificates provide valid identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record, as specified in W.S.
The Wyoming Department of Health, Vital Statistics Services, is the state repository for all vital records and can be contacted at Vital Statistics Services, 2300 Capitol Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82002, or by phone for State vital records can also be requested online through VitalChek at vitalrecords.online.wyoming.gov for expedited service with additional fees. Marriage licenses are issued by Sheridan County Clerk's Office; couples must apply in person with valid photo identification, and both parties must be present. § 35-1-424.
Divorce decrees are obtained through the District Court Clerk rather than the Vital Statistics office. Genealogical researchers may access older vital records subject to statutory restrictions and confidentiality periods.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Sheridan County involve multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Local business registration and fictitious name (DBA) filings are processed through Sheridan County Clerk's Office at 224 South Main Street, Suite B-9, Sheridan, WY 82801 These filings establish a public record of business names operating in Sheridan County and cost approximately $10.00.
- Main Street, Sheridan, WY 82801, phone, website sheridanwyomingchamber.org, provides business resources, networking opportunities, and information about starting or operating a business in Sheridan County.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, businesses must file with the Wyoming Secretary of State's Office in Cheyenne. The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online business entity database at wyobiz.wyo.gov where the public can look up registered businesses, view filing history, registered agents, officers, and entity status free of charge. Professional licenses such as those for contractors, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are issued by respective state licensing boards rather than at Sheridan County level.
Sales tax licenses are obtained through the Wyoming Department of Revenue. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use applications within unincorporated Sheridan County are handled by Sheridan County Planning and Zoning Department, while permits within city limits are processed by the City of Sheridan Planning Department at 55 Grinnell Plaza Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce, located at 171 N.
Special licensing may be required for liquor sales, regulated industries, and home-based businesses depending on location and business type.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Sheridan County are administered by Sheridan County Clerk, serving as the County Elections Official, located at 224 South Main Street, Suite B-9, Sheridan, WY 82801 Sheridan County elections webpage can be accessed through Sheridan County website at sheridancounty.com. Voter registration in Wyoming requires U.S. Citizenship, residency in Wyoming and Sheridan County, and being at least 18 years old by the next general election.
- Residents can register to vote online through the Wyoming Secretary of State's website at sos.wyo.gov, in person at the County Clerk's Office, or by mail using a voter registration form.
- The registration deadline is 14 days prior to any election, or eligible voters may register in person at the County Clerk's office up to and on Election Day.
- These records are available for inspection at the County Clerk's Office during business hours, and many results are posted online following elections.
- Absentee voting in Sheridan County allows registered voters to request mail-in ballots beginning 45 days before an election.
To find your polling place in Sheridan County, voters can contact the County Clerk's Office or check their voter registration status and polling location through the Secretary of State's website. Sheridan County typically operates multiple polling locations across Sheridan County, with the largest concentration in the City of Sheridan County. Public election records in Sheridan County include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted per state law), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political committees, candidate filing information, precinct-level election results, and ballot issue materials.
In the November 2024 general election, Sheridan County reported approximately 68 percent voter turnout, reflecting strong civic engagement typical of Wyoming counties. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate races, Wyoming state legislative seats, county offices, and potential ballot initiatives.
Absentee ballot applications can be submitted to the County Clerk by mail, in person, or online through the state system. Completed absentee ballots must be received by the County Clerk by 7:00 PM on Election Day. Wyoming law (W.S.
§ 22-1-101 et seq.) establishes transparency requirements for election administration, making sure of public access to voter information, election results, and campaign finance disclosures, with appropriate privacy protections for individual voter choices.
Economy & Demographics
Sheridan County's economy reflects a diverse mix of traditional Western industries and emerging sectors. Historically rooted in agriculture, ranching, and coal mining, Sheridan County's economic base has evolved significantly in recent decades. Major employers include Sheridan Memorial Hospital, Sheridan County School Districts, Cloud Peak Energy (historically a major coal producer, though the industry has faced challenges), and various retail and hospitality businesses serving both locals and tourists.
- The median household income in Sheridan County is approximately $62,000, slightly above the state median, with relatively low unemployment rates typically between 3-4 percent.
Healthcare represents a substantial employment sector, with Sheridan Memorial Hospital serving as one of Sheridan County's largest employers. Tourism and outdoor recreation contribute significantly to the local economy, driven by proximity to the Bighorn Mountains, world-class fly fishing on the Tongue River, and historic attractions. The energy sector, while historically dominated by coal, has seen exploration of renewable energy projects including wind and solar development.
Agriculture remains fundamental to Sheridan County's character and economy, with cattle ranching, hay production, and some crop farming. Manufacturing and light industrial operations have expanded, including custom fabrication and agricultural equipment services. The downtown Sheridan business district has experienced revitalization with growing arts, dining, and boutique retail establishments.
Economic development efforts focus on workforce development, entrepreneurship support, and using quality-of-life advantages to attract remote workers and small businesses. Sheridan County benefits from relatively affordable housing compared to resort communities in western Wyoming while offering cultural amenities unusual for a county of its size.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (wyomingcases.gov) | Property: Yes: Free Online Search | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: Online (State Database) | Elections: Yes: Online Resources | Overall Score: 7.5/10, Sheridan County provides good digital access to property and court records with online search tools, though arrest logs and vital records require direct contact with county offices.