About Silver Bow County
Silver Bow County is located in southwestern Montana and is unique as the only consolidated city-county government in the state. The county seat is Butte, which merged with Silver Bow County in 1977 to form the Butte-Silver Bow consolidated government. Silver Bow County covers approximately 719 square miles and has a population of around 35,000 residents. The county is situated in the Rocky Mountains at elevations exceeding 5,500 feet and is known for its rich mining heritage, particularly copper mining.
Butte was once known as "The Richest Hill on Earth" due to its vast copper deposits that fueled industrialization across America. Major landmarks include the Berkeley Pit, a former open-pit copper mine now filled with acidic water; the Granite Mountain Memorial honoring miners who died in the 1917 Speculator Mine disaster; and Our Lady of the Rockies, a 90-foot statue overlooking the city. The county is home to Montana Tech of the University of Montana system.
Key government offices include the Butte-Silver Bow Clerk and Recorder at 155 West Granite Street, Butte, MT 59701; the Assessment Department at the same address; and the County Treasurer's office. The consolidated government structure combines city and county functions under a chief executive and council form of government, making Silver Bow County administratively distinct from other Montana counties.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Silver Bow County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of the county. It oversees the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office plays a crucial role in ensuring public safety through patrols, investigations, and community programs. Notable divisions within the office include the patrol division, criminal investigations, and a dedicated team for handling narcotics cases.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Silver Bow County is provided by the Silver Bow County Sheriff's Office and the Butte-Silver Bow Police Department. The Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement in unincorporated areas, while the Butte-Silver Bow Police Department serves the city of Butte. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the county. The coordination between these departments is crucial for effective crime prevention and response.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Department serves as the primary law enforcement agency for Silver Bow County, operating under the consolidated city-county government structure. The department is headquartered at 155 West Granite Street, Butte, MT 59701, and can be reached at (406) 497-1120. The agency's website is bsb.mt.gov, where citizens can find information about services and programs. The Butte-Silver Bow Detention Center, located at 155 West Granite Street, houses inmates for the county.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Law Enforcement Department, though certain confidential information may be redacted.
- Booking photographs and mugshots are generally considered public records and can be requested through the same process.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of records.
- Criminal records checks and background investigations can be requested through the department for employment or licensing purposes.
Inmate rosters and booking information can be obtained by contacting the detention center directly at (406) 497-1167 or by visiting the facility in person during business hours. Montana public records law, specifically the Montana Constitution Article II, Section 9, and the Montana Code Annotated Title 2, Chapter 6, Part 10, guarantees public access to government information, including arrest records. The department also coordinates with Montana Highway Patrol for traffic enforcement on interstate highways.
No tribal police agencies have jurisdiction within Silver Bow County proper, though the county is near several tribal nations.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Silver Bow County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Silver Bow County Sheriff's Office and the Butte-Silver Bow Police Department maintain these records. Residents can run a background check through the Montana Department of Justice, which provides access to statewide criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Silver Bow County are maintained by the Silver Bow County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the Montana Public Records Act, these records are accessible to the public, although certain information may be redacted for privacy reasons. A typical arrest record in Silver Bow County will include the individual's personal details, the nature of the charges, and the arresting officer's information.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Silver Bow County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing inmates in the county. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting the arrested individuals, and their information is entered into the jail's system. Inmate lookup is available through the county's official website, where residents can search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.
- The bond and bail process in Montana allows for the posting of bail through cash or bond services, and information on recently arrested individuals can be accessed through the detention center's records.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Silver Bow County are taken and retained by the Silver Bow 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 website or by request. While Montana does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, individuals seeking to remove their mugshots from online databases may need to contact third-party sites directly. The availability of mugshots is subject to the state's public records laws, which aim to balance transparency with privacy concerns.
Courts & Case Records
The Second Judicial District Court serves Silver Bow County and is located at 155 West Granite Street, Butte, MT 59701. The court can be reached at (406) 497-6420. This District Court has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $12,000, domestic relations matters, probate, juvenile delinquency, and appeals from lower courts. The Honorable judges preside over cases in this district.
- Silver Bow County also operates Justice Court, which handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, small claims up to $7,000, temporary orders of protection, and preliminary hearings for felony cases.
- Montana law provides public access to court records under Montana Code Annotated § 3-1-111 and Montana Supreme Court Rule on Public Access to Judicial Records.
- The Montana Judicial Branch operates the Montana District Court Case Records Portal at montanacourts.org, where many case records can be searched online.
- Fees for certified copies of court documents are typically $5 for certification plus copying costs.
- Requests for records can be made in person at the Clerk of District Court office during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Property & Public Records
The Butte-Silver Bow Clerk and Recorder's Office, located at 155 West Granite Street, Butte, MT 59701, maintains land and property records for Silver Bow County. The office can be reached at (406) 497-6315, and their website is accessible through bsb.mt.gov. The Clerk and Recorder maintains documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages and deeds of trust, mechanic's liens, UCC financing statements, easements, covenants, plat maps, subdivision documents, and assignment records.
- Many property records are available for online search through the Butte-Silver Bow Geographic Information System (GIS) portal and document search system, which provides free public access to indexed records.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $5 for the first page and $2 for each additional page.
- Citizens can search property tax information online through the county's property search portal.
- The county's GIS system provides interactive mapping tools showing parcel boundaries, zoning designations, flood zones, and ownership information.
- Document recording fees are established by Montana Code Annotated § 7-4-2635.
Vital Records
Vital records for Silver Bow County are maintained by both local and state agencies. Birth and death certificates occurring in Silver Bow County can be requested from the Butte-Silver Bow Clerk and Recorder's Office at 155 West Granite Street, Butte, MT 59701, phone (406) 497-6315. Birth certificate copies cost $12, while death certificates cost $10. Processing time is typically 3-5 business days for in-person requests.
- Marriage licenses are issued by the Butte-Silver Bow Clerk and Recorder's Office, with a fee of $53.
- Marriage certificate copies cost $10.
- The state offers online ordering through vitalrecords.montana.gov for expedited service with additional fees.
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Office of Vital Statistics in Helena serves as the state repository for all Montana vital records and can be reached at (406) 444-2614. Their office is located at 111 North Sanders, Room 6, Helena, MT 59604. Applicants must appear in person with valid photo identification, and there is no waiting period or blood test required in Montana.
Divorce decrees are obtained through the Second Judicial District Court at (406) 497-6420, as these are court records rather than vital records. Montana Code Annotated § 50-15-101 through § 50-15-501 governs vital records in the state. Requesters must provide valid identification and demonstrate direct and tangible interest in the record requested, as Montana restricts vital records access to family members, legal representatives, and individuals with court orders.
Birth records are confidential for 100 years under Montana law.
Business & Licensing
Business records and licensing in Silver Bow County are managed through multiple agencies. The Butte-Silver Bow Clerk and Recorder's Office at 155 West Granite Street, Butte, MT 59701, (406) 497-6315, handles assumed business name registrations (DBAs) and UCC financing statements. DBA filing fees are approximately $20. For state-level business entity searches, including corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, the Montana Secretary of State Business Services Division maintains an online database at Business Entity Search on sos.mt.gov.
- License types and fees vary based on business classification.
The Secretary of State office in Helena can be reached at (406) 444-3665. Business licenses for operating within Butte-Silver Bow are issued by the Finance Department at 155 West Granite Street, phone (406) 497-6320. The Building Department, located at 155 West Granite Street, (406) 497-6360, issues building permits, electrical permits, plumbing permits, and mechanical permits, and handles zoning compliance.
Professional licenses such as those for contractors, healthcare providers, and real estate agents are regulated by Montana state boards. The Butte-Silver Bow Planning Department oversees land use permits, conditional use permits, and variance applications. The Butte Local Development Corporation and Butte-Silver Bow Chamber of Commerce, located at 1000 George Street, Butte, MT 59701, (406) 723-3177, website butteinfo.org, provides business development resources, networking opportunities, and economic information for entrepreneurs and established businesses in the county.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Silver Bow County are administered by the Butte-Silver Bow Election Department, located at 155 West Granite Street, Butte, MT 59701. The office can be reached at (406) 497-6305, and election information is available at bsb.mt.gov under the Elections section. Voter registration in Montana can be completed online at sosmt.gov through the Montana Secretary of State's online registration portal, by mail using a printable form, or in person at the Election Department.
- Montana allows same-day voter registration, meaning eligible residents can register and vote on Election Day at their polling place or the election office with proper identification.
- In the November 2024 general election, Silver Bow County historically trends Democratic and typically sees turnout between 65-75% of registered voters.
- Montana is a universal mail ballot state under laws enacted in recent years; all registered voters automatically receive mail ballots, though in-person voting remains available.
The registration deadline for advance registration is the close of regular business hours on the day before Election Day. To find your polling place in Silver Bow County, voters can use the polling place locator on the Montana Secretary of State website or contact the Election Department directly. Public election records in Silver Bow County include registered voter lists (available with restrictions under Montana Code Annotated § 13-2-220), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political committees, candidate filing documents, official election results by precinct, and ballot issue materials.
The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring midterm elections for U.S. House of Representatives, one U.S. Senate seat if applicable to the cycle, Montana state legislature seats, and county offices.
Absentee ballots are mailed approximately 20 days before Election Day and must be returned by 8:00 PM on Election Day. Voters can track their ballots online through the Secretary of State website. Montana law provides strong public access to election records under Montana Code Annotated Title 13, allowing citizens to request precinct-level data, voting equipment testing records, and election administration documents to ensure transparency and accountability in the democratic process.
Economy & Demographics
Silver Bow County's economy has transitioned from its historic reliance on copper mining to a more diversified base, though mining heritage remains significant. Major employers include Montana Resources, which operates the Continental Pit open-pit copper and molybdenum mine employing several hundred workers; Montana Tech of the University of Montana, employing faculty and staff while contributing substantially to the local economy through student spending; St.
- The median household income in Silver Bow County is approximately $52,000, slightly below the Montana state median.
James Healthcare, the county's largest hospital and major medical employer; and NorthWestern Energy, which maintains significant operations in Butte. Key economic sectors include higher education and research (Montana Tech specializes in mining engineering, environmental science, and nursing), healthcare and social services, mining and mineral extraction, retail trade, accommodation and food services supporting tourism, and public administration through the consolidated government. The county benefits from environmental remediation activities related to Superfund cleanup of historic mining contamination, creating specialized jobs.
Tourism attractions include the World Museum of Mining, the Butte Trolley tours of historic uptown, and outdoor recreation in nearby mountains and the Continental Divide. The Butte-Silver Bow economic development office actively recruits technology companies and value-added manufacturers. Unemployment rates typically track close to Montana state averages, ranging between 3-5%.
Recent economic initiatives include downtown revitalization projects, expansion of Montana Tech research facilities, and development of industrial parks to attract advanced manufacturing.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online | Property: ✅ Free Search | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person Preferred | Business: ✅ Online (State) | Elections: ✅ Online | Overall Score: 7/10 — Silver Bow County provides good digital access to property and court records through state systems, though some arrest and vital records require direct contact with offices.
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Cities & Towns in Silver Bow County
Nearby Counties
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