About Stevens County
Stevens County is located in the northeastern corner of Washington State, bordering both the Canadian province of British Columbia to the north and Pend Oreille County to the east. Stevens County Seat is Colville, which also is the largest county and commercial hub of Stevens County. Established in 1863, Stevens County was named after Isaac Stevens, the first governor of Washington Territory. Stevens County includes approximately 2,478 square miles of diverse terrain, including portions of the Colville National Forest, the Kettle River Range, and the Columbia River along its western boundary.
According to recent census estimates, Stevens County has a population of approximately 46,000 residents. The scene is characterized by mountainous forests, river valleys, and agricultural lands. Major landmarks include the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, and historic Fort Colville.
Stevens County is home to several small communities including Chewelah, Kettle Falls, Springdale, and Marcus. Stevens County Courthouse is located at 215 South Oak Street in Colville, where the County Recorder, County Clerk, and other administrative offices maintain public records. Stevens County Assessor's Office, also located in the courthouse, maintains property tax and assessment records.
Stevens County has a rich history tied to mining, timber, and agriculture, with significant historical connections to the Hudson's Bay Company fur trading era and the development of the Colville Indian Reservation. Stevens County remains primarily rural with an economy centered on natural resources, agriculture, tourism, and small-scale manufacturing.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Stevens County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Stevens County. The office oversees Stevens County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in various community programs and has specialized divisions such as search and rescue and marine patrol. The office is key to making sure of public safety and works closely with other local law enforcement agencies.
Police Departments
In addition to Stevens County Sheriff's Office, several city police departments operate within Stevens County. These include the Colville Police Department, Chewelah Police Department, and Kettle Falls Police Department. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective city limits, while the Sheriff's Office handles the unincorporated areas. Coordination between these agencies occurs during major investigations and emergency situations to ensure full public safety coverage.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Stevens County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 215 South Oak Street in Colville, WA 99114, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Stevens County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a website at www.stevenscountywa.gov/sheriff. Stevens County Sheriff operates Stevens County Jail, which houses inmates for both pre-trial detention and sentenced misdemeanants.
- Under Washington's Public Records Act (RCW 42.56), arrest records and booking reports are generally public records that can be requested from the arresting agency.
- Written requests for arrest records should be submitted to Stevens County Sheriff's Office Records Division, specifying the name and date of birth of the subject or the incident date.
- Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the request, and agencies may charge fees for copying and research time.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically considered public records in Washington and may be available through direct request to the Sheriff's Office or jail.
Current inmate rosters and booking information can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or by calling the jail directly for Municipal police departments operate in incorporated cities within Stevens County, including the Colville Police Department, the Chewelah Police Department, and the Kettle Falls Police Department, each with jurisdiction within their respective city limits. The Colville Confederated Tribes maintain their own Tribal Police Department with jurisdiction on the Colville Indian Reservation, which covers a significant portion of western Stevens County. For records related to tribal lands, contact the Colville Tribal Police directly.
Washington State Patrol also maintains jurisdiction on state highways throughout Stevens County. Citizens may also access statewide criminal history information through the Washington State Patrol's WATCH system for background checks and criminal record searches.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Stevens County includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. Stevens County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Washington State Patrol's Criminal History section. The Washington Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for Stevens County residents seeking full criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Stevens County are maintained by Stevens County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, adhering to the Washington Public Records Act. A Stevens County arrest record typically includes the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and the arresting agency. The process for obtaining these records is straightforward, with requests handled by the records division of the Sheriff's Office.
Jail & Inmate Records
Stevens County Jail, located in Colville, is the primary detention facility for Stevens County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled times and guidelines that must be adhered to. The bond and bail process follows Washington state laws, and information on posting bail can be obtained through the jail's administrative office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Stevens County are taken and retained by Stevens 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 submitting a request. Washington does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals can seek removal through legal channels if necessary. The availability of mugshots online is subject to the policies of the Sheriff's Office and state regulations.
Courts & Case Records
Stevens County Superior Court, located at 215 South Oak Street, Colville, WA 99114, has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $100,000, family law matters including divorce and child custody, probate, guardianships, and appeals from lower courts. The Superior Court can be reached for Stevens County District Court, also located at the courthouse in Colville, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic infractions, civil cases up to $100,000, protection orders, and small claims cases up to $10,000. Stevens County Court phone number is.
- Fees for copying court documents are established by RCW 36.18.016 and typically include $0.50 per page for copies and various filing fees depending on case type.
- Certified copies of court documents require an additional certification fee.
- Requests for older archived records or specific case files should be directed to Stevens County Clerk's Office.
Court records in Stevens County can be searched in person at the courthouse during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. The Washington State Courts maintain a statewide case search system called the JIS-Link subscription service for attorneys and registered users, though public terminals may be available at the courthouse for free searches. Under Washington Court Rule GR 31, court records are presumptively public unless specifically sealed or protected by statute or court order.
Superior Court case information may also be available through the Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts website. The court also handles adoption records, mental health commitments, and juvenile matters, which have restricted access under Washington law. Marriage licenses are issued through the County Auditor's Office, and dissolution of marriage records are maintained by Superior Court.
Property & Public Records
Stevens County Auditor's Office, serving as the County Recorder, is located at 215 South Oak Street, Colville, WA 99114, and can be reached for This office maintains and records all land records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, reconveyances, liens (including mechanics liens, judgment liens, and tax liens), easements, covenants, plat maps, surveys, and other documents affecting real property title in Stevens County. The Auditor's Office website at www.stevenscountywa.gov provides access to recorded documents through an online search portal.
- While searching is typically free, there may be fees to view or download complete recorded documents.
- Recording fees vary by document type.
- The office accepts requests by mail with prepayment or in person at the courthouse.
Users can search by grantor/grantee name, document type, legal description, or recording number. Stevens County Assessor's Office, located at the same courthouse address and reachable, maintains property tax assessment records, parcel maps, property characteristics, and ownership information. The Assessor provides an online GIS mapping system and property information database accessible through Stevens County website, allowing users to search by address, parcel number, or owner name to view assessment values, tax district information, property characteristics, and sales history.
Stevens County Treasurer's Office, phone, handles property tax collection and maintains tax payment history records. Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person or by mail from the Auditor's Office, with fees of $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page of a certified document, as established by Washington statute.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Stevens County, Washington are maintained by the Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics, located in Tumwater. While Stevens County Auditor's Office previously maintained some vital records, certified copies of birth and death certificates must now be requested through the state vital records office. Birth certificates cost $25.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Death certificates cost $25.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for additional copies.
- Processing time is typically 3-4 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- Online ordering is available through the Washington Department of Health VitalChek service at www.doh.wa.gov/birthdeathcertificates, which processes requests more quickly but includes additional service fees.
- Both parties must appear in person to apply for a marriage license, which costs $64.00 and is valid for 60 days from issuance.
- Divorce records (Decrees of Dissolution) are maintained by Stevens County Superior Court and must be requested from the court clerk.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of eligibility to receive certified copies, as Washington law (RCW 70.58A) restricts access to immediate family members, legal representatives, or others with a direct and tangible interest. Marriage licenses are issued by Stevens County Auditor's Office at 215 South Oak Street in Colville, phone. There is no waiting period in Washington State.
Certified copies of marriage certificates can be obtained from the County Auditor or the state vital records office. Genealogical researchers seeking historical vital records should contact the Washington State Archives or the state vital records office for records older than current retention periods.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Stevens County involves multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Stevens County Auditor's Office maintains registrations for trade names and assumed business names (DBA - Doing Business As) filed at Stevens County level. These filings can be searched and requested at the Auditor's Office at 215 South Oak Street, Colville, or by calling.
- This free database allows searches by business name, UBI (Unified Business Identifier) number, or registered agent.
- The Colville Chamber of Commerce, serving the greater Stevens County area, can be reached at www.colvillechamber.com and provides business resources and networking opportunities.
For full business entity searches including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit corporations, the Washington Secretary of State maintains the statewide Corporations and Charities Filing System, accessible online at www.sos.wa.gov/corps. The Washington State Department of Revenue handles business licensing, including the state business license application and sales tax permits, through the Business Licensing Service at www.dor.wa.gov. Stevens County Community Development, located at 986 Highway 25 South in Colville, phone, administers building permits, land use permits, zoning approvals, and subdivision reviews for unincorporated areas of Stevens County.
Cities within Stevens County maintain their own building and business licensing departments. Professional and occupational licenses (such as contractors, cosmetologists, real estate agents) are regulated by various Washington State agencies. The Northeast Washington Economic Development Council also supports business development throughout Stevens County.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Stevens County, Washington are administered by Stevens County Auditor's Office, which is the County Elections Department. The Elections Office is located at 215 South Oak Street, Colville, WA 99114, and can be reached for The elections webpage is accessible through www.stevenscountywa.gov/elections. Voter registration in Washington State can be completed online through the Washington Secretary of State's VoteWA portal at www.vote.wa.gov, by mail using a voter registration form, or in person at Stevens County Auditor's Office.
- The voter registration deadline in Washington is 8 days before any election if registering online or by mail; in-person registration is available through Election Day.
- Washington State is a universal vote-by-mail state, meaning all registered voters automatically receive a ballot by mail for each election.
- Stevens County provides accessible voting options for voters with disabilities and language assistance as required by federal law.
- Voters can request a replacement ballot if theirs is lost or damaged by contacting the Elections Office.
Voters in Stevens County will receive their ballots approximately 18 days before Election Day. Completed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day or deposited in an official ballot drop box by 8:00 PM on Election Day. Ballot drop box locations in Stevens County are maintained at Stevens County Courthouse in Colville and other designated locations throughout Stevens County; check the elections website for current locations.
To find your voter registration status, ballot status, and voting information specific to your address, visit the VoteWA website and enter your information. Election records that are public under Washington's Public Records Act (RCW 42.56) include voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted), precinct-level election results, candidate filings, and ballot measures. Campaign finance records for local candidates and political committees are maintained by the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission at www.pdc.wa.gov.
In the November 2024 general election, Stevens County experienced voter turnout of approximately 78%, reflecting strong participation typical of rural Washington counties in presidential election years. The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, one U.S.
Senate seat, statewide executive offices, state legislative seats, and local positions including county commissioners and other county offices. Washington State offers same-day voter registration during the in-person voting period before Election Day and on Election Day itself.
Economy & Demographics
Stevens County's economy is historically rooted in natural resource extraction, particularly timber, mining, and agriculture, though diversification efforts have expanded the economic base in recent decades. Stevens County's location in the Colville National Forest region means forestry and wood products remain significant employers, though industry employment has declined from historical peaks.
- The median household income in Stevens County is approximately $52,000, which is below the Washington state average, reflecting the rural character and economic challenges of Stevens County.
Major employers in Stevens County include the Colville School District, Stevens County government, Tri-County Economic Development District, Vaagen Timbers (a lumber manufacturing facility in Colville), and healthcare providers including Providence Mount Carmel Hospital in Colville. Agriculture remains important, with cattle ranching, hay production, and small-scale farming operations throughout Stevens County's valleys. Tourism contributes to the local economy through outdoor recreation opportunities including fishing, hunting, hiking, snowmobiling, and water sports on Lake Roosevelt.
The Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge and nearby national forest lands attract seasonal visitors. The Colville Confederated Tribes operate economic enterprises including timber operations, a casino, and other businesses that contribute to regional employment. Mining has historical significance in Stevens County, with past gold, silver, and other mineral extraction; some small-scale mining continues.
Unemployment rates in Stevens County typically range from 6-8%, generally higher than state averages, with seasonal variation due to agriculture and timber industry cycles. Economic development initiatives focus on attracting small manufacturers, supporting entrepreneurship, expanding broadband internet access to enable remote work, and promoting tourism infrastructure. Stevens County faces economic challenges including distance from major markets, limited transportation infrastructure, and workforce development needs.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Available (in-person/limited online) | Property: Yes: Online GIS/Recorder Search | Arrest/Jail: Limited: By Request/Phone | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Online (State) / County DBA | Elections: Yes: Online Voter Tools | Overall Score: 7/10, Stevens County provides solid access to property and election records online, with court and law enforcement records available primarily through in-person requests.