About Teller County
Teller County is located in the heart of central Colorado, situated approximately 50 miles west of Colorado Springs and immediately west of El Paso County. Teller County was established in 1899 and named after Henry Moore Teller, a United States Senator from Colorado. Teller County Seat is Cripple Creek, a historic gold mining town that played a key role in Colorado's mining heritage during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Teller County includes approximately 559 square miles of mountainous terrain, with elevations ranging from 7,500 to over 10,000 feet.
As of recent census estimates, Teller County population is approximately 24,000 to 25,000 residents. Major communities include Woodland Park, the largest county in Teller County, along with Cripple Creek, Victor, and Divide. Teller County is home to Pikes Peak, one of Colorado's most famous fourteeners, and offers stunning views, outdoor recreation, and rich mining history.
Teller County Courthouse is located at 101 West Bennett Avenue in Cripple Creek, housing the County Clerk and Recorder. Teller County Assessor's Office, responsible for property valuations and tax assessments, is also located at the courthouse complex. Teller County Recorder maintains real property records, deeds, and land documents.
Woodland Park is a commercial hub along US Highway 24, while Cripple Creek and Victor retain their historic character with preserved Victorian-era architecture and casino gaming operations that began in the 1990s.Today, tourism, gaming, outdoor recreation, and residential development drive the local economy.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Teller County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Teller County. This office manages Teller County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community policing and crime prevention programs, providing resources and support to residents. Notable divisions within the office include the Investigations Division, which handles major crimes, and the Patrol Division, which ensures public safety through regular patrols and emergency response.
Police Departments
In addition to Teller County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Teller County includes municipal police departments such as the Woodland Park Police Department and the Cripple Creek Police Department. These city departments handle law enforcement within their respective jurisdictions, focusing on local crime prevention and community safety. Coordination between the Sheriff's Office and municipal departments is essential for addressing major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and resource sharing across Teller County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Teller County is primarily provided by Teller County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 450 Highway 24, Divide, Colorado 80814. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a website at www.co.teller.co.us/sheriff. The agency provides patrol services, criminal investigations, search and rescue operations, and operates Teller County Detention Facility. The jail is located at the same address in Divide and houses inmates for Teller County.
- The Cripple Creek Police Department provides services within Cripple Creek city limits.
- Citizens may submit written requests to Teller County Sheriff's Office for arrest records, incident reports, and related documentation.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the jail's booking process and may be posted on the Sheriff's Office website or available upon request.
- Response times for public records requests vary, but agencies must respond within three business days acknowledging the request.
- Fees may apply for copies and research time.
Current inmate information can be obtained by calling the detention facility directly or by visiting the Sheriff's Office website, which may provide an online inmate roster with booking information, charges, and bond amounts. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Woodland Park Police Department, serving the largest town in Teller County, located at 220 West South Avenue, Woodland Park. Under Colorado's Open Records Act, codified at C.R.S.
§ 24-72-201 et seq, arrest records and booking information are generally considered public records. Some records may be restricted if they are part of an ongoing investigation or involve juvenile offenders. The Sheriff's Office also coordinates with Colorado State Patrol, which has jurisdiction on state highways throughout Teller County, and the United States Forest Service for incidents on federal lands within Pike National Forest.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Teller County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registrations. Teller County Sheriff's Office, along with municipal police departments, maintains these records. Background checks can be conducted through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, which provides statewide criminal history information. The CBI offers online services for residents to request background checks, following state regulations and privacy laws.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Teller County are maintained by Teller 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, following procedures outlined under the Colorado Open Records Act. A Teller County arrest record typically contains the individual's personal information, arrest date, charges, and case status. Requests for records may require a formal written request and are subject to applicable fees.
Jail & Inmate Records
Teller County Detention Center, located in Divide, is the primary facility for housing inmates in Teller County. The booking process at this facility includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current inmates. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, with specific guidelines on visitation hours and conduct.
- The bond and bail process in Colorado allows for the release of inmates through cash, surety bonds, or property bonds, with details available through the Sheriff's Office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Teller County are taken and retained by Teller 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 or online databases. The availability of mugshots may vary, and Colorado does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, although individuals can petition for removal if charges are dropped or dismissed. The Sheriff's website may offer a searchable database for recent mugshots, providing transparency and access to the public.
Courts & Case Records
Teller County is served by the 4th Judicial District Court, which includes both Teller and El Paso Counties. Teller County Courthouse is located at 101 West Bennett Avenue, Cripple Creek, Colorado 80813, phone. Teller County Court has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $15,000, domestic relations including divorce and child custody, probate matters, juvenile cases, and appeals from county courts.
- Teller County Court (County Court) handles misdemeanor criminal offenses, traffic violations, civil cases under $15,000, protection orders, and small claims matters up to $7,500.
- The Colorado Judicial Branch provides online case search through the statewide database at www.courts.state.co.us, where users can search by party name, case number, or attorney name.
- In-person records requests can be made at the Clerk of Court's office at Teller County Courthouse.
- Certified copies of court documents are available for a fee, typically $1.50 per page for regular copies and an additional $20 for certification.
- Teller County Court also handles small claims cases, which provide an expedited process for disputes under the monetary threshold.
Court records in Colorado are generally public under C.R.S. § 13-3-101 and the Colorado Rules of Public Access to Court Records. Access to certain sensitive records, including juvenile cases, mental health proceedings, and sealed documents, is restricted.
Online case access is free for basic searches, though obtaining official certified documents requires payment and in-person or mail requests. The 4th Judicial District also provides mediation services and self-help resources for parties representing themselves in civil matters. Municipal courts operate in Woodland Park and Cripple Creek for local ordinance violations and traffic tickets issued within city limits.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Teller County are maintained by Teller County Clerk and Recorder's Office, located at 101 West Bennett Avenue, Cripple Creek, Colorado 80813. The office can be reached for The Clerk and Recorder is responsible for recording and preserving real property documents including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, releases, liens (mechanic's liens, judgment liens, HOA liens), easements, covenants, plat maps, and subdivision documents. These records are public and date back to Teller County's establishment in 1899.
- Fees apply for document copies, typically $1.50 per page for standard documents.
- Certified copies require an additional certification fee of approximately $5.
- Recording fees are established by state statute, with standard documents typically costing $13 for the first page and $5 for each additional page.
- Same-day recording service may be available for an additional expedited fee.
Teller County offers online property document search through a subscription service or on-site public access terminals at the Clerk and Recorder's office. The online system allows searches by name, reception number, or legal description. Property tax information and assessment records are maintained by Teller County Assessor's Office, also located at the courthouse in Cripple Creek, phone.
The Assessor maintains ownership records, property valuations, parcel maps, and assessment history. Property tax payment information is available through Teller County Treasurer's Office for Teller County provides a Geographic Information System (GIS) parcel viewer accessible through Teller County website at www.co.teller.co.us, offering aerial photography, parcel boundaries, ownership information, and assessment data. This tool is free to use and particularly helpful for researching property boundaries and zoning.
Vital Records
Vital records for Teller County, Colorado, are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates occurring in Teller County can be requested through Teller County Clerk and Recorder's Office at 101 West Bennett Avenue, Cripple Creek, Colorado 80813, phone. However, Colorado has centralized vital records through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Vital Records Section, located at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, Colorado 80246. The state office can be reached at or toll-free at 1-800-423-1108.
- Birth certificates cost $20 for the first copy and $13 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificates cost $20 for the first copy and $13 for additional copies.
- Processing time is typically 10 to 15 business days for mail requests, though expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- Online ordering is available through the VitalChek service at www.vitalchek.com, which charges convenience fees in addition to state fees.
- Eligible requestors include the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a court order.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record, as required by C.R.S. § 25-2-117. Marriage licenses are issued by Teller County Clerk and Recorder's Office; couples must appear in person with valid identification and pay the required fee, currently $30.
There is no waiting period or blood test required in Colorado. The marriage license is valid for 35 days from issuance. Marriage certificates (certified copies of the recorded marriage) are available from the same office after the ceremony has been performed and the license returned.
Divorce decrees and dissolution records are court records maintained by the Clerk of District Court at Teller County Courthouse and are subject to court records access procedures.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Teller County are maintained by several agencies depending on the type of business activity. Teller County Clerk and Recorder's Office at 101 West Bennett Avenue, Cripple Creek, handles trade name registrations (Doing Business As or DBA filings) for businesses operating under an assumed name. These records are public and searchable at the Clerk's office.
- The Secretary of State maintains a full online business database at www.sos.state.co.us/biz, where users can search by business name, registered agent, or identification number at no cost.
- This database provides entity status, registration date, principal address, registered agent information, and filing history.
- Teller County Economic Development office provides information and assistance for businesses considering location or expansion in Teller County.
However, most formal business entity filings, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, are registered with the Colorado Secretary of State's Business Division. Business licenses for specific activities within Teller County may be required at Teller County or municipal level. Teller County Planning Department, located at 270 County Road 1, Divide, Colorado 80814, phone, handles building permits, land use permits, and zoning compliance.
The Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce, located at 210 East Midland Avenue, Woodland Park, Colorado 80863, provides resources for businesses operating in the Woodland Park area and can be reached, website www.woodlandparkchamber.com. Sales tax licenses are administered by the Colorado Department of Revenue for state sales tax, while Teller County and individual municipalities may impose local sales taxes requiring separate registration. Professional and occupational licenses (contractors, real estate agents, medical professionals, etc.) are typically issued by state licensing boards rather than county offices.
Gaming licenses for casino operations in Cripple Creek are regulated by the Colorado Division of Gaming.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Teller County, Colorado, are administered by Teller County Clerk and Recorder, serving as the designated election official, located at 101 West Bennett Avenue, Cripple Creek, Colorado 80813, phone. The elections division manages voter registration, conducts federal, state, county, and local elections, maintains voter rolls, processes mail-in ballots, operates voter service and polling centers, and certifies election results.
- Colorado is a universal mail ballot state under the Colorado Voter Access and Modernized Elections Act; all active registered voters automatically receive a mail ballot for every election.
- Voter registration in Colorado is available online at www.govotecolorado.gov, the official state voter registration portal managed by the Colorado Secretary of State.
- Coloradans may register to vote if they are U.S.
- Mail ballots for the 2026 election will be mailed to all active registered voters beginning approximately 18-22 days before Election Day.
- Citizens may request election records under the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), C.R.S.
Citizens, Colorado residents at least 16 years old (eligible to vote at 18), and not serving a sentence for a felony conviction. Registration must be completed by 8 days before Election Day for ballots to be mailed; however, Colorado also offers same-day registration and voting at Voter Service and Polling Centers through Election Day. Voters can verify their registration status, find ballot drop box locations, and track their mail ballot at www.govotecolorado.gov.
Teller County operates Voter Service and Polling Centers during the early voting period and on Election Day, with locations typically including the Woodland Park Community Center and the Cripple Creek County Courthouse. Exact polling locations and hours are published on the County Clerk's website and the Colorado Secretary of State's polling place locator. Election records that are public in Colorado include voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted under C.R.S.
§ 1-2-227), campaign finance reports filed with the Secretary of State, candidate filing information, ballot measures, precinct-level election results, and election audit reports. In the November 2024 general election, Teller County experienced voter turnout of approximately 78-80%, consistent with Colorado's typically high turnout rates. The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races, one U.S. Senate seat, Colorado Governor and state executive offices, Colorado General Assembly seats, and various county and local offices and ballot measures. Voters may return ballots by mail (postage-paid), at 24-hour drop boxes located throughout Teller County, or in person at Voter Service Centers.
Colorado's election system is considered highly transparent, with full post-election audits, public testing of voting equipment, observer access for political parties, and detailed election results published at the precinct level. § 24-72-203, by submitting written requests to the County Clerk.
Economy & Demographics
Teller County's economy has evolved significantly from its gold mining origins to a diverse mix of tourism, gaming, residential services, and small business activity. Historically, the Cripple Creek and Victor mining district was one of the most productive gold mining regions in Colorado, producing over 21 million ounces of gold from the 1890s through the 20th century. Today, limited mining continues with the Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mine operated by Newmont Corporation remaining one of Teller County's significant private employers.
- The median household income in Teller County is estimated at approximately $68,000 to $72,000, slightly above the Colorado average in some estimates.
The introduction of limited-stakes casino gaming in Cripple Creek in 1991 transformed the local economy, creating hundreds of jobs in hospitality, entertainment, and tourism sectors. Major casino employers include Wildwood Casino, Double Eagle Hotel & Casino, and Bronco Billy's Casino. Tourism extends beyond gaming to include outdoor recreation, with thousands of visitors drawn to Pikes Peak, Mueller State Park, and the surrounding Pike National Forest for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Woodland Park serves as Teller County's retail and service center, hosting grocery stores, medical facilities, restaurants, and professional services. Major employment sectors include retail trade, accommodation and food services, healthcare, education, construction, and public administration. The Woodland Park School District RE-2 is among the largest public employers.
Teller County has seen significant residential growth as Colorado Springs residents seek mountain living with reasonable commuting access. Unemployment rates in Teller County have historically tracked close to or slightly above state averages, with seasonal variation due to tourism employment patterns. Teller County government itself employs several dozen workers across various departments.
Small businesses, including contractors, professional services, and specialty retail, form the backbone of the local economy. Economic development efforts focus on supporting existing businesses, promoting tourism, and attracting remote workers and retirees drawn to the mountain lifestyle and relatively affordable housing compared to resort counties.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (Colorado Courts) | Property: Yes: Online GIS & Recorder Search | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person (Limited Online) | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or State Office | Business: Yes: Online (Secretary of State) | Elections: Yes: Online (State Portal & County) | Overall Score: 7.5/10, Teller County provides good access to property and court records online, with elections fully transparent through state systems, though jail and vital records require more direct contact.
Official Government Resources
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Cities & Towns in Teller County
Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Teller County, Colorado.