About Treasure County
Treasure County, Montana is one of the smallest counties by population in the state, located in the south-central region along the Yellowstone River. Established in 1919 from portions of Rosebud County, Treasure County includes approximately 979 square miles of prairie, river valleys, and agricultural land. Treasure County Seat is Hysham, a small town situated along Interstate 94 that is the administrative center for Treasure County. With a population hovering around 700 residents according to recent census estimates, Treasure County exemplifies rural Montana life.
The Yellowstone River forms much of Treasure County's northern boundary, providing vital water resources and recreational opportunities. The scene is characterized by rolling hills, cottonwood groves along the river, and expansive ranch land. Major landmarks include the Hysham Historical Museum and the numerous archaeological sites that document indigenous presence dating back thousands of years.
Treasure County's economy has historically centered on agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and dryland farming. County government offices are concentrated in Hysham, including Treasure Clerk and Recorder at the Courthouse, 307 Rapelje Avenue, Hysham, MT 59038. Treasure County Clerk and Recorder and the Montana Department of Revenue maintain offices in the same courthouse building.
What makes Treasure County unique is its sparse population density, strong ranching heritage, and the close-knit community that has preserved much of its early 20th-century character while adapting to modern Montana.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Treasure County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Treasure County. This office patrols the unincorporated areas of Treasure County, making sure of public safety and responding to emergencies. The office is known for its community-oriented approach and may offer programs specific to local needs, such as crime prevention initiatives and public safety education.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Treasure County is primarily provided by Treasure County Sheriff's Office, which covers the entire county, including unincorporated areas. There are no separate municipal police departments within Treasure County, as Hysham, Treasure County Seat, relies on the Sheriff's Office for policing services.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement services in Treasure County are primarily provided by Treasure County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at Treasure County Courthouse, 307 Rapelje Avenue, Hysham, MT 59038. Treasure County Sheriff maintains a small jail facility within the courthouse complex for short-term detention and holding of arrestees pending arraignment or transfer.
- Arrest records in Treasure County are public records under Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-102, the Montana Public Records Act, which provides that all government information is presumed open unless specifically exempted.
- Processing times vary based on the complexity of the request, and fees may apply for copying and research time.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available as part of arrest records, though they may not be posted online due to Treasure County's limited web infrastructure.
Due to Treasure County's limited population and resources, long-term inmates are often housed at neighboring county facilities through interlocal agreements. Inmate information can be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours. The Town of Hysham, as a small incorporated county, does not maintain its own police department and relies on the Sheriff's Office for law enforcement services.
There are no tribal police agencies with jurisdiction in Treasure County, as no reservations are located within county boundaries. Montana Highway Patrol also provides traffic enforcement along Interstate 94 and state highways passing through Treasure County, working cooperatively with the Sheriff's Office on major incidents and investigations.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Treasure County cover felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as entries in the sex offender registry. Background checks can be conducted through the Montana Department of Justice, which offers statewide criminal history information. The Montana Department of Justice supports local law enforcement with resources and expertise, particularly in complex criminal investigations.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Treasure County are maintained by Treasure County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of arrests made within Treasure County, including the charges, arresting officer, and location of the incident. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following procedures outlined under the Montana Public Records Act. Arrest records typically include the individual's personal information, details of the alleged offense, and court dates, if applicable.
Jail & Inmate Records
Treasure County Detention Center, located in Hysham, is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested in Treasure County. The booking process involves recording personal information, photographing, and fingerprinting the arrestee. Inmates can be searched through Treasure County's official channels, though specific online inmate lookup tools may not be available. Visitation rules are set by the facility, typically requiring prior scheduling and adherence to security protocols.
- Bail and bond processes follow Montana state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees pending court proceedings, with bonds set by the court based on the charges and circumstances of the arrest.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Treasure County are taken and retained by Treasure County Sheriff's Office as part of the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest record and may be accessed through requests made to the Sheriff's Office. While some counties may offer online databases for mugshot searches, Treasure County may require in-person or written requests. Montana does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals can petition for removal or sealing under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the charges.
Courts & Case Records
Treasure County is served by the Montana Fourth Judicial District Court, which holds sessions at Treasure County Courthouse, 307 Rapelje Avenue, Hysham, MT 59038. Treasure County Court has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $12,000, domestic relations including divorce and custody, probate and estate matters, and appeals from lower courts. District Court proceedings in Treasure County are scheduled periodically, with a district judge traveling from Treasure County Seat.
- Treasure County Justice Court, also located at the courthouse, handles misdemeanor criminal offenses, traffic violations, small claims up to $7,000, city ordinance violations, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
- Fees for copies of court documents are established by statute, typically ranging from $0.50 to $2.00 per page depending on certification requirements.
- The Clerk of Court office accepts requests in person, by mail, or by phone for certified copies of judgments, decrees, and other court filings.
- Online access through the state system provides case summaries and docket information at no charge, though official certified copies must be obtained from the Clerk.
For information and case filings, contact the Clerk of District Court for Montana's court case records are accessible through the Montana Judicial Branch's online portal at montanacourts.org, where users can search statewide case information by party name, case number, or attorney. The Justice of the Peace can be reached through the courthouse for Court records in Montana are governed by public access principles under the Montana Constitution's right-to-know provisions and court rules adopted by the Montana Supreme Court. Most court records are public unless sealed by court order for specific legal reasons such as juvenile matters, certain family law issues, or protection orders.
Probate matters are handled by the District Court, with the Clerk maintaining records of wills, estate administrations, guardianships, and conservatorships.
Property & Public Records
Treasure County Clerk and Recorder's Office, located at 307 Rapelje Avenue, Hysham, MT 59038, phone, is the official repository for land and property records in Treasure County. This office maintains and indexes all documents affecting real property within Treasure County, including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgages and deeds of trust, satisfaction of mortgages, mechanics liens, judgment liens, easements, rights-of-way, subdivision plats, surveys, and mineral rights documents.
- While Treasure County has limited online access to recorded documents compared to larger Montana counties, the office accepts in-person, mail, and phone requests for document searches and copies.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for a statutory fee, typically $5.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page, plus certification fees.
- While a full online GIS or parcel viewer is not currently available for Treasure County due to limited resources, the Montana Cadastral Mapping Project provides basic statewide parcel data.
Montana law requires that documents affecting real property be recorded with Treasure County Clerk and Recorder to provide constructive notice to the public under Montana Code Annotated Title 70. The Recorder's Office indexes records by grantor, grantee, and legal description to help with property title searches. Treasure Montana Department of Revenue's Office, also located in the courthouse, maintains property tax assessment records, including ownership information, legal descriptions, property valuations, improvement details, and exemption status.
Property owners can contact the office to discuss assessed values, appeal procedures, or obtain property information. Treasure County Treasurer collects property taxes and maintains payment history records. For detailed property research, title companies and attorneys typically conduct in-person searches at the Recorder's office or use the physical indexes maintained there.
All property records are public under Montana's constitutional right to know, Article II, Section 9 of the Montana Constitution.
Vital Records
Vital records for Treasure County, Montana residents are maintained at both Treasure County and state levels. Birth and death certificates occurring in Treasure County can be requested through the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Office of Vital Statistics, 111 North Sanders, Room 209, PO Box 4210, Helena, MT 59604 The state vital records office is the primary repository for certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Montana since statehood.
- Birth certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously; death certificates cost $13.00 per copy.
- Processing time is typically 3-4 weeks for mail requests.
- Expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- The fee is established by statute and there is no waiting period or blood test required.
- Online ordering of Montana vital records is available through VitalChek, an authorized vendor, at vitalrecords.mt.gov, though service fees apply for this convenience.
Treasure County Clerk and Recorder's Office in Hysham also maintains some vital records and can provide information about obtaining certified copies. Marriage licenses in Montana must be obtained from a county Clerk and Recorder prior to the marriage ceremony; couples planning to marry in Treasure County should contact the Clerk and Recorder's Office for apply for a marriage license. Both applicants must appear in person with valid government-issued photo identification.
Marriage certificates (records of marriages performed) are filed with Treasure County Clerk and Recorder and the state Office of Vital Statistics. Divorce decrees are court records maintained by the Clerk of District Court rather than vital records, and certified copies must be obtained from the court. Montana vital records law is codified in Montana Code Annotated Title 50, Chapter 15, which governs who may obtain certified copies, generally the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with tangible interest.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Treasure County involves both county and state-level processes depending on the type of business activity. Treasure County Clerk and Recorder's Office at 307 Rapelje Avenue, Hysham, MT 59038, phone, handles registration of fictitious business names (Doing Business As or DBA) for sole proprietorships and partnerships operating under an assumed name.
- New businesses should also register with the Montana Department of Revenue for income tax withholding if they will have employees.
Montana law requires that businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name file a Certificate of Assumed Business Name with Treasure County Clerk and Recorder, providing public notice of the business ownership. For formal business entity formation, corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other statutory entities, registration is handled by the Montana Secretary of State, Business Services Bureau. The Secretary of State maintains the Montana Business Registry, a free online searchable database available at sosmt.gov where anyyou can look up registered business entities, view corporate officers and registered agents, check business status (active, dissolved, revoked), and access filed documents.
Professional and occupational licenses are primarily regulated at the state level by Montana's Department of Labor and Industry and various professional licensing boards. Treasure County Planning Department handles building permits, zoning compliance, and land use matters; inquiries can be directed to the courthouse for Montana does not impose a general sales tax, but certain industries face specific licensing requirements. The Hysham area does not currently have an active Chamber of Commerce due to the small population, though regional economic development organizations serve southeastern Montana.
Business owners seeking local networking opportunities often connect with the Big Sky Economic Development Authority or regional agricultural organizations.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Treasure County are administered by Treasure County Clerk and Recorder, who is the Election Administrator, with offices located at Treasure County Courthouse, 307 Rapelje Avenue, Hysham, MT 59038 Voter registration in Treasure County can be completed in person at the Clerk and Recorder's office, by mail using a Montana voter registration form, or online through the Montana Secretary of State's My Voter Page at my.mt.gov.
- Montana law requires voters to register by the close of regular business hours on the day before the election, making Montana one of the states allowing late registration, though pre-registration is encouraged.
- To register, applicants must be U.S.
- Campaign finance disclosure reports for county candidates and local ballot committees must be filed with the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices and are searchable online at politicalpractices.mt.gov.
- Absentee voting is readily available in Treasure County, any registered voter may request an absentee ballot without providing a reason.
Citizens, at least 18 years old on or before election day, a resident of Montana and Treasure County for at least 30 days, and not currently prohibited from voting by law. Treasure County voters can find their polling place information by contacting the Election Administrator or checking the Montana My Voter Page, which provides personalized polling location, sample ballot, and registration status. During general elections, Treasure County typically operates one main polling place in Hysham due to the concentrated population.
Election records in Montana are extensively public under state law. Voter registration lists are public records available for inspection and copying, though certain information like birthdates is restricted. Candidate filing information, nomination petitions, and precinct-level election results are public records maintained by the Election Administrator.
In the November 2024 general election, Treasure County experienced voter turnout of approximately 75-80%, reflecting strong civic engagement typical of rural Montana counties. The next major election is the November 3, 2026 general election, featuring U.S. House and Senate races, Montana state legislative seats, statewide executive offices, and county positions including potentially County Commissioner, Sheriff, and other county officers on the ballot.
Applications can be submitted to the Election Administrator in writing, and ballots are mailed beginning approximately 30 days before the election. Montana has increasingly embraced mail ballot options, and the Election Administrator can provide detailed instructions. Transparency in Treasure County elections is supported by Montana's strong open records laws, allowing citizens to request copies of ballot counting documentation, election procedures manuals, poll worker materials, and vote tabulation records consistent with security requirements.
Economy & Demographics
Treasure County's economy is fundamentally agricultural, reflecting its rural character and abundant ranch land. Cattle ranching dominates the economic scene, with numerous family-owned and operated cattle operations raising beef cattle on the extensive grasslands and hay meadows along the Yellowstone River valley. Dryland wheat farming and hay production provide additional agricultural income. The median household income in Treasure County is estimated at approximately $50,000-$55,000, somewhat below the Montana state median, reflecting the small population and rural agricultural economy.
- Transportation infrastructure, particularly Interstate 94 which crosses Treasure County east-west, provides some economic activity through truck stops and traveler services.
Major employers in Treasure County include agricultural operations, Treasure County government, Hysham School District, and small service businesses supporting Treasure. Treasure County has no major industrial facilities or corporate headquarters, maintaining its character as a sparsely populated agricultural region. Retail and service businesses in Hysham provide basic necessities, with residents often traveling to Billings (approximately 100 miles west) or Miles City for expanded shopping and services.
The unemployment rate in Treasure County typically tracks close to or slightly above the Montana state average, with seasonal fluctuations related to agricultural cycles. Energy development, including oil and gas exploration and production, has provided some supplemental economic activity and royalty income for landowners, though this sector is more prominent in neighboring counties. Tourism plays a minimal role in the local economy, though hunters and anglers visit during seasons to pursue upland game birds, deer, and Yellowstone River fishing.
Recent economic development has been limited due to the small population base and distance from larger markets, though agricultural producers continue to adopt modern technologies and practices to improve efficiency and sustainability.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Property: Limited: Online, In-Person Preferred | Arrest/Jail: Limited: By Request | Vital Records: Yes: State Online Ordering | Business: Yes: Online (State Registry) | Elections: Yes: Accessible | Overall Score: 6.5/10, Treasure County provides access to public records primarily through in-person requests and state-level systems; local online infrastructure is limited due to small population and resources.