About Uinta County
Uinta County is located in the southwestern corner of Wyoming, sharing borders with Utah to the west and south. The county seat is Evanston, which is also the largest city and serves as the primary governmental and commercial hub. Established in 1869, Uinta County is one of Wyoming's original five counties and encompasses approximately 2,082 square miles. The population is estimated at around 20,000 residents, making it a moderately populated county by Wyoming standards. The county is situated along Interstate 80, a major transcontinental route, and lies within the Bear River Valley.
Major landmarks include the Uinta Mountains visible from the southern portions of the county, Bear River State Park, and the historic downtown Evanston area. The county's history is deeply tied to the transcontinental railroad, with the Union Pacific Railroad playing a crucial role in settlement and development. The Uinta County Courthouse is located at 225 9th Street in Evanston, Wyoming 82930, serving as the central hub for county government.
The County Clerk's office maintains official records and is located within the courthouse complex. The Uinta County Recorder's office, responsible for land records, operates at the same address. The Uinta County Assessor's office, which handles property valuations and tax assessments, is also housed in the courthouse at 225 9th Street.
The county's economy historically relied on railroad operations, ranching, and mining, though it has diversified in recent decades. Unique features include the county's proximity to both the Wasatch Range and the Uinta Mountains, its role as a major transportation corridor, and its cultural blend influenced by railroad heritage and western ranching traditions.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Uinta County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of the county. It operates the Uinta County Detention Center, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also provides various community programs and has divisions dedicated to investigations, patrol, and emergency response. The office plays a crucial role in ensuring public safety and upholding the law throughout the county.
Police Departments
In addition to the Uinta County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county is supported by municipal police departments, including the Evanston Police Department and the Lyman Police Department. These agencies are responsible for maintaining law and order within their respective city limits. They coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage and response throughout the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Uinta County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Uinta County and operates the county detention facility. The Sheriff's Office is located at 225 9th Street, Evanston, WY 82930, and can be reached at (307) 783-1071. The office maintains jurisdiction over approximately 2,082 square miles and provides patrol, investigations, civil process service, and jail operations. The Uinta County Detention Center houses inmates for the county and accepts inmates from municipal agencies.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Wyoming and may be obtained through formal public records requests to the detaining agency.
- Processing times vary, but agencies must respond to requests within a reasonable timeframe as prescribed by state statute.
Current inmate rosters and booking information can typically be accessed through the Sheriff's Office during business hours by calling or visiting in person, though some Wyoming counties are developing online inmate lookup systems. The Evanston Police Department serves the city of Uinta County's seat, providing municipal law enforcement services within city limits. The department is located at 1200 Main Street, Evanston, WY 82930.
For communities like Mountain View and Lyman, law enforcement is primarily provided by the Uinta County Sheriff's Office. Wyoming public records law, specifically Wyoming Statute §16-4-201 through §16-4-205, governs access to arrest records and booking information. Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a public records request to the Sheriff's Office or municipal police department, typically requiring the requestor to identify the specific records sought and pay applicable copying fees.
Some arrest information may be withheld if it pertains to ongoing investigations or sealed juvenile records. The Sheriff's Office maintains records of all bookings, arrests, and incident reports within its jurisdiction, while municipal departments maintain their own records for incidents within city limits.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Uinta County's criminal records system includes documentation of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation provides additional background check services. Residents can request criminal history information through the state bureau, which offers comprehensive background checks for employment, licensing, and personal purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Uinta County are maintained by the Uinta County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrested individual. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, following procedures outlined by the Wyoming Public Records Act. Arrest records typically contain the date of arrest, charges, and the arresting agency, providing transparency and accountability in law enforcement activities.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Uinta County Detention Center, located in Evanston, is the primary jail facility for the county. It handles the booking process for individuals arrested within the county, where they are photographed and fingerprinted. Inmate information can be accessed through the county's online inmate lookup tool. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to security protocols. Bond and bail processes follow Wyoming state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees pending court proceedings.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Uinta County are taken and retained by the Uinta County Sheriff's Office during the booking process at the detention center. These photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases. While Wyoming does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals can request removal or correction of inaccuracies through legal channels. Mugshots are often used in conjunction with arrest records for identification and public safety purposes.
Courts & Case Records
Uinta County is served by the Ninth Judicial District Court of Wyoming, which handles felony criminal cases, civil matters over jurisdictional amounts, divorce and family law cases, probate matters, and appeals from lower courts. The District Court is located at the Uinta County Courthouse, 225 9th Street, Evanston, WY 82930, and can be reached at (307) 783-0441. The court maintains both physical and increasingly digital case records. Circuit Court also operates in Uinta County, handling misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims up to $6,000, protection orders, and certain civil matters.
- Fees for copies of court documents typically include $1.00 per page for standard copies and additional fees for certified copies, usually around $5.00 for certification plus per-page costs.
- Online case searches may be available through the state judiciary website for case status and basic information, though comprehensive document access often requires in-person visits or formal written requests.
Circuit Court shares the courthouse location with District Court. Municipal courts operate in Evanston and handle city ordinance violations, traffic citations, and other municipal matters within their respective jurisdictions. Wyoming's public access to court records is governed by the Wyoming Public Records Act (W.S.
§16-4-201 et seq.) and Wyoming Uniform Rules for District Courts. The Wyoming court system operates a statewide case management system, and many case records can be searched through the Wyoming Judicial Branch website, though access to certain sensitive case types may be restricted. In-person record searches can be conducted at the Clerk of District Court office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Probate matters, including estate administrations and guardianships, are handled by the District Court, with records maintained by the Clerk of District Court.
Property & Public Records
The Uinta County Clerk and Recorder's office maintains property and land records for the county, located at 225 9th Street, Evanston, WY 82930. The office can be reached at (307) 783-0307. The Recorder is responsible for recording and preserving documents affecting real property, including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgages and deeds of trust, mechanic's liens, assignments, easements, rights-of-way, subdivision plats, and other instruments affecting title to real property.
- The Recorder's office maintains grantor-grantee indexes dating back to the county's establishment, allowing title searches and chain-of-title research.
- Copies of recorded documents typically cost $1.00 per page, with certified copies requiring an additional certification fee of approximately $5.00.
Wyoming law requires recordation of real property documents to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors. Many Wyoming counties, including Uinta County, have worked to digitize historical land records, though availability of online searching varies. Researchers can visit the Recorder's office during regular business hours to examine records in person.
The Uinta County Assessor's office, located at 225 9th Street, Suite 144, Evanston, WY 82930, phone (307) 783-0302, maintains property tax assessment records, parcel maps, and ownership information. The Assessor determines the taxable value of all real and personal property in the county. Property tax payment records are maintained by the Uinta County Treasurer's office at the same courthouse complex, phone (307) 783-0306.
Some Wyoming counties offer online GIS parcel viewers and property tax payment systems; citizens should check the county website or contact offices directly to determine current online availability. Property tax records, assessment rolls, and ownership information are public records under Wyoming law, though certain exemptions may apply to protect personal information in specific circumstances.
Vital Records
Vital records for Uinta County, including birth and death certificates, are maintained by both the Uinta County Clerk's office and the Wyoming Department of Health, Vital Statistics Services. The Uinta County Clerk's office, located at 225 9th Street, Evanston, WY 82930, phone (307) 783-0307, can provide certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring in Uinta County. Birth certificates typically cost $12.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Death certificates follow similar fee structures.
- Processing time for in-person requests is often same-day if records are readily available, while mail requests may take one to two weeks.
- Online ordering of certified vital records is available through the state's authorized vendor, VitalChek, at www.vitalchek.com, though expedited service fees apply.
- Marriage license fees are approximately $25.00.
- Divorce decrees are court records maintained by the Clerk of District Court at the Uinta County Courthouse, with certified copies available for a fee.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Wyoming Statute §35-1-424. Qualifying applicants include the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and individuals with court orders. The Wyoming Department of Health Vital Statistics Services, located at 2300 Capitol Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82002, maintains statewide vital records and can be reached at (307) 777-7591.
The state office holds birth records from July 1909 forward and death records from 1909 forward. Marriage licenses are issued by the Uinta County Clerk's office, with licenses valid for one year from issuance and no waiting period required in Wyoming. Confidentiality provisions protect certain vital records from public disclosure, particularly birth records which have restricted access for 100 years under Wyoming law.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Uinta County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business entity and activity. The Uinta County Clerk's office, located at 225 9th Street, Evanston, WY 82930, phone (307) 783-0307, handles fictitious business name filings (DBA - Doing Business As) and certain local business registrations. These filings allow sole proprietors and partnerships to conduct business under a name other than their legal names.
- The Evanston-Bear River Chamber of Commerce, serving Uinta County, provides business support and networking opportunities and can be reached through their website.
The Wyoming Secretary of State's office is the primary repository for business entity formations, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations. The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online business entity database at www.wyobiz.wyo.gov, where users can search for registered businesses, view filing histories, check registered agent information, and verify business status at no charge. This database includes information on domestic and foreign entities authorized to conduct business in Wyoming.
Wyoming does not have a state income tax, which has made it an attractive jurisdiction for business formation. Professional and occupational licenses are typically issued by state-level boards and commissions rather than county offices, with information available through the Wyoming Department of State website. Sales tax permits and seller's permits are administered by the Wyoming Department of Revenue.
Local business licensing requirements vary by county; the City of Evanston may require separate business licenses or permits for businesses operating within city limits. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are handled by the Uinta County Planning and Zoning Department and municipal planning departments for incorporated areas. Business owners should contact the County Clerk for local filing requirements and the Secretary of State for entity formation and registration.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Uinta County are administered by the Uinta County Clerk, who serves as the County Clerk and Election Officer. The office is located at 225 9th Street, Evanston, WY 82930, and can be reached at (307) 783-0307. The County Clerk's office handles voter registration, maintains voter rolls, coordinates polling places, manages absentee and early voting, certifies election results, and maintains election records.
- Wyoming offers same-day voter registration, allowing eligible citizens to register and vote on Election Day at their polling place by providing proof of residence.
- Online voter registration is available through the Wyoming Secretary of State's website at sos.wyo.gov, where eligible citizens can register or update their registration information.
- Absentee ballots are available to any registered voter in Wyoming without requiring an excuse.
- Absentee ballot applications can be requested from the County Clerk's office beginning approximately 45 days before an election, and completed ballots must be received by 7:00 PM on Election Day.
- Citizens may request election-related records by contacting the County Clerk's office, with most records available for public inspection during regular business hours.
Voter registration in Wyoming requires applicants to be United States citizens, at least 18 years old by the date of the general election, and residents of Wyoming and Uinta County for at least 30 days preceding the election. Registration can also be completed by mail or in person at the County Clerk's office. Voters can find their polling place by contacting the County Clerk's office or checking the Wyoming Secretary of State's voter information portal, which provides polling location information based on residential address.
Uinta County typically operates multiple polling places on Election Day, with locations announced prior to each election. Public election records include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted for privacy), precinct-level election results, candidate filing information, and campaign finance disclosures for county-level races. Statewide campaign finance filings are maintained by the Wyoming Secretary of State.
In the November 2024 general election, Uinta County voter turnout was approximately 65-70%, consistent with Wyoming's historically high voter participation rates. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. Congressional races, Wyoming state legislative seats, and county offices.
Early voting may be available at the County Clerk's office during specified periods before elections. Wyoming law, specifically W.S. §22-1-101 et seq., governs election procedures and public access to election records, ensuring transparency while protecting voter privacy.
Economy & Demographics
Uinta County's economy is characterized by its strategic location along Interstate 80, which has shaped its economic development since the transcontinental railroad era. Major economic sectors include transportation and logistics, government services, healthcare, retail trade, and hospitality services catering to interstate travelers. The county has historically relied on railroad operations, with Union Pacific Railroad remaining a significant employer in the Evanston area.
- The median household income in Uinta County is estimated at approximately $60,000 to $65,000, which is close to Wyoming's state median.
- Government employment, including county, municipal, school district, and state agencies, provides stable employment for many residents.
Energy sector activities, including oil and gas extraction and coal mining in past decades, have contributed to the local economy, though the energy sector has experienced fluctuations. Manufacturing facilities in the county include operations related to chemical production and industrial materials. Tourism contributes to the economy, with visitors attracted to outdoor recreation opportunities including fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and proximity to the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.
Healthcare services are anchored by Evanston Regional Hospital, a critical access facility serving the county and surrounding region. Retail and service businesses cluster along Interstate 80 and in downtown Evanston, serving both residents and travelers. The unemployment rate in Uinta County generally tracks with state trends, typically ranging from 3% to 5% in recent years, though rates fluctuate with seasonal employment patterns and economic conditions.
Economic development initiatives have focused on diversifying the economy beyond traditional sectors, improving infrastructure, and leveraging the county's position along major transportation corridors. The Bear River State Park area has seen investment in recreational facilities. Agricultural activities, including cattle ranching and hay production, continue in rural portions of the county, maintaining the region's western heritage while contributing to the agricultural economy.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (State Portal) | Property: ⚠️ Limited Online | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person/Mail Required | Business: ✅ Online (State) | Elections: ✅ Online (State Resources) | Overall Score: 6/10 — Uinta County provides access to public records primarily through in-person visits and phone requests, with state-level online resources supplementing local access for business and court records.
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Cities & Towns in Uinta County
Explore public records for 6 cities and communities in Uinta County, Wyoming.
Nearby Counties
Explore public records in counties that border Uinta County.