About Valley County
Valley County is located in northeastern Montana, established in 1893 from portions of Dawson County. Valley County Seat is Glasgow, a community of approximately 3,200 residents situated along the Milk River and U.S. Highway 2. Valley County includes approximately 4,943 square miles of rolling prairie, river valleys, and badlands terrain. Valley County's total population is estimated at around 7,500 residents. Glasgow is the economic and governmental hub, home to Valley County Courthouse at 501 Court Square.
Major landmarks include Fort Peck Dam and Fort Peck Lake, one of the largest earthen dams in the world, completed in 1940 as a New Deal project. The dam and reservoir significantly shaped Valley County's development and continue to drive tourism and recreation. Valley County borders the Fort Peck Indian Reservation to the south and west, home to the Assiniboine and Sioux tribes.
Valley County's economy traditionally centered on agriculture, ranching, and dryland farming, with Glasgow Air Force Base (1957-1968) providing a significant economic boost during the Cold War era. Key county offices include Valley County Clerk and Recorder at 501 Court Square, Glasgow, MT 59230; Valley Montana Department of Revenue at the same courthouse complex; and Valley County Treasurer. Valley County experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers, characteristic of Montana's high plains.
Valley County's wide-open spaces, proximity to Fort Peck recreation, and small-town character make it a distinctive corner of Big Sky Country.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Valley County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across the unincorporated areas of Valley County. The office manages Valley County Detention Center, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. It is key to making sure of public safety and security.
Police Departments
In addition to Valley County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Valley County is supported by the Glasgow Police Department. The Glasgow Police Department handles law enforcement within the city limits of Glasgow, while the Sheriff's Office covers the broader county area. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies to ensure full coverage and response throughout Valley County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Valley County Sheriff's Office, located at 521 Court Square in Glasgow, MT 59230, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Valley County. The agency provides patrol services, criminal investigations, civil process serving, and operates Valley County Detention Center.
- Written requests should specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
- Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the request.
Inmate information for Valley County jail can typically be obtained by calling the detention facility directly at the Sheriff's Office number or visiting in person during business hours. The City of Glasgow operates the Glasgow Police Department at 710 3rd Avenue South, providing municipal law enforcement services within city limits. To request arrest records in Valley County, citizens should submit a public records request to the Sheriff's Office under Montana's Constitutional Right to Know provision (Article II, Section 9 of the Montana Constitution) and the public records access statutes found in Title 2, Chapter 6 of the Montana Code Annotated.
Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Montana and may be obtained through formal written request to the Sheriff's Office, though some information may be redacted for investigative or privacy reasons. The Fort Peck Tribes maintain their own law enforcement through the Fort Peck Tribal Police, which has jurisdiction over tribal lands and members within the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. Coordination between tribal, county, and municipal law enforcement occurs regularly on cross-jurisdictional matters.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Valley County's criminal records system includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registrations. Residents can run a background check through the Montana Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which provides statewide criminal history information. This system ensures that individuals and organizations can access necessary information for legal and employment purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Valley County are maintained by Valley County Sheriff's Office. These records are accessible to residents and attorneys upon request, under the Montana Public Records Act. An arrest record typically includes the individual's personal details, the nature of the charges, and the arresting agency. Requests for arrest records can be made directly to the Sheriff's Office, and they provide guidance on the process and any associated fees.
Jail & Inmate Records
Valley County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing inmates in Valley County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available to the public, allowing individuals to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, and visitors are advised to check the latest guidelines before planning a visit. The bond and bail process follows Montana state laws, allowing for the release of individuals pending trial under certain conditions.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Valley County are taken and retained by Valley County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office, and some may be available online through official or third-party websites. Montana does not have specific mugshot removal laws, so individuals seeking removal of their mugshots may need to pursue legal avenues or contact the hosting agency directly.
Courts & Case Records
Valley County is served by the Fourth Judicial District Court of Montana, with Valley County Courthouse located at 501 Court Square, Glasgow, MT 59230. Valley County Court can be reached at and handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $12,000, domestic relations, probate, estate matters, and appeals from lower courts. District Court records are maintained by the Clerk of District Court at the courthouse.
- The Montana Judicial Branch provides an online case search portal at https://searchcourts.mt.gov where users can search Valley County court cases by party name, case number, or attorney.
- Access to most civil and criminal case information is free, though certified copies require fees typically ranging from $2 per page plus certification fees.
- Valley County Justice Court, also located at the courthouse, handles misdemeanor criminal offenses, traffic violations, small claims up to $7,000, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
- Court records can be accessed in person during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county holidays.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Valley County are maintained by Valley County Clerk and Recorder, located at 501 Court Square, Glasgow, MT 59230 The Clerk and Recorder's office is the official repository for recorded documents including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, releases, liens (mechanic's liens, judgment liens, tax liens), easements, right-of-way agreements, and subdivision plat maps. Montana law requires real property conveyances to be recorded to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors.
- Fees for recorded document copies are established by Montana statute, typically $2 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, with certified copies requiring an additional certification fee.
- The Montana Department of Revenue Cadastral Mapping Project provides GIS parcel data, and the State of Montana maintains a statewide property tax payment system at https://svc.mt.gov/dor/PropertyTaxPayment.
The office maintains grantor-grantee indices dating back to Valley County's formation in 1893. While Valley County does not currently offer a full online document search system, interested parties may contact the Clerk and Recorder's office to request document searches by legal description, name, or document number. Property tax information is managed by Valley Montana Department of Revenue at and Valley County Treasurer.
For detailed property tax assessment records, appraisal information, and mill levy data, contact Valley Montana Department of Revenue's office directly. All property records are public under Montana law, Title 2-6-102, MCA, subject to minimal exemptions.
Vital Records
Vital records for Valley County, Montana, are handled through a dual system involving both county and state offices. Birth and death certificates occurring in Valley County can be requested from Valley County Clerk and Recorder at 501 Court Square, Glasgow, MT 59230 However, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Office of Vital Statistics in Helena is the central repository for all Montana vital records. Birth certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously; death certificates follow the same fee structure.
- Processing time typically ranges from 2-4 weeks depending on the method of request and office workload.
- Montana requires a marriage license application with both parties present, valid identification, and payment of the license fee.
- Marriage certificates can be requested from Valley County where the license was issued or from the state Office of Vital Statistics.
- The Montana Office of Vital Statistics accepts online orders through VitalChek at https://www.vitalchek.com for expedited processing with additional service fees.
Birth records are restricted for 100 years under Montana law (Title 50, Chapter 15, MCA), with access limited to the registrant (if of legal age), parents, legal guardians, or legal representatives with proper authorization and government-issued photo identification. Death certificates are public records immediately upon filing. Marriage licenses are issued by Valley County Clerk of District Court at Valley County Courthouse.
There is no waiting period or blood test requirement. Divorce records (Dissolution of Marriage decrees) are court records maintained by the Clerk of District Court and accessed according to court record procedures.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Valley County involves multiple jurisdictions and agencies. For state-level business entity formation, the Montana Secretary of State Business Services Division maintains the official business registry. The Montana Secretary of State offers a free online Business Entity Search at https://biz.sosmt.gov where users can search for corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and nonprofit organizations registered in Montana. This database includes entity status, registered agent information, formation dates, and principal office addresses.
- Building permits, zoning compliance, and land-use permits for unincorporated Valley County are processed through Valley County Planning and Zoning Department, which can be reached through Valley County courthouse.
- The Glasgow Area Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, located at 110 5th Street South in Glasgow, provides business support services and maintains a directory at https://www.glasgowmt.net.
For doing-business-as (DBA) names and fictitious business name registrations in Valley County, filings are made with Valley County Clerk and Recorder at 501 Court Square, Glasgow, MT 59230 Montana does not impose a state sales tax, so sales tax permits are not required. Professional and occupational licenses are issued by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, with various boards overseeing specific professions including contractors, cosmetologists, real estate agents, and healthcare providers.
Local business licenses within Glasgow city limits are handled by Glasgow City Hall at 710 3rd Avenue South. The Chamber is a resource for new businesses seeking information about local regulations, networking opportunities, and economic development initiatives in Valley County.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Valley County, Montana, are administered by Valley County Clerk and Recorder, who is the official Election Administrator. The election office is located at 501 Court Square, Glasgow, MT 59230 Valley County election information can be found through Valley County website at https://www.valleycountymt.gov. Voter registration in Montana is available online through the Montana Secretary of State at https://sosmt.gov/elections/vote, by mail, or in person at Valley County election office.
- Registered voters can verify their registration status and find polling place locations through the Montana My Voter Page at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo.
Montana law requires voter registration to be received or postmarked at least 30 days before Election Day, though Montana offers late registration with provisional ballot casting up through Election Day at Valley County election office. Valley County typically operates several polling locations on Election Day, with specific locations announced prior to each election. Election records that are public in Montana include the official voter registration list (with some personal information redacted under Montana law), campaign finance reports filed with the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices, candidate filing documents, and precinct-level election results.
In the November 2024 general election, Valley County reported a voter turnout of approximately 68%, consistent with Montana's traditionally high participation rates in presidential election years. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate races, Montana statewide constitutional offices including Governor (if applicable to the cycle), state legislative seats, and various county offices.
Montana voters approved all-mail ballot elections in 2020. Valley County voters may request absentee ballots through Valley County election office by completing an absentee ballot request form available on the Montana Secretary of State website or by contacting Valley County Clerk and Recorder. Absentee ballots are mailed to voters beginning approximately 25 days before Election Day and must be received by Valley County election office by 8:00 PM on Election Day to be counted.
Montana law (Title 13, MCA) provides for significant election transparency, allowing citizens to request election materials, observe ballot counting, and review election administration records under public records provisions.
Economy & Demographics
Valley County's economy is anchored by agriculture, government services, healthcare, energy, and recreation-based tourism. Agriculture remains the dominant land use, with dryland wheat farming, cattle ranching, and hay production forming the backbone of rural employment. The Fort Peck Dam project and ongoing operations by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provide significant federal employment in Valley County.
- The median household income in Valley County is estimated at approximately $52,000, below the Montana state median but reflecting the rural agricultural economy.
- The Milk River valley provides irrigated agricultural land, supporting higher-value crops and hay production.
Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow serves as one of Valley County's largest employers, providing healthcare services to Valley County and surrounding northeastern Montana communities. The Fort Peck Indian Reservation contributes to the local economy through tribal government operations, gaming enterprises, and natural resource management. Fort Peck Lake, created by the Fort Peck Dam, generates substantial tourism and recreation revenue, attracting anglers, boaters, and outdoor enthusiasts from across Valley County.
The 245,000-acre Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge surrounds much of Fort Peck Lake and supports wildlife viewing and hunting tourism. Energy development, including oil and gas extraction in the Williston Basin, has periodically influenced Valley County's economy, with activity levels fluctuating based on commodity prices.
Unemployment rates in Valley County typically track slightly above Montana state averages, ranging from 3-5% depending on seasonal agricultural employment patterns. Economic development efforts focus on retaining young families, diversifying the employment base, and using recreation assets around Fort Peck.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (Montana Judicial Branch Portal) | Property: Limited: Online (Contact Clerk & Recorder) | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Inquiry Required | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail Request | Business: Yes: Online (MT Secretary of State) | Elections: Yes: Online (Voter Info & Results) | Overall Score: 6/10, Valley County provides access to essential public records, with strong state-level online systems for courts and business entities, but limited county-level digital infrastructure for property and arrest records.