About Washakie County
Washakie County is located in north-central Wyoming, established in 1911 and named after Chief Washakie of the Eastern Shoshone tribe, a respected leader who maintained peace between Native Americans and settlers. The county seat is Worland, the largest and only incorporated city in the county, situated along the Bighorn River. Washakie County encompasses approximately 2,240 square miles of diverse terrain, ranging from agricultural valleys to the rugged foothills of the Bighorn Mountains to the east.
- Major landmarks include the Bighorn River, which provides crucial irrigation for the county's agricultural economy, and portions of the Bighorn National Forest along the eastern boundary.
- The county's unique position in the Bighorn Basin provides a semi-arid climate favorable for irrigated farming and ranching operations that have sustained the community for over a century.
The county population is approximately 7,800 residents according to recent census estimates, making it one of Wyoming's smaller counties by population. The county is home to the historic Worland Municipal Airport and serves as a gateway to outdoor recreation in the Bighorn Basin. Key county offices serving the public include the Washakie County Clerk and Recorder located at 1001 Big Horn Avenue in Worland, the Washakie County Assessor's Office at the same address in the Washakie County Courthouse, and the Washakie County Treasurer's Office.
The economy has historically been driven by agriculture, particularly sugar beets, dry beans, barley, and livestock ranching, along with oil and gas extraction.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Washakie County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across the unincorporated areas of the county. It oversees the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is dedicated to ensuring public safety through patrols, investigations, and community engagement. Notable programs include community policing initiatives aimed at fostering trust and cooperation between law enforcement and residents. The Sheriff's Office also collaborates with other local and state agencies to address crime and public safety issues effectively.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Washakie County is provided by the Washakie County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments, including the Worland Police Department. The Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement in rural areas and unincorporated communities, while the Worland Police Department focuses on the city of Worland. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, sharing resources and information to enhance community safety. Each department is committed to serving its respective jurisdiction with professionalism and dedication.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Washakie County Sheriff's Office, located at 122 South 8th Street in Worland, Wyoming 82401, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of the county and operates the county detention facility. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (307) 347-4701 and maintains responsibility for patrol, criminal investigation, civil process service, and jail operations. The Worland Police Department provides municipal law enforcement services within the city limits of Worland and can be contacted at (307) 347-2524.
- For arrest records in Washakie County, citizens may submit public records requests under the Wyoming Public Records Act (W.S.
- Mugshots and booking photos are considered public records in Wyoming and may be requested from the Sheriff's Office, though the agency may charge reasonable fees for copying and processing.
- Citizens seeking arrest records should submit written requests specifying the individual's name and approximate date of arrest to ensure efficient processing.
§ 16-4-201 et seq.), which establishes that arrest logs, booking records, and incident reports are generally public unless specifically exempted. Current inmate information for the Washakie County Detention Center can typically be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, as the county maintains a smaller facility without a comprehensive online inmate lookup system. The detention facility houses both pre-trial detainees and individuals serving short-term sentences.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol also maintains jurisdiction on state and interstate highways passing through Washakie County and can be reached through the regional dispatch center.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Washakie County encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Washakie County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation provides statewide background checks. Residents can request criminal records for personal or professional purposes, subject to state regulations. The Wyoming Bureau of Investigation offers additional services, including fingerprint-based background checks, which are essential for employment and licensing purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Washakie County are maintained by the Washakie County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of arrests made within the county, including the charges, arresting agency, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the Wyoming Public Records Act, these records are generally accessible to the public, although certain restrictions may apply to protect privacy and ongoing investigations.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Washakie County Detention Center, located in Worland, is the primary facility for housing individuals arrested in the county. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information of detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing the public to access information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring prior scheduling and adherence to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process in Wyoming allows for the release of detainees under specific conditions, and information on posting bail can be obtained from the detention center.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Washakie County are taken and retained by the Washakie County Sheriff's Office as part of the booking process. These photographs are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While there is no specific Wyoming law mandating the removal of mugshots from public records, individuals may request removal or sealing under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related charges. Mugshots may also be available through third-party websites, although accuracy and currency can vary.
Courts & Case Records
The Washakie County District Court, located in the Washakie County Courthouse at 1001 Big Horn Avenue, Worland, WY 82401, serves as the primary trial court of general jurisdiction for the county and can be contacted at (307) 347-3131. This court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $50,000, domestic relations including divorce and custody, probate matters, and appeals from lower courts. The Fifth Judicial District encompasses Washakie County along with several other Wyoming counties.
- Washakie County also operates a Circuit Court at the same location, which handles misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims up to $6,000, civil cases under $50,000, protection orders, and traffic violations.
- Citizens can search court records by visiting the Clerk of District Court office in person at the courthouse, where staff can assist with case lookups for a nominal research fee.
- Wyoming's statewide e-filing system, File & Serve, provides some online case access for registered attorneys and parties, but comprehensive public online searching is limited.
- Certified copies of court documents cost $2.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee.
Property & Public Records
The Washakie County Clerk's Office, serving as the County Recorder, is located at 1001 Big Horn Avenue, Worland, WY 82401, and can be reached at (307) 347-3131. This office is responsible for recording and maintaining land records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens (mechanic's liens, tax liens, judgment liens), easements, rights-of-way, plat maps, mineral rights documents, and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings. The recording fees are established by Wyoming statute and typically include $20 for the first page and $3 for each additional page.
- While comprehensive online searching of recorded documents is limited, citizens can visit the office in person to conduct research or call to request specific document copies.
- The Assessor's office provides property information for tax purposes and works in conjunction with the County Treasurer, who collects property taxes and maintains tax payment histories.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for $2.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee.
The Washakie County Clerk's office maintains an index of recorded documents dating back to the county's establishment in 1911, searchable by grantor, grantee, and legal description. The Washakie County Assessor's Office, located in the same courthouse complex at (307) 347-6201, maintains property tax assessment records, parcel maps, property valuations, and ownership information for all real property in the county. Property tax records and assessment information can be reviewed in person at the Assessor's office, where staff can provide parcel numbers, assessed values, and tax payment status.
Wyoming law requires that all land transactions be recorded to establish priority and provide constructive notice to the public.
Vital Records
Vital records for Washakie County residents are managed at both the county and state levels. Birth and death certificates occurring in Washakie County can be requested through the Washakie County Clerk's Office at 1001 Big Horn Avenue, Worland, WY 82401, phone (307) 347-3131, which serves as a local registrar for vital records. However, the Wyoming Department of Health, Vital Statistics Services, located at 2300 Capitol Avenue, Herschler Building 1st Floor East, Cheyenne, WY 82002, serves as the primary repository for all Wyoming vital records and can be reached at (307) 777-7591.
- Birth certificates cost $20 for the first certified copy and $5 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates follow the same fee structure.
- Marriage licenses must be obtained in person from the Washakie County Clerk's Office, with both parties present, at a cost of $25, with no waiting period or blood test required.
- Processing times for vital records typically range from 1-2 weeks when ordered through the county office and 2-4 weeks when ordered through the state office.
- Online ordering is available through the Wyoming Department of Health's VitalChek service at health.wyo.gov/vital-records, though additional convenience fees apply.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Washakie County involves multiple levels of government oversight. The Washakie County Clerk's Office at 1001 Big Horn Avenue, Worland, WY 82401, phone (307) 347-3131, handles the filing of trade names (DBA - Doing Business As) and fictitious business names for sole proprietorships and partnerships operating in the county. These filings cost approximately $25 and must be recorded before conducting business under an assumed name.
- The Secretary of State's online business search portal at wyobiz.wyo.gov allows citizens to search for registered business entities, view filing histories, registered agents, and officers.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other statutory entities, businesses must register with the Wyoming Secretary of State's Office in Cheyenne, which maintains the state's business registry. Wyoming is known for its business-friendly environment with no corporate income tax and strong privacy protections for LLC members. Businesses selling tangible goods must obtain a sales tax license from the Wyoming Department of Revenue, while professional licenses (contractors, cosmetologists, real estate agents, etc.) are issued by respective state licensing boards.
The Washakie County Planning and Zoning Department, located in the courthouse, handles building permits, zoning compliance, and land use applications for unincorporated areas of the county. The City of Worland requires separate business licenses and building permits for operations within city limits, administered through Worland City Hall at 500 Robertson Avenue. The Worland-Washakie County Chamber of Commerce, located at 120 North 10th Street, serves as a resource for new and existing businesses, providing networking opportunities, economic data, and community information at www.worlandchamber.com.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Washakie County are administered by the Washakie County Clerk, who serves as the County Elections Officer, located at 1001 Big Horn Avenue, Worland, WY 82401. The office can be reached at (307) 347-3131 for voter registration information, polling place locations, and absentee ballot requests. Wyoming residents may register to vote online through the Secretary of State's website at sos.wyo.gov, or by submitting a paper application to the County Clerk's office.
- Absentee ballots are available to any registered voter in Washakie County and can be requested through the County Clerk's office beginning 45 days before any election.
- Wyoming operates under an open primary system for most partisan offices, and Washakie County voters can request either a Democratic or Republican primary ballot regardless of their voter registration party affiliation.
Voter registration deadlines in Wyoming require registration at least 30 days before Election Day for new registrations, though same-day registration is available on Election Day at designated locations with proper identification. Qualified electors must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by the date of the election, and residents of Wyoming for at least 30 days.
Washakie County typically operates multiple polling places on Election Day, with the primary voting location at the Washakie County Fairgrounds Event Center in Worland. Voters can confirm their specific polling place by contacting the County Clerk or checking the Secretary of State's voter portal. Wyoming law requires voters to present valid photo identification at the polls, including driver's licenses, tribal IDs, or other government-issued identification.
Absentee ballot applications can be submitted online, by mail, or in person, and completed ballots must be received by 7:00 PM on Election Day. Election results are public records and are posted by precinct on the County Clerk's website and reported to the Wyoming Secretary of State for statewide compilation. Washakie County's voter turnout in the 2024 general election was approximately 72%, consistent with Wyoming's historically high participation rates.
Campaign finance reports and candidate filings are available through the Wyoming Secretary of State's office, while local precinct-level results and voter registration statistics are maintained by the Washakie County Clerk. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate races, Wyoming state offices including Governor, and local county positions.
Economy & Demographics
Washakie County's economy has traditionally been anchored by agriculture and energy extraction, reflecting the broader economic patterns of Wyoming's Bighorn Basin region. Agriculture remains the leading economic sector, with irrigated farming operations producing sugar beets, dry beans, barley, alfalfa hay, and corn, supported by water from the Bighorn River and the Worland Canal system managed by local irrigation districts. Cattle ranching and sheep operations occupy vast acreages of rangeland in the county.
- The median household income in Washakie County is approximately $58,000, slightly below the Wyoming state median but reflecting the rural character of the community.
Major employers include the Washakie County School District #1 and Washakie Medical Center, which serve as anchor institutions providing stable employment. The energy sector, particularly oil and gas extraction, has historically contributed significantly to the county's tax base and employment, though the industry experiences cyclical fluctuations based on commodity prices. Small-scale manufacturing, retail trade, and service industries in Worland provide additional employment opportunities.
The county benefits from its location along U.S. Highway 16 and U.S. Highway 20, which facilitate transportation of agricultural products and provide access to tourist traffic heading to the Bighorn Mountains and Yellowstone National Park.
The unemployment rate in Washakie County typically tracks close to Wyoming's state average, ranging from 3-5% depending on seasonal agricultural activities and energy sector conditions. Economic development initiatives focus on diversifying the economy, supporting small business growth, and leveraging the county's agricultural heritage and outdoor recreation opportunities to attract visitors and new residents.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ In-Person Access | Property: ⚠️ Limited Online | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person Required | Business: ✅ State Online Search | Elections: ✅ Accessible | Overall Score: 6/10 — Washakie County maintains traditional in-person access for most records with limited digital infrastructure, though state-level resources supplement local access.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Washakie County
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