About Yuma County
Yuma County is located in the northeastern corner of Colorado, along the Kansas border, approximately 160 miles east of Denver. Yuma County Seat is Wray, a town of roughly 2,400 residents that is the primary hub for government services and commerce. Yuma County includes approximately 2,369 square miles of High Plains scene characterized by rolling prairie, agricultural fields, and the Republican River valley. Yuma County's total population is estimated at just over 10,000 residents, making it one of Colorado's more rural and sparsely populated counties.
- Key landmarks include Bonny Lake State Park (formerly Bonny Reservoir), which provides recreational opportunities despite water level challenges, and the historic Wray Museum showcasing local history.
Established in 1889 from portions of Washington County, Yuma County was named after the Yuma people of Arizona, reflecting the westward expansion naming conventions of that era. The economy is overwhelmingly agricultural, with vast stretches devoted to dryland farming, irrigated crops, and cattle ranching. Yuma County is served by several key government offices located in Wray: Yuma County Clerk and Recorder at in the Courthouse, Yuma County Assessor at the same address, and various other offices in Yuma County Courthouse complex.
Yuma County experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers, cold winters, and limited precipitation, which shapes both the agricultural practices and the lifestyle of residents. What makes Yuma County unique is its quintessential High Plains character, strong agricultural heritage, close rural communities, and its position at the crossroads of Colorado and Kansas cultures.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Yuma County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Yuma County. This office oversees the patrol of rural regions, manages Yuma County jail, and processes arrests. The Sheriff's Office is also tasked with maintaining criminal records and providing public safety services. Notable programs include community outreach initiatives meant to crime prevention and public education. The office works closely with other local law enforcement agencies to ensure full coverage and response to incidents throughout Yuma County.
Police Departments
In addition to Yuma County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Yuma County is supported by municipal police departments, including the Wray Police Department and the Yuma Police Department. The Wray Police Department serves the city of Wray, while the Yuma Police Department operates within the city of Yuma. These agencies coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and public safety initiatives, making sure of a full approach to law enforcement across Yuma County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Yuma County is primarily provided by Yuma County Sheriff's Office, Suite 6, Wray, CO 80758. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains responsibility for unincorporated areas of Yuma County, operation of Yuma County jail, court security, and civil process service. Yuma County Detention Facility is a small county jail located adjacent to the Sheriff's Office in Wray, housing inmates awaiting trial or serving short sentences.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through direct request to the Sheriff's Office, and recent bookings may be shared on the office's social media pages.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of reports and records.
Inmate lookup information can be obtained by calling the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, as Yuma County does not currently maintain a full online inmate roster due to its smaller size. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Wray Police Department serving the town of Wray, the Yuma Police Department in the town of Yuma, and the Eckley Marshal's Office for the small town of Eckley. Arrest records in Yuma County are considered public records under the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (C.R.S.
24-72-301 et seq.) and the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA, C.R.S. 24-72-200.1 et seq.). Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written request to Yuma County Sheriff's Office or the respective municipal police department, though some information may be restricted for ongoing investigations or juvenile matters.
There are no tribal police jurisdictions in Yuma County. Response times and record availability may vary given the rural nature of Yuma County and limited administrative staffing.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Yuma County includes a range of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Yuma County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are essential for background checks and legal proceedings. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, which provides statewide criminal history information. The bureau's services are accessible to Yuma County residents, offering a full view of an individual's criminal history within Colorado.
- The sex offender registry is also maintained at the state level, providing public access to information about registered offenders residing in Yuma County.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Yuma County are maintained by Yuma County Sheriff's Office. These records are crucial for documenting the details of arrests, including the charges, arresting officer, and date of arrest. Residents and attorneys can request access to these records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), arrest records are generally accessible to the public, although certain restrictions may apply to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Yuma County Jail, located in Wray, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Yuma County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting the personal information of detainees. Inmate lookup services are available to the public, allowing individuals to search for current detainees through the Sheriff's Office. Visitation rules are specific to this facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to strict security protocols.
- The bond and bail process in Colorado allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with specific procedures outlined by Yuma County's judicial system.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Yuma County are taken and retained by Yuma 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, either in person or via their official website. While Colorado does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, individuals can request the removal of their mugshots from third-party websites under certain circumstances. The availability of mugshots is subject to the Colorado Open Records Act, which governs the release of public records in the state.
Courts & Case Records
Yuma County judicial matters are handled primarily through Yuma County Combined Courts, part of Colorado's 13th Judicial District, which also serves Kit Carson, Logan, Morgan, Phillips, Sedgwick, and Washington counties. Yuma County Courthouse is, Wray, CO 80758, and can be reached for The court hears both district court matters (felonies, civil cases over $15,000, domestic relations, juvenile, probate, and mental health cases) and county court matters (misdemeanors, traffic violations, civil cases under $15,000, protection orders, and small claims up to $7,500).
Colorado's trial courts participate in the statewide case management system, and some case information can be searched through the Colorado Judicial Branch website at courts.state.co.us, though full dockets and documents may require in-person or written requests. Court records in Colorado are governed by C.R.S. 13-3-101 et seq.
And Chief Justice Directives regarding public access to court records. Most civil and criminal court records are public unless sealed by court order, involving juveniles, or containing confidential information. The Clerk of Court's office at Yuma County Courthouse provides access to case files, and charges fees for certified copies ($1.50 per page for the first ten pages, $0.75 per page thereafter, plus a $20 certification fee).
Online access to some dockets is available through the Colorado Courts E-Filing system (new cases) and limited information via third-party databases. Probate matters, including wills, estate administration, and guardianships, are handled in district court. For traffic violations and municipal ordinance cases within town limits, municipal courts in Wray and Yuma handle initial proceedings.
Hours of operation for the Clerk's office are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding holidays.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Yuma County are maintained by Yuma County Clerk and Recorder's Office, Wray, CO 80758, phone. The Clerk and Recorder is responsible for recording and maintaining documents related to real property, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, satisfaction of mortgages, liens (mechanic's, judgment, tax), easements, covenants, plat maps, subdivision plats, and other instruments affecting title to real estate in Yuma County.
- Yuma County currently does not offer a full free online search portal for recorded documents, but the office accepts in-person, mail, and phone requests for document searches and copies.
- Recording fees are established by Colorado statute (C.R.S.
- 30-1-101 et seq.) and typically include a base fee plus per-page charges.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for a statutory fee, and the Clerk and Recorder can provide notarized certifications for title companies, attorneys, and property owners.
- All records are public unless specifically exempted by statute, and requests are handled under the Colorado Open Records Act.
These records date back to Yuma County's formation in 1889 and are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description. Property tax records and assessment information are maintained separately by Yuma County Assessor's Office at the same courthouse address, phone. The Assessor's office determines the actual value of all real and personal property in Yuma County for taxation purposes and maintains ownership records, property characteristics, and valuation data.
While a dedicated online GIS/parcel viewer may not be available county-wide, property tax information can often be obtained by contacting the Assessor directly with a parcel number or address. Yuma County Treasurer's Office, also located in the courthouse complex, collects property taxes and can provide tax payment history and delinquency information.
Vital Records
Vital records for Yuma County, including birth and death certificates, are maintained at both the local and state levels. Birth and death certificates occurring in Yuma County can be requested through Yuma County Clerk and Recorder's Office, Wray, CO 80758, phone. However, Colorado centralized vital records management, so full statewide records and online ordering are available through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Vital Records Section, located at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246, phone.
- Birth certificates cost $20 for the first copy and $13 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; death certificates cost $20 for the first copy and $13 for additional copies.
- Processing time for mail requests is typically 4-6 weeks, while in-person requests at the state office can sometimes be processed same-day.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at vitalchek.com for expedited service with additional fees.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $30 and the license is valid for 35 days.
- Certified copies of marriage certificates can be obtained from the Clerk and Recorder for $20.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of eligibility (immediate family members, legal representatives, or persons with direct and tangible interest). Marriage licenses must be obtained from Yuma County Clerk and Recorder's Office prior to the ceremony; both parties must appear in person with valid identification, and there is no waiting period or blood test required in Colorado. Divorce decrees and dissolution records are court records maintained by the Clerk of District Court at Yuma County Courthouse and must be requested through the court.
Vital records in Colorado are governed by C.R.S. 25-2-101 et seq, which restricts access to qualified applicants for 100 years (births) and 50 years (deaths) to protect privacy.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Yuma County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. For local business name registrations, trade names, and doing-business-as (DBA) filings, Yuma County Clerk and Recorder's Office, Wray, CO 80758, phone, accepts and maintains these records. Trade name filings cost approximately $20 and must be renewed periodically.
- The Secretary of State maintains a free, searchable online database at sos.state.co.us/biz where anyyou can look up registered business entities, view status, registered agents, and filing history.
- Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use applications for unincorporated areas are processed through Yuma County Planning and Zoning Department, which can be reached through Yuma County administration office.
- Yuma County Chamber of Commerce, serving the Wray area, can be reached through local business networks and provides information on starting and operating a business in Yuma County.
For formal business entity formation and registration, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, businesses must file with the Colorado Secretary of State Business Division. This database is full and updated regularly. Professional and occupational licenses in Colorado are generally issued by the state Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) rather than at Yuma County level; these can be searched at dora.colorado.gov.
Sales tax licenses for businesses operating in unincorporated Yuma County are handled through the Colorado Department of Revenue, while businesses within Wray, Yuma, or other municipalities must also obtain local sales tax licenses from the respective town offices. The towns of Wray and Yuma maintain their own building and zoning departments for properties within town limits. Liquor licenses are issued by the Colorado Department of Revenue Liquor Enforcement Division but require local approval and posting.
Most business records are public under Colorado's Open Records Act unless they contain proprietary trade secrets or confidential taxpayer information.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Yuma County are administered by Yuma County Clerk and Recorder, who is the Designated Election Official, with offices, Wray, CO 80758, phone. The Clerk and Recorder's office manages voter registration, conducts elections, certifies results, and maintains election records for all federal, state, county, and local elections. Voter registration in Colorado is available online at GoVoteColorado.gov, the statewide voter registration portal operated by the Colorado Secretary of State.
- Colorado allows same-day voter registration, meaning eligible residents can register and vote on Election Day at a Voter Service and Polling Center.
- However, to receive a mail ballot automatically, voters must be registered at least eight days before Election Day (previously 22 days; Colorado law has changed to expand access).
- Colorado is a universal mail ballot state, meaning all active registered voters automatically receive a mail ballot approximately 18-22 days before each election.
- Yuma County Clerk and Recorder provides election night results, which are unofficial until the canvass board certifies them approximately 10 days after the election.
Eligible voters must be U.S. Citizens, Colorado residents in Yuma County for at least 22 days, and at least 18 years old on Election Day. Voters can return ballots by mail (no postage required), at 24-hour ballot drop boxes located in Wray and Yuma, or in person at Voter Service and Polling Centers.
Yuma County typically operates at least one Voter Service and Polling Center in Wray during the early voting period and on Election Day, where voters can register, vote in person, receive replacement ballots, and get assistance. Specific polling locations can be found on Yuma County's website or by calling the Clerk's office. Election records that are public in Colorado include the voter registration list (with some personal information redacted under C.R.S.
1-2-227), candidate filings, campaign finance disclosures (filed with the Secretary of State for state races, locally for county races), election results by precinct, and ballot issue materials. Yuma County typically sees voter turnout in the range of 70-80% in presidential election years and 55-65% in midterm elections, higher than many urban Colorado counties due to the engaged rural electorate. In the November 2024 general election, Yuma County reported turnout of approximately 76%, consistent with historical patterns.
The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate races (Colorado has one Senate seat up in 2026), Colorado gubernatorial and state constitutional offices, state legislature, county offices, and local ballot measures. Absentee and mail-in ballots are automatically sent to all registered voters; voters who need a replacement ballot or have not received you can contact the Clerk and Recorder's office or visit a Voter Service and Polling Center.
Colorado law (Title 1 of Colorado Revised Statutes) provides strong transparency for elections, and citizens can request to observe ballot processing, vote counting (called canvass boards), and logic and accuracy testing of voting equipment.
Economy & Demographics
Yuma County's economy is fundamentally rooted in agriculture, which dominates the scene and employment base. Yuma County is a major producer of dryland wheat, corn, sorghum, sunflowers, and other grains, with thousands of acres under cultivation. Irrigated agriculture along the Republican River and Arikaree River valleys supports higher-value crops including corn, alfalfa, and specialty crops. Cattle ranching and feedlot operations are significant contributors, with several large cattle feeding operations in Yuma County.
- The median household income in Yuma County is estimated at approximately $53,000 to $58,000, somewhat below the Colorado state median but reflective of the rural agricultural economy.
Major employers include agricultural producers and cooperatives, local school districts (Wray School District RD-2, Yuma School District 1), Yuma District Hospital, county and municipal governments, and agricultural supply businesses. The energy sector has growing presence through wind energy development, with multiple wind farms operating in Yuma County generating both lease income for landowners and property tax revenue. Retail, hospitality, and service businesses concentrated in Wray and Yuma support local residents and travelers along US Highway 385 and US Highway 34.
Unemployment rates in Yuma County typically hover around 2.5-3.5%, lower than state and national averages, though employment is seasonal with agricultural cycles. Economic challenges include rural depopulation, aging infrastructure, limited broadband internet access, and distance from major markets. Economic development efforts focus on agricultural value-added processing, renewable energy expansion, tourism promotion (particularly around Bonny Lake State Park and outdoor recreation), and improving quality of life to retain young families.
Yuma County economic base remains stable but faces headwinds common to rural Great Plains communities, including consolidation of farms, mechanization reducing labor needs, and competition from urban areas for workforce. There are no tribal economic enterprises in Yuma County.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (Limited) | Property: Limited: In-Person/Phone | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Yes: State Online + Local | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online Registration, Mail Ballots | Overall Score: 6/10, Yuma County provides solid access to vital and election records but lacks online portals for property and jail records due to rural resource constraints.