About Adams County
Adams County is located in the southwestern corner of North Dakota, bordered by South Dakota to the south. Established in 1907 and organized in 1910, Adams County was named after John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States. Adams County Seat is Hettinger, which is the governmental and commercial hub for Adams County. Adams County includes approximately 988 square miles of rolling prairie scene and agricultural land.
According to recent census estimates, Adams County has a population of approximately 2,200 residents, making it one of the smaller counties in North Dakota by population. Adams County is characterized by its agricultural heritage, with farming and ranching forming the backbone of the local economy. Adams County courthouse, located at 602 Adams Avenue in Hettinger, houses the County Recorder, County Clerk, County Director of Tax Equalization, and other essential government offices.
Major landmarks include the Hettinger County Golf Course and the surrounding Badlands region to the south. Adams County Recorder maintains land records and property documents, the County Clerk oversees vital records and elections, and the County Director of Tax Equalization manages property valuations and tax assessments. Adams County experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers typical of the northern Great Plains.
What makes Adams County unique is its strong agricultural tradition, close rural communities, and its position along the North Dakota-South Dakota border, acting as a gateway between the two states.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Adams County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for Adams County, responsible for patrolling the unincorporated areas and maintaining public safety. The office manages Adams County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records.
Police Departments
In addition to Adams County Sheriff's Office, the Hettinger Police Department serves the city of Hettinger. These agencies work together to ensure public safety and coordinate on major crimes.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement services in Adams County, North Dakota are primarily provided by Adams County Sheriff's Office, located at 602 Adams Avenue in Hettinger, ND 58639. Adams County Jail is the detention facility for people arrested within Adams County. Inmate information can typically be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available as part of arrest records, though they may require a specific request.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of records.
- North Dakota law requires agencies to respond to open records requests within a reasonable timeframe.
- Due to the rural nature of Adams County, the North Dakota Highway Patrol also provides significant law enforcement presence, particularly on state and federal highways.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Adams County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can request background checks through the Bureau, which provides full criminal history information. The Bureau's services are essential for employers and individuals seeking detailed background information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Adams County are maintained by the Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, adhering to the guidelines set forth by the North Dakota Open Records Statute. Arrest records typically contain the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking details.
Jail & Inmate Records
Adams County Jail, located in Hettinger, is the main detention facility for Adams County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting the personal information of arrestees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about those currently detained. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, and the bond process follows North Dakota state guidelines, allowing for bail to be posted through the court system.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Adams County are taken and retained by Adams County Sheriff's Office as part of the booking process. These photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. North Dakota does not have specific mugshot removal laws, so these images remain accessible unless legally expunged or sealed by court order.
Courts & Case Records
Adams County is served by the Southwest Judicial District of the North Dakota District Court system. Adams County Courthouse is located at 602 Adams Avenue, Hettinger, ND 58639, and can be contacted through the office’s website. District Court has general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal matters, including felonies, major civil disputes, divorces, estates, and appeals from lower courts. North Dakota does not use a county-level superior or circuit court system; instead, the District Court is the primary trial court.
- Cases filed in Adams County can be searched through the North Dakota Court System's public access portal at www.ndcourts.gov, which provides online access to case information, dockets, and some court documents.
- Adams County handles small claims matters as part of District Court jurisdiction for disputes under $15,000.
- Fees for court record searches and certified copies are established by the North Dakota Supreme Court fee schedule.
- In-person record requests can be made at the Clerk of Court office in Adams County Courthouse.
- Remote access to many documents is available through the state's online portal, though some documents require in-person requests.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Adams County are maintained by Adams County Recorder's Office, located in Adams County Courthouse at 602 Adams Avenue, Hettinger, ND 58639 The Recorder's Office maintains and provides access to deeds, mortgages, liens, releases, easements, plat maps, surveys, mineral rights documents, and other instruments affecting real property. These records are public under North Dakota law and are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description. Recording fees are established by North Dakota statute and apply when filing new documents.
- The office provides certified copies of recorded documents for a statutory fee per page.
- To obtain certified copies of deeds or other recorded instruments, requesters should contact the Recorder's Office with the legal description or document number.
- Same-day service is often available for in-person requests.
While Adams County may not have a full online recording database, many North Dakota counties are working to digitize records, and basic property information may be accessible by contacting the Recorder's Office directly. Property tax records are maintained by Adams County Director of Tax Equalization and Adams County Treasurer, also located in the courthouse. The Assessor's Office establishes property valuations and maintains ownership records, while the Treasurer's Office collects property taxes and maintains tax payment records.
Property owners can obtain tax statements, payment histories, and assessment information by contacting these offices. Some North Dakota counties participate in regional GIS systems that provide parcel mapping and basic property information online, though availability varies. The office maintains historical records dating back to Adams County's organization in 1910.
Vital Records
Vital records for Adams County, North Dakota are managed at both Adams County and state levels. Birth and death certificates are primarily issued by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Vital Records, located at 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Department 301, Bismarck, ND 58505-0200. However, county residents may also inquire about vital records at Adams County Clerk's office in Adams County Courthouse at 602 Adams Avenue, Hettinger, ND 58639
- Processing time is generally 2-4 weeks for mail requests.
- Death certificates follow a similar process with the same fee structure.
- Online ordering may be available through approved third-party vendors, though additional service fees apply.
- Couples must appear in person, provide identification, and pay the marriage license fee.
- Confidentiality restrictions apply to protect privacy while allowing legitimate access to these important documents.
To obtain a certified birth certificate, applicants must complete an application form, provide valid identification, prove eligibility (immediate family member or legal representative), and pay the required fee, which is typically $7 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Applications can be submitted by mail or in person to the state vital records office. Marriage licenses must be obtained in Adams County where the marriage will take place; applications are submitted to Adams County Recorder's office.
There is no waiting period in North Dakota, and the license is valid for 60 days. Divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of District Court in Adams County and can be obtained through the courthouse. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 23-02.1 governs vital records access and establishes who may obtain certified copies.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Adams County, North Dakota are maintained through several offices at both county and state levels. For local business registrations and assumed name (DBA) filings, Adams County Clerk's Office at Adams County Courthouse, 602 Adams Avenue, Hettinger, ND 58639, handles certain business related documents. However, formal business entity formation and registration in North Dakota is primarily handled by the North Dakota Secretary of State.
- The online business search is free and provides information on business names, registered agents, formation dates, and status.
- Business owners must also register with the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner for sales tax permits if selling taxable goods or services.
- Agricultural producers may need to register with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture for specific permits related to farming operations.
The Secretary of State's Business Information Filing Division maintains the official business entity database, accessible online at www.sos.nd.gov, where users can search for corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and other registered business entities. Professional licenses are issued by various state boards and commissions depending on the profession. Local business licenses and permits may be required by the City of Hettinger for businesses operating within city limits; inquiries should be directed to Hettinger City Hall.
Building permits and zoning approvals are handled by Adams County Zoning Administrator and the County Commission for unincorporated areas, while the City of Hettinger manages permits within city boundaries. The Hettinger Area Chamber of Commerce serves the business community and can be contacted through the office’s website. information about starting or operating a business in Adams County.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Adams County, North Dakota are administered by Adams County Auditor, who serves as Adams County's election official. The Auditor's office is located in Adams County Courthouse at 602 Adams Avenue, Hettinger, ND 58639, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Voter registration in North Dakota operates differently than most states: North Dakota does not require voter registration. Eligible residents may vote by presenting valid identification at their polling place on Election Day. Voters must have resided in their precinct for at least 30 days prior to the election.
- To find your polling place in Adams County, contact the County Auditor's office or visit the North Dakota Secretary of State website at vote.nd.gov, which provides a polling place locator tool.
- Absentee ballot applications can be obtained from the County Auditor's office and must be requested by 4:00 PM the day before the election.
- Citizens may request election related public records, including vote totals by precinct, sample ballots, and poll worker information by contacting Adams County Auditor under North Dakota's open records law.
Acceptable identification includes a North Dakota driver's license, non-driver ID card, or tribal ID. Election records that are public include precinct-level election results, candidate filing information, ballot measure text, and campaign finance reports for state-level candidates through the Secretary of State's office. North Dakota law (Chapter 16.1) ensures transparency in election administration while protecting ballot secrecy.
Adams County typically experiences voter turnout ranging from 60-75% in presidential election years and 45-60% in midterm elections, consistent with North Dakota's traditionally high civic engagement. In the 2024 general election, Adams County turnout was approximately 68% of eligible voters. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House and Senate races along with North Dakota state legislative and county positions. Absentee voting is available to Adams County voters who will be absent from their precinct on Election Day, have a disability, or are unable to go to the polls. Completed absentee ballots must be returned to the County Auditor's office by the close of polls on Election Day.
Military and overseas voters have special absentee voting provisions under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.
Economy & Demographics
Adams County's economy is fundamentally rooted in agriculture, with crop production and livestock ranching serving as the primary economic drivers. Adams County's farmers produce wheat, barley, corn, soybeans, sunflowers, and hay, while cattle and sheep ranching remain significant. According to recent economic data, the median household income in Adams County is estimated at approximately $52,000, slightly below the state average but reflecting the rural agricultural character of Adams County.
- Highway 12 provides transportation access for agricultural products and commerce.
Agriculture-related businesses, including grain elevators, farm equipment dealers, and agricultural services, provide essential support to the farming community. The energy sector has grown in importance with oil and gas exploration activity in western North Dakota, though Adams County sees less activity than counties in the Bakken formation core. Retail trade, healthcare services, and government employment in Hettinger provide additional economic stability.
Major employers include Adams County government, Hettinger Public Schools, Southwest Healthcare Services, agricultural cooperatives, and local retail businesses. The unemployment rate in Adams County typically tracks slightly above state averages, influenced by seasonal agricultural employment patterns. Economic development efforts focus on supporting existing businesses, promoting agricultural diversification, and maintaining quality of life to retain residents.
Adams County's location along U.S. Population decline and aging demographics present ongoing economic challenges common to rural Great Plains counties. Adams County Economic Development Corporation works to attract new businesses and support community development initiatives that strengthen the local economic base.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Property: Limited: Online Access | Arrest/Jail: Limited: By Request | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail Required | Business: Yes: Online (State Level) | Elections: Yes: Accessible via Auditor | Overall Score: 6/10, Adams County provides access to public records primarily through in-person and phone requests, with state-level online portals supplementing local access for court and business records.