About Burleigh County
Burleigh County is located in south-central North Dakota and serves as one of the state's most significant governmental and economic centers. Burleigh County Seat is Bismarck, which also is the state capital of North Dakota. Covering approximately 1,633 square miles, Burleigh County had an estimated population of over 98,000 residents as of recent census data, making it the second-most populous county in North Dakota. Burleigh County was established in 1873 and named after Walter A. Burleigh, a physician, lawyer, and Dakota Territory delegate to Congress.
The Missouri River runs through Burleigh County, providing both scenic beauty and historical significance as a vital transportation route. Major landmarks include the North Dakota State Capitol building, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park where Lt. Colonel George Custer was stationed before the Battle of Little Bighorn, and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.
Burleigh County Courthouse is located at 514 East Thayer Avenue in Bismarck. Key county offices include Burleigh County Recorder at the courthouse, responsible for maintaining land and property records; Burleigh County Clerk of Court, handling court documents and proceedings; and Burleigh County Director of Tax Equalization's Office at 221 North 5th Street, which manages property valuations and tax assessments. Burleigh County's economy is driven by state government employment, healthcare, energy development, and agriculture.
Burleigh County combines the administrative infrastructure of the state capital with the natural resources and agricultural heritage typical of North Dakota.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Burleigh County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Burleigh County. This office manages Burleigh County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. It is key to making sure of public safety and order throughout Burleigh County, working closely with other local and state law enforcement agencies.
Police Departments
In addition to Burleigh County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Burleigh County includes the Bismarck Police Department and the Lincoln Police Department. The Bismarck Police Department handles law enforcement within the city limits of Bismarck, while the Lincoln Police Department serves the city of Lincoln. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, sharing resources and information to enhance public safety across Burleigh County. Each department has jurisdiction over its respective city, but they collaborate on county-wide initiatives and investigations.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Burleigh County Sheriff's Department, headquartered at 3625 East Rosser Avenue in Bismarck, provides law enforcement services throughout Burleigh County's unincorporated areas and is the primary corrections facility operator. The Bismarck area Morton Detention Center, located at 401 Airport Road in Bismarck, houses inmates for both Bismarck area and Morton counties.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting written requests to the Sheriff's Department or the Bismarck Police Department, depending on which agency made the arrest.
- Requests should include the subject's name and date of birth when possible.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the detention center's online inmate roster, though older records may require in-person requests.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest reports and related documents.
- Response times for records requests typically range from a few days to two weeks depending on the complexity and volume of requested materials.
Inmate lookup services are available through the detention center's website, where the public can search current inmates by name or booking number, view booking dates, charges, and bond information. For municipal law enforcement, the Bismarck Police Department serves the city of Bismarck and operates from 700 South 9th Street Arrest records in Burleigh County are considered public records under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 44-04, the state's open records law.
The North Dakota Highway Patrol also operates within Burleigh County and maintains records of traffic arrests and incidents on state highways.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Burleigh County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. Background checks can be conducted through the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which provides full criminal history reports. The Bureau assists Burleigh County residents in accessing statewide criminal information, making sure of thorough background checks for employment, licensing, and personal inquiries.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Burleigh County are maintained by Burleigh County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The North Dakota Open Records Statute governs the accessibility of these records, for public access and public access. Arrest records typically include the date, time, location of the arrest, and the arresting officer's details.
Jail & Inmate Records
Burleigh County Detention Center, located in Bismarck, is the primary facility for housing inmates in Burleigh County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring appointments and adherence to security protocols. The bond and bail process follows North Dakota state guidelines, with information available through the Sheriff's Office If you need to post bail for inmates.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Burleigh County are taken and retained by Burleigh County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These photographs 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 laws for mugshot removal, but individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances. Mugshots are often used with arrest records for identification and legal proceedings.
Courts & Case Records
Burleigh County's judicial matters are handled primarily by the South Central Judicial District Court, located in Burleigh County Courthouse at 514 East Thayer Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58501. The court can be contacted through the office’s website. This district court has general jurisdiction over criminal felonies, civil cases exceeding $15,000, domestic relations matters, probate, guardianships, and appeals from municipal court. North Dakota operates a unified court system, so there is no separate superior or circuit court designation.
- Burleigh County Clerk of Court maintains all court records and provides public access services.
- Certified copies of court documents cost $10 for the first page and $3 for each additional page.
- Small claims cases for amounts up to $15,000 are also filed in district court but follow simplified procedures.
Court records in North Dakota are governed by North Dakota Court Administrative Rule 42, which establishes that most court records are presumptively open to the public unless sealed by court order or protected by statute. The North Dakota court system offers online case lookup through the state's portal at www.ndcourts.gov, where users can search civil and criminal cases by party name, case number, or attorney. Basic case information, including parties, case type, filing date, and disposition, is available free of charge.
Document images and detailed case information may require payment or an in-person visit to the Clerk of Court office. Bismarck Municipal Court, located at Bismarck City Hall, handles traffic violations, city ordinance violations, and misdemeanors occurring within city limits. Probate matters, including wills, estates, and guardianships, are filed with Burleigh County court clerk.
Property & Public Records
Burleigh County Recorder's Office, located in Burleigh County Courthouse at 514 East Thayer Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58501, maintains all land and property records for Burleigh County. The office can be contacted at and operates during standard business hours Monday through Friday. The Recorder's Office maintains documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage releases, liens, easements, right-of-way agreements, plat maps, and subdivision documents dating back to Burleigh County's founding.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $10 for the first page and $3 for each additional page.
- The Recorder's Office also provides over-the-counter recording services with fees based on page count and document type.
Under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 11-18, the County Recorder is required to record and index documents affecting real property. Burleigh County offers an online property records search through its website at www.co.burleigh.nd.us, where users can search recorded documents by grantor, grantee, document type, or legal description free of charge. Document images are available for viewing and printing.
For property tax information, Burleigh County Director of Tax Equalization's Office is located at 221 North 5th Street, Bismarck, and can be contacted through the office’s website. The Assessor maintains property valuations, ownership information, and parcel data. Burleigh County Treasurer's Office, also at the courthouse, handles tax payments and maintains tax payment history. An online GIS mapping system is available through Burleigh County website, providing interactive parcel maps with ownership, assessed value, legal description, and building characteristics.
Same-day service is typically available for document retrieval.
Vital Records
Vital records for Burleigh County, North Dakota, are maintained both at Burleigh County level and by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services Division of Vital Records. Birth and death certificates occurring in Burleigh County can be requested from the Division of Vital Records, 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Department 301, Bismarck, ND 58505-0200 The state office maintains centralized records dating back to 1893 and is the primary source for certified copies. Birth certificates cost $7 per certified copy, while death certificates cost $5 per copy.
- Processing time is typically 7-10 business days for mail requests or same-day for in-person visits to the state office.
- Marriage licenses in Burleigh County must be obtained from Burleigh County Recorder's Office at 514 East Thayer Avenue, with a fee of $65.
- Certified copies of divorce decrees can be requested from the Clerk's office for a fee.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through the North Dakota Department of Health website using VitalChek, though additional processing fees apply for this expedited service.
According to North Dakota Century Code Chapter 23-02.1, birth records are confidential for 100 years and death records for 50 years, with access limited to family members, legal representatives, or those demonstrating a direct and tangible interest. Acceptable identification includes driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. There is no waiting period, and licenses are valid for 60 days from issuance.
Both parties must appear in person with valid photo identification. Divorce records are maintained by Burleigh County Clerk of Court at the courthouse, as divorces are judicial proceedings.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Burleigh County are available through multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. For formal business entity formation, the North Dakota Secretary of State maintains the statewide business registration system. The Secretary of State's Business Information Filing Portal at https://firststop.sos.nd.gov provides free public access to search corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other registered business entities.
- This database includes entity name, registration date, status, registered agent, and principal office address.
- The Bismarck-Mandan Chamber EDC, located at 1640 Burnt Boat Drive in Bismarck, provides business support services and maintains a directory of member businesses.
Burleigh County Recorder's Office maintains fictitious name registrations (DBAs or "doing business as" names) for businesses operating under names other than their legal entity name. DBA registrations must be filed with the County Recorder and renewed periodically as required by North Dakota Century Code Chapter 47-25. Professional and occupational licenses are generally issued by state-level boards rather than county offices.
Sales tax permits are issued by the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner. Building permits, zoning compliance, and contractor licensing for the City of Bismarck are handled by the City of Bismarck Planning and Community Development Department at 221 North 5th Street The department maintains records of building permits, certificates of occupancy, zoning variances, and conditional use permits.
County zoning and building permits for unincorporated areas of Burleigh County are managed by Burleigh County Planning and Zoning Department. Their website is www.bismarckmandan.com. Special licensing for alcohol sales, food service, and health-related businesses is handled by various state agencies including the North Dakota Attorney General's office for liquor licenses.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Burleigh County are administered by Burleigh County Auditor's Office, which is the election authority. The Auditor's Office is located at 221 North 5th Street, Bismarck, ND 58501, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Election information is available on Burleigh County website at www.co.burleigh.nd.us. Voter registration in North Dakota operates differently than most states: North Dakota does not require voter registration. Eligible residents can vote by presenting valid identification at their polling place on Election Day.
- North Dakota law provides strong transparency for election records, allowing citizens to request voter lists, precinct results, and other election materials under the state's open records provisions.
Acceptable ID includes a North Dakota driver's license, non-driver ID card, tribal government-issued ID, or long-term care certificate. Voters must have resided in their precinct for at least 30 days prior to the election. To find your polling place in Burleigh County, voters can use the Polling Place Finder on the North Dakota Secretary of State website at https://vip.sos.nd.gov or contact the County Auditor's office.
Burleigh County typically has polling locations in Bismarck, Lincoln, and rural precincts throughout Burleigh County. Election records that are public in North Dakota include voter lists (which show who voted but not how they voted), campaign finance reports filed with the Secretary of State, candidate filing information, and precinct-level election results. These records are accessible under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 16.1.
In the 2024 general election, Burleigh County reported voter turnout of approximately 67%, higher than the state average, reflecting strong civic engagement in the capital county. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring North Dakota's U.S. House seat, statewide offices including governor (if scheduled), state legislative races, and county positions.
Absentee voting in Burleigh County is available for voters who will be absent from their precinct on Election Day, have a disability, or meet other qualifying criteria. Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to Burleigh County Auditor no later than 4:00 p.m. The day before the election.
Early voting is available at the Auditor's office beginning 15 days before any election.
Economy & Demographics
Burleigh County's economy is diverse and anchored by its role as North Dakota's capital county. State government employment represents the largest employment sector, with thousands of workers employed in various state agencies headquartered in Bismarck. Sanford Health and CHI St. Alexius Health are major healthcare employers, operating large medical centers that serve Burleigh County. The median household income in Burleigh County is approximately $68,000, higher than the state average, reflecting the stable government workforce and professional employment opportunities.
Key economic sectors include healthcare and social assistance, public administration, retail trade, construction, and professional services. The energy sector, particularly oil and gas support services related to the Bakken formation in western North Dakota, has indirect economic impacts through service companies and contractors based in Bismarck. Agriculture remains significant in Burleigh County's rural areas, with wheat, soybeans, corn, and cattle production contributing to the economy.
Major employers beyond healthcare and government include MDU Resources Group, an energy and construction materials conglomerate headquartered in Bismarck; Basic American Foods, a food processing facility; and various banking and financial services firms. The retail and hospitality sectors benefit from Bismarck's role as a regional shopping and services hub. Tourism contributes through attractions like Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, the Dakota Zoo, and the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum.
Economic development is coordinated by the Bismarck-Mandan Development Association, which has worked to attract technology companies and diversify the economy beyond traditional sectors. Unemployment in Burleigh County typically runs below the national average, reflecting the stable government employment base. Recent infrastructure investments include expansion of Bismarck Airport and continued growth in commercial and residential development along the I-94 corridor.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Roster | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Public Access | Overall Score: 8.5/10, Burleigh County provides excellent digital access to property, court, and jail records with online search tools and strong compliance with North Dakota open records laws.