About Cass County
Cass County is located in the eastern part of North Dakota, along the Minnesota border, and is the most populous county in the state. Cass County Seat is Fargo, which is also North Dakota's largest city. Established in 1873, Cass County was named after George Washington Cass, president of the Northern Pacific Railway. Cass County covers approximately 1,766 square miles and has a population exceeding 184,000 residents as of recent estimates, representing about 24% of North Dakota's total population.
Cass County is characterized by the Red River of the North forming its eastern boundary, separating it from Minnesota. Cass County's flat, fertile land makes agriculture a key part of its economy, with extensive wheat, corn, soybean, and sugar beet production. Major landmarks include North Dakota State University in Fargo, the Fargodome entertainment venue, and the historic Bonanzaville USA pioneer village.
Cass County is home to several municipalities including Fargo, West Fargo, Casselton, Mapleton, and Horace. Cass County Recorder's office, located at 211 9th Street South in Fargo, maintains land and property records. Cass County Auditor-Treasurer office, also at Cass County Courthouse at 211 9th Street South, handles property tax assessments and collections.
Cass County Commission oversees county operations and meets regularly at the courthouse. What makes Cass County unique is its blend of urban development in the Fargo-West Fargo metropolitan area combined with extensive rural agricultural lands, making it North Dakota's economic and cultural hub while maintaining strong connections to its agricultural heritage.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Cass County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Cass County. It manages Cass County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in various community programs meant to crime prevention and public safety. Notable divisions within the sheriff's office include the patrol division, investigations, and a K-9 unit. The sheriff's office is key to coordinating with other local law enforcement agencies to ensure full coverage and response to incidents across Cass County.
Police Departments
Cass County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Cass County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Fargo Police Department is the largest city department, responsible for law enforcement within Fargo's city limits. Other city departments include the West Fargo Police Department and the Horace Police Department. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, sharing resources and information to enhance public safety.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Cass County, North Dakota is primarily provided by Cass County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 1305 Evergreen Lane South in Fargo, North Dakota 58103. The agency operates Cass County Jail, a modern detention facility that houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced offenders.
- Under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 44-04, the state's open records law, citizens have the right to request arrest records and booking information from law enforcement agencies.
- Requests should be submitted in writing to the specific agency that made the arrest.
- Processing times for arrest record requests typically range from several days to two weeks depending on the complexity of the request.
Citizens can look up current inmates through Cass County Jail Roster, which is accessible online through the Sheriff's Office website and provides information including inmate names, booking dates, charges, and bond amounts. The jail typically updates its roster daily. Municipal law enforcement is provided by several city police departments within Cass County, including the Fargo Police Department (serving Cass County Seat), West Fargo Police Department, Casselton Police Department, and Horace Police Department.
The Fargo Police Department is the largest, located at 222 4th Street North in Fargo. Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in North Dakota and can be obtained through formal records requests to the Sheriff's Office or local police departments, though some agencies may charge copying fees.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Cass County includes various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. To run a background check, individuals can contact the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which provides statewide criminal history information.
- The bureau offers an online portal for background checks, allowing residents to obtain full criminal records for personal or professional purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Cass County are maintained by Cass County Sheriff's Office and the Fargo Police Department. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the respective law enforcement agency. Under the North Dakota Open Records Statute, public access to arrest records is generally permitted, although certain restrictions may apply to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Cass County Jail, located in Fargo, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Cass County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainee. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring visitors to schedule visits in advance and adhere to strict guidelines.
- The bond and bail process in North Dakota allows for the posting of bail to secure the release of an inmate, with specific procedures outlined by the court system.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Cass County are taken and retained by Cass 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 website or by submitting a formal records request. While North Dakota does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals seeking to have their mugshots removed from third-party websites may need to pursue legal action or contact the website directly.
- The sheriff's office provides guidance on accessing mugshots and related arrest information as part of its public records services.
Courts & Case Records
Cass County's judicial system operates under the North Dakota Unified Judicial System. The primary trial court is the East Central Judicial District Court, which serves Cass County and is located at Cass County Courthouse, 211 9th Street South, Fargo, ND 58103. The court can be contacted through the office’s website. This court has general jurisdiction over all civil, criminal, probate, juvenile, and family law matters. North Dakota does not have a separate county court system; the District Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction.
- The North Dakota court system provides online access to court records through the North Dakota Supreme Court Public Access system, available at www.ndcourts.gov/public records.
- While basic case information is available free of charge, certified copies of court documents require payment of fees, typically $10 per document plus $2 per page.
- In-person requests can be made at the Clerk of Court's office at the courthouse.
Municipal courts operate in Fargo, West Fargo, and other municipalities within Cass County to handle city ordinance violations, traffic citations, and misdemeanor offenses occurring within city limits. Users can search by case number, party name, or attorney name. North Dakota Century Code Section 27-02-02 establishes the general public nature of court records, though certain records involving juveniles, mental health commitments, and sealed cases are restricted.
The court also handles probate matters, guardianships, and adoptions. Marriage licenses are issued through the Clerk of District Court, and divorce decrees are maintained as part of the court's permanent records.
Property & Public Records
Cass County Recorder's Office, located at 211 9th Street South, Fargo, ND 58103, is the official custodian of land and property records for Cass County. The office can be reached at and maintains a website at www.casscountynd.gov/recorder. The Recorder maintains and indexes all documents related to real property transactions including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, satisfactions of mortgages, mechanic's liens, abstract of judgments, easements, rights-of-way, plat maps, survey documents, and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings.
- Cass County offers free online access to land records through the Fidlar Laredo system, accessible via the Recorder's website, allowing users to search by name, document type, legal description, or date range.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $10 for the first page and $3 for each additional page, plus postage if mailed.
- All requests for certified copies must be made in writing or in person with valid identification.
These records date back to Cass County's establishment in 1873. Images of recorded documents can be viewed and printed at no charge for informational purposes. Property tax information and assessment records are maintained by Cass County Director of Tax Equalization's Office, also located at the courthouse
Cass County provides a full online GIS mapping system and property search tool through Cass County GIS website, where users can search by owner name, parcel number, or address to view property characteristics, assessed values, tax information, and aerial imagery. Property tax payment records are maintained by the County Treasurer.
Vital Records
Vital records for Cass County, North Dakota include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce records, with different offices responsible for various record types. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Cass County can be requested through Cass County Public Health office or the North Dakota Department of Health Vital Records office in Bismarck. For recent births and deaths, Cass County Public Health Department at 1240 25th Street South, Fargo, ND 58103, phone, can assist with applications.
- Birth certificates cost $7 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; death certificates are $5 for the first copy and $2 for additional copies.
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks by mail.
- Online ordering is available through the VitalChek service at www.ndhealth.gov/vital, though additional service fees apply.
- The marriage license fee is $65, and there is no waiting period in North Dakota.
However, the official state repository is the North Dakota Department of Health & Human Services Vital Records Division, 600 E Boulevard Ave, Dept 301, Bismarck, ND 58505-0200 Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of eligibility (immediate family members, legal representatives). Marriage licenses are issued by the Clerk of District Court at Cass County Courthouse, 211 9th Street South, Fargo, ND 58103
Divorce decrees are maintained by the Clerk of District Court as part of court records. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 23-02.1 governs vital records and establishes confidentiality protections, limiting access to immediate family members and those with a direct and tangible interest.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Cass County, North Dakota are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. For county-level business name registrations and fictitious name statements (doing business as or DBA filings), contact Cass County Recorder's Office at 211 9th Street South, Fargo, ND 58103 The Recorder's office maintains trade name registrations as public records searchable through their land records system.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, businesses must file with the North Dakota Secretary of State's office. The Secretary of State maintains a free online Business Information Search tool at firststop.sos.nd.gov where users can search by business name, registered agent, or business ID number to view formation documents, annual reports, registered agent information, and status. Professional and occupational licenses are issued by various North Dakota state boards and can be verified through the respective licensing board websites.
The City of Fargo requires business licenses for certain activities and these are administered by the Fargo City Auditor's Office at 225 4th Street North, Fargo, ND 58102 Building permits, zoning information, and land use records are handled by Cass County Planning and Zoning Department at 1201 Main Avenue West, West Fargo, ND 58078 The Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation (www.gfmedc.com) and the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce (www.fmwfchamber.com) provide business assistance and networking resources.
Sales tax permits are issued through the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Cass County, North Dakota are administered by Cass County Auditor-Treasurer's office, with election-specific functions managed by the Election Services division located at 211 9th Street South, Fargo, ND 58103. The office can be contacted through the office’s website, and election information is available at www.casscountynd.gov/elections. Voter registration in North Dakota is unique because the state does not require voter registration; eligible residents can vote by presenting valid identification at their polling place on Election Day or during early voting.
- Absentee ballots may be requested up to 40 days before an election and must be returned by the close of polls on Election Day.
- Cass County provides detailed election results broken down by precinct, maintains historical election data, and publishes sample ballots prior to each election, demonstrating strong transparency in the electoral process.
Acceptable identification includes a North Dakota driver's license, non-driver ID card, tribal government-issued ID, or long-term care facility ID. North Dakota residents who lack proper identification may cast a ballot after marking a statement attesting to their qualifications. However, for absentee voting purposes, voters must complete an absentee ballot application available through the County Auditor's office or online through the North Dakota Secretary of State's website at vip.sos.nd.gov.
Polling place locations can be found through the North Dakota Voter Information Portal using your address, or by contacting Cass County Election Services office. Public election records in Cass County include precinct-level election results, which are posted on Cass County website after certification; candidate filing information maintained by the County Auditor for county offices; and campaign finance reports for local candidates, which are filed with the North Dakota Secretary of State and accessible at www.ndsos.gov. Voter lists, while not requiring registration, are maintained based on voting history and are available for inspection under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 16.1-02.
In the 2024 general election, Cass County reported voter turnout of approximately 68%, which was above the state average, reflecting strong civic engagement in the state's most populous county. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate races (if seats are up for election), North Dakota state legislative seats, county offices including County Commission seats, and various local measures.
Early voting is available at the County Auditor's office beginning 15 days before Election Day.
Economy & Demographics
Cass County, North Dakota has the most diverse and strong economy in the state, with an estimated median household income of approximately $67,000, significantly higher than the state average. The Fargo-West Fargo metropolitan area is the economic engine not only for Cass County but for the entire region. Major economic sectors include healthcare, education, retail trade, manufacturing, technology, and agriculture. Sanford Health and Essentia Health are among the largest employers, operating major medical centers and employing thousands of healthcare professionals.
- The American Crystal Sugar Company operates facilities in Cass County processing locally grown sugar beets.
- Cass County benefits from a young, educated workforce and low cost of living compared to other metropolitan areas.
North Dakota State University, a land-grant research institution, employs over 3,000 people and contributes significantly to the local economy through research, education, and technology transfer. Microsoft operates a significant campus in Fargo with hundreds of employees focused on software development. Other major employers include Gate City Bank, the largest financial institution based in North Dakota; Bobcat Company (Doosan), manufacturing compact construction equipment; Border States Electric, a wholesale electrical distributor; and Case IH, producing agricultural equipment.
The technology sector has grown substantially, with numerous software development and IT companies establishing operations in the Fargo area, earning the city the nickname 'Silicon Prairie.' Agriculture remains economically vital in rural Cass County, with large-scale farming operations producing wheat, corn, soybeans, and sugar beets. Unemployment rates in Cass County typically run below 3%, among the lowest in the nation. Recent economic development projects include the expansion of the Renaissance Zone in downtown Fargo, development of the 45th Street corridor in West Fargo, and continued growth of the Fargo Davies High School campus area.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Roster | Vital Records: Limited: State/County Application Required | Business: Yes: State Database Online | Elections: Yes: Online Results & Information | Overall Score: 9/10, Cass County, North Dakota provides excellent digital access to most public records with free online property searches, court case lookup, and current jail rosters, demonstrating strong commitment to transparency.