About Clearwater County
Clearwater County is located in northwestern Minnesota, established in 1902 and named for the Clearwater River and Clearwater Lake within its boundaries. The county seat is Bagley, situated in the heart of the county at 201 Main Avenue North. Clearwater County encompasses approximately 1,003 square miles and has a population of around 8,800 residents, making it one of Minnesota's more rural counties. The landscape features dense forests, numerous lakes including Clearwater Lake and Itasca Lake, and portions of the Paul Bunyan State Forest.
The county is part of the headwaters region of the Mississippi River, with portions of Itasca State Park extending into its southern border. Major communities include Bagley, the largest city and commercial center, along with Clearbrook, Leonard, Gonvick, and Shevlin. The economy historically relied on timber harvesting and agriculture, particularly potato farming and dairy operations.
The Clearwater County Recorder's office maintains property records at the courthouse in Bagley, while the County Auditor-Treasurer handles tax assessments and collections. The County Administrator's office coordinates government services from the Clearwater County Courthouse. The region's natural beauty attracts outdoor recreation enthusiasts year-round for fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and camping.
Clearwater County's proximity to both the Red Lake Indian Reservation and White Earth Indian Reservation influences its cultural and economic landscape. The county maintains a blend of Scandinavian and Native American heritage reflected in local traditions and community events.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Clearwater County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout the county. It patrols unincorporated areas, manages the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is known for its community engagement programs and works closely with local agencies to ensure public safety. It also oversees specialized divisions such as investigations and emergency response, providing comprehensive law enforcement services to the county's residents.
Police Departments
In addition to the Clearwater County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county is supported by municipal police departments, including the Bagley Police Department. These agencies have jurisdiction within their respective city limits and work collaboratively with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and public safety initiatives. Coordination between these agencies ensures comprehensive coverage and effective response to incidents across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Clearwater County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the county, headquartered at 213 Main Avenue North in Bagley, Minnesota 56621. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (218) 694-6226 and maintains patrol operations, criminal investigations, and civil process service throughout the county's 1,003 square miles. The Clearwater County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office at the same location, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates serving shorter terms.
- Citizens may request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office in writing or in person, though some investigative data may be classified as private or confidential during ongoing investigations.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available upon request from the Sheriff's Office, though the county does not publish them online.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest reports and related documents.
Inmate information and jail roster inquiries can be made by calling the jail directly at (218) 694-6226 during business hours, though the county does not currently maintain a real-time online inmate lookup system. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Bagley Police Department for the city of Bagley, while smaller communities like Clearbrook rely on county sheriff patrols and Minnesota State Patrol for highway enforcement. Arrest records and booking reports in Clearwater County are public records under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13), which classifies most arrest data as public once an individual is booked.
The Red Lake Department of Public Safety and White Earth Police Department maintain concurrent jurisdiction on their respective reservation lands within or adjacent to Clearwater County boundaries. The Minnesota State Patrol operates in the county on state and federal highways, particularly Highway 2 which runs through Bagley.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Clearwater County encompasses felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. The Clearwater County Sheriff's Office maintains these records, while the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal records through the Sheriff's Office or utilize state resources for more comprehensive checks. The Minnesota Bureau of Investigation offers services to Clearwater residents seeking detailed criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Clearwater County are maintained by the Clearwater County Sheriff's Office. These records are accessible to residents and attorneys upon request, in compliance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. An arrest record in Clearwater County typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and court dates. Requests for these records can be made directly to the Sheriff's Office, which provides guidance on the process and any associated fees.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Clearwater County Jail, located in Bagley, is the primary detention facility for the county. It handles the booking process for individuals arrested within the county, providing inmate lookup services through the Sheriff's Office. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to adhere to scheduled times and security protocols. The bond and bail process follows Minnesota state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees pending court appearances. Information on recently arrested individuals can be obtained through the Sheriff's Office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Clearwater County are taken and retained by the Clearwater 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 or online databases. While Minnesota does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals seeking to remove their photos from public view may need to pursue legal avenues. The Sheriff's Office provides information on how to search for mugshots, either through their website or by direct inquiry.
Courts & Case Records
Clearwater County is served by Minnesota's Ninth Judicial District Court, with the Clearwater County Courthouse located at 213 Main Avenue North, Bagley, MN 56621. The District Court telephone number is (218) 694-6177. Minnesota District Courts have general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal matters, including felonies, gross misdemeanors, civil cases exceeding $15,000, family law matters including divorce and child custody, juvenile delinquency and protection cases, probate and estate matters, and commitment proceedings.
- Court file copies cost $5.00 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page, with certified copies available for an additional $14.00 certification fee.
- The Clearwater County Court Administrator's office handles case filing, scheduling, and records requests during regular business hours Monday through Friday.
Clearwater County does not maintain separate municipal or justice courts; all judicial matters are handled through the District Court system. The Minnesota Judicial Branch provides online access to court records through the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system at www.mncourts.gov/PublicSearch, where users can search case information by party name, case number, or attorney. Basic case information including case type, filing date, parties, and disposition is available free of charge, though detailed documents may require in-person viewing or purchase.
Access to court records in Minnesota is governed by Rule 4 of the Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch, which presumes most court records are accessible to the public unless specifically classified as private, confidential, or sealed by court order. Some records involving juveniles, adoption, mental health commitments, and certain family law matters have restricted access.
Property & Public Records
The Clearwater County Recorder's Office, located at 213 Main Avenue North, Bagley, MN 56621, maintains all land and property records for the county. The Recorder can be reached at (218) 694-6196 and is responsible for recording and preserving documents affecting real property, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, liens, easements, plat maps, and Torrens certificates. Minnesota law requires these records to be public under Minnesota Statutes Section 386.02, making them available for inspection and copying during regular business hours.
- Recording fees are established by state statute: most documents cost $46.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page, with additional fees for certified copies.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $14.00 for certification plus copying fees.
While Clearwater County does not currently offer a comprehensive online searchable database for recorded documents, interested parties may search records in person at the Recorder's office or request searches by phone. Property tax information and assessment records are maintained by the Clearwater County Auditor-Treasurer's office at the same courthouse address, phone (218) 694-6235. Property tax records including current and delinquent taxes, assessed values, property classifications, and parcel identification numbers are public information.
The county participates in a basic online property information system accessible through the county website, though functionality may be limited compared to larger Minnesota counties. The county maintains historical records dating to its establishment in 1902, with older records preserved on microfilm and in bound volumes available for research by appointment.
Vital Records
Vital records for Clearwater County, Minnesota, including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees, are managed according to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 144 (Minnesota Vital Statistics Act). Birth and death certificates occurring in Clearwater County can be requested from the Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, P.O. Box 64499, St. Paul, MN 55164-0499, or by phone at (651) 201-5970. The state office charges $26.00 for the first certified copy of a birth or death certificate and $19.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Online ordering of birth and death certificates is available through VitalChek at www.health.state.mn.us/vitalrecords, with additional service fees.
- Processing time is typically 3-5 weeks by mail, or expedited service is available for additional fees.
- The marriage license fee is $115.00, and there is a five-business-day waiting period after application before the license is valid.
- Applicants must provide valid photo identification when requesting vital records and may need to complete specific application forms demonstrating their eligibility to receive the records.
Birth records are confidential for 100 years and death records for 30 years under Minnesota law, with access limited to eligible requestors including the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and others with direct and tangible interest. Marriage licenses in Minnesota must be obtained from any county in the state and are issued by the Clearwater County Recorder's office at (218) 694-6196. Marriage certificates (proof of a marriage that occurred) are also available from the Minnesota Department of Health.
Divorce decrees are court records maintained by the District Court Administrator's office at (218) 694-6177, though copies can also be obtained from the state vital records office.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Clearwater County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and licensing requirement. The Clearwater County Recorder's office at (218) 694-6196 accepts filings for Assumed Name Certificates (DBAs or "Doing Business As" names) for businesses operating under a name different from the owner's legal name, as required by Minnesota Statutes Section 333. The filing fee is typically $50.00 and the registration is valid for 10 years.
- The Secretary of State maintains a free online business database at www.sos.state.mn.us where users can search for registered business entities, view filing history, registered agents, and current status.
- Sales tax permits and employer tax accounts are registered through the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
- The Bagley Area Chamber of Commerce, which can be reached through local business networks, provides support and information for businesses operating in the Bagley area and throughout Clearwater County.
- County vendor licenses, on-sale and off-sale liquor licenses, and certain agricultural permits are processed through the Clearwater County Administrator's office.
However, most formal business entity registrations including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations must be filed with the Minnesota Secretary of State's Business Services division. Professional licenses including contractors, real estate agents, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are issued by respective Minnesota state licensing boards, not at the county level. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits in unincorporated Clearwater County are handled by the Clearwater County Planning and Zoning Department, contactable through the county offices at (218) 694-6229.
Individual cities including Bagley and Clearbrook issue their own building permits and business licenses within city limits.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Clearwater County, Minnesota, are administered by the Clearwater County Auditor-Treasurer, serving as the county's chief election official. The Auditor-Treasurer's office is located at 213 Main Avenue North, Bagley, MN 56621, and can be reached at (218) 694-6235 for all election-related inquiries. Minnesota offers same-day voter registration, meaning eligible residents can register to vote at their polling place on Election Day by providing proof of residence.
- To register, voters must be U.S.
- Absentee voting is widely available in Minnesota; voters may request an absentee ballot online through mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us, by mail, in person at the Auditor-Treasurer's office, or by phone at (218) 694-6235.
- These records can be requested from the County Auditor-Treasurer under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Chapter 13.
Pre-registration is also available online through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website at mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us up to 21 days before an election, by mail (postmarked at least 21 days before Election Day), or in person at the county auditor's office up to and including Election Day. citizens, at least 18 years old on Election Day, residents of Minnesota for 20 days, and have completed any felony sentence including probation or parole. Voters can find their polling place by visiting the Minnesota Secretary of State's Polling Place Finder at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us or by contacting the Auditor-Treasurer's office.
Clearwater County maintains multiple precincts throughout the county with voting locations in Bagley, Clearbrook, and township halls. In the 2024 general election, Clearwater County had a voter turnout of approximately 72%, consistent with Minnesota's traditionally high participation rates. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House and Senate races, Minnesota state constitutional officers including Governor, state legislative seats, and county offices. Absentee ballots can be requested as early as 46 days before an election, and applications must be received by the county by one day before Election Day for mail ballots, though in-person absentee voting is available through the day before the election. Election records that are public in Minnesota include the voter registration list (excluding birth dates and driver's license numbers), campaign finance reports filed with the state Campaign Finance Board, candidate filings, precinct-level election results, and absentee ballot statistics.
Minnesota Statutes Section 201.091 governs public access to voter registration data, while election results are posted on the county website and at the courthouse following each election.
Economy & Demographics
Clearwater County's economy reflects its rural northwestern Minnesota location, with agriculture, forestry, education, healthcare, and government services forming the primary employment sectors. The median household income in Clearwater County is approximately $52,000, below the Minnesota state median, reflecting the rural nature and limited industrial base. Agriculture remains fundamental to the local economy, with potato farming being particularly significant—Clearwater County is part of Minnesota's Red River Valley potato-growing region.
Dairy farming, beef cattle operations, and grain farming including wheat, barley, and soybeans also contribute substantially. The forestry sector benefits from extensive timberlands, with logging operations and wood products manufacturing providing jobs, though at reduced levels compared to historical peaks. Major employers in the county include the Bagley School District (ISD 2164), Clearwater County government, Clearwater Health Services (a critical access hospital in Bagley providing healthcare to the region), and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources which manages extensive state forest lands.
Retail and service businesses concentrated in Bagley serve the county's dispersed rural population. Tourism and outdoor recreation contribute seasonal economic activity, with fishing resorts on Clearwater Lake and surrounding waters, hunting guides, and snowmobile trail systems attracting visitors. The proximity to Red Lake and White Earth reservations creates economic interconnections, including gaming operations outside county boundaries that employ some Clearwater County residents.
Unemployment rates in Clearwater County typically track slightly above state averages, with seasonal variations related to agricultural and tourism cycles. Economic development efforts focus on broadband expansion, downtown Bagley revitalization, and supporting existing agricultural and forest products industries rather than attracting large manufacturers. The county's distance from major metropolitan areas and limited transportation infrastructure present challenges for economic diversification.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (MCRO) | Property: ⚠️ Limited Online Access | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person Only | Vital Records: ⚠️ State Office/In-Person | Business: ✅ Online (Secretary of State) | Elections: ✅ Online (State Portal) | Overall Score: 6/10 — Clearwater County provides access to most public records but relies heavily on in-person and telephone requests rather than comprehensive online databases for local records.
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Cities & Towns in Clearwater County
Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Clearwater County, Minnesota.
Nearby Counties
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